It's only taken me 4 years...... so why now?

[Topcat11]

Hi, I'm new here, well I'm not really according to my stats I joined in 2018, however, today is the first time I have written anything.

I have finally decided to take time to sort out my weight and health issues, including the question does anyone else wake up in more pain than they went to bed with?

Why now?

The time is right

My daughter is getting married

I want to stop taking tablets

To be able to do all the things I know I can do but my body doesn't let me

[Grigid Moderator 4 stone]

Hi Topcat11 and a very warm welcome

There's never a bad time or reason to start joining in and you have already sorted out your aims, and there are lots of us on the forum that have similar ones, so you are in very good company.

If you haven't already had a look around a really good place to start is with the pinned posts:

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

This is where you can find a "Welcome to Newbies", which helps you navigate around the forum, FAQs and a link to all the current events and groups that are on the go.

There are some groups within the forum that I'll give a special shout out to as these have proved very successful for lots of members:

These are:

The Daily Diary, where members record what their weight loss plan is, what their menu for the day is and any exercise they might be aiming for:

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

The Weekly Weigh-in - this is exactly what it sounds like, there's are weigh-ins for each day of the week and people tend to stick with what suits them best. It's a very supportive environment and it's where you can earn your weight loss badges

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

If you feel like leaping straight in with a challenge, there's the May Day Challenge:

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

And if you're stuck for recipe ideas, we have Springers Specials, where members share their recipes:

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

So, lots to have a look at, and please don't be afraid to shout out if you get stuck with anything, this is a lovely supportive environment.

Best of luck on your journey

[jd65 5lbs]

I was similar. I joined in 2013 but I didn't really join in and start posting until two years ago today. I did my first weigh in on that day and started posting, introducing myself and posting my meal plan. From that day I decided to get fitter and lose weight - I'm now over 5st lighter. The support you get from your new internet friends is amazing

You are right that we need an impetus to start and you've found yours. Good luck and I hope to see you around more often.

[Topcat11 in reply to jd65]

Thank you so much, I'm feeling inspired already

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to jd65]

Congratulations on your Anniversary! (Not to mention that WHOPPING 5st badge!) x

[Greencats01 Restart April 2024 in reply to jd65]

Hi, I’ve been lurking on here in the shadows for a few years now, managing to lose up to 2 stone on my own several times for cruise holidays 😎 but of course going on a cruise you tend to go mad with all the food on offer and it comes back on, my last cruise was last October and I’ve gone from 11.4lb to 13st, help!! I’m going on another one in 9 weeks time and I need help to motivate me this time as I can’t fit into my holiday clothes x

[jd65 5lbs in reply to Greencats01]

Can I suggest you have a longer term vision of where you want to be. It good to have a shorter goal (your cruise) but what do you want longer term? Do you want to be fitter , look better in clothes , be able to do certain activities for longer?

For me I have a long term goal of being in size 12 clothes ( I'm much vainer than I knew & there so much choice) , be able to spend more time running after my granddaughters and to be fit and healthy when I retire.

[DartmoorDumpling Restart Feb 2024]

I am another who has been popping in and out. I successfully lost 3 stone just before I retired and moved house. However since then, life has thrown a few hurdles my way, and comfort eating has seen my weight creep up again, so I am back to sort it out. I want to regain some strength and lose some arthritis, want to look after my heart, especially having seen both parents have heart disease. Your daughter’s wedding should be a great incentive for you!

[fromcooktochef 3kg]

Hi there, and welcome. I did the very same last week! So today I'm going to do a weigh-in with the Wednesday wobblers. Don't think I've lost anything but am already finding I'm more committed to the food and exercise regime and the support here is amazing! Stay in and stay strong