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Original poster

Healthy living support thread for feminists

357 replies

SeraOfeliaFalfurrias · 16/08/2015 18:11

In response to a few discussions we've had down the pub - there are some of us who are striving for better health through better diets and more exercise, but who struggle among the usual support groups where it's all about looking better rather than good health. And it certainly can be tricky as a feminist, walking that fine line between not conforming to beauty ideals through dieting and making sure you actually look after your body through a healthy lifestyle.

So here is a support thread for those of us who are trying to eat better and get more exercise.

Me, I could do with losing a bit over 2 stone to get back to a healthy weight. I had an ankle injury after running a marathon about 3 years back, and between not being able to exercise and the stress of my PhD (I'm a stress binge eater) I gained 3 stone and lost all my hard-earned fitness. I'm finally getting back on track, I've lost nearly a stone and am hitting the exercise hard again. The hardest bit has been getting back into running - while my ankle is better, my joints are really feeling the extra weight I'm carrying. It's also hard to do karate when your wobble gets in the way of you doing a good kick and you get out of breath when sparring. So I need to lose weight in order to enjoy my sports hobbies again. I'm taking it slowly, doing Slimming World but not religiously - I'm not in a hurry to lost the weight, but I also need to watch that I don't take it so slowly that it never happens!

Yesterday I ran 8km, which is really encouraging as I was still going strong at the end. Just a couple of months ago I was run/walking 5km and would have welcomed death at the end! So I feel like some kind of switch has been flipped and my body now "remembers" how to run. The down side is that both ankles are aching and stiff today.

My diet has been rather rubbish the last couple of weeks, including a few binges, and I put some pounds back on, but I'm in that good place mentally now and hopefully ready to focus on getting my body healthy again. I loved being lean and fit and athletic, and I'm not getting any younger (thoroughly middle-aged), so I feel like the window of opportunity for getting myself in a sustained state of good health without drastic measures being required is closing!

OP posts:
feckityfeck · 14/09/2015 16:42

Ugh. I've been waiting in all day for a delivery that still hasn't turned up, so I haven't been to the gym, and I've been scoffing fairy cakes that I made with the dc yesterday, just out of boredom. All the sugar has made me feel rubbish and the worst thing is I knew that it would, and still ate them.

Sorry for those feeling rubbish for non-self-inflicted reasons.

YonicScrewdriver · 14/09/2015 13:07

Overslept! Bad, needed the sleep though and still went to gym as am trying to make it a priority which it hasn't been for far too long!

PurpleDaisies · 14/09/2015 07:33

I'm full of cold as well-just had to call in sick from work with a banging headache and feeling dizzy any time I move. Lovely.

I'm really hoping this doesn't last too long. Get well soon to everyone else who is suffering as well. Hopefully we all get our winter bug out of the way early and stay well after that. Miserable now though.

Thefitfatty · 14/09/2015 06:44

The flu has certainly gotten me. Will definitely be taking a few days off the gym and catching up on what sleep I can. :(

Original poster
SeraOfeliaFalfurrias · 13/09/2015 21:23

How is everyone doing? I'm struggling at the moment. I just keep eating too much calorie-dense food - it was DD1's birthday party on Friday, and there's cake left, so I keep picking at it. I wrote my next goal weight on the lid supposedly to encourage me to keep my eye on the prize rather than the chocolately goodness. It worked for most of the day but this evening I stuffed a fat wedge in my mouth - can't say I even enjoyed it particularly. But I did better overall today so hopefully my mind is resetting to healthy. I did get a good run in this morning (barring battles with evil nettles).

Tomorrow is my Body Combat/Pump double, but I have Mummy Guilt because the DDs have trampolining at the same time, and DH takes them. But they make their sad eyes and say "Mummy, can't you take us this time please?" Plus a very good friend is taking her DD to the same class now, and it's a shame to miss the opportunity to see her and chat while the girls are bouncing. Darn my Leisure Centre and their meagre class offerings! I really enjoy doing the double class and Mondays is the only evening it's on. Sad

OP posts:
feckityfeck · 13/09/2015 17:11

Don't worry, I can almost guarantee that skinnies will be going out of fashion imminently, because I have bought a pair, and also bought a pair of boots specifically to wear with them, so clearly the rest of the country will decide they are wrong wrong wrong within days.

I hope the flu doesn't get you FF. Maybe give yourself a bit of a break from intense exercise to give your body a fighting chance?

Thefitfatty · 13/09/2015 09:55

I know!

YonicScrewdriver · 13/09/2015 09:52

Oh that's pants!

Thefitfatty · 13/09/2015 09:51

Love M&S jeans. I have a pair of "boyfriend" jeans that I've been wearing for years. But I went on Thursday and they only had skinny jeans! And then I went to American Eagle (back in my 20's I remember they had good jeans) and again, only skinny jeans and jeggings. To make matters worse they didn't carry a size over US size 8! Most of what they had was 00. I don't think I could fit my arm in a 00!

YonicScrewdriver · 13/09/2015 09:48

I buy M&S jeans and I don't care. They fit, they're jeans.

Thefitfatty · 13/09/2015 09:24

My body is trying to decide if it wants to succumb to the flu or not. Sore throat and exhausted, but not quite "sick" yet. Urgh.

Also, skinny jeans must go out of fashion. I mean MUST.

LibrariesGaveUsP0wer · 12/09/2015 21:37

Can I join (late)? I used to post on these boards a lot but took an extended break and name changed.

I have 8 kg or so to lose to be a happy, healthy weight. I would call it baby weight but he's nearly 1.5.

I struggle to find time to exercise. The baby is always with me, DH works away a lot (and changeable days of the week) and my pelvic floor is not what it was pre three kids. I am pondering that (suggestions welcome!).

Diet is basically ok at meals, except far too much bread. Snacking is my nemesis.

I would like to feel strong and energetic for my.girls. The oldest is 6 and I want to really focus on modelling good body image.

Original poster
SeraOfeliaFalfurrias · 12/09/2015 21:00

Thought I'd share this....

Healthy living support thread for feminists
OP posts:
YonicScrewdriver · 11/09/2015 22:48

Did 40 mins exercise bike in front of GBBO. Was supposed to be 45 but I let myself off given I'd done a real bit of cycling earlier.

I didn't make it through my month of no booze though. Had a small glass of wine last night.

YonicScrewdriver · 11/09/2015 17:34

Cannot believe I missed most of this lovely day to work!

Walking up to collect kids now so at least some fresh air!

Original poster
SeraOfeliaFalfurrias · 11/09/2015 17:32

Hello everyone. This thread had dropped off Threads I'm On so it's definitely been too long since I last posted!

My head is still in a "healthy" place, doing lots of exercise and mostly eating well. But I am starting to think "a bit of this won't matter" far too often! I need to keep to more reasonable portions of calorie-dense food. And I definitely need to drink more water. I think I've said before that I find myself craving sweet things when I'm not properly hydrated.

How is everyone else doing?

OP posts:
YonicScrewdriver · 11/09/2015 16:09

Too much work to get to the gym today but did at least cycle to an errand and back!

PurpleDaisies · 11/09/2015 15:02

I'm struggling a bit with motivation too-also have a busy period in work and have picked up a cold so feel a bit like death. Feeling ill always makes me crave stodge so I'm avoiding the tape measure/scales for a while.

Never mind. Back on track next week hopefully.

YonicScrewdriver · 10/09/2015 20:34

Not feeling so good today. Tiring work at present!

feckityfeck · 09/09/2015 14:53

Well done indeed Yonic.

I've fallen off the wagon a bit in the last few days. Partly because now I'm so close to DD starting school (tomorrow!) I've been kinda waiting for all that free time to go the gym, rather than book her in to the creche or go in the evening. I'll be there tomorrow for sure. And I've been better with the snacks today than the last couple of days.

It's scary how it can suddenly feel like your mindset has changed and it's going to be a big deal to get back into it. I was only at the gym on Monday! Sheesh.

YonicScrewdriver · 09/09/2015 14:25

About 50 mins on exercise bike this morning, well done me!

Thefitfatty · 09/09/2015 06:40

Stayed up late last night with DH enjoying some wine and tv, as that is the last time I will ever be able to do so during a weeknight because starting tomorrow I will be up at 5:30 am every weekday getting DS ready for school. I am tired and I had 2 egg McMuffins on the way to work today. YAWN!!! Still going to go do something at the gym for leg day though.

YonicScrewdriver · 08/09/2015 08:53

Felt really tired yesterday from the swim, had been planning to go on my exercise bike in front of GBBO but sat on the sofa to watch instead! Feel much better today though, so maybe will do that tomorrow!

Thefitfatty · 08/09/2015 07:54

I've got one really chatty person at the gym. I hate going there and seeing him. I know my work out will be blown by him blathering on about his job, etc. I think its because I'm the only other person there who speaks fluent English, and no one from his job does, so all his conversation builds up till he see's me.

I've got shoulders today. Looking forward to trying some new exercises.

feckityfeck · 08/09/2015 07:46

Noone seems to try to chat in my gym, everyone's just going about their business. Mind you I have headphones in the whole time so noone's likely to attempt chat with me, but I've never seen much interaction, only people who have clearly come together - sharing a PT or something.

I had a good session at the gym yesterday, running on the treadmill felt good. I was able to let my mind drift instead of a constant stream of, -how much have I done?-When I can I have a break?-Almost finished thank god...
I always know I'm getting better with the running when I can think about something else other than the running :)

I was starving yesterday afternoon though, so didn't do to well there. Not a good sign if I get to dinner and I'm not actually hungry because of all the snacking.

Not sure what'll I'll get a chance to do today, I might try to shred later if dd2 is willing to entertain herself.

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