Introduction - Had enough being depressed, anxious and eating my feelings.

[BexC1993]

Hello, this is all new to me I literally just googled diets and NHS was the first one to come in and thought hmmm yeh thats probably the most reliable, just printed of 50 pages of how it all works so i plan to read through some tonight and hopefully get started this week. Im really struggling with motivation and having the energy to move at the moment which is an awful feeling and I just want to feel happy again and feel good in myself again maybe even like myself. Fingers crossed I'll get off my back side and get myself into shape with this to help! This photo was nearly three years ago and is the last time I can think of when I was truly happy within myself, want to get back to this!

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello @BexC1993 and welcome to the weight loss forum 😊 What a lovely photo to motivate and inspire you 😊 Focus on that feeling, our past successes can be a powerful driver 😊

Here are a few suggestions for getting the most out of the forum. (Please note some of these suggestions are not available if you are using the HU App so I suggest you use the full website.)

The first place to look is 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. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for 😊

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 forum also have group weigh-ins every day if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page 😊

You'll notice a grey box next to people's names, these are achievement badges, and as a new member you may have a 'Newbie' badge. If you have any questions or would like a Newbie badge please just ask 😊

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 😊

Best wishes

Anna

[June1965]

BexC1993

I could have written that post!! Welcome & we can all support each other 👍 Good luck it's my first day back here for a while xx

[DavySteph]

Hello and welcome onboard. I've only two words Park Run. Go on give it a go you know you want to. Good luck with everything and that person from three years ago is waiting.

[Daisy1925]

Hi BexC1993

You will find lots of useful advice and support here. The feelings you describe have been felt by many of us. You are right to highlight motivation as it is the key to weight loss success. I have recommended to many people a book by a clinical psychologist and dietician called Overcoming Weight Problems. It is not a diet book. It helped me understand my relationship to food and find the motivation to do something about it. I listed all the reasons I wanted to lose weight, improved health being right up there and if I wobble I go back to the list. From your photo it looks like you are capable of achieving a lot, so you know you can do this. It's not rocket science, EAT LESS, MOVE MORE. It certainly worked for me, I've lost 2 stone in 3 months by counting my calories and increasing my walking. I cannot do vigorous exercise because of joint issues, I am nearly 65! I love my Fitbit which tracks my steps and miles and keeps me Motivated. Good luck. Daisy

[Helenbach50]

i understand what you mean about eating your feelings, when you feel down and anxious it's a way of getting some sort of comfort. But it sounds like you're feeling rubbish about yourself and your weight. Have a think about other ways to express how you feel, writing or art can help. Also try and get outside and walk instead of eating. Look up at the sky and notice the beauty around you as you walk.

It's not going to change overnight, and I don't know what's happened to you in the last 3 years but this is a start and there is lots of support and encouragement on this forum. Good luck with your journey xxx

[NannyEJ]

Hello Bex and welcome to the site which you will find is the most supportive and helpful place to visit. There are many resources to access on the site, as well as people's personal experiences which will all help you on your journey.

I love your photo in which you look very healthy and happy. If you have been there before you can go there again. Be kind to yourself and remember you are doing this for YOU so that you can be the person you want to be. You have already taken the first step and sometimes that can be the most difficult. Good luck and keep posting. EJ xx

[Elke516]

Hi Bex, welcome to the group. This is an amazing place and has already brought me back on the right track. You can do this! Love the pic. Best of luck to you!

[BexC1993]

Thank you everyone for your support, unelieveable how many people have took time to read my first post, means a lot so thank you. First day I have walked a lot more than usual today (nearly 10,000 steps) and have been keeping an eye on what I am putting in my mouth and thinking about the consequences, its been a bit tricky as we haven't been shopping yet so have empty cupboards and fridge, I have found an app to count my calories which is a bit weird as I dont completely understand it but think I done it right. Once ive got to grips with the eating side of things Im planning to push myself to do some sort of excercies, I have a great park nearby and a big dog so that should give me some incentive! I even have a cross trainer and excercise bike just sat in my conservatory! Shameful! I just really struggle with motivation at the moment its crazy what an impact it can have on your life! Thanks again guys for being so friendly!

[Beatingthis in reply to BexC1993]

Hello BexC message sent to you

[Beatingthis]

Hello BexC last year i felt exactly the same i lost all motivation to participate in exercise after being told i have a herniated disc previous to this i had always gone to the gym done spinning classes used the gym enrolled in keep fit classes and i have always enjoyed cycling. After coming across the NHS 12 week plan my motivation has returned i am not able to do weights or spinning classes but have returned cycling and i google my workouts to suit me at the moment i am doing miley cyrus leg workout. Most of all what keeps me on track is reading everyones positive comments and support so when i feel things are not good i get to read any new comments usually this puts me back on track. Good luck you can do it.

[Gaynor123]

hi Bex, well done for taking the first step, ive done lots of diets and i can say this is the best diet ive every tried, i was like you feeling tired and anxious, i felt tired all the time and really bad pains in my legs all the time, i felt really snappy all the time. So i took the plunge weighed and found i was over 3 stone over weight, i been on this 6 weeks now and plan my breakfast lunch and tea in advance and no what im eating each day, i got loads of fruit in the fridge to snack on and light snacks, ive made up low carlorie jelly as i love something sweet and low calorie lollys, I write everything down and i hate excercise so i started walking i try and do half and hour every day or every other day, i walk up the stairs more and do a 7 min app. i find the walking really is helping, i got more engery and have lost 13 pounds, and feel much better, im not so snappy and my pains in legs are nearly gone. I really hope this helps, keep going and i assure you , you will feel better. good luck