Back on the saddle

It has been a while, let me update you!

In the period that I haven't posted, I have lost weight, gained it back, lost it again and then gained even more.

I got to a point where I was battling with my weight. Despite exercising and eating right to an extent, I wasn't losing weight. I was still gaining! I got so frustrated and then let myself go for a while. By the time I got back on the scale I weighed the most that I have ever weighed (in recent memory).

I have lost about 3lbs of the weight that I gained and I am now at 170lbs. The last two weeks I have been watching my portions, drinking more water. For the past two days I have adopted a more plant based diet. I am toying with the idea of transitioning to veganism but right now, I am having 2 meat days a week and going meatless for the rest. I went completely plant based for two weeks about two years ago and I can vividly remember the feelings of clarity, increased energy, lightness and all the other benefits that came with it.

Despite the weight gain, I will say that I have developed a greater appreciation for myself and my body. I love myself a lot more that I did when I was at my lowest weight of 156lbs. It is so strange. This time I am approaching my journey from a wellness point of view. The last time I was focused on looking a certain way. Now I want to be healthier, have more energy and actively engage in ensuring that I am living my best life; working towards living a prolonged life with greater quality. Looking good will just be a by-product of all these goals.

I have been surrounded with news of friends who have lost closed ones to preventable diseases. I don't want to wait till I come close to that in order to change. I know one of my biggest challenges will be emotionally eating. This has always been a problem for me. I am more aware of it now. I am going to eliminate things like cheat days etc. It isn't viable for me to eat badly without feeling sick. I have a physical reaction to bad foods. I get headaches, I become extremely bloated and the feelings of lethargy and predominantly down to what I am ingesting. I have recently graduated from university and working 9-5, I can't afford to feel unhealthy. I will indulge, absolutely. I love cooking and I LOVE FOOD. However, the quantities that I was consuming bad foods were completely unwarranted. Instead, I will indulge in moderation and occasionally.

Right now I am just going with what feels right for my body. I plan to get back in the gym on Monday. Thursday will be my update days! I am committing to myself to post even when I don't feel like it.

Above all, this post is for me and you. If you feel like it's too late. Like you've gained too much weight. You've tried before and it's not worked. Lets make a commitment to not give up. This is probably my 100th time trying to lose weight and keep it off. I was successful in 2014-2015 but slowly I allowed my hectic schedule and lifestyle to impact my health/food choices. Nevertheless, I know that I can get back there. We can get back there. It is never too late to become the person you want to be.

As long as there is life, there is always hope.

Love,

Mary

[YellowRose55]

Welcome back Hidden

Sounds like you have it all worked out now and looking at it form a healthy side rather than a body image is I think a better way of doing it.

Not sure when you last posted so I'm going to give you the newbies inforation just so you are up to date with everything going on in the forum.

Welcome to the weight loss forum.

Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section at the right hand side or at the bottom if your on a mobile. Have a look at the nhs 12 week plan, many members have had success following this plan. Use the BMI checker to work out your daily calorie allowance. Take your measurements at the start together with a photo so you can see the changes on the days the scales don't move.

Below the Pinned posts are the Topics where members share a range of weight related subjects.

Have a look at the Daily Diary which you can find on the Home page in Events. It is where all the members are sharing their daily plans on what they are eating and any exercise they are doing. This thread will give you some ideas on how to start.

We have daily weigh in's so why not come along and join us today. You can find the weigh ins on the Home page in the Events section on the right. Just click on the post in Events and record your start weight and any loss/gain or maintain for the week.

You may notice that members have a grey box next to their name, these are achievement badges. All new members have a "newbie" badge to begin with.

Please note if you are using the new HU app it does not have all the forums features on it, so we suggest you use the full website version.

To get the most of the forum be active, share tips, recipes and experiences. Read some of the posts they are very motivating.

Have a good first week.

Rose

[Hidden in reply to YellowRose55]

Thank you for the update!