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Where to begin?!

11 replies

BlueThesaurusRex · 28/07/2019 15:11

I think I’m writing this for my own benefit just to put my thoughts out and see them in black and white, however if anyone has any words of support or encouragement, that would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve known my weight has been creeping up since I gave birth nearly 3 years ago. I’ve kissed goodbye to 12/14 and am buying size 18 now so it wasn’t really a surprise but seeing a photograph of myself has literally knocked me sideways.

I’m so unhappy with my size and up until now have never had to think about losing weight, I’ve always had a nice figure without putting in much effort but now I look horrendous and I literally can’t think where to start.

I’m so ashamed but at the same time I’m scared to try and control what I eat as I realise that I’ve been seeking comfort in food when times have been hard.

I don’t know how to replace comfort eating with something positive.

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Sooverthemill · 28/07/2019 15:45

My advice is just to start! Can you do a healthy meal plan perhaps for the next few days ( or whenever you can go shopping)? I need to lose half a stone which I'm finding very difficult and I'm going to try eating very sensibly for the next 2 weeks. I find I can't do 'diets' although years ago I did successfully lose baby weight using the GI eating plan. So sensible food, sensible portion sizes, no high sugar/fat snacks. I do think the best way to keep weight off is by a method you can stick to that's not a diet as such. And exercise a bit, walk more if you can.

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BlueThesaurusRex · 28/07/2019 15:50

Thank you! I think you’re right, it’s a case of JFDI!!

I’ve downloaded my fitness pal to record calories and it’s already shocking how many calories I’ve had when I feel like I’ve not eaten a great deal Shock

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Sooverthemill · 28/07/2019 16:25

Ah yes myfitnesspal is great if you are absolutely honest. I think weighing stuff is useful too, so an actual portion size of cereal is way smaller than I think it should be! Good luck

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Sooverthemill · 28/07/2019 16:27

And my mantra ( which is why I still have half a stone to,lose) is to stick to eating plan 80% of the time so you can have a few treats at the weekend or whenever you choose ie small glass white wine at dinner on Sunday.

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BlueThesaurusRex · 28/07/2019 17:01

That sounds manageable! Thank you

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Aquamarine1029 · 28/07/2019 17:04

1,000 calories a day. Make counting calories your new religion. No processed shit food. Moderate exercise.

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DragonNoodleCake · 28/07/2019 19:05

I disagree @Aquamarine1029

OP don't just go with 1000 calories. That's very very hard and may be miles too few for you.
Please use a calculator to work out you TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) if you are size 18 I'm guessing you need somewhere in the region of 1600- 1800 just to stay alive. Add in exercise too.
You should aim to be minus 500 a day from your TDEE - this will help to lose a sustainable 2lb a week.
Look up Richie Howie on Facebook- be warned he is a crazy sweary Geordie but he explains everything brilliantly in his videos
Exercise has helped me feel way better about myself. I may not have lost as much as I'd like to yet - 1.5st gone - 2 more to go but I'm way happier with my fitness- I actually feel stronger 😀 best of luck

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PixieLumos · 28/07/2019 19:19

I think by writing this post and acknowledging that you want to make a change you have already made a start! I also thinking you’re absolutely right about replacing comfort eating with something positive. Obviously replacing high calorie snacks with lighter foods will help, but I also find keeping your hands busy can help. So instead of sitting in front of the tv snacking, try out an adult colouring book or something crafty - if your hands are busy you can’t comfort eat and if your mind is focussed you’re less likely to want to.

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Mammalian · 28/07/2019 19:22

I think you should join Weight Watchers (or WW as they're now called). I find the group support really important, the chance to chat about whether you've had a good or bad week, the sense of achievement as you step on the scales and see 1 pound coming off at a time. I just find it's too hard to do on your own.

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EssentialHummus · 28/07/2019 19:26

The crucial bit is finding a diet that works for you. I do 5:2. The fact that I only need to actively “diet” 2 days a week / that I can have a cake or whatever the next day makes it fit with my lifestyle and willpower. Have lost two stone in 8 months or so, now keeping it off.

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BlueThesaurusRex · 28/07/2019 20:17

Some really good advice, thank you! @DragonNoodleCake I’m really glad you said that because I looked at 1000 calories and panicked! I thought that sounded far too low and would find it very hard to stick to

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