So glad I’ve found this site!

[Heart17]

I’m new here today. It’s so good that people can interact with other people that are struggling with their weight. I’ve put on over 4 stone in just over 4 years. A medication I was put on back then makes people put on a vast amount of weight. But being honest, I eat all the wrong foods and don’t exercise. I’ve tried every diet going, I was even given Orlistat by the doctor but had horrible side effects. Could anyone tell me how they have managed to lose some weight, would love some ideas. Thank you for reading 🙂

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello and welcome to the forum Heart17

The secret to losing weight and keeping it off to find a way of eating that suits you as an individual and that you can stick to long term. I’ve changed how I eat quite a lot, very rarely eat sweet things for example, and have reintroduced some fat into my diet after years of trying to eat ‘low fat’ diet foods. 😊. Have a look at these posts for more information (please ignore the title, it applies to anyone) healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

We've found active participation to be key to success, especially with our weigh-ins and Daily Diary. Follow this link to our chat thread and a list of all the activities we run. healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

If you haven’t already, then please read the Welcome post here which has lots of useful information about all the things we have on offer healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

For your own privacy and safety online we suggest that you lock your posts by selecting ‘members of my community’ when you write a new post. Please read our security post here healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... especially as your post isn’t locked

Best wishes in your weight loss journey

Indigo 😊

[bikegrrrl 1lb]

Hello Heart17 and welcome! I would echo everything said above by IndigoBlue61 .

I lost 2 stones in around 6 months through the support on this Forum and am now maintaining a healthy weight - and I know others have lost a lot more.

The secret for me was planning. While I was actively losing weight, I planned all my meals the night before, within a desired calorie range, and recorded my plans in the forum's Daily Diary.

I featured all the healthy foods I liked, calorie counted in advance, and took the time to really appreciate what I was eating. I cook for my family and I wasn't about to make 2 different meals, so it had to be something they would like and which could be adapted to give them enough calories (usually by giving them more carbs).

In the process, I learned a lot about myself and about what motivates me. I learned that nothing bad happened if I was a little bit hungry before my dinner. I learned that if I stuck to my plans, I did lose weight. I learned not to panic if the scales didn't move on any particular week, they would move the next week.

There are various quotes I heard which "spoke" to me. For example:

* "Eating well is a form of self-respect" and

* "I can't control everything in my life, but I can control what I put in my mouth".

Whenever I mucked up, I didn't give up, I just got back on to it with renewed determination.

I don't schedule a huge amount of exercise as "exercise", but I work it into my routine - cycling and walking are part of my normal day, and I enjoy gardening.

I have to say it has been a really positive experience for me, and I will be cheering you on!

[Heart17 in reply to bikegrrrl]

Thank you bikegrrrl 🙂 Firstly, well done on your success, what a great accomplishment! The quotes you referred to are so correct, I will certainly be using those from today onwards. I will use the meal prep idea because it did help me a little bit before. Plus it’s good to be organised food wise. I’m going to do a food shop so I’ve got everything I need in. Thank you for your message, I wish you well in your continued success on your journey 🙂