Newbie 2

[Apple_shine1]

Approaching 51 and need to lose 1 stone and 7lbs- have needed to for ages, try diets- loose the will power and it all goes back on. Really want to achieve it this time. Does this 12 week programme work??

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Apple_shine1 and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum

To lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit, most 'diets' do this in one form or another. To keep the weight off you need a change of lifestyle. This forum has lots of useful information, support and advice on how to achieve that.

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

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

It works as much as we work if that makes sense.

Many have followed the 12 week program and made a success of it, but it takes effort to change old habits.. None of us gained or held the weight overnight, and none can lose it that fast.

This is certainly tried, tested and proven to be popular, workable and free... Lots of support too.

[Apple_shine1 in reply to Minniewinny]

Thank you Minnie winny- will hang in there and think posting will help. Well done with the 7lbs off - even that is difficult !

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to Apple_shine1]

yep, it took me from 24/01 to end of may to loose that, but its not coming back to me, that's the important bit... Keep it moving forwards or standing still... but do our best not to go back... (Unless its really worth it and temporary!!)

[katy9617]

hi apple_shine1 and welcome! I look at it as a new lifestyle rather than a diet. and it does work. I find that posting and reading often inspires me to continue on. I have not posted in 4 months and feel the pain! I have not lost any more weight since then, not gained anymore either but I know if I post and keep myself accountable, I can do the healthy lifestyle. I am 50, 51 soon, so I understand. my problem is that I have a hard time walking as I have ankle problems. I must find alternative ways to work out. I think you have to find a way to make it at least somewhat enjoyable to exercise otherwise I wont do it at all. I listen to music when I ride my stationary bike and that helps a lot. making myself ride is the hard part. good luck and chin up!

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to katy9617]

Hi katy9617 for being active on your bike and on the forum... It does make a lot of difference. The encouragement is contagious!

[Apple_shine1 in reply to katy9617]

Hi katy9617

Apologies Im not sure if I replied to you or not last week- I still havent really got a hang of the signing in etc and then was away and trying to do it on my fon which was a disaster - so a belated thank you for your support . How has the diet been this week . Ive tried really hard! My problem is the gin and tonics after work !

[katy9617 in reply to Apple_shine1]

gin and tonic? the last and only time I ever drank one I got the lockjaw. ew it was aweful! but that is only my opinion lol. I prefer bourbon and coke. but nevertheless, try to cut down to one then none. alcohol is fulllllll of sugar and empty cals! try a nice cup of hot tea to relax instead.

[Apple_shine1]

Thanks- I do go to the gym and play odd bit of tennis, but my job has become more sedentary - Ive become lazier- time to shake myself. Appreciate the encouragement

[PTKeith]

Hi. Does the diet work? Yes if you follow the plan and eat the reduced amount of calories over the week you will lose weight. So really the only other thing to say is that it will work as well as any other diet you have been on. That might sound a bit rude but you really do have to commit to any diet to make it work. The good thing about this site is they are trying to get people to change their lifestyle and eat properly so you do not feel like you are on a diet. That is the way Personal trainers like me work with our clients.

If you truly commit to the regime, eat a healthy balanced diet and stay focussed you can lose your 21 pounds in 21 weeks. If you add exercise to that equation that time might be pulled back a bit more. Come on board and give it a go! what have you got to lose? Well other than weight I suppose!! This site also has a very good support mechanism with lots of help if you feel yourself slipping into bad habits.

Keith

[Apple_shine1]

Hi PT Keith- Thank you for your reply last week. I was having trouble seeing and posting back as I havent got my head round signing in etc . So belated thanks. Yes I believe you it works with the calorie reduction and counting. I have lost weight this week which is great but I suppose Im being impatients. Ive been to the gym four times this week - once more than normal and done what I think is a good work out. Im eating lots of fish and fruit and whilst the weight loss is nt huge - at all I feel I have a lot more energy and thats the most remarkable bit. As Ive said in other posts its the drink that gets me. Ive tried to dump wine and replace it with G and Ts so far thats ok but ideally I need to cut back on the amount ! However Im a bit daunted at the 21 pounds in 21 weeks - much longer than 12 weeks . Thanks for encouragement to stay focused