Novice

[Nattyjack]

Have drifted into unhealthy eating and weight gain since my husband died. Don't know how to stop it. Live on my own and in my 80's. Only myself to blame it is indulgence and boredom.

[Ceals]

Welcome Nattyjack

Your weight gain is understandable, even if not 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

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello and welcome Nattyjack

I can understand the comfort eating, it must have been a very difficult time for you. 😕

But very well done on taking that first, most important steps! We are a very friendly group and I look forward to getting to know you better

Best wishes

Anna

[Nattyjack in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you so much for the lovely welcome, I am amazed that so many people want to take such an interest in a stranger.

My husband built drystone walls and I take comfort from the fact that his legacy lives on and there are so many places I can go and touch them it doesn't make me morbid or miserable just happiness.

I look forward to joining in the discussions properly when I have fathomed out how to use the site properly - Oh for a grandson to show me how!!!

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Nattyjack]

As a Derbyshire girl I have a soft spot for dry stone walls 😊 What a lovely legacy 😊

Just take your time finding your way around, read lots and respond to others, that's the best way, just join in 😊

[Pineapple27]

Hi and welcome!

You seem to have identified why it is you are over eating - perhaps in some way you are trying to fill the gap that's been left in your life with the death of your husband? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you enjoy? Do you have a good group of friends?

My step-father died in February and my Mum (who's 82) really, really misses having another person around..... even though my step-dad was quite hard work, especially towards the end (he had Alzheimers)

Make a list of the reasons WHY you want to lose weight. Keep it somewhere safe (stuck to the inside of a kitchen cupboard door?) and look at it from time to time, especially when you are raiding the kitchen for treats!

I always ask myself before eating something really calorific "Do I really want to eat this thing more than I want to lose weight this week?". It's called "mindful eating" - being aware of why you are considering eating - real hunger? Boredom? Temptation? Feeling fed up?

Have a glass of water, wait 5 minutes and consider whether you still want the food. Once it's been snaffled down, it's too late and you may end up feeling cross and angry with yourself.... and that feeling lasts for a long time, much longer than the temporary enjoyment of whatever treat you ate....

Oh, and I always remind myself how good the feeling is of seeing a loss on the scales at my weekly weigh in! That feeling lasts for days!

Here are a few of my past posts which I hope you will find helpful and inspiring. I won't try and tell you that my journey was easy - and you'll see that there were many blips along the way, but 5 years down the line, I feel about 20 years younger than I did when I was lugging around 4 stone more.

Please do pop back to the forums and share your journey with us - we are here for you, day and night and happy to share your success or support you when you need it.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[Nattyjack in reply to Pineapple27]

Thank you so much for your useful tips and I will certainly implement some of them.

My main hobby is a lifelong interest in all aspects of cooking particularly cakes, biscuits and preserves but i promise you I give MOST of them to neighbours (I am popular at coffee mornings) if no other time!!!!! At the moment I am pickling damsons and bottling plums.

My husband was a lovely, gentle man and I am fortunate that his legacy lives on in all the drystone walls he built in Derbyshire and beyond.

I started a chair based exercise class on Monday, such fun.

I have been amazed at the response from members, how kind people are.

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You came to the right place for motivation and advice. You can do it!

[13Valerie]

A hearty welcome to you Nattyjack . It's really understandable that you've being eating from boredom and for comfort.

I hope you're feeling stronger now and ready to take back control and do positive things for yourself.

Is the local library able to help with activities that would suit you?

I wish you all the best on your weightloss journey.

This is a friendly and supportive group and it's lovely to have you along.

You've lots of experience to share too. so don't be shy. 😊

[Nattyjack in reply to 13Valerie]

Thank you for your welcome and encouragement.

I am very lucky in that I live in sheltered accommodation and therefore have lots of coffee mornings, afternoon clubs, seated exercise classes to choose from.

Unfortunately these are all sedentary and horror of horrors my main hobby is cooking. Most of which I do give away to my neighbours and at the moment I am in the process of pickling damsons.

We do have walking classes in my town but my mobility is limited. However I don't let that stop me getting out and about on my open topped sports car (a.k.a. mobility scooter).

Once again thank you for your interest.