I joined a few days ago, have been having a look about and think it's time I introduced myself! A friend of mine, who has lost over 8st, recommended Health Unlocked as a great place to find advice, support and encouragement.
A little about me; I'm 50 years old, newly (since January) mostly vegan and determined to get fit and healthy. My current weight is 18st 6lb (my starting weight last week was 18st 7lb), my BMI is 38.2 (obese). The NHS site tells me my healthy weight range is 8st 13lb - 12st 2lb, I'm 5ft 9" and not in the "destined to be petite" category so I currently think I will be aiming for the upper end of that weight range. The site recommends a daily calorie intake between 1908 and 2453, I currently aim for 1900 ish, a bit more if I exercise.
I have something of a journey ahead of me but I am committed to getting fit and healthy and doing it in a positive way, making lifestyle changes I can sustain.
Written by
ArtfulZebra
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Welcome ArtfulZebra. I like the name. Well done for posting. You seem to have seen enough here to have got yourself pretty organised, so I'm guessing that you've read some of the introductory newbie replies.
You've announced what your long term goal is, which will be fantastic to reach, just don't forget to provide yourself with mini achievable goals.
All the best to you and a congrats to your friend, what an inspiration for you
Thanks Tiggerr! I have set myself a short term goal - to lose half a stone by my birthday which is 31st March so that might be a little ambitious but I like a target to aim for!
Well done for getting started! Great to have the inspiration of a friend too. Have you joined a weekly weigh-in group? There's one every week day so you can choose which day suits you best. We compete with each other for the most lost each week ! (It was the Saturday gang this week!). It's really good for motivation and accountability.
Well done, EllaMidlands, that's a brilliant achievement already! How much more do you plan to lose? At my top most weight, I estimate I was in the region of 22 - 23st but I never weighed myself back then so will never know! My highest recorded weight in recent years was 20st. I absolutely believe that we can do this!
Thinking about sustainable changes is definitely the right approach. You've probably spent loads of time already on the Internet, but I find this a great site for vegan friendly advice and inspiration nutritionfacts.org
Thanks, benwl. I've not looked at that site so I'll check it out. How long have you been vegan? I pledged to Veganuary and have carried on from there. I still have occasional vegetarian days but I feel SO much healthier on a vegan diet and it has helped in other ways too, so glad I took the plunge!
I can only think of one of our followers who's vegan and lost over 8 stone and if she's a friend and mentor to you, you've got this in the bag! She's amazing and a beacon of inspiration for all of us, so follow her lead, very closely
I hope you'll consider joining a daily weigh-in and some of our challenges, as they're really motivational and a lot of fun
Wishing you all the very best, as you set out on your journey of discovery
Thanks moreless, I'm sure my friend is well known to a lot of folk, and she's such an inspiration! I think I user name now is LesstoLose. I'm looking forward to joining some challenges, particularly exercise focused ones.
And you have been a huge inspiration to me, Moreless - and if it wasn't for your support, certainly at the beginning when I was floundering, I don't think I would have lost 8.5stone at all.
Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section on the right hand side or at the bottom if your on a mobile. 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 on the days when the scales don't move.
We have daily weigh-ins so why not come along and join us. You can find them on the Home page in Events on the right hand side. Just click on the weigh-in and state your starting weight and any loss/gain or maintain for the week.
To get the best out of the forum be active, share experience, tips and ideas. Read through some of the posts, they are very motivating.
Thanks YellowRose55, I hadn't thought to take my measurements, doh! Lol I'll do that today, I can't imagine a pound down from my start weight will have affected them too much! Thanks all your advice, it's so great to feel so welcomed and know there's so much support, encouragement and motivation out there.
You will be so motivated over time with your measurements when you see the difference. I do mine each time I finish a 12 week plan and the changes are amazing.
Glad to hear you feel supported here we have such a friendly bunch on the forum.
Welcome AZ, it is good to have you here and I am sure you will enjoy the site. Everyone is very supportive and you will get the most out of it if you join in with the weigh-ins and the challenges.
All the best for a successful weight-loss journey!
I have about the same amount to loss so I know how you feel I have posts from people saying take small goals, so I would say the same to you take little steps less like to fail. good luck.
Thanks MoragDH! Good luck to you too, we can do it!
Good luck on the journey- Reframing exercise from 'being good' to 'fun' feels like a good way to making my own sustainable change
welcome and congratulations on your first steps here. I myself only started a week ago and have found nothing but honest caring and thoughtful people willing to help anyone wanting to better themselves.
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A friend of mine, who has lost over 8st, recommended Health Unlocked as a great place to find advice, support and encouragement. 
Thanks all your advice, it's so great to feel so welcomed and know there's so much support, encouragement and motivation out there. 
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