My name is Mary-Beth and last night I had a dream... The reason it was related to food an weight was most likely due to the food poisoning I managed to give myself by eating a poorly microwaved meal at work. Anyway this dream woke me up in a way,bit of an oxymoron there. I don't remember the dream detail to detail but my ever growing weight was heavily highlighted throughout it. I would constantly be putting weight on at a fast rate to the point where you could see my body growing out the way. I have always struggled with my weight but I am 21 almost and weigh 20 stone. I am lucky that I am tall so that it doesn't show quiet as bad as it could. However regardless of how the weight hides itself In my tall frame I know its there. I need to make a change... I have tried 100 different things and nothing works. Not because those methods don't work but because I GIVE UP to easily. As a result of my weight struggles I developed depression which is cause by my weight yet my weight is caused by my depression. I am in a constant battle I feel and I never seem to have the upper hand. I want this time to be different I want to make a difference to my life,health and happiness. I will succeed!
I Had A Dream: My name is Mary-Beth and... - Weight Loss Support
I Had A Dream
Hello Mary-Beth and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum
What a lovely photo of such a beautiful young lady š Really hope that the forum can help you. The single best piece of advice I was given was to eat the correct amount of calories, please check your BMI and target calories carefully. If you don't eat enough you won't lose and extra fat and will jeopardise the whole journey, There is absolutely no need to be hungry or deprive yourself. š
Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of the forum. Please note if you are using the new HU App many of these features are not available so I suggest you use the full website version.
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, as well as a new Daily Diary, 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 have a 'Newbie' badge. 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. If you have any questions please just ask
Best wishes
Anna
Hi Anna,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post and welcome me into the forum. I have never used a forum before as I am not very good at writing feelings or anything for that matter down. However my doctor thinks it may be hugely helpful and I am going to give it the best possible shot I can. I really like what people seem to have going here and would love to be a part of it, I think I need the support from others that have been where I am not people that find it easy to maintain a healthy weight and think the answer is to simply "loose weight.
I printed off the NHS 12 week challenge and I am super motivated to give it a go! I also calculated my BMI and well... I spent a good half hour crying my eyes out at the results. 39 is my BMI at the highest end of Obese. I only allowed my self that half hour to wallow but now its definitely time to take action because the only person that can change things is me!
Im not very good technology wise so may take me a few days to work everything on here out but I really feel positive about this site! Once again thank you for being so warm and welcoming I really didn't know what to expect at all!
Thanks
Mary-Beth
Did the BMI chart also suggest a target calorie range Mary-Beth ? I
This is often more than you expect which makes it easier to stick to š
Yes it did It IndigoBlue61 suggested a calorie intake of between 2240-2880 a day 
Hi and welcome. Thanks for such an open and honest post of introduction.
You are right - wellbeing isn't just about how you look and whether or not you carry weight well - but it's also a lot about what goes on inside the body.
You are still young (I have a daughter who'll be 21 this year) so its good to try and make some changes that you are able to incorporate into your lifestyle and that you can stick to.
Diet and the food we consume does have a huge effect on our mental health. There are many articles on the web such as this: naturalhealth365.com/depres...
Try and cut out or reduce some of the foods that give you an instant "high" (processed carbs, such as pasta, bread, sweets, chocolate, cake, biscuits). Often, consumption of these means that after an hour or so, you get a huge sugar "slump" (low) and so the cycle is repeated.... Instead try and introduce some fresh fruit and veg - which should also have a positive effect on your digestive system. Try to cut out snacking - instead try your best to plan some healthy meals and eat as regularly as you are able to.
You've not mentioned exercise, but that also can help elevate mood. It doesn't have to be going to the gym and lifting weights or running on a treadmill.... perhaps just a brisk 30 minute walk three or four times a week?
Are you an emotional eater? Do you eat when happy/sad? If so, it may be good to try and identify your triggers and work on these? Your doctor may be able to offer you some advice or signpost you?
Hi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post I wasn't expecting anyone to reply so this makes me feel really positive about this site and the people on it!
Thank you for supplying me with tips and advise it is all really helpful! As far as exercise goes I took up running for a while and I have a gym membership too, however I didn't commit and this is my issue. I start to feel very aware of my physical appearance and become self conscience and I let this dictate my exercise. Which Is wrong and needs to change. My boyfriend was in the Army and so he has also tried to help me train and get fit but we end up fighting because I get scared. I have no idea why I get scared or why but it just seems to stop me. I am working on that though and pushing myself to go for long walks etc.
In response to your question about emotional eating yes is the answer. My mum was diagnosed with cancer last year and I noticed that a huge part of my coping mechanism was food and my relationship with it. I also have a really bad habit of snacking but hiding the evidence... Even when I don't need to hide the fact I just ate a packet of crisps I do. I am to be fair getting better at not snaking in general but long shifts at work mean constant changes in my eating pattern so It doesn't help.
I have been to my doctor many times about my weight and all they keep saying is "your obese, heres a leaflet to read" I have had no real support even when I have begged for help whilst crying my eyes out. I know that it is my fault but I do need help to get to my end goal! I am a size 22/20 and my 21st is in August... I want to wear a size 18 dress or were a size 20 but be happy! Happiness is key for me but I know that really my health needs to come first.
Once again thank you!
Mary-Beth
I'm glad my post helped! If you find peoples stories and experiences help to inspire and guide you, you may find some of these past posts I've written helpful.
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
Thanks for this! x
Welcome Mary Beth! You've taken a step to start something here.. Stay with us and make this a success story!
What I'd suggest is committing to writing in the daily diary every single day with your plans for food and activity. It helps you plan your day and get support. There's also loads of people chatting about their plans and you can get really good inspiration!
Somehow this has a magic quality.
I'd also commit to a weekly weigh-in. I do mine in the Friday group and it's great. Whether up down or staying the same, writing your progress every week is a short goal that becomes really important and for me it's kept me going strong. (Bumps in road aside haha)
I spent the majority of my 20s carrying extra weight. Like you, I carried it well all the way through but eventually got even bigger and bigger (like ur dream) and couldn't stay in denial any longer... i don't tend to labour myself with regrets about life because I'm really happy and lucky and I have a fab life. But if I had to think of one big regret it's not doing this work when I was 21 (I'm 32 now).
This is the right time. It's now!
Maybe start with a plan. A one week meal plan. Calorie count it all. Plan it all. Plan one or 2 extra bits of exercise (start with small changes)
Hope to see you in the group chats. I truly believe this forum can make a huge difference and I want u to have success with us ;--)
Hiya!
Thank your for taking the time to reply! I really think that with this site and reading other peoples success stories will motivate me to reach my end goal! Which ultimately is to be happy and healthy! I am going to use this forum as a tool to keep note of my journey and progress and hopefully get some guidence along the way.
I am lucky that I am still living at home so I do have the support of my parents but sometimes you need that outsider to have look in and say what they see. I will definitely be starting with a meal plan as I tend to stick with plans and lists.
Thank you once again!
Mary-Beth x
Hi Mary-Beth because I am using a mobile device I cannot access this full site. However I am disabled and like you I thought I never lose weight. So the day I found this site I signed up with slimming World. I was18.3 and five weeks later I have lost 1/2 stone. OMG If I could jump I would, what I am trying to say is nothing is impossible. If calorie counting is not for you keep trying something will work.
Stay strong.
This reply is super inspirational! To loose weight is tough enough but to of faced the challenges you have had to face must of added to the challenge! Im glad I have found this site and really hope I can use it to help me stay on track and reach my goal! I am feeling super positive about it all so I know I have a really good chance at it this time! Any time I feel I want to give up I will remember what you said "nothing is impossible" Thank you again!
Mary-Beth
Two years ago I was 3stone lighter and both my sister's were a lot heavier. I was loseing Weight through 5k walks with a friend near Pinewood studios. (Saw Keanu Reeves) and and encouraged them to follow suit. Well my health took a massive tumble and my weight crept up. Both my sister's joined dieting clubs and are now at their ideal weight. One of them gave me some of her unwanted clothes and they are still too big.
So we're all in this thing together.
omg a 5K walk near Pinewood studios would of been my dream walk haha I am an actress you see mainly In theatre but been in a few short films and stuff but my weight is a huge step back in the industry! x
It was fab. And you never know when they might do some filming in the the park. They filmed the Harry potter films there. I used to take my camera for the wonderful scenery.
Please don't give up. When your successful and I know you will don't forget Linda (me) with an autograph.
All the best honey.
Hi, MaryBeth - welcome! You are far too young to give up - think of all the years you have ahead of you. Hopefully this forum can help you - obviously only you can do the hard work, but on those days when willpower or mood is low, it helps to chat with others in the same boat. And if you go overboard, there are plenty of hands here to draw you back in. Enjoy your journey - and we are all looking forward to seeing your next film! Good luck.
Hi Mary-Beth,
Your situation reminds me so much of my daughter's! She is 20 and fighting very similar battles as you.
I think you have come to the right place if you need some support to lose weight and start a healthier lifestyle! I have only been a member for a few weeks but have found it immensely helpful so far. The people on here are lovely.
The weekly weigh ins are good as they makes you feel accountable and have a goal, but you also have a lot of help and support from the others on the weigh in and can support them as well.
The happiness thread is excellent too, for slightly changing the way you think about life and focussing on the positives. Gradually you find your mindset and outlook changing and think that actually life is good and you can overcome its challenges.
You sound like you are very determined and I am sure that you will lose weight with the help of this forum. Good luck in your journey. Keep us posted!
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