Hi all, I am Rhian I have had a weight problem my whole life. It has consumed and controlled my self worth. People say ‘do donerhing about it’ ... I try but ultimately I return to the comfort and warmth of all that bad food. I see it as a treat as a hug.
It is the only thing in my life that I cannot control! It’s my vicious circle.
I really could do with all your help 😩
Hi Rhianp2 and welcome to the weight loss forum.
We have all been in that vicious circle at one time but you have now stopped it by joining here. 
You are invited to join our Newbie Club, where you can meet other new members who are just beginning their weigh loss journeys too. Here's the link for all the information you will need to find your way around the forum:
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
Write a brief note to introduce yourself to other newbies and I'm sure you'll be making friends, in no time.
Good luck with your first week.
Hi Rhianp2
Remember small changes. They soon add up and a lot of people find they are easier to stick to than changing everything at once.
Practice your three Rs ...
Reading - read lots and learn
Riting - log the food you eat through the day (even the not so good stuff)
Rithmetic - keep on track by keeping a running total of your calories as you go.
Great words of wisdom
That is such good advice. Even when you find that you have gone over your calorie allowance, you can compensate the next day by eating less or exercising more. It's amazing how even a 1lb loss on the scales can make a difference to how you look and feel ! We will all help you along the way and well done for resuming your journey towards better health and improved confidence x
Hi Rhianp2 welcome and good luck with your first week, you have taken the first step now you have to decide on your plan and set some targets. Go girl you can do it
Everyone on here will support you to get rid of your viscous circle Rhianp2 you just need to log on regularly and get involved in the conversations.
I think it is important to make food your friend, not your enemy. Check out how many calories you should be eating, it is usually more than you think you can have, then make best use of those calories. Eat good nutritious food and turn your back on any supposedly “diet” foods, they are generally laced with sugar or sweeteners and are not good for us.
Enjoy your journey, I look forward to seeing you around.
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Hi Rhian, something you wrote struck a chord with me. I've been seeing a counsellor (re anxiety) and spoke to her recently about how unhappy I am with my weight, and particularly my tendency to stuff myself with sweets, ice cream, biscuits, cake (my meals have never been too bad, apart from portion size). I couldn't really put it into words but I sort of put my arms around myself - like you say, seeing it as a hug.
I can't say I've sorted out how to deal with it, but I did realise that whatever comfort there is in eating, it's only short term, and the long term result is definitely not what I want; it does nothing for my feelings about myself. I'm still working on how to get those hugs elsewhere, by engaging more in life and looking outward and taking opportunities as they come up. In practical terms, I've found that planning my meals means I shop in a more organised way, so I'm not having to go "just pop in" to the shop and then being waylaid by a chocolate bar or tub of ice cream.
I'd say have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, take your time, start recording what you eat and calorie counting. I agree with the others who've posted that losing even a lb or half kilo is a real boost. Join one of the weekly weigh-ins (all the info is in the link YellowRose55 has given you) and start looking forward.
Take care of yourself and good luck
Hi Rhian, you can do this with the help and support of everyone here. You really can eat a bit more than you might think and still lose weight. the BMI calculator on this site will help you with that. I found that after a while, the craving for sugar-laden stuff fades quite a lot. I help with that by putting a reminder on my phone to prompt me to eat a healthy snack half an hour before the afternoon munchies would normally start. This has been the biggest difference - in the past, particularly on a stressful day, I could eat loads of sugary carbs in the late afternoon. Everyone needs to find their own way to hug themselves without eating comfort food, so I won't bore you with mine. But I would say keep enjoying trying new things and be open minded, because you might be surprised by what helps you if you try it. Also, some brisk exercise does help on those days when you just couldn't stick to healthy options. I'm not necessarily talking about a 10 mile run by the way, even a brisk walk helps. Good luck!
A big warm welcome to you Rhian. Spend some time getting familiar with the site and post often. Come up with a plan.. find our your BMI and how much you need to lose to get into a healthy range. Then set mini goals. We'll all be here to help with finding out this info so shout if you're stuck! Best wishes😊
Valerie
Hi I know exactly what you mean but you can do this, I was stuck in a similar position with severe health problems & I'm doing it & it's working you can be free 👍 I'm rushing out but write more later💐🌈
Newbie
Newbie and desperate 😞
Newbie
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