Starting today

[Annabelle_Bebbs]

Hello all - I've started this morning - my weigh in is 18 stone 11.75 lbs which at only 5 ft 3 ins tall makes me pretty large - over the past year I've already lost two stone just by cutting down on rubbish and reducing portion sizes but I've plateaued and gone off the boil so this is just the thing to get me in the right frame of mind again. I have severe arthritis in my feet, a very arthritic left knee which will need replacing in the future and chronic pain syndrome over the rest of my body so walking and running are very difficult but I can use the exercise bike and I like to swim - so wish me luck as I join you all at the start of my journey and any tips would be great

[Hidden]

Hi Annabelle_Bebbs

Firstly, congrats on already losing some weight, you're already walking the right path. Secondly WELCOME! Good luck lovely!

Sazkia x ♥

[Annabelle_Bebbs in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - so far have managed to stay on the straight and narrow - long may it continue

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Annabelle,

Welcome to the Weight Loss NHS forum. It's great to hear you've already lost 2 stone, that is fantastic! Really well done. Have you read our Welcome Newbie post? It's worth a read to see the different things available in the forum, and it's in the Pinned posts area (right-hand-side of the homepage). Maybe join us for the Monday group weigh-in - the latest post for that is in the Events section.

I'd like to wish you luck with your continued weight loss journey, and I hope you'll find this forum helpful and motivating.

Lowcal

[Annabelle_Bebbs in reply to Zest]

Thanks Lowcal - have managed to be good all day - not used to counting calories but I will persevere

[Hidden]

Hello, I joined yesterday and have signed up for the Winter Solstice setting myself a weight loss for Christmas. It certainly seemed to focus me this morning, a healthy breakfast and I steered well clear of the cakes at work bought as a treat to get us through a really busy morning and have stayed on track all day. Although a couple of inches taller than you, I am in the same stone bracket - maybe we could spur each other on?

[Annabelle_Bebbs]

Well done on staying clear of the cakes - takes some doing

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Annabelle_Bebbs 😊

You have made an excellent start, trust me, the first few days are the hardest 😊 It takes a while but counting calories becomes second nature 😊

I presume you are following the 12 week plan? If you work out your BMR it will give you a target calorie allowance, it's important not to go too low 😊

As you lose weight your joints will really appreciate it 😊 That, in itself, is motivation 😊

Good luck and very best wishes

[Annabelle_Bebbs in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you - I looked at my BMI and the target calorie allowance was between I think about 1730 and 2100 rather than the ladies usual of 1400 - I guess because I'm large and need to lose a good 8 stones or so - therefore I'm working on about 1750 per day although I only managed about 1570 yesterday as I was out and about a lot of the time - I shall follow the 12 week plan and hopefully see some good results

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Annabelle_Bebbs]

Good idea to eat a little more so you have somewhere to go 😊 This figure will change, and it's good to have a range to cover events and holidays 😊

Have a good weekend 😊

[nteapea]

I wish good luck.

[Annabelle_Bebbs]

Thank you

[368debbie]

Hi, well done on your weight loss so far. Keep going, as you lose weight you will find it easier to exercise. I know, I tried the C25K last year but put it on hold as my knees were giving away due to the weight and stress placed on them. I've done different types of exercise since, and hope to re start the walking/ jogging again soon. Swimming us a fantastic way to burn calories without hurting your joints.

Remember it's not a race, it's a journey and treat it one day at a time.

Good luck!