Mission Accomplished!

[LaughingBuddha]

I know 12lbs wasn't a big target. Never having been on a weight loss diet before I had no idea how it would go. But in just four weeks I managed to lose 12 1/2lbs. I haven't quite lost the couple of inches around my waist - nearly, not quite. But following this plan and receiving the fantastic comments and encouragement that I have had made all the difference. I couldn't have done it without, and certainly not on my own.

Now I suppose, for me, the real battle commences, maintaining it. I'm calling it "Aim to Maintain". I don't intend doing that on my own, either. I still need all of you. I'll still be looking for tips and what to do. I've got my game plan, my own idea of how to set about it. Here goes...

[Seedhead]

Fantastic achievement Laughing Budda! I’m still working on the weight loss so have no tips for maintaining- but the support here is wonderful isn’t it. Well done and Good luck!

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Seedhead]

Thank you Seedhead. I have to admit to being very pleased with the way it's gone. Yeah, I agree the support is wonderful and I've been told they have a Maintainers Club which is what I'll be joining shortly. So when you have reached your particular goal, come and join us. I'll look forward to seeing you there.

[Seedhead in reply to LaughingBuddha]

Looking forward to that day 🤩

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Well done LB, why not hop over to our Maintainers' Club?

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to moreless]

Thanks moreless. Your suggestion seems like a good idea. I'm on my way.

[Bogmonster]

Wow, that is quite an achievement in four weeks. I am loosing 2 lb a week and was happy with that. I am sure with the right mindset you will keep the weight off.

Well done, BM.

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Bogmonster]

Hi Bogmonster and thank you for your comment. I wasn't expecting to be jumping for joy just yet. I was hoping to lose 2lb a week myself - at least my calorie intake pointed to that. I just got lucky I suppose. You are doing really well yourself. Good luck with your progress.

[Barcud 48kg]

Well done on reaching your goal and getting to maintaining.

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Barcud]

Thank you Barcud. I'm in it for the long haul now, no looking back - or going back. Best wishes and good luck to you.

[MammaMojo]

Well Done ! Superb achievement.

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to MammaMojo]

Thank you MammaMojo. I'm well pleased and surprised at what I've achieved in the time. Best wishes to you

[fattybygaslight]

Well done, I think you will have to change your name to just "laughing"

Can't advise on maintaining, but I know you will find great wisdom and genuine support here

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to fattybygaslight]

First I've got to say "love, love, love your name". Thank you for your comment and good luck with your progress.

[Aussiegirl270416]

Well done, and good luck with maintaining. When I get to that point I will be looking for some tips from you! 😀

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Aussiegirl270416]

Thank you Aussiegirl270416 and good luck with your progress. When you do get to that point, I've no doubt there are lots more around to give you tips better than I, but you never know; I might come up with a little gem from time to time. All the best.

[Shotglass Maintainer]

Well done, LaughingBuddha, congratulations!

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Shotglass]

Thank you Shotglass. You've been keeping an eye on my progress throughout and your comments have always been welcome. It's been suggested I join the Maintainers Club and I see you're already there. Well, you can't shake me off yet; I'm on my way.

[Shotglass Maintainer in reply to LaughingBuddha]

That's great, come join us!

[RazzleH]

Well done LaughingBuddha!! What did you find worked for you? I'm one week in and need some tips

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to RazzleH]

Hi RazzleH. Thanks for your comment. First let me say these kind of comments and words of encouragement are a massive help. My approach to it was first to make a commitment to losing weight and stick to it. I bought a set of digital bathroom scales and kitchen scales. I checked my BMI on the NHS calculator - it's simple to do; it recommends how much weight to lose and a daily calorie intake - I stuck to the lower end.

I am constantly looking on the NHS calorie checker. If I can't find it there I google whatever it is I'm looking for. I check on the back of packs, tins, etc.; I weigh portions; it's close to obsessive.

I write down everything I eat and drink throughout each day - breakfast, lunch, dinner, extras, the size portions, calories and keep a running check how many calories I have had, how many there are left and stick to it the best I can. I've made the odd mistake here and there but all in all it works for me and it'll continue to work for me.

A word of warning! When the first thing you do when you go out shopping is instantly look on the back of the pack, then turn it round and on the front is says "wash powder", you've taken it too far!

Seriously though, you may have had or get tips easier to use, but you did ask (hope I've not bored you too much). I wish you the very best of luck, keep in touch with everyone on the site, let us know how you're doing and when you've accomplished your goal, there's the Maintainers Club that I have just joined (if they'll have me that is) to help keep you going.

[Craftyperson]

Great news you've made your goal and in a short time too I'm sure with your determination you'll manage to maintain

[LaughingBuddha Maintainer in reply to Craftyperson]

Thanks Craftyperson. All I can do is try. I wish you well with your target. Good luck.