Last year I lost approximately 4 stone. In December 2014 I was very tired so thought that my weight may have been the reason so I started to lose weight which came off quite easily without too much effort. In January I had shingles in March developed multiple cold sores around mouth and nasal area and May I developed severe pain in both wrists and hands to the point I had difficulty writing and affected my work. I began to take tablets for the pain but the pain continued. Middle of June I made an appointment with my GP as the pain was getting me down as I was finding it difficult to do my work.
In the past I had similar pain and saw a physio privately who said it might be an element of carpal tunnel syndrome. So I mentioned this to my GP. They referred for nerve conduct studies. While waiting for this appointment I was forced to take sick leave from work. Although the weight was coming off I remained tired. Eventually I saw the Orthapaedic specialist who said what I was describing didn't sound like carpal tunnel syndrome but ordered some investigations and arranged to see me again in 6 weeks following the tests. At my appointment I was told not carpal tunnel and referred me to a rhuematologists who I saw in January of this year. I was given the diagnosis of Rhuematoid arthritis the inflammatory arthritis and started medication and given steroid injection to ease the pain while the medication starts to work.
Since this diagnosis I have put on over 2 stone in weight.
I have bought myself a Fitbit and walk 20000 foot steps most days above the suggested for a day. I noticed my total calorie use is approximately total calorie expenditure is approximately 2000 after exercise.
I'm finding it very hard to lose weight now. I find calorie counting works best for me. I need to have 1200 calories a day if I want to lose Weight but find this hard to achieve as I feel hungry and have now will power
Sorry it's long winded but I need some suggestions in how I can curb my hunger and increase my will power
Written by
Matilda_1922
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Hi I am sorry to hear about your arthritis I have it too in my right hip and the joints below my thumb that swell and ache if I am doing any craft work, sewing, cutting, writing etc . I did have carpal tunnel in one hand and the symptoms you have are different but I had the operation for this, I should have had the other hand done but I opted out as the operation isn't very nice and it is so awkward for while after I was working then too so time off work wasn't an option. I have found that loosing weight is making my hip get less inflamed but my hands are still the same.
Admiration for 20,000 daily steps this is a lot and something I need to focus on more. I am also on 1200-1300 calories a day steadily weight loss about 3lbs every 2 weeks.
Have you upped your water intake? fruit teas help if you don't want just plain water.
I am having frozen ice lollies and grapes if I feel the hunger pangs which is usually in the evening as I am ok during the day. I also sit down with prodded peas as you have to open them before eating and it is one of my five a day.
Do you enjoy swimming? This would be gentle on your joints if you could brave the pool something I can't wait to do.
When I am starting to falter I know it might sound mad but I have a box of chocolates given me for my birthday and I stare at them have a war in my head and blame them for getting me in this position in the first place as I know if I open them I will loose everything I have and am working for. I cannot really tell you how to increase your will power I just tell myself if I give in then I will be back where I started and I don't want to do that.
Do you have something to focus on? I love craft work so will start a project to work on.
Good Luck I hope you manage to keep on track and hopefully your pain will ease as the medication sets in. Best wishes Bev💐
I know I wish you could buy it there are times when you really need some especially if other problems like health, family issues get in the way. I think you are doing all the right things maybe fill up and have high fibre snacks around to pick at some extra fruit/veggies to nibble at when the tummy rumbles. Best wishes Bev
Willpower is really just the ability to make sound decisions all the time. And the good news is that it can be trained and aided. First: Plan ahead. Plan your meals and your snacks, do the shopping and only buy what is on the list. Second: Do what is most important first. If exercise is key to your weight loss, go for a walk, a swim or whatever as early in the day as possible. Will power declines as the day passes - that is why so many people snack at night in front of the TV. Third: Schedule your exercise and make commitments: Put your exercise in your diary and stick with it no matter what, And if possible, find someone to exercise with - you are much more likely to get of the couch if some one is waiting for you in the gym. Fourth: Simplify your life/focus. Don't try to change too many things at once.
For your calories you can increase water intake as Itsbab mentioned. The vegetables e.g celery, leek,carrots, cabbage and romain are very low in calories.
Eat fruits with less sugar content. Make a plate for meal time filled with salad 3 portions ,1portion carbohydrates and 1 protein portion can help.
It's just like little gem lettuce, but bigger in size than gem. "Romaine " you can Google please as I tried to send you a picture but can't . It's very low in calories and I like the taste.
So sorry to hear of your health problems and weight issues
Could you ask to see a dietician? 1200 calories is quite low for the amount of exercise you do and perhaps they could advise you, especially with the steroid complications. 😕
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis, as I know it can be very painful and debilitating. I have heard that simple carbs can be inflammatory, so it may be an idea to swap them for complex carbs, which are generally better for you anyway.
It's horrible being hungry, so I would advise eating foods that are bulky and adding some healthy fats, which are satiating eg olive oil, coconut oil, salmon, nuts and avocado.
I would also suggest that 1200 calories is very low and know that I'd be starving on that amount and ready to sink my teeth into the first available edible item I saw! Not good for will power! I would be more inclined to try changing what I ate, than reducing quantity. These changes have to be sustainable for life, because this isn't another quick fix diet!
Have a look at the Pinned Posts section, to the right of your screen, (bottom if you're on a mobile) and read our Welcome Newbie post. It has a link to the NHS 12 week plan, which is a great place to start. It doesn't give a specific diet plan, but gives guidelines for healthy eating.
Consider signing up for any, or all of our challenges, as they're fun and motivating.
We also have a monday group weigh-in and if you click follow on my profile, you'll get a notification when I post it on monday. You can have a look at the latest thread in the events section, to the right of the home page.
Be active on the forum, as that's where we meet to exchange ideas and get our daily fix of inspiration and motivation
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Struggling to lose weight
Finally seriously wanting to lose weight
Need to lose 7 stone in weight 
I am new to this, but need some encouragement to stay on track.
