Go for it

[Fellwalker57]

Good morning all, on the metaphorical dieting treadmill, but I'm not really dieting am I? We get diet fatigue because we stop and start and never seethe results. I decided yesterday to abandon WW and count calories even though they've got 3 months subscription out of me. I've struggled with Smartpoints, I eat healthily and I'm living proof that you CAN have too much of a good thing but it's the all or nothing mindset that is my downfall. I've been with Nutracheck to count calories which is good but I keep switching from one to another. Being 13st 8lbs does make me very conscious and stops me from doing things though I'm a keen hillwalker and completed all 463 hills over 2000ft in England and Wales Aka the Nuttalls. Anyway I decided to just go for it and went rafting in France. Worst part for me was getting in the wetsuit. Let's not let our weight stop us !! Ros

[Ceals]

Welcome Fellwalker57

You are sure to enjoy lots of the challenges, love the rafting photographs.

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

[Fellwalker57 in reply to Ceals]

Thanks Ceals, that's very helpful, Ros

[Pineapple27]

Hi there Fellwalker57

Wow, this post is so brilliant! I hope it will resonate with other members.

I have done all the slimming clubs and been overweight all of my life (age 9 to age 48!).

Yes, this is a lifestyle change. We have to change not only what we eat and how much we eat, but it is also how we behave around food and the consumption of it! If we eat whatever we want and disregard what it contains and how many calories it contains (as well as how many calories we need to limit ourselves to just to MAINTAIN) then how can we ever NOT put weight on when we are surrounded by food everywhere, TV adverts, restaurants, etc.

Exercising it off isn't an option for many - either because of time constraints or physical ability. In many ways, I am pleased that I didn't have the option of using exercise in a major way to help me lose weight (I have a physical disability and my mobility is severely restricted) as it ensured that I had to give everything to what I was eating!

It has been a complete revelation to me to calorie count and log what I am eating - something I have been doing for over 5 and a half years now. Because I am very short (4ft 9"), aged 54 and sedentary, there isn't a lot of room for treats in my daily diet! If I want a meal out or a takeaway, I have to ensure that I build up some calories ahead of time and limit my measly 1100 calories afterwards too. That has meant that takeaways and meals out are very occasional treats now instead of something I regularly do.

I have taken advantage of my love of cooking and make most of what we eat from scratch. I know that I can't enjoy lasagne made in the traditional way any more - however low in calories I am able to make it, regular pasta, cheese, flour, butter - all add up to too many calories! This week I'm going to make it using butternut squash in place of lasagne sheets.

I also make cauliflower cheese - but replace the cheese sauce with full-fat soft cheese. I then top it with a little grated cheese and breadcrumbs - and have to say I actually PREFER my way of making cauliflower cheese now!

If you can manage to change your behaviour around food - if you can manage to not give way to temptation - if you can manage to eat what you really, really love to eat and stay within calories - you have this cracked!

[Fellwalker57 in reply to Pineapple27]

Yes lovely, inspiring reply Ros

[Thermopod85 3lbs]

Well done. Can't wait to be happy when...that day may not come. Do it now.

[Active_43]

That looks so cool!!

I too was guilty of too much of a good thing and have found that calorie counting is really eye opening. Friends of mine who have realised that I'm not really dieting have started to use My Fitness Pal to count too and are really surprised by what they were eating and what they should be eating!

Good luck on your journey...over the hills, mountains and down the rapids!

[IndigoBlue61]

Great photos Fellwalker57 😊 It was getting into a wetsuit that inspired my weight loss journey, and I still hate the darn thing!! Prefer a swimsuit, even in the North Sea 😂

Good luck with your journey

Anna

[Hidden]

You go!! That must have been so exciting!