Time to start taking care of myself.

[hannebraaten]

Hi everyone.

My name is Hanne, and I'm 28. I am a student at University, and the last year has been full of ups and downs, though sadly the ups have been mostly related to my weight.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in september, and I've been on medication since, which I am not sure whether or not has kept my weight on or not. Though, truth be told, that's probably just an excuse I am making, and in reality it's just the student life, not eating healthily enough, snacking too much. So I want to get in control of that.

I have been overweight all my life. I currently weigh 94kg, and I am 168cm. that makes my BMI 33.3, and so morbidly obese. Of course, that's something I very much want to change. Ideally I would like to lose 34kg, and get down to 60kg, which would be the lowest I have ever been in my adult life. I would like to lose that over the next two years, so that I have a healthy weightloss, instead of a fast crash that will lead to me piling the weight back on again.

A few years ago I lost a lot of weight. Nearly 20kg in about 6 months, however, that has all come back now. At the time I lost it by going to the gym 7 days a week for 3-4 hours. And in the end I crashed and couldn't bring myself to go to the gym, and of course the weight came back.

Therefore this time I want to take it slow and steady, and I'd much rather see lasting results than fast ones.

I've just downloaded the NHS 12 Week plan and will be starting to use that tomorrow. I am going to set my calorie goal for the first 10kg to about 1800, so my body isn't shocked by it, but then over time I will lower it. For exercise I am going to start off slow with walking, and then maybe come autumn I will join a gym again.

I would love friends along for this journey.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Great to have you join us hannebraaten

Welcome and enjoy the forum, so pleased you found us. Please check the NHS BMI Calculator and gauge your calories on the figures it gives.. you will lose weight and enjoy the process a lot more. Wishing you great success..

Please check with your health professional regarding your actions to lose weight and get their support locally to compliment this wonderful forum...

I'd like to invite you to read our Newbie Pack - which is what I call the sat-nav to the benefits of the forum, here's the link:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please also read this about the importance of locking your posts:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Cheering you on to reach your goals 🎉🎉🎉

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

You sound like you've got a very measured approach to this hannebraaten . And you're right, you're far more likely to keep the weight off if you lose it gradually, while developing a new relationship with food which you can then keep to for life

As for the exercise, do something you like and you're more likely to stick with it.

I hope your medication is making a difference to how you feel, and no doubt seeing some progress with your weight will help that, too. Exercise is only a small part of weight loss but is definitely of value in itself, and can also improve your mood, as I'm sure you know

Good luck! Come on the forum as often as you can, join in discussions, events and activities, once you've found your way around, and you'll find it very supportive and informative

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to BridgeGirl]

Forgot to say, a BMI of 33.3 is classed as obese but not morbidly so

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

Student life can be stressful in itself . Try and plan a simple diet with easy foods to prepare . Porridge is easy and salads even if you buy a bag prepared and use it 2 to 3 times . Add onion and peppers for flavour. Try cottage cheese ,lean ham or tuna . Some ready meals are under 500 cals if you are that hungry and so tired that you just can't cook . Focus on cutting out snacks if you can . Studying ? A cup of instant soup or jot chocolate is less than 100 cals and sipped slowly can help

[13Valerie]

A big warm welcome to you hanne.

I'll be your buddy along the way!!

Pop on here often and let us know how you're getting on.

Looking forward to celebrating each success with you along the way.

There's great ideas and support here too and you've experience to share so dont be shy😀

[rachyjones 7lbs]

Welcome Hanne! This is a lovely friendly forum where you'll find lots of tips and support. It sounds like you've got a good sound plan, lose it steadily, gain good habits en route and then be healthy for the rest of your life. The NHS plan does work if you give it time and go easy on yourself. I have personally found it initially euphoric, then a bit tough, and now feel a lot calmer around food. Good luck!