Does anyone else see weight-loss as an impossible task?

[Jgrace717]

I only decided that I need to tackle my weight issue about three months ago, so I'm new to this! My weight fluctuates between 14 and 1/2 and 15 stone, literally on a weekly basis if I don't make an effort to eat clean healthy food.. But even with the various diets I've tried not much changes! I keep thinking about how crazy I must be to ever think that I'll lose weight, because I've never really achieved anything like it..

[Itsbab]

Hi Jgrace717

I started the 12 week plan and today have started my 4th week. I have been on so many diets and to clubs (SW) only to lose weight then put it back on. 3 weeks ago in desperation I found this forum and thank goodness I did the support is fantastic just knowing/ reading that others are in the same boat but advising each other is just amazing. This is a change of lifestyle ( not a diet ) you don't deny yourself anything treat wise and it's funny but when you don't deny in those words I find I don't want it. The 12 week plan is easy to do downloaded each week, I would get yourself a pedometer or fit bit type of recording steps etc lots of others on the market. Join in the challenges that are on the right hand side of your screen. I started at 15 stone I am not going to weigh myself till I have done a month as I will get obsessive and probably every 2 weeks after. You can join in the Monday morning weigh in most do each week but there is no pressure just do what suits you best. Believe me the 12 week plan really does change the way you think about food I used to get a chocolate bar and bag of crisps between meals, never again 500 calls approx and what goodness is there in it. Good luck keep posting your success you can do it, you are not alone, you are in control of yourself, the question is do you want to change for life?

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Jgrace717,

Do have a read of our Welcome Newbie post, in the Pinned posts section of the homepage (top-right-hand side of that page) as it has some really motivating content. I'd recommend having a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as it is really helpful. Also, as has already been suggested to you, maybe join us in the Monday group weigh-in sessions? You can see the latest thread for that group in the Events section (below the Pinned posts).

I hope you'll enjoy being part of this forum, and I would like to wish you success with your weight loss goals.

Lowcal

[Caz28]

Hi, this forum is a great place to start! Download the plan, keep a food diary, weigh everything, record everything, start moving and you will lose weight! Positive attitude helps a lot too, get interested in healthy food, get involved on here. Good luck!

[kantara71]

I think we all have that initial thought, I certainly did!

Hopefully you will find the 12 week plan an easy to follow way to change your relationship with food as well as your lifestyle.

The BIG difference with doing it this way is the help and support you get from the forum members, post anything, whether good or bad, and you will get help and advice and encouragement from the super members on here

Come and join us ! John

[DartmoorDumpling Restart Feb 2024]

I spent most of the last 5 years weighing between 141/2 and 151/2 stones, but decided in January to deal with it this year for various reasons; health, family occasions, and a desire to get back into horseriding being my main motivations. Have now lost over 2 stones, and am working on the last stone still to go...

To do the same, you need to find your own personal motivations; write a list if it helps.

Plan your healthy lifestyle one day at a time; clear your fridge and kitchen of tempting sugary and carb laden treats, and stock up on fresh fruit and veg, protein foods, low cal yogurts, fromage frais, and your preferred cereals etc.

Find an online calorie counter like MyfitnessPal or Nutracheck and write down or log everything that you eat and drink during the day, limiting yourself to around 1500 calories or so.

Look into activities to get you moving; swimming, cycling, or just walking and start with short distances and gradually build them up as you get fitter. Use the stairs at home as often as possible. Dance the night away (but watch the alcohol).

And there you are - you are on the way to a healthier, happier you!

[muffintop67]

You can do it! It probably will feel difficult at first but stick with it and you will get there bit by bit. Use this forum for support when you are feeling like you are struggling. Don't think of it as a diet more of a lifestyle change and retraining your eating habits. Best of luck

[IndigoBlue61]

I used to feel just like you, thought it very unfair that I was overweight when I ate healthily!! 😕 But when I looked closely I was simply eating too much for my body and the amount of movement I was doing 😕.

Work out your BMR and then how many calories YOU need, and eat just a few hundred less, no starvation, no deprivation, just a different mindset 😊 The pounds will shift, you will feel fitter and then be able to move more 😊 Have some self belief 😊 You CAN do it 😊 Very best wishes

[Osiris275]

I did when I first started 15 months ago. Been overweight all my adult life and miserable. Decided this was the time I was going to do it, and although I've only lost 6 stone of an 8 stone goal, I'm still so surprised that I'm managing it!

I think downloading MyFitnessPal app has really helped because I can see exactly what I'm doing and I love to be in control.

I still have days where I eat like I used to but they are few and far between. I'm not dieting, I still have chocolate and crisps and all the unhealthy things I like. Just moderation is the key and counting calories!

[Jgrace717 in reply to Osiris275]

Wow! 6 stone is a huge loss, reading these comments is a huge inspiration thankyou!

[esull]

That sounds very familiar I think I must have tried all of the fad diets going and any success has been very short term as I pile the weight back on due to how restrictive they often are.

I think the key is to say that no foods are banned as if you forbid yourself to eat a certain food the more you are going to crave it (I tried giving up pasta and rice and found that they go with so many different meals that I was struggling to find alternatives)

I also allow myself what I call a 'cheat day' which basically means I have the day off, I eat whatever I like and have whatever sized portions I like usually at a weekend (fri or sat) so that I can enjoy a nice bottle of wine in the evening aswell. But I return to my 1,200 calorie diet the next day. I find that being good 6 days and bad for one that I still lose 2-3 pounds per week.

[RobLandsdown91]

Hi,

Welcome!

I did at first but here I am, 11 months later, 7 stone lighter, halfway to a healthy weight (started at 28st 11lb).

You'll get there!

Good luck,

Rob

[Vicky74]

Hi Jgrace717, certainly do and I think that is exactly where I've been going wrong all these years! Have you ever heard that saying 'if you think you can, you can, if you think you can't, you're right' that really does seem to apply to losing weight I think. But I've been reading posts on this forum and see how well people are doing Iosing weight and if they can do it, why can't you and I?? I've just started this NHS plan too, its not going to be easy but we CAN do this, and it is NOT impossible!

Sending positive thoughts your way!

All the best, Vicky