New Start

[ElsieMcMath]

I have been a yo-yo dieter all of my adult life. Every time I reach a healthy weight I promise myself that I will NEVER push the self-destruct button again but without fail I lose focus and pound by pound it creeps back on again. One part of me knows it's happening but I seem to be able to disconnect from that reality until one day it's like waking up and realising that I'm fat again. It makes me so miserable and destroys my confidence.

Why on earth do we do this to ourselves? It's exhausting carrying extra weight and painful too - sore feet, achy knees. And the most tiring of all is the lengths I go to try to disguise the weight gain and almost pretend it's not true. But there comes a point when careful clothes choices can no longer fool me or others. I need to draw a line under the past and set reasonable goals- attainable and maintain-able. I have not got time or inclination to join a slimming group. Any encouragement would be very much appreciated.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Hi ElsieMcMath and welcome

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then 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 (can be found in the pinned Newbie post) 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 😊

To the right of the HOME page (bottom on a mobile), you'll find Events. In there, you'll find links to our daily Weigh-in's (you will choose just one day per week), our Daily Diary, where we post our menu and exercise plans, for accountability, advice and support - which is great to get ideas of what other people are eating and I have to confess to nicking some of their menu's and our “What's happening today” thread, where we pop in for a chat.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page

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 😊

Cheering you to success to reach your goals 🎉🎉🎉

[ElsieMcMath in reply to Minniewinny]

Thank you. I didn't expect such an immediate response. But it came just at the right time. I'll follow your suggestions. Already I feel I've taken a step in the right direction. 😊

[Eileen505]

Hi Elsie, I know exactly how you feel. I have just started my journey so together we can do it this time.

[Eileen505]

Hi Elsie. I've just started again too and can relate to everything you say. I am so new to this that I think I keep posting in the wrong threads! Not to worry. I am rooting for you. Together we can do this.

[13Valerie]

Well done on taking back control. ... doesn't it feel good already?

You'll get great support here and when you're in your ideal weight range there's a maintainers group that posts once a month.

Best wishes😊

[ElsieMcMath in reply to 13Valerie]

Thank you.

[blackbeauty99]

Hi and welcome ElsieMcMath

You have made the first biggest step by coming here and posting, well done!!!

You will receive lots of advice and friendly support here.

Wishing you all the best with your weight loss journey