Feeling Down :-(

[Carter72]

Hi, just signed up on Weight Loss NHS and need some help and advice on how I can lose 3st in weight. It is seriously getting me down now, I look at myself in the mirror and I am disgusted, I am also pleased winter weather coming so I can wear baggy clothes.

[GirlAtMidnight]

Hi Carter, best luck on your journey, it can seem a bit daunting at first, but there are always lovely people here to support you! I had almost 4 stone to lose and I'm almost there now. I found what mainly worked for me was cutting my portion sizes in half and learning what was actually in the foods that I was eating. I stopped drinking fizzy drinks, and now just drink sugar free flavoured water and I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables in general. Counting calories really worked for me, and if I had a bad day I just tried to compensate for it the next day by having a bit less to eat or do some more exercise. Cardio can help you lose weight and then strength training can help work on your core and tone you up. Hope this helps, & feel free to post and keep us updated with your progress!

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Carter72,

Welcome to the NHS Weight Loss forum, and sorry to hear you're feeling down about your weight. I really hope you'll find this forum helpful - it's a friendly and supportive place, and there are lots of people at different points in their weight loss journeys.

Have you had a read of the NHS 12 week plan? It is a structured week by week approach, and has lots of good information and advice. Some people download it, print it off, and put it where they can easily refer to it. It's definitely worth a look.

In addition, I would recommend using an app such as Myfitnesspal, as that can help you to keep track of your calories and exercise, if you do decide to take that approach to your weight-loss.

The good thing about this forum (in my opinion) is that you can post as little or as often as you like, and there are people who respond with helpful suggestions - and it helps to know there are lots of people who are striving to lose weight in a healthy way.

There is a regular Monday weigh-in group, if you like the idea of a weekly weigh-in (I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is a really friendly and supportive group). I post the thread just before 7am every Monday, and the 'Fab 5' (consisting of myself, Prin, Suzybenj, Candystripe and Ruth_Canal_Runner) ensure that everyone who posts there receives a reply from one or more of us. There is also good communication between people posting there. You'd be very welcome to join us, if that's something you'd like to do. The post has a consistent title: "Please Join Us for a Monday Group Weigh-in (current date in brackets)", and the next one will be Monday 21st September.

Other people prefer to post their own weight-loss posts, and that works really well too.

Anyway, I know this is a long reply to you, but I hope that you will feel welcome and that you have a good week. I hope you feel a bit better in terms of knowing that you are not alone on your weight-loss journey - there are lots of us out here and it's a supportive place.

Lowcal

[Portlandprincess]

Hey Carter...be kind to yourself! My goodness, if your friend talked to you in the same way that you're talking to yourself, would you still be friends tomorrow? Sorry to be so tough but this is the time for you to look after your...it's so important. Go out and find a lovely winter top and decide that you're buying it in three weeks time when you're fitter and have been eating healthily...and good luck....😉

[Carter72]

Thank you for replying with your positive feedback. I need to take a serious look at my diet and exercise. I am a creature of habit and have the same breakfast every day (2 x toast) same lunch (sandwich & crisps) as I work full time. If I pick, its usually cereal bars, crackers and cheese spread.

I really need a good exercise plan that I can stick to, I have a treadmill in the shed which I could use and my husband says that we need an exercise bike too, but unsure on when the best time is to exercise. I have a dog as well so there is no excuse why I cant take her out, but when you are full time working mum of two, its hard. (I feel as if I am making a lot of excuses here lol). I am stuck between a rock and a hard place as I NEED and WANT to lose weight, but just need some guidance/plan.

I have it in my head to start on Monday 21st September and weigh myself at 6am and go from there

[Carolee13 in reply to Carter72]

Hi Carter. I like my snacks too, but now usually go for fruit. Banana is very filling. Why don't you try replacing your crackers and cheese spread with Ryvita and light soft cheese. Could you try a big salad or a jacket potato for lunch instead of the sandwiches? Your cereal bars - I know they're yummy but can be high in sugar - could be replaced by a little 25g box of dried fruit. I buy multi packs of them in the supermarket.

Only suggestions, you will know what works for you. Wishing you all the best in your quest for a fitter you - you can do it! 😃

[Hidden]

I find it's good to do my exercise at the start of the day as then you carry through your good intentions for the rest of the day. Have you looked at couch to 5k? There are lots of online programmes like this, such as 'strength and flex', or various exercises on the NHS website too. Find something you enjoy, and then start fitting it into your routine. Even walking the dog is great exercise. Your dog will be very pleased if you start taking her out on some longer walks. Basically, whatever you do, introduce things gradually. Gradual changes are much easier to fit into your routine than a massive overhaul of everything in one day. The NHS 12 week plan is good for that I think. It introduces a theme each week. I found it useful to focus on each theme, one week at a time. Good luck for taking the step. You can definitely do it

[MichelleLM]

Hi, this is my first post here, I've just signed up and downloaded the 12 week plan (I was considering re-joining a popular on- line slimming site but stumbled across this and I'm liking the look of the resources and the available support).

Carter I think you've already taken a big step posting on here and wish you all the best, although remember there will be good weeks and bad weeks!!

Looking forward to joining you all on this journey and later on I'm going to get my husband to download the plan too so we can do this together xx

[Garhum]

Hi, I joined 2weeks ago feeling very much like you and with the same amount to loose as well. My advice is to follow the 12 week plan. My fitness pal has been amazing for calorie counting and so quick and easy to use. I am (as most people on here know) an exercise phobic who also has a young child and works full time but last weekend I walked into town and bought a fitbit pedometer. That coupled with myfitness pal is so powerful and makes you determined to exercise and stick to your calorie limit.

You have done the best thing by joining this board, everyone gives fabulous support and advice. I will look forward to hearing about your journey.

[brities]

I do not want to insult anyone dieting - I started the 12 week plan (on first week -( loads probs) but listen - a full time job and two kids - well done on that Congratualte yourself on every thing you do you deserve it. My Mums generation just got on with it and I did not see my dad love her any less, our generation cant drink, smoke, eat a treat or slouch without stress. I know there are reasons but sooo much guilt phew!