Barriers

[redbelle]

Three weeks into eating better and walking more. I feel great I haven't lost much weight but I feel energized and positive. I put so many barriers up to defend why I wasn't able to change my bad eating habits and wow! its all changed. I was in a lot of pain with my knee and hip, losing sleep and generally lifeless but one decision to start eating better by writing a menu for the week and I'm up and running. I can't walk far but I'm doing it in small chunks through the day aiming for 5,000 steps. The pain is still there but my thinking is it will get less the more weight I lose. so far I've lost 3lbs, not a big number but a big difference to the way I feel.

[Brightfeather Maintainer Healthy BMI]

Very well done. Great thinking.😊

[ExcitableElf]

Actually redbelle , 3 pounds in 3 weeks is superb, well done you!

[redbelle in reply to ExcitableElf]

Thank you.

[S11m]

A pound a week is great... do you count calories or just "eat better".

My brother is BMI 46, and his doctor suggested that he should lose weight gradually, and not count calories.

I am losing a pound a week without counting calories, but I am lucky that I can lose weight just by eating less. I have a "proper" lunch almost every day, Age Concern or pub dieter/OAP/child small meal.

[redbelle in reply to S11m]

I count calories. I never go over 1900cals and usually stick around 1650cal give or take. I see you've put Age concern, I belong to that.

[S11m in reply to redbelle]

How many calories do you count for an Age Concern meal?

[redbelle in reply to S11m]

Depends what's for dinner, I guestimate it but usually around 800 cal. You can ask the kitchen staff to give you a rough idea.

[Marie699]

Hi redbelle well done!

[redbelle in reply to Marie699]

Thank you

[redbelle in reply to Marie699]

Thank you.

[Pineapple27]

Such a positive post redbelle !! I too used to have all kinds of excuses as to why I was overweight and unable to lose weight - I’m in too much pain, I haven’t the time, getting washed and dressed is exhausting enough (etc!

One day I realised.... ENOUGH!!! Enough of those excuses, enough of the pain. I have broken through the barrier of allowing these excuses from stopping me. Because they were just that. They were excuses.

It is harder for some of us for whatever reason. We’re busy, old, in pain, unable to exercise, have children, too short, have an illness, work too many hours……. BUT in fact if we have additional barriers, we just have to work at it harder than most. But I believe we also have the most to gain! We can get our life back - perhaps even a better life than we once had!

It’s not impossible. I have proved that to myself. People who have known me for years have no choice but to believe it too. They’ve seen me go from 14 stone to under 10 stone. Reduce from a size 24 to a size 16.

It works. But you have to want it to and you clearly are giving it everything!

Way to go!!!

[redbelle in reply to Pineapple27]

Thank you. There is a saying "if you don't change, life will change you", I think this is what's happening.

[S11m in reply to Pineapple27]

Hi, Pineapple27 ...

I think that we are all under tall and not overweight... if you are 100kg, the ideal height is 2m!

[Mikebez in reply to Pineapple27]

Well done. I’m now 32 and need to get down to 16 ish. Lost weight quickly at first but now it’s slowing down.

[redbelle in reply to Mikebez]

Normally I become obsessed with food when I'm trying to lose weight but because I know in advance what I'm going to be eating for the day, I'll buy it, its there and I don't think about it. I have 5st to lose, it wont happen quick but whatever I do today will impact on tomorrows weight loss, so I must be patient. I've also started reading, knitting and crosswords to occupy my mind. Like everyone who's trying to lose weight I have the fear of failing, support from others is very important.. Keep going you will lose the weight, we both will.

[Mikebez in reply to redbelle]

Will do. I think losing a bit definitely motivates. Not sure about the knitting. Haha.

[IndigoBlue61]

What a fabulous post redbelle 😊🎉👏. Very well done, and 3lbs in three weeks is spot on, the perfect amount of fat to lose 😊

Are you going to join a group weigh in? I know you would be made very welcome at the Feelgood Friday Group healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh....

[redbelle in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you I would like to join the group.

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to redbelle]

Just follow the link, read the post, reply to a couple of other people and then post all your details in the reply box 😊

[Honey10 1lb]

So great to hear, I totally agree eating healthy and daily exercise really improves the mind. Also may like to try swimming for your knees, just a thought.

[redbelle in reply to Honey10]

Love to give swimming a go but feel embarrassed at the moment. I know I shouldn't worry what people thing but I do. So I've started with the walking, I love being outdoors.

[Honey10 1lb in reply to redbelle]

Great walking is good, you must feel comfortable and do what suits you and your lifestyle.

[Mikebez in reply to redbelle]

Walking is wonderful exercise. I’m too heavy presently to do some decent walking but that motivates me to loose. Loved hill walking.

[S11m in reply to Mikebez]

Hi, Mikebez , have you tried swimming?

Is there a pool near you?

[Mikebez in reply to S11m]

I’m to fat. I’d be embarrassed

[Mikebez in reply to S11m]

About 100m away

[S11m in reply to Mikebez]

Pick a time when there are not many people at the swimming pool... Are there therapy sessions for people who would get medical benefit from swimming?

Maybe you will soon be as "slim" as my father was... when he was 24 stone.

[Mikebez in reply to S11m]

I’d love to be 24 stone. Hoping to drop ten stone in the next 6-8 months.

[Mikebez in reply to redbelle]

I’m the same embarrassment at swimming

[cheritorrox]

brilliant! I have arthritic knees (mainly when it's cold)and a badly healed fractured vertebra at the bottom of my spine't walk for more than 10 min at When I first started "new life" I couldn't walk for more than 10 min at a time but it really does get easier as weight comes off and muscles tone up. I can do a up to 45 min now but half an hour briskly is better. Keep thinking positively and you're 95% there! x

[redbelle in reply to cheritorrox]

Your reply has given me motivation. The fact that you have done so well, thank you

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to cheritorrox]

I have arthritis in my lower spine so your reply has really given me motivation

Thank you 😊

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to cheritorrox]

I have arthritis in my lower spine so your reply has really given me motivation

Thank you 😊

[Mikebez]

Yes that’s what I need to start exercises but too heavy presently. If I get under 30 stone I should be ok.

[redbelle in reply to Mikebez]

I'm doing a workout from youtube, there are loads of short easy chair exercises on there to help you make a start, give it a go.

[Mikebez in reply to redbelle]

That’s sounds interesting

[Ali_B62 in reply to Mikebez]

Hopefully some exercise will get the endorphins circulating and will help your mood and positivity.

[Hidden]

Well done, keep it up - baby steps as they say

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023]

That's really fantasticI'm so pleased for you

I hid behind my arthritis saying I couldn't exercise so wouldn't lose weight it was just an excuse as when I finally admitted I needed to lose it I did and I need to exercise to help the pain I feel so much better

I have not heard of pub dieter meals I don't enjoy eating out much now as the portions they give you are ridiculous

Good luck you are doing great 😊

[redbelle in reply to Cat33]

Yes it is hard eating out but like people share a dessert you can always share a dinner, just ask for two plates. I've heard that every where that sells food will soon have to display the calories, that will be great. The trouble with eating out is it makes you think you are not in control so I agree with you that you are better off where you can decided the potion you eat. Glad you are doing so well it always helps to know there is a way forward. My arthritis can be very debilitating at times and its hard not to get down in the dumps.

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to redbelle]

Yes we have shared a pud but unless it says sharing have never thought of sharing a main that's a great idea They just bring out such huge portions and I can't eat that much now

Arthritis is rotten isn't it do you do pacing ? At a physiotherapy group we were told to do what we have to do for one hour set a timer then stop and rest for 30mins I find I get more done and not in so much pain

All the best 😊

[redbelle in reply to Cat33]

The physio where I live is sent to you by letter and you have to follow the exercises. There is no face to face contact so I hope I'm doing them right. I do pace myself though sometimes I get carried away and end up paying for it. I'm slotting my walking exercise in small chunks and this is working for me. Do you do exercises? Keep well.

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to redbelle]

Im just starting new physio this week I had a hip replacement last year so had exercises for that and did them then I had an MRI in May they found I have arthritis in my lower spine so they gave me injections they were amazing I felt 10 years younger but they have worn off now so will see what exercises I will get

I find walking really helps me I'm glad you find it good to

It's hard isn't it sometimes it's easy to keep going and then pay for it after

Take care 😊

[redbelle in reply to Cat33]

Sorry to hear you have arthritis in your spine that must be awfully hard for you. I had an injection in my knee, then two week later fell over onto concrete on the same knee ended up breaking my glasses having two black eyes and my knee swollen and painful. I can get another injection in January so I'll try again then.

All the bruising has gone now and I'm feeling more positive. Must take it slowly.

[Cat33 Restart Dec 2023 in reply to redbelle]

Oh dear poor you that's not good I hope your knee is better now ? Two black eyes too it must have really shaken you up

Yes it is painful with my spine I find I have to keep active or I seize up !

Take good care of yourself x

[rachyjones 7lbs]

Well done! It all sounds fab, a good healthy diet is ultimately the key, everything else will fall into place naturally.

[grenoble12]

You're definitely on the right track, redbelle. Keep it going. The benefits of becoming more active and eating sensibly will increase and increase for you.

[rachiegirl]

that's great redbelle

[Red67]

Well done! 3lb is great! I've got my first weigh in tomorrow. Hope I've lost something.

[redbelle in reply to Red67]

Hi, good luck for tomorrow

[marie10]

Wel done Redbell 👍