lifestyle change for health reason

[lindab66]

hi im linda having just been put on blood pressure tablets from gp which i must say has devasted me ,family history ,heart gene,early in life death and now myself having high blood pressure,i need to change my whole lifestyle which im so eager to do,need to lose weight but my problem is i dont eat the thought of breakfast is not a pleasing thought ,but i have to do this and i would appreciate help from anyone in the groups,i dont drink alchohol only on special occassions,i do smoke which has to go as well,

ive started drinking lemon and hot water morning and evening,and i drink cucumber water throu the day,

it would be great to here from anyone with any tips or ideas

linda

[Annde70]

First of all you do not have to eat breakfast, it's advised but not written in stone.

What you do need to do is eat healthy foods, reduce sugar and salt in your diet, use good fats (e.g. Olive Oil) and reduce saturated and trans fats. Cut out processed foods (biscuits, cakes, pastries and pies) and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Drink plenty of water and up your exercise

Don't think of your changes as punishment but as a positive step to improving your health and wellbeing

[lindab66 in reply to Annde70]

Thank you glad about breakfast.x

[elliebath Maintainer]

It's always a shock when we're told we need medication, especially one that could be forever.

Losing weight can help our BP, but not always, we often have a genetic reason.

I was put on BP meds in my 50s. At that time I was over 2st overweight , but I have since lost it all and am now a very healthy weight. Because of this, I "decided " last year to stop the meds as I thought my weight loss would have "cured" my BP . It was a silly, dangerous decision. Four months later at a routine check up my BP had shot up to a danger level and ( quite rightly) I got a very stern comment from my doc 😕. So, although Im still slim I am back on them for life but its the right thing for me.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Linda

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate

The majority of our daily weigh-in's are now full, but we still have spaces in Thursday and Saturday, which you'd be very welcome to join. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page, bottom on a mobile.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[JacksonPollock]

If I were you, and once I was (ex-smoker) I would spend your time cutting out the cigarettes, do yourself a favour and give them up altogether. I have given up now for 6 years and it was the best decision I have ever made, yes it's tough, but think of the good it will do you and your body. It will probably be a very hard thing to do, you'll want to re-train yourself to not be addicted, that is what I did, and now I don't ever crave cigarettes at all. Good luck with your quest. All the best. Jp.

[RG07 Maintainer in reply to JacksonPollock]

Hi I never smoked but an old teacher of mine give up smoking and put the money aside that he would have spent on a packet of fags- he was a 40 cigs a day man and after a year (his wife did the same) they had enough money to update their kitchen

Maybe that may motivate you- use the money you would have spent for a holiday or a treat

[elliebath Maintainer in reply to JacksonPollock]

I agree with JacksonPollock . Quit smoking first. It is the one, most important thing you can do to improve your health. I smoked a pack a day for nearly 20 years, and I've since been an Ex smoker for 30 years. Believe me, you will never regret giving it up and in just a few years as a non-smoker it will make a huge difference to your health and life expectancy.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello lindab66 ☺

Well done on taking control of your life and health ☺ the first step is the hardest ☺ the journey to weight loss and health improvement is a series of small changes. You may find this post helpful

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Good luck and very best wishes

Anna

[RG07 Maintainer]

HI If I was on an early or longday so had to get up at 5:30am the thought of eating at that time made me feel sick but often my first break was 10-11am and i had a main meal. However i attended a weight loss club at my gym at the time who suggested i have a yoghurt since it light. Now I can have muesli and be hungry for it. So maybe try some fruit or yoghurt and you may find after a few months you maybe able to have more sunstantial breakfasts