Health comes first

[Maris_]

I'm losing weight slowly. And guess what it's OK! I'm not in a race. I'm not in a competition. And I'm not taking part in a monthly weigh in! Woo.

Why? Well I don't need the pressure or the anxiety or the dissapointment if I miss a target set by someone else.

I'm not on a target. My weight loss will be long term and gradual.

I've had health problems. I listen to my body and what it needs.

Even without health problems I would listen to my body and what it needs.

Some days I need energy. Some days I have energy. Some days I'm busy, some days I have spare time.

You see I'm a living, breathing, human being not regimented by a plan or a diet strategy. I am not a robot and I am not the same as anyone else. Just as you are not the same as anyone else.

We are all different and we will all put on weight and lose weight at different times in our life and for different reasons.

I don't feel bad about it anymore. My health is more important than calorie counting or worrying about 5grams of sugar in my cup of tea.

I am motivated and I am determined to lose weight, but just so that the world knows I'll do it and so can you. Without pressure and without targets and time lines.

Remember you can do it. You, your way on your terms. It's only you that matters.

[Tiggerr]

Hi Maris, I'm really glad that you've found something that works for you. Congratulations on your weight loss.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

Glad you've found the way for you. May I just add that any sort of 'challenge' on here is meant in a good way and the only competition is with ourselves. I'm really sorry if you felt this was otherwise. I know none of us would dream of putting anyone down for not losing, maintaining or only losing small amounts. We only offer encouragement and support. Any weight loss is to be celebrated and there is always something to be learned from a weight gain. I'm currently trying to maintain and I think that's fine and everyone on here have been terrifically supportive of my decision. I hope you feel this support too. Do whatever makes you happy and healthy and we'll be behind you 110%!

Sazkia ♥

p.s., MASSIVE well done on your weight loss so far - that's blooming marvelous!

[Maris_ in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Saskia... I guess my opinion is just a general one about all targets, weigh ins and so on. I'm not even in competition with myself as that's inducing pressure from within. I think for me it's best to be at peace with oneself as much as possible. x

[Hidden in reply to Maris_]

Sazkia with a Z please!

And if you work better with no pressure then do what works for you! I use to flourish with a little pressure - with myself! But as I'm nearing a healthy BMI I find weight loss is slower and I'm having to alter my own goals. I think that's a big part of weight loss, is moving targets and finding what works for you and if you don't have any targets and that helps you become healthier then great. It's your journey!

[lucigret]

Wow Maris in four months you have managed to change your outlook and I'm impressed. You are obviously happier with who you are and at ease with yourself. What a great skill to learn so early in life, (says the old woman of nearly 55!!) and your son can only benefit from your great attitude. We all have different ways of tackling our weight issues and this way is obviously working for you so you go girl. There is a lot to be said for being laid back about life in general and I wish I had learnt it earlier. As long as your happy that's great. I guess for me being involved in the challenges, keeps me motivated, I don't feel pressured by them or that I am in a competition, they just keep me focused as does this forum. Keep in touch with us and let us know how you get on.

[jopo]

Sounds like you're glad to get that off your chest Maris_

All the best with your journey to a healthier body.

I need and love the support, weigh-ins, challenges and everything else that's going.

[Claz]

really glad you have found something that motivates you & works for you.

i like to join in the challenges & weigh-ins myself but dont feel any pressure from anyone on this forum..... i just like to get involved on the forum.

Good luck with your journey to a healthier you x

[NannyEJ]

Life is short Maris so you just have to do what makes you happy. If you decide that losing weight will make you happy then we are all rooting for you and will be here to offer support if you need it. Good luck and best wishes EJ

[Cockneyblue Restart March 2025]

I never feel any pressure from this forum either. I love to read what others have done, especially the funny ones. Everyone on here is kind and helpful. I join the challenges when I feel ready and weigh in weekly but I never ever feel I have to do anything I don't want to. I quite appreciate Maris view, to take the pressure off yourself is always a good thing to do but enjoying this forum is what this is all about and if you lose weight too that's great. 👍👍😃