Feel sad about my body

[Lottie2157]

I’m probably a good 2-3 stone overweight. Today my DP took a photo of me from behind so I could see what my body looked like - I was naked - and honestly it’s made me very sad. Lots of horrible stretch marks across my bum and lower back. Weird blotchy coloured skin. It looks awful. I’m not sure even if I lost weight whether it would look better. And I’ll never have those lovely bikini type bodies I see so many women in the pool have.

Feeling pretty despondent. Still going to crack on with losing weight but just feel sad if it all still
Looks rather ugly.

2/3 stone isn’t too bad. You can get that off by the end of the year and as for stretch marks you can cover them with a little fake tan added to your regular moisturiser.

Of course you can look great but it’s your confidence holding you back.

I lost 3 stone last year, going from a size 14-16 to an 8. It's completely possible to transform your body to something you see as more desirable, but you have to really want to. If you do a combination of diet and exercise, you'll see great changes in your shape but also your overall 'look' eg. I have virtually no cellulite now whereas I used to be dimply from my chest to my knees!

I still have stretchmark scars on my stomach and after having 3 babies (2 csections) I think I'm realistic about the fact that the skin will never fully recover.

I'd have been upset if my Dh took a photo like that of me, did you ask him to?

Yes I did ask him to take it. I wanted to see what I looked like and god I think it’s bad.

But I’m very heartened to hear your cellulite vanished! Can I ask how you lost the 3 stone? I really do want to do something about this!

I am currently losing weight. I started off with about 2 stone to lose and I'm half way there. I have already noticed a huge difference in my body. I feel stronger and I'm getting some kind of figure back.

I am doing yoga 1-2 times a week, swimming and I have stopped eating bread and pasta as they make me crave more. After 2 C Sections I am never going to lose my belly overhang but hopefully having less fat will make it easier to tuck it in!!

I feel the same. I hate my body, realistically 2/3 stone overweight too. It’s all-consuming and I need to get to grips with it because it’s making me really really unhappy ☹️

Almost 80 days ago I decided to change things- 2.5 stone over my ideal. Have done 5:2 and daily exercise. It's been tough but I was motivated this time. Down 22lbs so 13 left. Feel so much better

@Lottie2157 do you think it helped you to see 'the reality'? I'd probably be bold and say that no one will judge your image as harshly as you would yourself, and that you probably see a different you in that picture than anyone else does. If you dwell on all the things you despise about yourself in that photo it could destroy your body image. Be kind to yourself

I lost the weight by doing a low carb/high fat diet and by running. I started off running in Jan 2018 by doing 10 minutes a day on my treadmill, but I now run 40km a week and I've raced half marathons etc. You could say I caught the bug! The weightloss was very quick (about 6 months) because it's quite a drastic lifestyle change but it's the running which has changed my shape and kept the weight off. I'll post a link to our diet thread if you fancy having a look. One lady has lost 2.5 stone in 8 weeks doing it although she had more to lose than you do

Blood sugar diet and Fast800 thread 15 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/fasting_diet/3593022-blood-sugar-diet-and-fast800-thread-15

This is our thread. We're very friendly. There's a bit of info in the opening post but please do ask questions if you want to know more.

Wow well done hopeful that's bloody good in 80 days!

Thank you so much. This is really helpful. I’ve never been slim, always quite chubby and now I’m 32 and feel like I’ve been putting this off for so long. And I’m just tired of it and sad that my body is this way

You are very brave to let husband take photo...maybe make sure it's deleted from his phone now (and any cloud backup).

If you want to keep it...for future before/after comparison then only have it on your own device?

OP, the thing is with being overweight is that it is something over which you have complete control. It's bloody difficult to lose weight but ultimately it is completely within your power to do so.
(Obviously there are some people with medical conditions where this isnt the case but for most people it is)

It's really empowering to be able to do something for yourself that has such a huge effect on your health, happiness and self esteem.

OP, you are still young. Imagine how you would feel if you lost weight? Is it something that would make a lot happier. You can't underestimate how difficult it is to lose weight but if you do it slowly and steadily there is no reason it should be that awful. I'd aim for a pound a week. It will take a long time but you will get there eventually.

Thank you @lilpumpsmum - it's not been easy but I've kept going and tried to not get disheartened at "no losses". Usually fail every diet at the first hurdle but 5:2 and exercise is working for me.

You’re right grabby it is completely in my control. That’s. Really good way of looking at it.

And thank you bear for that thread. It’s incredibly inspiring. I’m really going to use this summer to get into shape. I’ve just gone to the pool and swum 1km. And now I’m eating salmon scrambled eggs and avocado for breakfast. I’m going to try and stick to the 800cal per day. Thing is I’m awful at calorie counting and I know I would do it so I will just have to guesstimate my portions but I’m hoping if I cut out my sugar that should really help.

Lottie if you have a smartphone, just use a calorie counting app- I use one called 'fat secret' or obviously there is My Fitness Pal. It makes it so easy just to track, even when you're out, and if you eat the same sort of things every day you quickly get into the habit of working out a portion size. If can be really enlightening to look at your portions and weigh things for a few days, you could be surprised how many calories or sugar are in certain things that you've been told are healthy.

I’m going to try and stick to the 800cal per day. Thing is I’m awful at calorie counting and I know I would do it so I will just have to guesstimate my portions but I’m hoping if I cut out my sugar that should really help.

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't guesstimate. That won't work long term. What if you under estimate.... what if you over estimate... both are bad options.
Also 800 is ridiculously low unless doing it for a short burst. Personally I'd start with 1300 calories - properly calculated and see if you lose weight. If you don't then tweak the calories down. If you calorie count you can use and enjoy every single calorie. I love my sweet treats and I can have them if I calorie count properly. (80 calories for a halo top icecream = bargain)
You need to be thinking very long term and not trying to rush into a crash diet.

Just wanted to wish you encouragement. You can do this and regain your confidence.

I am pear shaped and have always carried my weight around the thigh and bum area with lots of cellulite. I started running and it’s so much better. I run very slowly and only do 20 - 25 km a week so nothing like bear1983. It makes a huge difference and I am more toned. I was very unfit before this and am not a “sporty” person at all.
I did also lose a stone on the 5:2 diet, and dropped by a further half stone when I started running without dieting .

I would advise that you properly invest the time (and possible a few quid on the book) in reading up on and understanding the Dr Micheal Moseley Blood Sugar Diet / Fast 800 from above. It is absolutely brilliant but to be sustainable, healthy and effective you need to do it properly. Don’t just jump on a rough idea, engage in estimation and be half hearted - go for it and the results will blow your mind!

The fast800 and BSD 800 cal a day diet plans are not crash diets. They are very nutritious, high fat low carb plans, designed by a doctor and they have proven results. You won't feel hungry. They are specifically designed to drain fat away from your organs and improve your insulin function and metabolic health. It's not as simple as just eating 800 calories, there are certain foods you can eat or not eat for maximum results and it's carried out in conjunction with muscle building/strength building exercises so you retain muscle and lose fat not muscle. But yes, I agree with the poster above, it's imperative that you read the book and join our thread! to ensure you do it safely.