Trying to lose weight and be healthier

[Loraine518]

Hi all, I am new here and would like some advice.

I lost 2 and a half stone the year before last going to classes, but had to stop due to lack of time and money. I have put it all back on and as I get older I am finding it hard to lose weight/stick to a diet.

I am also incredibly tired, I average about 3 hours a night sleep and this is really taking its toll. I walk my dogs for between 40 and 90 minutes most days and I also have various gym equipment at home, but lately I just feel too exhausted to use it much.

I suffered a loss recently and have been feeling very upset and fragile from this, although I am now starting to feel better.

I usually eat a relatively healthy diet and don't usually have a sweet tooth, although recently have been craving sweet stuff. I drink alcohol, especially at weekends and although I have cut down, think this is making it hard to lose weight. I do not like squash or fizzy drinks or fruit juices and although I like water, I find it difficult to drink this if we go out socialising and everyone else is drinking.

I really want to combine a healthy diet with exercise in order to lose weight and keep it off, but I am not sure where to start. My husband is very unhelpful as he likes a drink and wants me to drink with him. Any advice for things that have worked for others would be gratefully appreciated.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Loraine

Firstly, I would advise a trip to see your GP about your tiredness, as you may have some underlying health issues, which may also be causing you to gain weight.

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

[Loraine518 2st 7lbs in reply to moreless]

Hi and thank you for replying, I think a trip to the doctor is good advice. That has reminded me that the last time I felt this tired I was very deficient in vitamin D. I think talking about issues helps a great deal and I will join the the newbies club and hopefully get some more support.

[Marion_63]

Hi Loraine518 welcome to the group. Sorry to hear you are not feeling so good. I know what it is like to feel so low after a loss and it takes time to heal.

Take one step at a time and take a look at the NEWBIE CLUB. I have only been with this group for three weeks and there is lots of support. You seem to be doing the right thing by the amount of walking you are doing and maybe if you use this as a start.

I like you am not a great fan of fizzy drinks or squash, I find they don't quench my thirst, but recently got a bit fed up with water till one of the friends I have made on here reminded me it doesn't have to be only water.

Please take a little time to look round the forum and join the weigh in too.

Love to hear more from you!x

[Loraine518 2st 7lbs in reply to Marion_63]

Thanks for the reply I will check out the different forums for support. I drink lemon water during the day it’s more in the evenings when socialising and everyone else is drinking. I think just talking about issues helps a lot.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello and welcome. You have the built in exercise with the dogs which is a great start - far more than I do.

I had to tackle my alcohol intake a year ago - a bit of a personal crisis and I started on medication for anxiety so that was a prompt to cut down drastically, and, despite a few blips, I have stuck with it and rarely exceeded the recommended units per week (wouldn't like to tell you what I was drinking).

I'm on my own so in a different situation to you. Some people find family very supportive, which is great, but I guess many more are in the same situation as you with it working the other way. I wonder if your husband thinks he'll have to cut down if you do, or if he sees it as implied criticism. It really is up to him what he does but it's a shame he makes it more difficult for you.

[Loraine518 2st 7lbs in reply to BridgeGirl]

Hi and thanks for replying. I dont really have a problem in that I drink more than the recommended units per week. I mainly drink at the weekend but I am aware that alcohol is not great if trying to lose weight. Also if we do go out for a drink or meal find it hard drinking anything else as I don’t like most other things on offer. I think my husband feels guilty if he drinks and I don’t, although he is also aware he should not be drinking too much for health reasons. I am also easily led sometimes and give in too easily. I suppose I just need to be firmer with both of us.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Loraine518]

Hi Loraine, sounds as if you could both support each other which would be the best of all worlds. Good luck with it all

[Wadestreet]

Welcome to the forum. You are doing a great with exercise with the dogs. So a great start!!. I to had a drinking problem and quit 10 years ago. I was on meds as well not a good combo. I moved to a different area and have been sober since. Remember you need to look after yourself and only you. As well you cannot change your husband until he is ready. and who knows he sees how good your doing. he will follow in your footsteps. Start having 3 healthy meals the plus snacks. Hear they have site where they discuss different recipes an interesting topics. Or could go online and find different recipes you would like to try. Have a healthy journey and please keep us posted.

[Loraine518 2st 7lbs in reply to Wadestreet]

Thanks for replying, Yes my dogs are great for getting me out walking as they need lots of exercise. My biggest problem apart from being so tired is finding alternatives when we socialise as I don’t like most alternative drinks on offer. I also need to be more assertive. Although I don’t tend to drink during the week sometimes I drink when I don’t really feel like it just for a peaceful life. I will look through the site and hopefully get some inspiration.