Feeling a bit desperate.........

[Munkeychops]

Hello everyone.

I am embarrassed to say that I have been on a diet for about 30 years. I can’t even begin to guess how much I have spent trying to lose weight via different methods and I am fatter than ever.

I know that I have to burn off more than I put in. Simple!!!

I am a comfort eater/drinker and just can’t seem to pull myself out of the downward spiral that I am on.

So this is a bit of a cry for help and I am hoping that by supporting each other we can all get to where we want to be.

So I am putting it out there. I want to lose 3.5 stone and this time I am determined to do it.

Have a good day everyone.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome Monkeychops

Please don't feel embarrassed, I 'dieted' for a lot longer than that and that's how we ended up here, happily

Losing weight is a lot more than calories in and calories out and the kind of food that we choose to eat, plays a big part too. Try to think of this as a new healthy lifestyle, rather than another diet.

I'd like to invite you to join our Newbie Club, which we hope will be a good place for you to connect with members, who are also just starting out. If you just post a few words to introduce yourself and respond to others there, you'll soon break the ice. Here's the link

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

You'll find all the information you need to navigate the forum in the header, so please take the time to read it carefully.

Wishing you all the best

[Jenever]

Hi Munkeychops, nice to meet you,

Oh I feel your pain, I too lived my life on and off different diets and as you say they can be very expensive. Moreless is right when she says it's a lifestyle not a diet, I think you may find the NHS 12 week plan an excellent tool in your lifestyle changes, but whatever you decide is your way I wish you well.

[Munkeychops in reply to Jenever]

Hi Jenever, I have downloaded the 12 week plan. I am going to have a good look at it tonight and hopefully it will give me a good start to my new journey.

[katsheare in reply to Munkeychops]

Hi Munkeychops, I used the 12 week plan and it is brilliant! Makes the process actually do-able!! And just remember: while weight loss may be 'simple', it is not 'easy'. For me, learning to forgive myself when I stumble has been the hardest part, and making changes that are for life, not for weight loss has been the most important.

I would also say that if you're a comfort eater/drinker, try to create space before you eat. Journal, stop and breathe, drink some water, do something that gives you a chance to find out why you're turning to food for comfort. That way you stand a chance of getting on top of it. (There are also professionals who can help you with this, of course!)

[Munkeychops in reply to katsheare]

I am now feeling quite excited about following the 12 week plan.

Thank you for your advice and for sharing how you have dealt with things.

I have been having a particularly challenging year so I am hoping that as things settle I can deal with the comfort eating/drinking side of things.

[Alideer 1 stone in reply to Munkeychops]

You will love this forum Munkeychops . Nobody judges or criticises - there’s just loads of help & support whenever you need it. Most of us can relate to your experiences too🌼

[Alideer 1 stone in reply to katsheare]

Hello katsheare . That’s all such great advice. The 12 week plan is certainly good but I’ve found this forum has changed my life. Sounds dramatic but it’s true!

[87down]

Hi Munkeychops I"m sure you will find the support you are looking for right here, it's great because it is always available and if you are feeling it's tough or you're fed up instead of popping something in your mouth come on here and read some messages and join in and you will find it passes and you feel boosted and able to carry on - good luck you can do it

[Alideer 1 stone in reply to 87down]

I agree 87down . You are so right. Works for me too. Have a good week 🌼

[katy9617]

dear munkeychops, join the crowd! I have been on a diet for oh about 40 years since I was 10. I now weigh 262 pounds and at 5 foot 5 that is a bit much. try the plan, it works. I am back again here on the forum where I find comfort and solace. I like to post on here instead of eat at 2am like I usually do. I find it therapeutic to post and to read and to join. it will work for you, I know it will. I have tried almost every diet out there and lost and gained. I find that this is the best plan for me, not a diet but a new way of thinking and eating. I am changing one thing every two weeks, so far I have added more veggies to my diet and less butter. I have lost 6 pounds in two weeks and am feeling pretty pumped about that. I know if I add exercise I can lose more. it is hard for me to exercise as I am on my feet all day at work and come home tired. also I have bad knees and hips so it hurts as well. but I can do some if I will just get up and do it and when I lose more weight my hips and knees will not hurt so much and I can exercise even more. I promise if you stick to the forum, post and join, you will feel better and you will lose weight if you follow the plan. have you joined the newbie club yet? do so, I recommend it and post post post! good luck to us both and chin up!!!!

[Nikabi in reply to katy9617]

Have you considered swimming? Off your feet and water supports your joints. If you can’t swim, even shallower water aerobics is better for joints and most pools run sessions now. I also have an injury meaning impact sport is off limits. It’s very frustrating. I am targeting muscle groups instead until a physio appointment comes through.

[katy9617 in reply to Nikabi]

awesome idea! I am going to try it and is sounds like fun

[Munkeychops in reply to katy9617]

Hi katy9617

I also find it difficult to exercise although I have recently joined a gym just to see if I can do something to help myself. I have already had one hip replaced and have trouble with my other and my back at the moment. I am hoping that by doing whatever exercise I can do and losing weight that I can delay the inevitable second hip replacement for as long as possible. Onwards and upwards.

[Nikabi]

Hi. Monkeychops. I tried diet groups but commercial ones seem to concentrate too much on selling membership, literature and push their branded food. I find the 12 week challenge teaches proper eating habits and has really changed my portion control, which, surprising for me, turned out to be my biggest weakness. The literature is all free and feels so much more like real assistance over profit. Plus the forum is full of similar people who all want to encourage each other and help find solutions when you are stuck or confused.