Newbie needs help.

[lam60]

I have been on so many diets over the years. I do well than after 2 months I go off the rails. I need to lose this weight now for my health. I have 6st to lose it seems an uphill struggle. I will be 60 next year and want a healthier me not another health issue I have to deal with. So I am going to give calorie counting a go and see if this helps me understand what I am eating and why I eat junk.

[Lytham 3 stone]

Well done for taking a step in the right direction!

Would you like to join our Christmas Challenge? Here's the link to tell you all about it, I hope to see you there! x

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[Emsy1111 in reply to Lytham]

Hello how do I join the Christmas challenge

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Emsy1111]

Hi and welcome, Emsy1111

Here's the link to the Christmas challenge, but don't forget it's short term, so I advise that you also join today's weigh-in too healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

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

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

To make navigating the forum easier, we've put all the information you'll need in a newbie pack and here's the link

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please take the time to read it carefully, so that you're able to enjoy everything that we have on offer.

We ask that you also read this important information about internet privacy and security.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Wishing you all the best

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to Emsy1111]

Hi just click on this blue link and it'll magically transport you to the thread! x

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[PippiRuns 3kg]

Welcome Lam. I think the NHS 12 week plan (which is based on calorie counting and eating a balanced diet that does not rule out any food groups entirely) is a very education place to start your journey. It really surprised me to see how many calories there are in many of the things I used to think were good for me. Now I only eat them in moderation. Calorie counting also keeps me accountable. Nothing goes in my mouth without a conscious decision. I log everything I eat and drink on MyFitnessPal and it really helps me.

I aim for the middle of my calorie range (as prescribed by the NSH BMI calculator) and have lost an average of .66 kg/per week over the last 6 weeks.

Good luck with your journey. Perhaps you want to join a weekly weigh-in?

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello, lam60, and welcome to the forum

Before you decide on calorie counting, I'd like you to read this, which explains what happens after a lifetime of dieting healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and this, which relates to it and offers a way forward phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

It's worth your while thinking seriously about choosing a different way of eating which you can enjoy for life, rather than a diet, to get you to a goal weight and then you can go back to eating "normally". You need to find a new normal.

This is a busy place with loads of support and information to help you on your way and we've put everything you need into this Welcome Newbies post. I recommend joining a weekly weigh in and using the Daily Diary healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please also read this information about security/privacy, especially as you have left your post unlocked healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

To make the most of the forum, join in with activities, read and reply to posts, ask questions and encourage others – it will all pay off for you 😊

[Iwishmyfatwasfiction]

Dear Lam,

I know what you mean, I get to a point in the diet and just cave, this time round I persisted, there was a difficult patch, but knowing that I needed to lose the weight and having the goal at the forefront really helped. All the best. (P.s I am currently doing slimming world and have lost a little over 3stone).

[Annekelly58]

You sound determined. Good luck with it.

[hemima]

Hi Lam,

Good connecting with you.

What have you been trying till now?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to hemima]

Hi and welcome, hemima

I hope you'll follow all the links that BridgeGirl has provided lam60 and will also become an active member of our community.

Onwards and downwards!

[Bear110]

A good start. For 3 months, I have been doing calories counting by using an app. Of course, this method has its ups and downs but I have lost 5 kg during the period. So it is a good strategy. I also recommend TRE or time-restricted eating. I myself follow 12 to 20 eating and 20 to 12 none eating pattern. You may alter it according to your conditions.

However, I take advantage of doing yoga everyday at home the most because it sets the tone and prepare me for this journey. It took me 8 months since I started doing yoga to reach here and for the first time I am sure that I can stay on track for the rest of my life. Losing weight is a process full of complexities so get educated and read books it helps.

[S11m in reply to Bear110]

Hi, Bear110 , welcome.

I am glad Intermittent Fasting (IF or TRE) is working for you.

I hope that you will join us on the Fasting and Furious forum?

healthunlocked.com/fasting-...

[WestieMaltese]

Well done lam60, I hope you will look at alternatives such as low-carb-high-fat. I am 59, never was able to shed more than 2lbs up and down for years. Tried LCHF and have lost 8lbs since 5 July. So I hope you will find the way - all the best.

[Noosat Visitor]

I think that maybe being in a group might help. One where you can receive encouragement and support. I am in such a group that talks of food and exercise. We make a commitment depending on what we can do. Some, very few, do not need to lose weight. It is a matter of health for them. Others need to lose quite a lot. It is a wide range. I make nutritious low calorie meals for myself to store in the refrigerator, so that when I am tired and don't want to cook, there is always something there for me. We work up personal diets. Some people relish an afternoon snack. I have found that s not necessary for me. I drink water and walk around instead.

[san_ray70 Maintainer]

I think everyone struggles with their weight most of their life, my weight sored when I had my second baby. It was up and down after that, but lately I was breathless walking so I went to the doctor, she gave me 12 weeks of slimming world. I have lost nearly 2st. I do not know how much I want to lose as I am older and do not want to look unwell. Good luck it is a good helpful forum on here.

[Bojo1]

I don't know how much weight you have lost before or in what time frame....and you mention the figure '60'. Just reading between the lines from your post, might I suggest that you set your target lower. By that I mean, set yourself the 6 stone weight loss goal, but have a realistic time frame in which to lose it; say perhaps over 18 months. You might find that by having a very doable average weight loss of 1 stone every 3 months, that you won't go off the rails as you won't be pushing yourself so hard and you will still be able to have some treats along the way........More of a hare and tortoise approach!

You could also consider earning your treats through additional exercise to your normal routine. For example, if a chocolate bar is 450 calories, then walk 4 and a half miles at a brisk pace( perhaps in 2 more relaxed sessions that day) or cycle at 12mph for an hour or thereabouts and so on. Match any exercise to your favourite rewards.........

Personally, what works for me is building up treat credits. I will exercise lots and cut back on the calories and tot up the calories expended over a few days, then I'll have a free day and enjoy some fish and chips from my local chippy for example or a whole packet of those Belgian caramel bisuits!!

Using this method I went from 85 down to 70 Kilos (about 2 stone) over 6 months and have maintained the same weight for the last year. It does require some level of self discipline, but the treats make it all worth while for me and I have absolutely no intention of putting weight back on.

[Jo1957]

Hiya, i started here yesterday and posted a similar note. I am 62 and have done all the diets. I lost weight with them all just never stayed with it. I've got about 4 stone to lose. I'll keep and eye out for your posts. We can do this.

Jo (feamale)