I sat miserable whilst my friends tried on pretty clothes!

[ChrisF84]

I've been size 12 (14 on 'fat' days) all my life. Now working full time in a sedentary job and 18 months into a 3 year masters course with the OU, i seen to wearing someone else's body! I've put on nearly 2 stone & the smallest size I can squeeze my body into into is size 16. Yesterday I sat feeling rather miserable whilst my friends tried on pretty clothes. I'm eating the wrong comfort foods, drinking too much red wine to try and relax and want to lose weight so that I can wear my pretty clothes again which are currently at the back of the wardrobe. 

[muffintop67]

Hi I am sorry you had a stressful shopping trip. I dislike clothes shopping anyway so I feel for you. You can still have pretty clothes that are size 16 though! But if it's making you feel miserable then you have come to the right place to do something about it. I'm sure you will be rummaging about in the back of your wardrobe in no time

[ChrisF84 in reply to muffintop67]

Thanks Muffintop67 (I love your name!). I'm determined not to buy bigger clothes as that will somehow say to myself that I am going to stay at this weight. I puff and pant walking up hills that I used to walk up briskly. I've just done the exam for a course module that has invoked lots of sitting studying. If I keep this up I will be truly unhealthy in 18 months time! I have 2 weeks before my next module starts to get on track! 😊

[muffintop67 in reply to ChrisF84]

I am sure if you put in a healthier routine now it will help you before your next module starts. Maybe go for a walk in the evening after you have been studying - even just half an hour would help. Maybe you could get up every hour of study for a break and do a fitness challenge like say 20 squats or 20 lunges and build up as you get stronger.  Should only take a few minutes and would give you a break from study and give you exercise too. Just an idea!

[Penel]

Good luck with the OU, Chris. It's a lot to take on when you are working full time, but worth it! 

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, it can give you a structure to work with and advice on healthy eating. Can you find another way to relax apart from red wine? Perhaps some exercise that you enjoy?

[Determinedchick22]

I'm sure you will use this horrible experience as motivation to move forward. Good luck 

[Jacko123]

I also have a lovely wardrobe of nice things that havent seen the light of day for a couple of years! I also love red wine! Good luck with your weight loss 

[Olivia_Animo]

Don't despair! I am in a similar situation. From size 10 to 16 !! It is demoralizing thinking too much about it. "How was that possible? How did I let it go... Piling weight...? " and other questions we cannot sort out right now...

The good news ? You are doing something about it and that's a great start. Go little by little. Be happy for your friends and aim for size 14 so far. And keep sharing all your good and bad feelings here , too. You are not alone. Can we do it? Yes, we can! Have a happy healthy eating Sunday 🍎🍏🍊🍋 and then share it with us!! The feeling would be amazing and it will keep you going !