Help :-(

[FatterThanEver]

I'm 51. I've been a couch-loving size 24, I've been a marathon-running size 10. I've yo-yo'd all my life.

I'm in the throes of the gift that keeps on giving, otherwise known as peri-menopause. I've got no energy, no strength, no motivation... I'm on HRT (Evorel patches, Mirena coil and testosterone gel). However, I CANNOT STOP EATING. I eat until I make myself feel ill.

I want to go back to marathon-running, heavy weight-lifting me. Or even something that loosely resembles it. I have no self-control at all. I do better with eating plans - an 'eat this at this time' kind of approach. Can anyone make any suggestions? I'm desperate to lose at least three stone, preferably five.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook]

Hi FatterThanEver and welcome to this amazing forum. 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.

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

Here’s the link to the pinned posts,

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

I strongly 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. Planning and sharing your daily menu not only helps you stay committed, it can help other members too.

Please set yourself smallish goals, it's much easier to think of losing half a stone at a time than trying to attack a whopping 3 stone goal.

Good luck I hope to "see " you around.

[FatterThanEver in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Thanks for your reply I've been a member for many years, as you can probably see, but never really participated in much on here. Now's the time

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook in reply to FatterThanEver]

You're welcome. Yes I saw that you'd been about ,both here and on the LCHF forum. Have you decided how you're going to begin your new weight loss adventure?

[FatterThanEver in reply to TheTabbyCat]

I've not clue at all. I work best with structured plans - that's how I got into marathon running, as I knew how far I had to run, on which day of the week, and at what pace. I like to have a plan! I just need someone to tell me 'you eat this, on this day, in this quantity' and I won't waver! Anyone prepared to sort that for me?

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook in reply to FatterThanEver]

Many of our members have begun their weight loss journey with the NHS 12 week plan. This involves calorie counting.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

We have to start somewhere, don't we. I prefer to plan my own meals, I'm trying my best to follow the Low carb route.

EDIT:

Here's another plan which doesn't involve counting,just good choices.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[FatterThanEver in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Calorie counting combined with low carb has been successful for me in the past. I just can't seem to get in the right mindset - I'm really unhappy with the way I look and feel at the moment and, apart from going to work, I've become a bit of a recluse over the past couple of years. I just can't stop eating.

[Sheepfan 6kg in reply to FatterThanEver]

Maybe something like the NHS couch 2 5k or strength and flex programmes would help you get motivated and feel stronger? Or have you any outings or events planned this summer that you could use as motivation? I know some people on here are members of walking and running groups if you are looking to socialise as well as get fitter 🙂

As for food planning, I tend to post my meal plan for the next day on the daily diary on an evening and I'm way more likely to stick to it and not "graze" the cupboards thinking what to eat! I know some of the people on there are way more organised even than that and plan their meals beforehand for the whole week! Maybe that's something to think about if you like a structured plan! 🙂

Good luck, I'm sure you can do it! 👍

[FatterThanEver in reply to Sheepfan]

I used to lift quite heavy weights, and ran regular half- and a few full marathons. But now I’ve just no strength or stamina in me. It’s as much as I can do to get up in the mornings for work 😢

[Hectorsmum2 Visitor]

Hi. I have had amazing help from overeaters anonymous. I would recommend it to anyone with eating issues. I have slowly lost 3 stone with them with out dieting or feeling deprived and they are a lovely supportive group with lots of people who have lost weight and kept it off for years and years. They give me hope.

[Miss-guineapig in reply to Hectorsmum2]

love this idea too x

[FatterThanEver in reply to Hectorsmum2]

Oh my goodness, I didn’t know that was even a thing! Thank you ❤️

[Miss-guineapig]

Long post 😀Many of us have been exactly where you are. One wee starting point , a baby step today…have you ever downloaded the NHS weight loss App? Its free and you can get advice, your calorie intake and it counts the calories you use etc. please don’t try some quick fix. There is even a walking App linked to the NHS App, it and will all be on your phone. If you change nothing…well nothing will change. You have nothing to lose by downloading the App for starters.

Today is a new day. I use the App but what I also do is have a strict food budget which I use cash for. I just buy my meals, exactly my meals. Not crisps, biscuits cakes. But I LOVE chocolate and have had a small sweet on occasions but I buy one….it took a lot of willpower. Remember drink water…in time try and change to water not diet sugar free drinks. After 4 full weeks I started to sort of like water 😂

One last thing, when you feel up to it read about intermittent fasting. I use the NHS App over 8 hrs and fast for 12, so for example i start eating at 10am and I am finished eating by 6pm. Psychologically its my cut off point. I am far from perfect and I have very bad times too but I am determined now as I have developed health issues which should have been prevented. Wishing you all the very best….do it and do it now xx

[FatterThanEver in reply to Miss-guineapig]

Thank you 🥰 I lost 7 stone said times… it’s just a case of finding the motivation and right mindset… and the willpower to stay out of the cupboard! I live with someone who can eat whatever he likes, whenever he likes, and never puts on an ounce 🙄 xx

[Cockneyblue Restart March 2025 in reply to Miss-guineapig]

what an inspiring post. Thank you

[Eryl Visitor]

High blood sugar messes with your hormones, they make your hunger pangs stronger and delay the satisfied feeling. To lower your blood sugar stop eating carbs especially wheat based foods as they also conain gluten which causes leaky gut and faster absorption of the starch which will be easily metabolised into blood sugar. Gluten is initially metabolised into glaiadin and glutonin which fits a dopamine receptor in the brain, so bread is partially addictive i. e. the more you get the more you want.

[Miss-guineapig in reply to Eryl]

very interesting indeed x

[FatterThanEver]

A very informative and thought-provoking reply - thank you!

While I have never found it difficult to put on weight, certainly the complete lack of self-control where my appetite is concerned has never been so bad since starting HRT. I don’t think I could stop the HRT, but I do think I need to adjust my lifestyle around its effects - and one of those adjustments needs to concentrate on my carb intake.

[Eryl Visitor]

Totaly agree. Check out this video of an interview by Dr Ken Barry talking to Nina Teicholz. youtube.com/live/HYuySx9NzA...