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Original poster

My weight has ballooned and I don't know where it all went wrong

28 replies

pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 18:33

So, I've always been on a diet. Even as a child I remember always feeling self conscious of myself however I was never a big chubby child, I was tall, skinny legs but always had a little tummy, but nothing outrageous at all. I've always grown up a bit conscious of my weight but looking back on photos I was always thin, always looked great and clothes just fitted me lovely

Roll on lockdown and me being late 30s - I have put on about 3 stone. I have no idea why or how but I'm sooo self conscious of it. Nothing fits me, I look so through other and scruffy anytime I see myself in photos as clothes just don't fit me properly ( I'm
All belly and have developed a double chin and thick neck) I just don't know what to do. I've tried lots of methods but the weight is so stubborn anytime I tried to lose weight on the past, I'd really notice after a few weeks of trying. I did slimming world about Aug time last year for months and only lost a few lb despite sticking 100% and walking lots. My friends did it too and lost lots of weight while not even trying ( I witnessed the snacking and the wine that they didn't count as syns)

What is wrong with me ☹️

OP posts:
Mummy2mybear · 19/03/2023 18:42

Hi OP what is your current BMI if you are happy to share.. I think as we get a bit older its more difficult many of us are unhappy myself included trying to exercise and eat healthy but can't get rid of that last stubborn stone I am sure things are not all as bad as you think x

midgemadgemodge · 19/03/2023 18:44

If you don't know why you put the weight on that's a clue
Similar if you don't lose weight like others do

You probably seriously underestimate what you are eating and seriously overestimate how much you need to eat

If you have permanent hang ups about food it's perhaps your body hiding yourself from your head

ComeOnYouSummer · 19/03/2023 18:54

To start with buy yourself a few cheap clothes that actually fit you at the size you are now. No one is going to feel good about themselves wearing the wrong size clothes. Even a pair of jeans and a couple of pretty tops will help. If you feel happier in yourself you have a higher chance of tackling your weight gain.

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Weight management
Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 19:13

@Mummy2mybear I'm not too sure what my BMI is but to give you an idea, I'm 5ft 5 size 14/16 but all my weight is round my middle so I look like a wee round ball.

OP posts:
Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 19:16

@midgemadgemodge I'm honestly not too sure what's happened. Don't feel like I eat any different but maybe I do. Maybe I was more active before having children because I had more time to myself. I'm gonna start writing food diary each day to get a visual

OP posts:
Itsnotfairhuff · 19/03/2023 19:16

Have a real think about all the times you have snaccidents. Where you wander into the kitchen grab a few of this or a slice of that. The extra sugar in the coffee, the third biscuit... It's this that does it.

Your diet probably doesn't need an overhaul but the excess needs to be monitored.

MargotDeWitt · 19/03/2023 19:17

Do you drink a lot of wine? That's what does for me 🤔😳

sealon82 · 19/03/2023 19:18

I get it, stopped smoking and gained 3 stone. Exactly the same, all stomach fat, I look pregnant.
I lost over a stone last year by downloading my fitness pal and sticking to under 1400 calories.
Also did 8 minute abs daily on YouTube and Pamela Reif dance videos 4 times a week.
I'm going on holiday at the end of May so have it very late but am starting again tomorrow, join me!! Good luck 🤞

Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 19:40

@MargotDeWitt I don't really drink at all, which is frustrating as that would be something I could easily cut out for instant results. I think I'm snacking too much. I reckon my sugar intake is more that I think it is so maybe that's where I need to start looking. I'm trying to think of life before I had children and what bad habits have snuck In without me realising. I probably have more of a 'treat' cupboard that what I'd ideally like. I also think I naturally walked more as I walked to work then stood on my feet all day- maybe that's part of it. I tend to drive everywhere now as I'm usually enroute somewhere else or picking kids up from somewhere. I used to enjoy walking lots too come to think of it, I'd hand done this many times a week but now with busy lives and family life I find it hard to have the freedom to do the things I'd like.

I suppose I need to make more time for myself but that in itself is the hard part lol

OP posts:
Riapia · 19/03/2023 20:43

MargotDeWitt · 19/03/2023 19:17

Do you drink a lot of wine? That's what does for me 🤔😳

I went on a wine diet.
I lost two days in the first week.

Wednesday6 · 19/03/2023 21:04

I think as we age our metabolism slows down. I'm similar size/weight/age as you and I started counting calories... turns out I don't loose any weight if I eat 1500-1600 and only lose if a eat less than that 1300-1400 consistently and this is hard work it's not much! I'd suggest counting calories to find if there is any food you eat that might be high in calories that you could swap for alternative.

Lotusflower16 · 19/03/2023 21:08

Just keep a diary and try calorie counting so you could get an idea of how much you eat everyday.
The issue is with crisps, sweets, pasta, rice, potatoes, oils and butter. They are highly calorific and once you realize and adjust or replace the portions, you can feel the difference.

MMMarmite · 19/03/2023 21:20

pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 19:40

@MargotDeWitt I don't really drink at all, which is frustrating as that would be something I could easily cut out for instant results. I think I'm snacking too much. I reckon my sugar intake is more that I think it is so maybe that's where I need to start looking. I'm trying to think of life before I had children and what bad habits have snuck In without me realising. I probably have more of a 'treat' cupboard that what I'd ideally like. I also think I naturally walked more as I walked to work then stood on my feet all day- maybe that's part of it. I tend to drive everywhere now as I'm usually enroute somewhere else or picking kids up from somewhere. I used to enjoy walking lots too come to think of it, I'd hand done this many times a week but now with busy lives and family life I find it hard to have the freedom to do the things I'd like.

I suppose I need to make more time for myself but that in itself is the hard part lol

I think being on your feet all day and walking everywhere uses a decent amount of energy. And personally when I'm a bit fuzzy my attitude regulates better to match what I need.

Could sleep deprivation also be a factor? That increases your appetite?

I would buy some clothes that fit - you'll feel better and be more motivated to get out and about. Then work out what enjoyable ways you can fit more activity into your routine.

MMMarmite · 19/03/2023 21:21

*When I'm fitter my appetite regulates!

underneaththeash · 19/03/2023 21:38

It could just be the treats. I'm always amazed how much people snack. I went away with my mum the other day and she was having a huge breakfast at 9 (I don't usually eat much then), lunch at 12.30, a cake mid-afternoon and then dinner and she said she'd usually have biscuits after dinner too.

Paq · 19/03/2023 21:45

Sounds like a combination of a more sedentary lifestyle coupled with too much refined sugar and getting older.

If you've stopped walking everywhere and are driving instead you'll need to cut back on food.

boboshmobo · 19/03/2023 21:46

You are consuming too many calories ..

Just cut back , use an app like my fitness pal or join slimming world

Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 22:26

boboshmobo · 19/03/2023 21:46

You are consuming too many calories ..

Just cut back , use an app like my fitness pal or join slimming world

You're so right! I'm gonna really re visit my diet tomorrow and be more accountable!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 22:27

Paq · 19/03/2023 21:45

Sounds like a combination of a more sedentary lifestyle coupled with too much refined sugar and getting older.

If you've stopped walking everywhere and are driving instead you'll need to cut back on food.

100% this! I need to get myself into the mindset of 10 years ago. Seeing all these replies written down has made it very obvious to me!!

OP posts:
Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 22:29

I also drink lots of Diet Coke which is probably making me fatter !

OP posts:
fruitbrewhaha · 19/03/2023 22:32

Diet Coke is terrible for you and can make you bloated. Cut it out and drink water instead.

You need to find ways to get more activity into your day. Whether you fit in an exercise class, start a sport, go for a run, walk a lot more or better still, all of the above.

Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 22:35

fruitbrewhaha · 19/03/2023 22:32

Diet Coke is terrible for you and can make you bloated. Cut it out and drink water instead.

You need to find ways to get more activity into your day. Whether you fit in an exercise class, start a sport, go for a run, walk a lot more or better still, all of the above.

I've just realised I'm a complete disgusting mess. I will be prioritising myself a whole lot better when I wake up tomorrow! I'm going to force myself to take an evening walking this week, even if it's only 20 mins. Nothing will change if I don't!

OP posts:
Albertus · 19/03/2023 22:36

Because it’s in the interests of the food industry to put loads of sugar into their food. It’s an easy way to make it taste good and get people addicted to it from a young age.

People don’t have as much time to cook these days with both parents working and it’s almost impossible to buy anything that doesn’t contain sugar these days unless it’s in its raw state.

Many people sit down all day at work with limited opportunities for exercise.

The food available in our supermarkets is bland and tasteless and overly processed.

Many working parents are getting fatter, poorer, unhealthier and unhappier and nobody cares. The answer now is to inject yourself daily with chemicals to help you lose weight.

Its a very grim world we’re living in at the moment.

Original poster
pencilbirdie · 19/03/2023 22:45

Albertus · 19/03/2023 22:36

Because it’s in the interests of the food industry to put loads of sugar into their food. It’s an easy way to make it taste good and get people addicted to it from a young age.

People don’t have as much time to cook these days with both parents working and it’s almost impossible to buy anything that doesn’t contain sugar these days unless it’s in its raw state.

Many people sit down all day at work with limited opportunities for exercise.

The food available in our supermarkets is bland and tasteless and overly processed.

Many working parents are getting fatter, poorer, unhealthier and unhappier and nobody cares. The answer now is to inject yourself daily with chemicals to help you lose weight.

Its a very grim world we’re living in at the moment.

I couldn't have written this better! It's so difficult to be a super parent in todays world, someone that makes home made food from scratch every night, works full time, makes time to play with the kids, gets homework done, house immaculate. Something has to give and I agree I have fallen victim to convenience foods rather than sacrificing time with the family. However, I need to look after my own health and weight. I'm no good to my family if I'm Not the best version of myself!

OP posts:
Runningslow · 19/03/2023 22:55

I’m in the same boat. If you want an accountability partner, I’m here! Mine is definitely due to over snacking but I permanently feel hungry.

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