Mumsnet Talk

That's it really. I have been overweight for a long time, have never tried to diet (for fear of failing rather than being happy with my weight). I have decided that enough is enough, and while I may well never be 'thin' I want to try and be a more sensible size by summer.

Motivation is a holiday in Sept and planning to TTC dc2 in summer.

Currently weight approx 14 stone, 5'3 and a size 18/20. I'd ideally love to be a size 10 but being realistic maybe a size 14 is a more sensible goal (see, setting myself up for failure already).

Not quite decided on my mode of attack yet, but as this is the first time I will have ever tried to lose weight I am going to succeed. I. will. succeed!

So anyone in the same boat and up for a bit of mutual motivation/hand holding?

I'm here!

I'm 13 stone 10 so similar to you - I plan to use my fitness pal to track all foods and I have a gym induction next tuesday

I don't know about being a size 10, but a small 14 would be fantastic from where I am now.

also here- do not weigh myself, but since asthma indiced hospital stay in October I have been usinf fitness pal- clothes definitely looser- joined gymophobics on an 8 week deal which helped, but opening times too restrictive for me

so at end of Jan will be joining gym, can not afford it at the moment!!

also bought wiifit in summer and not as much as turned it on

size 18, would like to be size 12 this time next year

Glad I'm not the only one out there. I'm trying to work out how I can include some exercise into my 'plan'. Not really any gyms handy enough, plus skint. Can't do anything where anyone might see me anyway! Would it be a silly idea to try and lose a bit on diet alone first?

Have either of you ever sorted before?

dieted, not sorted. sorry

I would like to join. I have at least 4 stones to lose hopefully by my wedding in July. Not sure i will manage it but every little helps! Count me in!

I'm the same height and weight as you. I've joined the January shred thread but have a bug ATM, hopefully I'll feel up to making a start later.

I've dieted before, using My Fitness Pal and also alternate day fasting. I have gym membership (local council, includes classes and gym and pool as well, only £25 a month for the family so worth checking out) but I find the gym incredibly dull!

I used to be really self- conscious but last year I did the couch to 5k (started in the dark ) and now I'm much less bothered. During the summer I ran or cycled for 45 minutes ish a couple of times a week, for enjoyment rather than weight loss. It helps me mentally and I'm missing it badly now it's so dark I'm not getting out often.

Happy to come along for the ride

I'm in exactly the same boat - a size 18/20 at the moment and need to loose about 5 stones (eek!) to get into the 12/14 bracket. I feel like i've been on a half hearted diet since DD2 was born 2 years ago and i haven't really lost any weight.

I'm going to rejoin WeightWatchers - first meeting is on Saturday - and do some exercise. I was thinking about doing the couch to 5k - any tips poachedeggs? Is it really designed for couch dwellers as I am currently very unfit....

Oh I would definitely recommend the couch to 5k, it's genuinely life changing. I have much more confidence now, knowing I can do it. I couldn't run 5k now, but I did 3 miles for Sport Relief in March and it was amazing to have confidence to be public about exercising, if that makes sense. I'd still be running but one of my knees objects to it. When I run now I do intervals of walking and I don't run that often. I still love it though and it got me over the mental block of thinking it's only valid if you can run for hours at speed.

Hello <shy> I have about 2/3 stone to lose, but have lost 2 stones already so if you take that into account I sort of fit in??!

I have just restarted Couch to 5k - I got to about week 6 of 9 last year. Have restarted on week 5 and finding it just about doable, albeit at a snail's pace. There are various version of it but I downloaded the NHS podcasts and find them really helpful - they intersperse music with a woman telling you how long you've got left and giving you helpful hints etc. And they are free! Just google NHS couch to 5k.

I am not being very good at getting my eating back under control after Christmas. Today is back to normal with work, kids etc so hoping that will sort me out a bit!

I've done couch to 5k with this bloke a few times

It is very easy, you just need decent trainers and a good sports bra!

Hmmmm - industrial strength sports bra needed over here....

Lidl and Aldi both doing sports stuff this week - bras included

Right, I've just had an afternoon snack of a peanut butter and jam sandwich. This is why I need to lose 4 stone!

Shed starts tonight unless my sis visits with wine. Kick my arse, I will return the favour!

yep, massive industrial bra needed here too! I've not actually started my diet yet.... not procrastinating, honest, just have a big exam coming up and can't deal with the stress of that without food too. so its going to be Wednesday for me.

I think writing down what I eat on here will be a good idea, and seeing what you guys ate all up to might help with the motivation if I feel myself slipping. Very of all you running types. Not sure I'd get to the end of the road and back!

poachedeggs.... come on, peanut butter ans jam? thats just gross regaardless of day content! oh, and can you please change your name? poached eggs are my alltime fave and you are making me hungry!

I'm going to check out the coach to 5k thing now, see, more planning and still no doing!

wed. wed. Wednesday!

damn bloody mobile phone and stupid fat fingers. when I am all thin and that I will be able to type without mistakes!

Do check it out, I used to laugh at the notion of running, never imagined it would be my idea of fun but it's truly changed my view of exercise from something you have to endure in order to fail to lose weight to something I really enjoy and need in my life.

The peanut butter sarnie was symptomatic of not enough exercise outdoors which always makes me lethargic, demotivated and comfort eat-y. Working tomorrow but Saturday I run!

I dont have 4 stone to lose maybe 2 and a half. I started have re started the c25 after getting to week 8/9 and have gone back in at week 4. Still have another run to get done like yesterday!
I also have the shred ....but that is pain pain pain and dont know how to face that pain again.
hopefully you will let me tag along!
My down full is evening snacking, and snacking and snacking any one with any tips to help me out?

Knitting or crocheting. Something that occupies your hands and mind. Definitely find that is the way to not snack in the evening. Also I don't eat with the DC. I eat slightly later than them so don't feel the need for that little something extra.

Thanks SallyBear

Ooooh good idea.

Once I've hauled my hefty arse out of bed I'm going for a wee jog. I like listening to podcasts rather than music, more distracting

Ok, I did it. Now I'm calling you lot to account. Where are you?!

Meee... I am 12.9, 5ft. Was 13.8 so got a bit off over autumn. Want to get to 9st, but am really rubbish at diets and often say sod it by lunchtime.

Going to Disneyworld mid Feb so thats my incentive at the moment- would love to get a stone off by then.

Have just dragged out my old tubs of slimfast, going to start with that. Its all the thinking and working out that comes with WW that I don't like & get bored of. Although I like its principle of eat anything/no forbidden foods etc.

V interested in the alternate day fasting- I saw a man talking about this on tv. What does it involve and does it work?

I am 5'7, 14 stone, size 18. I don't think I'll ever be a size 10 again, but I'd love to be a 12-14, which means I have to lose 4 or 5 st. I've just joined Myfitnesspal, and I'm waiting for DD2 to sleep more than 10mn to start shredding again.

everyone is welcome! share your tips and keep each other motivated! I will join you all on Wednesday when u gave stopped stuffing my fave like a pig who hasn't eaten for a week.

when I have not u gave. stupid pig fingers.

hello! can I join in? I'm exactly the same size & height as you tittybojangles and would love to be able to say I'm under 10 stone by the end

I do have a goal, just set date for wedding - august 2014 so plenty of time to shift this lard

Spent 45 minutes out on my bike this morning. Felt knackered afterwards, and got really depressed that as well as being a porker I've lost lots of fitness since the autumn. Then realised the back brake was seized on

How about some low carbing? Poached eggs are a staple on that kind of thing. I dropped weight with that, not too strict, just cut back on bread pasta rice potatoes?

C25k.... I'm on week 7.... You will be amazed at how quickly your fitness improves!! I'm a massive fan!

Shred....again, fitness improves quickly, I'm re starting this and lc duet tomorrow!

I need to be bikini fit for July.. And I will be!! 4 stone to lose, but at 6foot I carry it well

poachedeggs

Would have loved to see your face!

Can I join you all too? I've had a health scare. Doc wants me to lose weight. Probably will equate to about 4 stone but I don't live in the UK and my doc uses KGs which is less scary for me cos I don't understand them. I've lost 3 KG since I started this. I've set my first target to get to 86.4 KG by mid Feb which means I would have lost 10% of my body weight.

Hi, I would like to join in please. I also weigh in kg, and would like to lose about 30kg (I'm 5'6" and 57 yrs old). At the moment my exercise is weekly yoga class with daily practice, and dog walking. I intend to start C25K as soon as I can, hoping it's not too hard on the knees! I have lost 4kg so far doing 5:2 (with a break for Christmas), and will continue with this. I'm also trying to cut back on refined carbs, as I know I feel better (despite having just eaten a piece of Panetonne remaining from Christmas. I use MyFitnessPal to record my food and exercise - my username is NewFrenchFemme. I weigh on Mondays, so fingers crossed for tomorrow! Good luck to all.

Hi Frenchfemme in KG what's a sensible loss in a week? I was down .9 on this being week 3 is that about right? I'm not on MFP yet as I can't excersise at the moment due to my illness but as soon as my physio gives me the go ahead I'm going to get started although I haven't figured out what I'm going to do in the way of excercise yet. I'm doing this by portion control and less carbs but also no added sugar or sweetners, no salt & less caffeine. I'm watching the low carb thread for ideas but have to do low fat as I'm on meds that make fat very unples to digest. Am also on steroids too so hope I see bigger loss when I'm off steroids and can excercise.

Hi all!
I usually lose lots of weight low-carbing, but I am on an egg-and-dairy-free diet ATM because of DD's allergies. Any suggestions? I don't fancy steak for breakfast and I cannot stand soy / quorn etc.
My size 16 cocktail dress already felt less tight this morning!

mrsnec 0.5 to 1kg is a reasonable weekly loss, depending on your initial weight.
Frenchfemme I am fatjavotte on MFP.

Thanks Javotte, think I just needed to hear that I was on the right track. I'm a size 16 too at the moment and a few of my things feel a bit big. A very nice feeling! I'm not sure what to suggest on the breakfast front as I find low carb restricting even if you can have eggs and dairy! In your situation I'd possibly have porrige made with water and berries or try cold meats maybe if it's easier I've often had a few slices of smoked turkey and some tomato for example. Or bacon with cooked mushroom & tomato. Somebody suggested pancakes once to me made with ground almonds too I think it's a paleo recipie so not sure if it's suitable but I've yet to try it.

mrsnec you can use MFP even if not exercising - it's a handy calorie counter (and you can log all sorts as exercise!)

mrsnec you don't need to exercise to use MyFitnessPal (despite the name!) - it is a good way to record your food throughout the day, and check that you are within your calorie goal for the day. It will also set the calorie target for you. Sounds like you are doing great so far.
javotte not very good on breakfast ideas as I don't often eat breakfast. I have been known to have smoked salmon on occasion when I've been feeling indulgent. I also sometimes have left-overs from the day before.

OK you've got me I'll check out MFP! I was hoping to do this without counting cals.I've tried WW & SW before & not got on with them but again I don't think it'll do me any harm to find out if I'm on the right track calorie wise. I managed a 30 minute walk to the village this morning so I'm making progress. & when I'm better I have a crosstrainer & bike at home also Wii Zumba and a yoga dvd so it's just figuring out what do do, when, and how long for?

I've done it! The ap isn't great on my phone which isn't very smart so I haven't figured out how to add people yet. But I'm mrsnecincy.

In further preparation for Wednesday I have also joined myfitness thingy.

Good luck! I'm doing my weigh-ins on saturdays. Had a bit of a wobble with MFP though. When it told me my calorie deficit was going to slow down my weight loss it didn't do my motivation any favours but some nice helpful folks on the MFP support thread put my mind at ease. I've been very naughty & 'forgot' to take my nasty fat pill last night to see if I can get rid of the vile side effects. I decided that my MFP food diary will convince my doc I don't need them.

I'm also using mfp to count the calories but don't put the excersise on so I'm purely counting what goes in IYSWIM?

I'm doing a combo of shred dvd & a strictly work out dvd. trying to do a little every day but time is a big issue!

my weigh in day will be a Sunday. Yesterday was exactly 200lb or 14st 4

hello all I have started low carb way of eating last few days. Drinking loads of water. I am on week 5 of the c25. Went for a run yestereday and WILL go again in the morning!! I am trying to convince myself as well as motivate you guys. Ok guys what exerise you going to be doing this week?

Hello, can I come and join you. I need to lose about 4 stone (too scared to weigh myself), but will be somewhere around 14 stone, am size 16-18. I'm relatively fit, I go to the gym, but I just eat rubbish. I'm quite close to being able to run 5k. Am trying to reduce carbs, eat more protein. I've just got some more motivation, I've got a new job, will need to wear smart suits, and they will all fit a lot better if I lose a couple of starts, I have just under 3 months to do so.

I've got MFP, but I could never get the hang of it. I will weigh myself tomorrow and then get on with it

I've had a terrible day, won't go in to it but tomorrow is a new one and I MUST exercise lots in the morning!

Nice to see lots of others in the same boat

I went for a run at the gym at lunch time and faced the dreaded scales, I'm 14 stone 3, so need to lose at least 3 stone. I'm far better at exercising then I am at eating healthy

right, d day tomorrow... wish me luck. very of all you finding the time, energy and motivation to exercise. I think I am going to see what diet does for a couple of weeks before I brave that.

how's everyone doing? I've officially done 2 days now. and prob eaten less cals than I normally would in one evening. but I am hungry. I. will. not. fail.

I'd like to join in as I'm 5' 9ish and over 15 stone. Had arthritis / fibro problems for @5 years now and seem to have put a stone on every year! Just dive into choc / wine as comfort food. Can't exercise easily as limp badly and have to use a stick, plus stamina issues due to fibro. So it is a question of will power.....

can i join please? I am 5'3 and weigh 85kgs (somewhere between 13 & 14st). I'd like to get to a healthy BMI so have to get below 10st. I am a size 14/16.
I'd like to be a 12 for my DB2's wedding in May. When DB1 got married I looked appalling in the photos.....
The only catch is that I have a 7 month old son and I'm BF. I dont know if it is possible to lose weight whilst bf - my body seems to be holding onto the fat.

I have idily looked at the CP25k stuff on MN today.... cheered by the fact that i have run recently. Twas the first time in 5 years. I felt great! I have joined a BuggyFit class at a local Park. I was advised to wear a feeding bra with a front fastening sports bra over the top. as I currently have a G cup I need serious engineering......
I found this bra <fanfare, drum roll>:
www.lessbounce.com/sports-bras-front-fastening/sportjock/sportjock-extra-zip_ct488bd213pd69.htm

it is AMAZING. Gawd, if only I had known about this when I was 16. I may have become a super model (a short one with boobs of course). How my life could have been altered. This Bra holds those babies so tight I definitely do not fear black eyes or shoulder strain!!!!

Anyway, watching this thread with interest. Are we going to do a weekly weigh in? Much cheaper than Weightwatchers!!

the more the merrier! with regards to bf, you can diet, I think its only an extra 200 cals or something you need, but check out kellymom website, that might have some more info. if you use myfitnesspal to log cals as a few of us on here are I think it asks you if you are bf so takes it into account.

I'm not doing any extra exercise.... yet, just diet alone for now.

how's everyone doing? I'm living on fruit, salad and soup. it is haaaaard. but so proud I haven't cheated at all! even felt guilty when my ds (2) fed me a small spoonful of his fish pie. I could murder some crisps now. I feel a bit like a crack addict wanting their next fix, sat on the sofa just thinking of food. but it does pass and I'm hoping I see some loss by wed to motivate me onwards.

Hi, i have 3 stones to lose after having a baby, I also have a great looking hernia been encouraged to lose weight and exercise before looking into having an op to fix it. Would love to join in.

come on in. these lot are probably out jogging or something

where is everyone?

just me talking to myself then? I LOST 9LB!!!

Hi, I'd like to join you all for mutal support. I'm also 5'3" and around over 14 stones. Although Tittybojangles has a massive head start on me now. Love to know what changes you've made to lose the 9lb!!! Amazingly well done

Wow. Titty. That is brilliant. I've lost 2kgs since I started. Am just cutting out carbs on weekday evenings & only allowing myself alcohol at the weekend.
Go us!!!
I have started BuggyFit. 2nd session post Xmas tomorrow. I hope it is not too cold brrrrrr [shivering icon]

well done trying2be, that's ace. it does (almost) make it worthwhile when you see a difference on the scales. I don't feel much different size-wise but that's prob cos I'm still pretty fat. hopefully by next week ill notice something.

no one would want to follow my diet, anyone who is on mfp with me will see my calorie intake is v low. not varying foods at all, just soup, salad and fruit. its shit, I would not advise it. but for me its psychological, I have never tried to diet before and needed something strict to sort of test my will power iyswim. don't know how long I can keep it up for tho, hopefully at least another week, then I think ill go onto a version of the alternate fasting type diet. I will need the thought of a treat to keep me motivated thro the starving days. I guess its about understanding your own brain and what will work for you. so for some its ww or sw, some its meal replacements, others its loads of exercise, for me its starvation and misery!

where IS everyone else, how you all doing?

I'm here but sorry to admit haven't managed to make any changes or lose anything yet! Always a reason (excuse!) to eat / have another glass....

do you have any plans to start, I defunately found it useful to set myself a start date so I could just keep putting it off. so far so good.

Well, another kilo lost! Down from 85 to 82kgs. Only 17 left to go!!

Out for dinner last night and had to buy a new dress as nothing in the wardrobe fitted a size 18 was needed

Probably the kick up the arse I needed though!
BuggyFit today was good. Looking forward to another session on Wed.

How is everyone else doing?

I've lost just over a stone in 3 weeks. Still sticking to this miserable diet with the odd lapse, but nothing too serious. Quite proud of myself, though sick sick sick of soup and salad.