So excited I found this 12 week plan - here goes!!

Hi Everyone,

I stumbled across the NHS 12 week plan when I was looking for ways to lose weight and keep it off. I know it has to be a lifestyle change. I'm in my early 40's and have piled on the pounds over the last 20 years. My children are growing up and are more independent and now it's time for me! I've decided that this is it, my knees are starting to hurt as I'm carrying too much extra weight and I really don't want it to start effecting my health. I have spent the day weighing out portion sizes for the week ahead to get a better understanding of counting calories and portions. It really opened my eyes to how much I've been putting on my plate. I really am determined to do this and change mine and my family's eating habits. Any advice would be greatly received.

Wish me luck!

[YellowRose55]

Hi Hidden

Welcome to the weight loss forum.

Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section at the right hand side of the screen or if your on a mobile at the bottom. Have a look at the nhs 12 week plan, many members have had success following this plan. Use the BMI checker to work out your daily calorie allowance.

Below the Pinned posts are the Topics where members share a range of weight related subjects.

Take your measurements at the start along with a photo so you can see the changes when the scales don't move.

We have weigh-ins every day so why not come and join us. You can find the weigh-in on the Home page in the Events section on the right. Just click on the post and state your start weight and any loss/gain or maintain for the week.

To get the best out of the forum be active, share experiences, tips and recipes. Read some of the posts they can be very inspiring and motivate you along the way.

Have a great first week.

Rose

[battlethebulge Maintainer]

Hi willpower74, Well done you for taking the decision to use the 12 week plan! If your knees are starting to hurt, very kind to them to take some pressure off by losing weight. Are you going to take up some sort of exercise regime? I agree so much that losing weight has to be down to lifestyle change, that way you don't pile the weight back on when you've finished 'dieting'. I too have been quite shocked by the sheer amount of food I'd been tucking away. I'm only in week 3 of the plan but I'm already finding I just don't need such big helpings as before. I think once your tummy has shrunk down and you feel full quicker, there won't be the temptation to overload. I avoid places like Harvesters like the plague, or any 'eat as much as you like' establishments. Way too much temptation! Good luck in your weight loss journey, keep posting to let us know how you're progressing. This is a great site for support and cameraderie!

[Hidden in reply to battlethebulge]

Hi, thanks for your support. I swim once a week but am going to make it twice and the other days after work I will go for a half hour walk. I've never calorie counted before, but I have found it surprisingly easy over the last two days. I need to get some inspiration for cold lunches which I can take to work so I have a bit more variety as this is my only tricky area that I could get bored with. Otherwise I'm feeling very positive.

Best wishes.

[battlethebulge Maintainer in reply to Hidden]

That sounds like a good strategy Willpower74, swimming is ideal for exercising when your knees are vulnerable. Do you use the myfitnessplan website to count calories? It is so comprehensive and makes would could be a real chore quite interesting. Have you chosen a 'weigh-in day?

I normally find lunches quite a challenge for interest but I have been adding fresh herbs to small salads, which make them much more tasty!

Best wishes.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Hidden ☺

Welcome to the forum ☺ Have a good look around, especially at the Newbies post and please ask if you have any questions or would like a Newbie badge ☺

Best wishes

Anna

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thanks Anna!

I'm really enjoying reading everyone's comments - so kind and supportive, what a great group of people. I would love a newbie badge. Thank you!

All the best.