I'm Loz, I'm 35 and a 17 stoner. I've had a number of health problems over the last few years including major foot surgery which, due in part to my weight means running or fast walking simply isn't possible. I've also been working in a call centre which has given me almost consistent ear infections for the last few years. This has affected my depression and anxiety disorder which has made my life a bit rubbish to put it politely. Finally, I also have an issue with gluten so I have to be careful with the foods that I eat. I'm not saying any of this to illicit pity. In fact, at this moment (and let's face it, life is a series of moments. We just need to choose which ones we carry with us), I'm really happy. As of last week, I started a wonderful new job which is far more relaxed, less stressful and doesn't involve a headset. Last year I became a vegan. At that time I knew I couldn't deal with my depression, losing weight and learning to be a vegan all at once so I focused solely on being vegan. It's one of the best things that I could have done as even though I put on weight (because vegan junk food is just as calorific as non vegan junk food), I feel better. Now that I've had the time to settle into my vegan diet, I've left the job that was causing so much trouble to my health, and I'm finally able to start going back to the gym, the last task was to start dealing with my weight. It's time to get my weight off so I can get rid of the pain in my bad foot.
So, basically, I'm here to bother you
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Cookie101
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Welcome Cookie101 it is nice of you to join us. I doubt you will be a bother. Keep coming on the forum and getting involved with the conversations. It is a great place to be and everyone is so supportive.
Welcome to the forum. I am losing weight for my wedding despite the fact my fiancé and I haven't set a date yet. I am following Slimming World but weighing in at my mum's house because I am saving for my wedding and I am in the process of moving. I have lost 5 1/2 lbs in the last 4 weeks. I like this forum and appreciate the support that I get from other members as well as family and friends.
G'day Sheryl, thank you for the message. Weddings seriously excite me because I studied film and theatre costume at uni. I should like to just put out there that a properly fitted corset (not the off the rail rubbish they sell in the shops) is excellent at smoothing out all those lumps and bumps and it has the added advantage of having a lace that can be loosened after dinner so your always going to be comfortable! 🍰🍧🍷🍮🍝🍬🍫🍸😀 Congrats on the current weight loss and I'm sure your going to look amazing on your big day.
I'm very glad I found your post. I also have depression and social anxiety, so I know how difficult it can be juggling between battling mental illness and excessive weight. For me, my weight has been a contributer to my depression.
I'm happy that you were able to find a more stable, relaxing job. Being in chaotic, unpleasant enviroments can be very stressful for us anxiety sufferers.
The idea of switching to a vegan diet has been floating around my head, too! I've actually been doing a little research into veganism, vegatariansim, and pescatarianism. It's encouraging to know that it has worked out for you. The part about caloric vegan food is very interesting indeed.
Unfortunately, I'm still largely relient upon my mother for food. I'm a 19 year old college student. I don't know how I would bring it up to her. You know, anxiety and all.
You're starting at a much lower weight than me. I'm sure you'll be up on your feet in no time.
G'day Jordan, Don't worry about how much you weigh. It's just a number. How you feel is way more important.
As I said in my post, I went vegan last year. I did it for ethical reasons, and though I wish everyone else would make the change, I have no interest in bullying anyone into it. In fact, that is the worst thing that anyone can do.
I did it overnight after watching a speech on YouTube by a guy called Gary Yourofsky. If your interested in it, I think it's called 'The best speech ever' or something along those lines. However, I would certainly urge you to approach it carefully. Don't simply cut out the animal products without replacing it with something else.
Unless you have a gluten allergy like me, you can simply swap your animal products for vegan alternatives (there's loads out there).
As for your mother, talk to her. I know from my own experience, the more you avoid it, the more anxious you'll get, so if you do want to make the change to a vegan diet, do the research, make sure your reasons are clear and talk to her about why you want to do it. There is a book that you can get which I found really helpful called 'So what do you eat?' By Liz Cook. It not only shows you a whole bunch of easy recipes, it also gives you a chart of the foods that will give you all the vitamins and nutrients you need to eat in order to get and stay healthy. Even if you don't eat a vegan diet, it is incredibly helpful to see the foods that can give you the most benefit.
Believe me, I understand how much depression can put up a wall separating you from everything you want to acheive. I'm still trying to break through mine. You need to keep chipping away at it a little at a time. Don't try and do everything at once. It will overwhelm you. Try to do things that make you happy and avoid things that can distract you from life such as TV or video games. (Trust me, it took me years to figure out how bad TV was to my depression. Now I avoid it As much as I can. I'm always up for a chat, although I'm a bit rubbish at checking my messages so you do need to prod me every now and then.
Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then 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.
Take a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. 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.
We run a weigh-in every day of the week and you'd be very welcome to join one of them. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the HOME page, bottom on a mobile.
We also run a Daily Diary, where we share our meal and exercise plans for the day. It's a great place to get ideas and to keep us focused. The link can also be found in Events.
Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.
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
Thank you Moreless. The advice is very much appreciated. I've already managed to download the first week but I'm unable to print the wall chart so I'll be making my own diary. I'm midway through making a suit so I'm running around like a crazy Aussie at the moment however, I will make the time to weigh in, although I will probably just duck into the forum briefly as and when I can over the next few months. I intend to properly start tomorrow so I will find the Sunday weigh in and make a nuisance of myself then.
Hi Cookie101 I've enjoyed reading your post and replies.. you sound very upbeat and confident, a lovely attitude.. keep being well in mind and enjoy your weight loss journey.
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