Newbie

[Mummypam33]

Hi all! I'm Pam, mummy to 2. I have always been a big girl but put more on through having children. I think I am now ready to try and lose some weight as I'm getting more and more self conscious. My boy is at school now and I don't feel I am fitting in with the mummies and my health is suffering too. Hoping to get support here as I have no willpower!

[Ceals]

Welcome

This is an amazing forum to be part of. Many of people on here have different areas of concern but we are all trying to get to, or maintain, our desired weight. As you get to know us, and share experiences with us, you will find what a super supportive bunch we are, and that we don't pass judgements.

Here are a few suggestions about how to get the most out of the forum.

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 topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news; and you will have important news to share with us.

Have a look at the NHS 12-week plan; many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This can be a major turning point, realising you can eat anything as long as the calories are accounted for and are within your personal limit.

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; that happens to me quite regularly!

The forum also has group weigh-ins every day, just choose which day you wish to weigh, join the post for that day and weigh in once per week. The Daily Diary is a very useful thread where we post our planned menu for the day, including calories if you count them, any exercise you have planned and any tips that you can share. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page.

If you just want to chat, to say hello, or share any news or struggles then look out for the What's Happening Today thread. There are many other challenges to get involved with, just choose to do what you are comfortable with and feel free to join as many, or as few as you wish.

The grey box next to people's names are achievement badges, and as a new member of the community you have a 'Newbie' badge. We've found that to get the best out of this community, you 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.

If you are using the new HU App on your mobile phone (helpful for when you are out and about), many of features mentioned are not available; use the full website version to maximise your experience.

If you have any questions please just ask. The more you join in and connect with people the more you get out of the forum.

I wish you well as you get started with a new lifestyle.

Ceals

[pcrw Maintainer Healthy BMI]

Hello Pam - now is the time to get a grip and make a plan as to how you are going to lose weight. I was shocked into doing something about my weight when I was diagnosed with pre diabetes 6 weeks ago and I did some research on line and saw how obesity can lead to type 2 and it is a scary thought but you can reverse it by losing weight and changing your diet. I have been following Dr Michael Moseley blood sugar diet but I know he has written two other books, - the fast diet and the 5/2 diet. Why not have look at these and see if they suit. I have increased my exercise and been strictly low carb 800 cals a day. Strangely giving up sugar, bread, potatoes, pasta, rice all of which I loved has stopped my cravings for food.

Give it a go in a way that suits you and you will succeed and feel better.

Good luck

[Wadestreet]

Welcome!! You come to the right place for encouragement and understanding. You need to find healthy eating plan that best suits you and you can stick to for the coming years. You also need a good exercise plan. A lot of people pick walking especially if they have a beautiful area to walk. and you need encouragement just pop on the forum and somebody will be there 24/7. Best wishes on your journey!!!!!