New to this need to lose COVID weight.

[Bizibruja68]

Hi I have always had the intention to try the Nhs 12 week plan but up till now ‘failed’. I use the nutracheck app to count calories but thought I’d get some support and help from this. As always there are pitfalls… a works evening out after our 1st face to face training session on 2nd September, my husband’s birthday meal at the ivy in Cardiff on the 27th. Friends coming to sit in the hot tub Friday (hot tub curtesy of COVID cancelled holiday). So any words of wisdom welcome x

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello and welcome, Bizibruja68

You're in good company here: plenty of us have added the lbs and kilos over the past 18 months. I wouldn't worry too much about the celebratory meals, just get to grips with a regular daily plan that you can see yourself sticking to for the future: that means not something that will leave you feeling hungry and stressed.

For the NHS plan, take your calorie range from the NHS BMI calculator: the 1400 figure you may see is generic and suits very few of us.

You'll find everything you need to use the forum by following this link healthunlocked.com/weight-l... to Pinned Posts. A good starting point is joining a weekly weigh in and using the daily diary, where members share their meal and exercise plans for the day.

Active participation pays off so I hope we'll see you joining in around the forum

[honeybees44 7lbs]

welcome! I'm also doing the nhs plan. I found calorie counting difficult at first but now I have this app 'my fitness pal' which I find quite easy to use. You can save meals and recipes on it so now it only takes a few minutes of my day to count the calories.

As for unexpected things (birthdays, meals) - they happen quite regularly so I've tried to think of strategies to help in these situations. Stuff like looking up the menu beforehand and trying to go for something with lots of protein and vegetables or at the least avoiding the most calorific option. Having soup as a starter can be a good way to feel more full. Not eating all the free bread, not drinking my calories so sticking to diet-drinks and water. I don't drink much now or if I do I go for lower calorie options like vodka and soda, hard seltzer or prosecco. Or you could just try and meet maintenance calories on those days.

I think planning meals ahead of time and planning out calories can work really well i.e. If I'm going out for a fancy meal I have a much lighter breakfast, and if my meals are planned for the day I'm much less likely to order a takeaway or something.

Good luck

[Bizibruja68 in reply to honeybees44]

sounds like a plan... I confess to being a life long dieter and a poor poor maintainer. I used to use MFP but have started to use nutracheck, granted it costs money but i find it a much nicer app to use I decided to try the nhs plan along side this to help me focus. As for going out the work day will be tricky as lunch is always sandwiches and then as this is the first face to face training since the pandemic began there is a plan to go out for some drinks later.... I can drink vodka neat or with soda so it will be with soda that evening to make them longer drinks to a) last longer, b) help me avoid drunk decisions and c) stop the next day hangover eating! My husbands birthday I am going to accept that will be what it will be. x

[MissisB 4 stone in reply to Bizibruja68]

Just wondered why you always have sandwiches for lunch? If you are taking your own lunches to work, there are plenty of tasty alternatives - you could have a look in the Topics Section under Recipes for some new ideas.

[Bizibruja68 in reply to MissisB]

It’s a work training day at the Hilton hotel Cardiff. Cannot take my own

[MissisB 4 stone in reply to Bizibruja68]

Ah. Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you meant you took sandwiches to work every day. 🙂

[Hidden]

Hello, if you are on a diet for a longer period of time, then it is inevitable that birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations will happen. That's just life and it is ours to live. Don't be afraid to celebrate, but stay moderate with your portions, try to go for healthy main meals like grilled chicken or fish with lots of vegetables (no potatoes though) and have that dessert too, but again in moderation. The key is compensation. The day after the celebration lower your calorie intake and maybe move more during the day. Your body will thank you for it and you won't feel bad either so your soul will thank you for it too.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Hidden]

Hi and welcome, Pillango

All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/weight-l... and we 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

[Bizibruja68 in reply to Hidden]

thanks Pilango, good advice x

[Hidden]

Hello. Welcome to this friendly community. It's second to none for support and encouragement, what's more - nobody will judge you.

There's plenty going on and joining in will help you get the best out of it. Good luck with your weight loss journey and my best wishes to you.

[Giggsy123]

I couldn't understand the nhs app. I use nutra app and find it really good. I keep to 1200 cals and find it easy to do so. I also implement a lot of sw guidelines.

[Hidden]

Hi, I really find it a pain in the butt counting calories, especially when it means doing different meals for myself! Not something I could keep up long-term! Plus my daughter had eating issues and wecutstruggle to get her to eat! So I have the same as everybody else but just cut out all the rubbish snacks chocolate et cetera! Plus I’m doing 60 minutes walk a day! Hopefully that will work

[springersrule Moderator Host 76kg in reply to Hidden]

Hi and welcome to this amazing forum. Great to see you getting stuck straight in with help and advice. I suggest you spend some time clicking about to find your way around. It's easier if you have a lap-top as there are several threads. If you’re using another device I strongly suggest that you use the web page as opposed to the app at least until you know your way around.

Have a good read of the pinned post “Welcome Newbies” and follow every thread.

Here’s the link to the pinned posts, healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

I suggest you read and contribute to the Daily Diary and participate in a Weekly Weigh in. You will find there's loads of tips about better eating, from other members. You never known when what someone else does will spark something for you or vice versa, sharing your daily menu not only helps you stay committed, it can help other members too.

Good luck I hope to "see " you around.