Is it actually possible to lose weight? Help, stories and motivation please!

[KettleCrunch]

Please motivate me, all you healthy superfit MNers!

OK, so I've got a stubborn BMI of 27.5, having put on three stone in the last two years or so (bloody Cerazette/sedentary office job). I'm tall, which is why my BMI isn't abysmal, but I really want to shift at least some of the flab by summer.

I've tried to lose it a few times since LAST summer by doing low-carbing, eating less with myfitnesspal, C25k etc, but just keep losing and gaining the same half stone or so whenever I inevitably surrender to a massive packet of jaffa cakes .

I've never had to lose any significant amount of weight before, so I just don't understand how it's done, or really believe it's possible! I joined a gym last week and I've been trying out all the classes to see which ones I enjoy, for the first time ever, which I'm loving so far - but I know that, though it'll make me feel better and tone up a bit, this won't be enough on its own to see much weight loss. If I go to a class most days, and cut out the jaffa cakes and their evil junk food pals... will I actually lose weight? Is it possible?

Also hoping to get back on the C25k as soon as this damn ice thaws... I finished the programme but it's been a few weeks since I've braved the weather.

Please share your stories of weight loss success and reassure me that the effort I'm about to put in will not be all in vain! Also please tell me what it feels like to lose weight, any ups and downs I should prepare for, tips for 'digging deep' and just keeping going when comfort eating is calling... and if anyone's in the same position as me, join the club!

[noyouhavehadawee]

doing cto5k was the year i looked my best, sadly my dead running shoes and cold weather has ruined this. i have for first time in my life been dieting doing slim world and have lost a fair amount without feeling hard done by and i love food

[BikeRunSki]

I've recently lost 2.5 stone with Slimming World. SW is pretty straightforward and I ran a bit too. But I think the biggest help is motivation. Mine was a combination of 1- needing to get back into my work clothes after ML; my 4 yo asking me if I was having another baby when DD was about 10 months old and seeing photos of me at the 4 yo's birthday party. Then I bumped into a friend whose baby is 3 months younger than mine, she'd lost a stone with SW and looked fab. That inspired me to join up.

[BambieO]

I am also very tall and we do seem able to hide the pounds better until there's nowhere left for it to hide

I have joined MFP and also been doing the 30 day shred and I have dropped 10lbs since 03 march so it can be done, it's just very hard :(

I love MFP though, it really works for me and stops me eating rubbish.

The 30 day shred is brilliant, hard but definitely worth it.

[BambieO]

Forgot to say BMI now 25 so we are very similar, I am 5ft 11

Do you like exercise? I hate can tolerate it but only as I see the pounds melting away, it's great motivation

[KettleCrunch]

I found that C25k was fun and gave me lots of more confidence with exercise, but I lost NO weight... maybe I just need to keep up the running when the weather warms up to see results.

I have no idea what Slimming World involves... I guess my motivation would be clothes. I'd love to buy some new clothes and have fun with fashion a lot more.

[KettleCrunch]

Oh hi Bambie! I am the exact same height as you :) it is great for hiding a few extra pounds, until suddenly they seem to be spilling out everywhere... sigh!

I have very similar feelings about exercise - I'm sure I would grow to love it if I could see it making a difference, but I guess I need to keep at it for that!

How long is the 30 day shred? I mean, per day? Wondering if I could sneak it in before work in the morning...

[BIWI]

I started the C25K just over 5 weeks ago. Even though the weather is cold! That's just an excuse you're using.

Get out there and get running!

[BambieO]

Hi kettle :)

It's only 30 mins and ten mins of that is a warm up. It really is brilliant, there is a noticeable difference already and I'm only on day 10 tomorrow. The top of my stomach is noticeable smaller the baby pouch is slightly more stubborn and my things and bum are definitely smaller too.

I love it as it makes you feel so good when you have finished and makes me think that I don't want to ruin all my hard work so I'm eating a lot more healthy as well which is a bonus.

I do it on YouTube as its free, I wouldn't hesitate in buying one of her DVDs when finished though as I really enjoy the style and speed of it, perfect whilst DS naps

[BambieO]

*thighs not things haha sounds like I'm referring to my lady bits

[KettleCrunch]

Hahaha, the hot new exercise regime to shrink your lady things! Not sure it'd catch on

Only 30 mins! Wow! And ahh I'm glad it's on YouTube - I'd heard it was like £30 for the DVD, but much more willing it give it a go if it's free... I can start on it now, once I've got this fish pie in the oven, and be done before dinner! Brilliant. Then maybe I'll even eat less dinner too... we can but dream.

BIWI you have called my bluff. I'll get out tomorrow. You're right. I mean, I do actually like running! Just hate being cold :( but it's a rubbish excuse.

[BambieO]

Haha you never know

That's brilliant! Let me know how you find it

[terracottatoad]

Oh my god it's hard! Also I'm not sure I can keep doing the star jumps, might annoy the downstairs neighbours... but feels good! I'll definitely be doing it again. Thanks!

[terracottatoad]

Whoops, namechanged back... That's me KettleCrunch :) I thought I'd change names to avoid my BMI shame... but I guess everyone will just have to know about it now!

[BambieO]

Haha your BMI really isn't bad! Glad you liked it. I'm sure the neighbours won't mind, it's only in a few bursts anyway.

If they complain just say it's either that or you will keep eating until you fall through the ceiling naked :)

[BIWI]

Actually, Kettle, as long as you've got the right kit on, once you get going it's fine.

[KettleCrunch]

I know, I just can't afford a load of thermal run stuff at the moment :( but you're right, after the first 5 minutes or so you do warm up. I am suitably chastened and will go.

Oh god, I really will fall through the ceiling naked if I keep eating custard creams at the rate I've been going... bursting through the seams of all my clothes too...

[BambieO]

Hahaha that made me chuckle kettle

You won't as you have started looking into it, that's the hardest part getting motivation. Stick with the shred if you enjoy it. I did C25K before my wedding and BIWI is right, it's very good, I just find it hard to actually get motivation to get out in this cold but will hit it once it warms up

[BIWI]

LOL at eating custard creams! You need to stop that right now ...

The other good thing about C25K is that it really doesn't take you very long, so you're not outside for too much time.

[KettleCrunch]

You're right Bambie, the hardest part is definitely motivation... I always seem to lose it after about 3 weeks. I will try to keep up the C25k though :)

[BambieO]

Me too Kettle. I am hoping once I complete the shred I will find the running easier too as my legs always hurt for a while when I start.

If we all keep going together we can't give up :)

[KettleCrunch]

I like that attitude Bambie :) the hardest step is the first one out of the front door, etc...

[BambieO]

Definitely, and in this cold making that step is even harder! I have to do the shred now, very annoyed with myself for not doing it this morning as I am feeling lazy now haha shock

Then I am going to have a nice healthy dinner. Must, keep, goooing

[HeySoulSister]

biwi as your on this thread I'd just like to say I've been following your low carb threads. Not posted just lurked. I've lost two and a hf stone

I'm also 5ft 11!! Been doing shred and have completed the c25k... Agree, weather is no excuse unless it's icy! I do 30 min runs 3 x a week now. I feel better, much better, and people are noticing my loss now

[BIWI]

Wow! Bloody well done, HSS

I'm currently in week 6 of C25K, so I've done my first long run of 20 minutes. I was so chuffed with myself for doing it - when I first started I couldn't believe I would ever be able to run for that long, never mind so soon. It's a great plan.

Do you enjoy the running? I can't quite say I've got there yet, although I'm enjoying the process, IYSWIM.

[HeySoulSister]

Yes I love the running, I truly do. It helps to have running music, I do better with a good beat! That's if you have music, some prefer not to. Yes, I've become an addict at age of 44! BUT I'm fitter than my daughter now who is at college on a SPORTS course!

I remember that first 20 min run! The achievement spurs you on. I was worried that low carbing would mean a lack of energy, but I just don't find this at all.