To think that 12 days can make a huge difference?

[CapricornCalling]

On Bank Holiday weekend I received some slightly upsetting news that made me feel a bit sad - relationship related. I have also put on a lot of weight over the summer and looking in the mirror on 28th August I looked very fat - I am probably close to being obese if I wasn't there already. I decided that I really couldn't afford to gain any more weight - so on Sunday 28th August I started a very low calorie diet and exercise programme. I have adhered to it strictly - and have slightly upped the exercise level this week. Anyway, the bottom line is I'm feeling so much better already and although I'm still overweight, the contours of my body have completely changed and I've made real progress - I haven't weighed myself but feel I've definitely lost weight and just feel so much fitter. So, in short - what a difference 12 days makes!!

[amusedbush]

It can definitely make a difference! I've been following the Slimming World plan to the letter since Friday last week and I've lost 6lbs so far, and 4cm from my waist.

Well done on your progress so far!

[CapricornCalling]

amusedbush - thank you and your progress is excellent!! A boost early on in your diet really motivates you to keep going doesn't it?

[amusedbush]

Absolutely, seeing that initial change pushes you to keep going. It's like a snowball effect!

I got married earlier this year and gained a whopping two stone in three months that's what happens when you loosen the reins too much post-wedding!

[justilou]

Congratulations!!! Take the confidence you've gained and run with it!!! If you need anyone to be a diet buddy, let me know!!! (I have been dieting seriously for a year and have lost 40kg - now stuck in the last ten kilo zone!!!)

[Bluebolt]

When I have gained or lost weight it has rarely had little to do with a type of a diet but more of a switch turning on or off in my head. Controlling that switch is and maybe always will be my biggest battle.

[amusedbush]

justilou

40kg! That's fantastic, what a bloody great achievement.

[CapricornCalling]

amusedbush - congratulations on your wedding!

In a similar vein to you, I had to lose weight earlier this year for a certain 'event'. I went on a VERY strict diet and exercise programme, and managed to lose the weight quickly, but it was hard both physically and psychologically. I got down to 8st - my target weight. Then, again, similar to you, I loosened the reins once the event had passed and had all the treats I denied myself all along!

[CapricornCalling]

justilou - congratulations - that is an excellent achievement!!

It's so handy to have a diet buddy as, at times, your mind focuses on how hard it is rather than the progress you've made.

You're so right though - it is all about confidence - life is so hard at times that I feel that once we do achieve something especially after hard work it's important to take that confidence and run with it - exactly as you advise!!

[CapricornCalling]

Bluebolt - your comments echo exactly what I've been thinking- to diet successfully is hard in the sense that the temptation is to put it off until the following day. = start tomorrow!! In order to be successful, you really have to have that determination - that switch in your head - that reinforces to you how important the goal is.

[IceBeing]

bluebolt yes I would totally agree there is a switch. After a lifetime of failed dieting I found the 'switch' and lost 25 kg....problem is I have put 15 back on and cannot locate the switch again.

Another problem is that I suspect the switch was actually down to MH problems...ie for a brief period it made total sense that I should suffer because I was a shit person...and hence it was easy to make myself go hungry.

Now my MH is better I can't seem to find sufficient self-loathing to get the job done.

This is totally the reverse of the more standard problem of self-loathing and MH problems leading to weight gain!

[IceBeing]

oh sorry - congrats OP cling onto the switch and never let it go!

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

Definitely can. I was feeling fat a few yrs ago and when dh went away on business for 10 days I went completly no carbs, no special,diet, just cut them all out. Didn't even feel hungry - ate loads of veg, plus lean meat and fish, had bacon egg and mushrooms for breakfast, etc. Never weighed myself but could really feel the difference round my waist after just 10 days.
High time I did it again...

[MrsMozart]

Very well done indeed OP :)

I've found MyFitnessPal to be very helpful, as sometimes I can't believe / remember what I've had and how it all adds up.

[CapricornCalling]

Thanks everyone for your good wishes!

IceBeing - thanks I know I definitely need to cling to this switch for dear life as I've got an exercise class booked for tonight which I must admit I'm not immediately relishing the thought of -but I may well enjoy it when I do it. It's exactly that kind of scenario that the 'switch' is useful for - when you're facing something difficult and you just think "oh no" - but then you remember the bigger picture!!

[SpookyPotato]

Well done OP! 12 days can make a huge difference. When I just eat fresh and cut out bulky carbs, the change in the first two weeks from getting rid of all the stored water is amazing. I don't bother with the scales as it doesn't always reflect the change I'm seeing in my face, boobs etc.
I'm 2.5 weeks into it myself and I'm feeling good even though my weight is still insanely high. This is why I wish people weren't put off by how far away the target is, because you can look good on the journey just from eating healthy foods.

[Wotshudwehave4T]

OP congratulations, your post is inspirational. Bluebolt you are right about that switch - need it attaching to my fridge and all cupboards!!

[furryminkymoo]

thank you op!!! I need to shift 9 pounds and feeling so shite but it's doable! I can do IT!!!

[CapricornCalling]

furryminkymoo - yes you CAN!!

[frumpet]

I have completely lost my switch , has anyone seen it anywhere , looked in all the usual places

I agree about the feeling better quickly , and when you feel better you tend to look happier and happy always makes you look better .

Well done and keep it up OP

[blushrush]

Well done OP! It takes more effort than people realise to look at yourself honestly and say 'I'm not happy' and then actually do something about it.

I did that about a month ago and I've lost 6 1/2 lbs so far. The weight loss is great but even better is how my clothes fit and how I feel. I've gone down a dress size already :)

You've hit the ground running! Keep it up!

[redbronze1]

Well done CapricornCalling . If I could say one thing, as someone with fitness training experience, it's stick with it for the long run.

[Amandahugandkisses]

Well done you!

[MrsSellors]

I think this is wonderful!
However if, when you weigh yourself, you have gained weight don't feel disheartened. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you have lost fat but gained muscle you will weigh more on the scales. (This was explained to me by, my dietitian after i was in tears because i worked really hard and kept getting heavier to begin with)

[CapricornCalling]

Thanks for the support - I weighed myself yesterday and the result was better than I thought - 10 and a half stone - overweight for me but nowhere near obese levels!

Just been out for an early morning run - now trying to steel myself for a gym session!!

[amusedbush]

Brilliant, well done!

I've got my first group weigh in tomorrow morning but I’m gutted that my period arrived first thing today, so I’m up 0.5lbs from yesterday. Tomorrow I’ll be even heavier

Still though, I’m eating well and I have another spin class tonight so we’ll see what happens tomorrow. It’ll all balance out next week too.