Ready to change!

[JennyGiraffe]

Hi everyone. I joined late last night after months of burying my head in the sand. I'm at my heaviest, probably around 18 stone and I've just turned 43. My problems are late night eating, barely exercising and too much alcohol. Hoping this forum will give me tips and encouragement! X

[Dyfodol 7lbs]

Hi JennyGiraffe!

Congratulations on starting your weight loss journey.

You’re in the right place for advice and support. I’m sure admin will be along soon to give you all the links and advice to get you started. There will be lots of people around like me who are on a similar journey to cheer you along your way. I love reading posts about other people’s journeys as they can be both comforting and informative and sometimes just funny!😃 I hope you find the way of eating and that works for you and you get the spring back in your step very soon. Good luck!😁

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Dyfodol]

Thank you so much!!

[Hidden]

Omg are we related these are also my downfalls and I weigh four stone more with type 2 diabetes I can be good at work and the afternoon but come night time and I just could eat anything it’s so much worse when I drink wine the next day I crave bad food it’s become a cycle so sending you lots of encouragement but if you have any tips could you share the only thing I’ve found a bit helpful is seriously not buying any goodies or pastry’s or things to go on bread as that’s my downfall at night sandwiches and toast anyway good luck 👍🌻

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Hidden]

My main weakness would be crisps! Honestly the amount I could eat is disgusting. They go hand in hand with the wine tbh. I'm meal planning today and desperately looking for something to satisfy the savoury craving. Thanks for replying x

[SofaJockey in reply to JennyGiraffe]

I was a crisp addict. To lose 7 stones that had to change. My route was a LCHF diet that significantly reduced my hunger and cravings. The key was sugar reduction (eating food that had <5g/100g sugar) cutting out all but 3 small portions (15g) of carbs each day (bread, pasta, rice, potato, pastries) and increasing natural fats (cutting out low fat foods and replacing with full-fat foods that have less additives and sugars). And eating mostly unprocessed meat fish and tons of veggies. I shall have the occasional snack of 2 crackers with cheese, sardines or olives. First step was a reset, clearing the food cupboards of rubbish.

[JennyGiraffe in reply to SofaJockey]

Did you start this straightaway SofaJockey? Thanks for replying x

[SofaJockey in reply to JennyGiraffe]

I started in August 2019. I found I needed to replace the problematic foods (crisps) with main meals I liked. I occasionally have a bag of Twiglets (birthday, Xmas, special occasion) but that's it for snack bags. That's where the cheese and crackers and full fat greek yoghurt come in. Cutting back on carbs and sugar addresses the hunger cravings, so one or two additional health snacks per day is plenty. What healthy foods do you most enjoy? A sustainable diet is eating things you like or you won't do it.

[JennyGiraffe in reply to SofaJockey]

I like most healthy foods, all fruit & veg. Last night was the 1st night in as long as I can remember that I had no crisps. I sucked a cube of extra mature cheddar and took some lavender tea to bed!

I'm going to chop some veg today and boil some eggs and I have some hummus ?

[SofaJockey in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Sounds great. Veggies and eggs are particularly good go-to's. Hummus also nice but I'm very sparing about any carbs (pitta/crackers) I put it on. 😄

[JennyGiraffe in reply to SofaJockey]

Yes....crackers could end up as my crisp replacement I'm afraid. 😕 I'd probably just use the hummus with the veg sticks.

I'm starting to enjoy almond butter (in small amounts) too.

[SofaJockey in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Nice. Avocado Oil is my go-to for cooking.

[Subtle_badger in reply to Hidden]

I weighed less than both of you, but what broke the back of my snacking habit was what I now realise was a reset/detox. I followed Fast800 for a month (time restricted eating, low carb, low calorie). I lost centimetres and kilograms, but more importantly it broke the back of my snacky carb habit. I haven't had a carb snack since then! Lockdown has helped, because I don't keep them in the house, and no one has offered me a snack since March.

I still drink wine, but now if I get snacky I eat cheese, or (and I am serious) open a can of sardines. Both are much better for me.

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Subtle_badger]

Personally for me I'm not sure this would work for me....not yet anyway. I've found the strict methods make me crave so much more. I think if I start gradually making changes and changing my routines I could embark on this later? x

[Subtle_badger in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Yes. You have to find the path that works for you. You sound like an addict, so that's something to consider. I loved carbs, but don't think I was an addict, just a problem user. Remembering that carbs like crisps quickly turn into sugar in the belly (see the clips moreless has provided), you might find this useful to think about your relation to carbs and sugar.

youtu.be/1wx39iQADs8(Not working as expected?)

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Subtle_badger]

Thank you. I'm going to have a busy afternoon 🙂

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Hidden]

Hi and welcome, Gibson01

As you already have T2D, then it's even more important for you to limit your carbs. Here are a few things for you to look at:

This is the first of 7 videos in the series, all worth watching.

youtu.be/h0zD1gj0pXk?t=226(Not working as expected?)

youtu.be/eKQWFJmCWZE(Not working as expected?)

dietdoctor.com/diabetes

diabetes.co.uk/

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

I hope you'll also follow the links I've given JennyGiraffe and will become an active member of our community.

Onwards and downwards

[Hidden in reply to moreless]

Thank you so much 😊 I think being an active member will benefit me a lot 🌻

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Hidden]

Of that I have no doubt

[Dyfodol 7lbs]

Crisps and wine late at night were my biggest downfall (they still are my go to treat but I only indulge on high days and holidays) One piece of advice I found really helpful was that treats belong to special occasions and so to respect those treats by giving them that special place. You wouldn’t drink champagne every night of the week so if crisps and wine are your champagne, then when you do have them make sure it’s a memorable occasion and you really enjoy them. My next big treat day in my daughter’s 15th birthday at the end of July and I am soooo excited about her birthday tea (she’ll be lucky to get her hands on any of it!)!😂

The other thing that has really helped me is following my own version of the LCHF way of eating, which leaves me feeling very satisfied and has pretty much eliminated carb cravings which used to really upset me. Good luck on finding your way forward. 😁

[JennyGiraffe]

Thank you. 100% agree about seeing wine as a treat/special occasion. It's so easy to fall into unhealthy routines

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome JennyGiraffe

I'm sure with our help you'll be able to get back on track. We have a monthly Drink Less Club, where you can join others that are successfully limiting the amount of alcohol they're drinking.

This may help you change tack healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

This may give you some insight into why those crisps are so hard to give up well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013...

All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and I hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially a weigh-in and the daily diary.

If you haven't already taken it, here's a tour of the forum healthunlocked.com/?tour=true

We've found active participation to be key to successful weight loss and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.

Wishing you all the best

[JennyGiraffe in reply to moreless]

Thank you! That sounds really helpful. I'll have a read now

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to JennyGiraffe]

You're very welcome

[Lytham 3 stone]

Well done for lifting your head out of the sand would you like to join us on the weigh in? Here's the link, I hope to see you there! x

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Lytham]

Yes....thank you

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Brilliant, just click on that blue link I gave you and reply to me there x

[PedallingMinstrel Restart April 2024]

You’ve come to the right place for advice and support. I was drinking too much snacking and generally overeating until my weight was spiralling and again doing no exercise. I struggled to get out of a chair. I am 66.

I’ve had a few blips and occasionally will drink shorts but try to avoid alcohol as once I start if I’m in the mood I’ll want another !! Then the munchies. I don’t eat at night now once we’ve had the evening meal. I am on an LCHF approach so I generally feel full after a meal

I’ve lost 1stone 1 pound in about five weeks so far. For exercise I go out on my bike. Good luck

[JennyGiraffe in reply to PedallingMinstrel]

Thanks Jeff. Easy to get into an unhealthy routine isn't it? Hopefully I can make changes now. Sounds like you're doing really well now!!!

[PedallingMinstrel Restart April 2024 in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Jenny eating carbs makes you feel Hungry and then you want More carbs. If you eat fats with protein you’ll hopefully not feel like the crisps.

The bottom line is if you really feel something is important to you only you can make the changes. it’s not going on a diet to lose weight. It’s changing our way of eating as a way of life. Making things too strict long term is not sustainable. I love wine but only have it when I socialise Beer was my real downfall. I play in a band in pubs and we are paid in beer

We are doing this long term for our health and well being. Once we make things change and we see a difference that will motivates us more.

Good luck

[JennyGiraffe in reply to PedallingMinstrel]

You make perfect sense! Thanks Jeff

[Shield-Maiden in reply to PedallingMinstrel]

Hi Jeff,

I hope you don't mind me butting in here...I just wanted to say, well done on the awesome weight loss, and only a month too! Keep up the good work

[PedallingMinstrel Restart April 2024 in reply to Shield-Maiden]

What a great user name ! I am sometimes Olaf the Viking working in a local Maritine museum with school groups. Thank you. I think when you start again the first big lump is usually just water anyway but it's great when the numbers go down again. Getting into my jeans and facvourite clothes that I've not been able to wear will be good though and feeling more confident about my appearance when. I start gigging again will be make it worthwhile. Know this sounds weird but I'm finding it easier singing since I've got some weight off ? Don't ask ! I don't know why. It's just a win win doing some sort of exercise no matter how small makes you feel healthier as does your weight coming down. Sometimes takes ages you're on the same then it drops a bit again but it's not going up though. Hopefully this will be the new norm for me now. I'll have naughty treats along the way my family came up this weekend I had A pint drank wine ate bread and a few chips but Ill be back on in and the bike tomorrow good luck everyone try and keep it a fun challenge and enjoy the journey.

Jeff

[Shield-Maiden in reply to PedallingMinstrel]

Hi Jeff,

You have the right attitude...and, mindset, that's awesome...as is Olaf

I still need to get to thinking this way, it's just a little struggle atm for me, unfortunately. I'm starting to hike again though, being too fatigued for a year or so. I have recently moved, and I open my gate, onto wonderful trails, but it's baby steps...3.5K yesterday, 4.5 today...but both days I left it a little late (after my morning coffee) and it was super hot; I want to get back up to 8 to 10km walks, by the fall....fingers crossed.

Re the weight loss, I need a plan, and I am considering LCHF, although it does seem a little alien to me, I need to do lots of reading, not to mention, learning about it, me thinks lol

Take care

[PedallingMinstrel Restart April 2024 in reply to Shield-Maiden]

The only reason I went onto LCHF as before I went back on the site the seeds of the idea had been sown. I met my brother five years older than me I’m 66 now, he said he’d lost loads simply by knocking the beer on the head ( we both like a pint ) and cutting out potatoes and bread. Then he just went on to avoiding high

carb foods. And that’s it really. Just make slow gradual changes if I were you, Good luck with the walking. It’s ok if the weather is ok. I’m out on the bike tomorrow but it’s raining Tuesday. Good luck with it

Jeff

[Shield-Maiden in reply to PedallingMinstrel]

Thank you Jeff

I am giving it a go; I do the shopping tomorrow, so I will look for some recipes. Baby steps, for me, I think.

Enjoy your ride 😎

[BJ2020]

Hi both Jenny and Hidden what worked for me is to try and find the healthier version of the food you crave and/or reduce the amount of it.

I was 18st 5, Now 14st. Dec 2019 to present.

Previous diet was things like fish and chips x5 per week, 4-5 packets of crisps daily and 4 chocolate bars daily stuff like that

Now I use smaller plates. (only started this in the last month)

As for fish and chips. I have salmon, oven French Fries (can control quantity better that way) and mixed veg once or twice a week or some weeks not at all. Cut crisps completely and only have them sporadically. I have dark chocolate on occasion and recently been giving 85% cocoa a try. Introduced more fruit and veg such as apples, bananas, grapes, blueberries, strawberries honeydew melon, pineapple. Carrots, potatoes (not as often), onion, mushrooms etc

You could also look into meal prep

Hope this helps 🙂. I also just joined here a few days ago. To track what I eat I use the my fitness pal app.

Good luck

[JennyGiraffe in reply to BJ2020]

I think I'll have to cut crisps out altogether tbh. They're my absolute nemesis. I just downloaded a calorie tracker too x

[BJ2020 in reply to JennyGiraffe]

Good luck. Yeh at my worst I could demolish a 12 pack in a few hours. Since cutting crisps myself I haven't really craved them. I think I started by cutting quantity first maybe 1 per day then it may have been 3 per week and eventually you get to having none for weeks 🙂

[JennyGiraffe in reply to BJ2020]

I'm the same! It's so mindless 🙂 You're definitely doing something right

[Shield-Maiden in reply to BJ2020]

Hi Benjamin,

Congrats on the huge achievement, and in such a short space of time.

I hope you don't mind me asking, did you follow a low carb eating plan? Or, have you been super-healthy, and exercised a lot? Well done again, that's such a wonderful loss!

[Shield-Maiden]

Hi Jenny,

Welcome

I'm very new here too...I love reading the posts, together with learning all of the awesome information.

I could have written your post...did you read my mind! lol

I have the same problem, night time eating...I have stopped drinking wine....because wine should be paired with chips (crisps)...and then you need the white fluffy stuff, with butter....then I instantly look 10 months pregnant for the next few days! (I recently found out on this site, that I have Hashimoto's disease, which explains a lot, to me).....so, I must stop waffling on....I just wanted to say "Hello" and "You can do this!) x

[BJ2020 in reply to Shield-Maiden]

Thanks Shield. Didn't really follow a diet plan as such. I just cut out the fish and chips which I was having x5 a week (replaced with healthy one as mentioned above) . 4-5 packets of crisps and 4 chocolate bars per day cut them down gradually until I rarely have them and I've switched to 85% cocoa chocolate if I do want chocolate. Increased my fruit and veg intake too and tried to incorporate it into most meals.

In terms of exercise. I started out going to the gym 3-4 times per week at 30 mins each gradually building that up to 1 hour each time (30mins class, 30 mins cardio and sometimes strength) but still sticking to 3-4 times per week.

I now try to focus on portion size (using smaller plates)

Still need to increase my veg intake

With the gyms closed I used to do 30mins workouts at home every other day which then got less and less so I decided to walk after meals and now switched it to walking for 2 hours per day.

Oh and also I'm trying now intermittent fasting I think its called where you only eat between a certain time I'm doing 8:30am to 4:30pm then if I do want a snack it's only fruit or veg I snack on. So far though haven't seen big losses from it.

Hope this helps 🙂

[Shield-Maiden in reply to BJ2020]

You've done so well, you must be proud...keep up the brilliant work...I have read that IF can take a little while, then the weight comes off well...but you've already lost such a lot, so maybe that's why it's taking a little longer.

Once I find my groove, I also want to try IF...I know someone who has lost inches all over, even though her scales did not move much, to start with anyway.

Good luck with your continuing journey

[BJ2020 in reply to Shield-Maiden]

Thanks, I'm feeling great and good luck too. I have noticed that the fat from the sides have moved to the front more too since If so maybe your right.

I am determined to keep it off this time. 2020 is the year to lose the weight. 2021 is the maintenance year as last time I lost weight I also lost my job around the same time as I'd reached the healthy weight then put it on again

[Shield-Maiden in reply to BJ2020]

Stick a new photo of yourself, now, looking good, after all that you have worked so hard for...then when stress comes knocking on your door (hopefully, it won't of course)....every time you visit the fridge, with the intention of having a sneaky nibble....look at your photo....it might change your mind about reaching for food, when you're feeling fed-up....and reach for your trainers instead...keep up those 2 hour walks, that will be a great incentive also, not to over indulge. You've got this!

[JennyGiraffe in reply to Shield-Maiden]

Thanks!!! I'm distracting myself with long baths before bed lol

No alcohol or crisps at all so far this week which I'm delighted about x