Photo taken today blew the wind out of my sails

[PandaBum]

I have been living in denial about how much weight I have put on. I was always slim growing up and the weight has crept on over the past few years, but I fooled myself I was ok. We went mountain biking today and I really struggled. My husband took a photo of me cycling along and I am so upset and disgusted with it I haven't stopped crying for half an hour. I had no idea I looked so fat. I had no idea I am so fat. I need to lose 3 stone. I exercise 3 times a week and go to the gym but I clearly undo all that work by eating so much. It isn't the exercise I will find hard to stick to - it is the lower calorie intake I will struggle with. I know I shouldn't eat what I do but it always beats me and I don't know how to stop. I am sure you have heard all this before or think I am moaning. I just feel so down about this today.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi HopeH01,

Welcome to the NHS weight loss forum. I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling down today, and that the photograph upset you so much. I really hope you'll feel better soon. You've come to a supportive place here - I hope you'll enjoy being part of the community, and I'd like to suggest you have a read of our Welcome Newbie post (see the top right-hand-side of the homepage). Many of us are following the NHS 12 week plan, and if you put your details into the NHS BMI calculator, you will get a personalised calorie range to eat within - and hopefully you won't find it restrictive and you can enjoy meals of your choice, and hopefully not feel hungry. The NHS 12 week plan advocates eating sufficient fibre, nutrients and is a healthy lifestyle plan. Great that you exercise regularly too, that's really good!

I've lost 5 and a half stones and I'm feeling so much healthier for it - and I've maintained a healthy BMI for about 2 years now. I'm still trying to get a few pounds off to get to my ideal weight, which is a struggle, but I hope to get there with the support of everyone on here. I feel sure you will make great progress here, if you stick with the plan and keep focused.

We have a weekly weigh-in group - the Monday weigh-in group, so maybe join us for that, if you like the idea of a weekly weigh-in.

Have a great weekend, and a good week ahead.

Please put that photo away, and focus on something nice to do over the weekend to cheer yourself up, and plan your week ahead, so you can make some healthy changes!

All the best,

Lowcal

[Caz28]

Hi, don't be too upset about the photo, not making excuses but sometimes camera angles don't do us any justice! Turn the negative into a positive and use that bad experience to motivate you to change your eating habits. It sounds as if it is portion sizes you struggle with so my advice would be to weigh everything, even if the portion looks small you will be surprised that it is actually enough and satisfying. Good luck!

[slimpickings 2 stone]

You have had a shock today PandaBum and it has really got to you. You are not alone. A lot of lovely people on this forum have experience of a trigger, usually unpleasant, which has pushed them into losing weight. Three stone perhaps seems like a lot at the moment. Break it into little targets eg half stones and celebrate each mini victory. My advice now is to dry your eyes, ask hubby to join you with your healthy menu and make a delicious healthy breakfast tomorrow. I know its hard and I genuinely know how you feel. Have a look through some of the ideas on this forum as they are tried and tested ways of eating smaller amounts. Good luck and remember to post whenever it gets difficult .xx

[PandaBum]

Thank you for your lovely messages.

[IndigoBlue61]

Check out the links Lowcal suggested, especially your BMR, you will probably be able to eat more than you think 😊 It's great that you are so active too, that will help as you will lose fat and not muscle 😊 It's just getting your head round it that's difficult, and getting used to eating less, smaller portions like Caz says 😊 Have some self belief, 😊 Come on here , it really helps 😊 Good luck!

[rammsteinqueen]

Sometimes it's things like this that makes us change our ways. I knew I was putting on weight when clothes started getting uncomfortable and when I weighed myself for first time in ages I was mortified! You really have to ask yourself do you want to change your body or just carry on as you are? Is it hunger pains you can't deal with or you eat out of boredom/ habit? If you really want to lose weight, it will happen.