Hello everyone, a little about me

[lovesoutside]

Hello everyone, I am new here but not new to having to lose weight and improve my lifestyle. I have probably been 'dieting' for most of my adult life. I do think some of the more commercial diet clubs out there have contributed to my problem in the long term, by providing short term losses, but by not encouraging me to change my lifestyle. So when I fell of the commercial wagon, as I inevitably did every time after a few months, I felt like a total failure and fell back into my old habits and put weight back on very quickly. I'm not saying these diets don't work for everyone they are just not for me anymore.

I have been happily married for a long time with grown up sons. They all love me as I am, which is great, but I need to love me a bit more and look after myself a bit better. I over eat for any reason, happiness, boredom, stress, because its Tuesday, I don't really need an excuse.

I love being outside, hiking in forests and up hills, canoeing, cycling and so on. I am finding my weight is now making me find excuses for not doing what I love. It is so hard to climb a hill when you weigh 18 stone, I suppose I am almost carrying two normal size people up there. I do still do it sometimes, but I need to stop a lot to get my breathe back and the enjoyment has gone.

I am the only one who can change this for me, I am determined that come next spring there will be less of me to lug up the hillside and on long hikes in the forests.

[slimpickings 2 stone]

You sound a lovely person who has her life in order with just one little issue to address. Well you are amongst friends here. As you have already realised, we are not following a diet but rather retraining our eating and lifestyle habits. Take a look at the welcome newbie pinned post and feel free to join in any of the challenges. We even do a weigh in on Mondays too. Good luck. Xx

[Charlie1989]

Hi and welcome.

I recently was determined not to go to my graduation because of my weight. It was that which sent me on ajourney.

From childhood I have struggled with my weight. Been to dietician. Clubs fab diet and I might lose a bit but but that and sometimes double back on.

I realised my problem was me and the word diet. I replaced that word with healthy living options. I make sure that most of each meal is fruit and vegetables same with snacks. I even aloow myself chocolate because its okay to have small bits.

Never let you weight determine what you can and cannot do. Use that as motivation to push yourself forward.

Hope you achieve success

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome , good luck with your journey you have already taken the first step and joined this lovely forum where everyone is so lovely and friendly , I find if ever I'm lacking motivation I just log on and read everyone's posts I find this really helps me and hopefully it will you too

[kalahuchi]

Hi Lovesoutside,

welcome to the forum. Your story sounds very similar to my own; I have always had a "goal" on the few times I successfully lost weight before. Having reached the "goal" - once, many years ago, it was to go trekking in the Andes for charity when I lost 4 1/2 stone - the weight went straight back on again plus a little more. This time I changed the "goal"; which is to maintain any weight that I lose, but not to put a time limit on my healthy eating/lifestyle changes, and not to mind what weight I end up at as long as it is lower than I started out.

The forum has made an incredible difference to me; the support of my "forum friends" has kept me going in difficult times and there has always been practical help when I have needed it. Just as important, it is good to feel useful and it is really good to share the odd experience with those just starting out.

I started at 16 stone in May and couldn't walk far then, but I did walk every day and built up the distance as the weight dropped off (I am up to 5 miles a day now). I also tried other exercise like dance (I now dance for at least 5 hours each week) and go to the gym twice a week. In fact now when I am feeling low, I start climbing the walls for a walk or to dance rather than thinking about food for comfort so miracles do happen, but it is all about finding another, healthy and guilt-free something to lean on.

Good luck x

[RobynMarian]

Hello fellow newbie! Just joined myself. Didn't quite know what to post but glad to have taken the first step. We will all get there with one another's help. The fact that you enjoy outdoor pursuits should help you well on your way once you can get your weight moving. I'm 16stone and always think how much easier walking or couch to 5k would be with 5,6 or 7 stone gone. Here's hoping to a lighter, fitter Spring 😊

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, lovesoutside

Take a look at the Pinned Posts section, to the right of your screen (bottom, if you're using a mobile) and have a look at the Welcome Newbies thread.

Look at the Topics section beneath that, for posts that could answer any questions you may have. Consider joining any, or all, of our challenges, as they're fun and motivating.

Join us for the Monday Group weigh-in. If you follow Zest and myself you'll be notified when we post the threads. The latest weigh-in thread can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page (bottom if you're using a mobile).

Be active on the forum, as that's where we exchange ideas and get our daily dose of motivation and inspiration.

Wishing you all the best with your weight loss journey