to want to lose weight but keep letting myself down

[Iamclearlyamug]

So I'm about 1.5 stone overweight, I'm 5'7 and weigh 12st 10 (just back from a 2 week visit to my partner where I gained 7.5lb 🙈🙈)

I'm the type where in clothes I don't look too bad, though very out of proportion - I'm a size 10 on the bottom but have 34H boobs and my tummy is awful, big and squishy and covered in terrible stretch marks - looks like a souffle gone wrong 🙈😭

A few years ago I lost 3 stone on slimming world and got down to 10 and a half stone, but regained it all over the next few years - had a stressful time where I discovered my husband was cheating on me with a girl half his age in his office, and he left me with our (now 6 year old) daughter.

Tried SW again, just can't lose weight on it - found it soul destroying having a perfect food diary every week and maintaining or gaining the same half pound every week.

So then I tried my fitness pal, lost about a stone doing that (i started at 13 and a half stone) but now I can't stick to that either. I'm fine during the day, but after my daughter goes to bed I get the munchies and the rest is history - I just can't stop myself, it's like a compulsion to eat.

I'm self employed working with horses so I'm pretty active, I feel like the weight would fall off if I could just crack the eating part! Does anyone have any tips for the evenings? I'm so unhappy with my body and just feel so yucky all the time - I'm happy with life in general, I have a lovely partner although we're very long distance. WHY CAN'T I JUST STOP EATING CRAP??

My leftover chocolate and cake stash for anyone who has the answer 😂😂

I'm the same OP. Also 5'7" and my normal is 11st12. I look a lot better at 11! I'm currently pg with DC2 and have put on 3.5stone

Breastfeeding really works for me as a weight loss aid, so I shall be breastfeeding this one until it's 10 and going on a one woman mission to single handedly supply the entire needs of my local milk bank. That way I can still sit on my arse and eat cake. Fool proof

Other than that, I've found limiting to 1500 calories a day works quite well for me, doing more walking, brushing my teeth after my evening meal, and having an options hot chocolate drink (30cal) helps take the craving for sweet foods away of an evening.

definitely trying the teeth cleaning thing

I try to stick to 1500 calories too, but today I've wasted 550 calories on snacks - bourbon biscuits, milk tray chocolates and mini chocolate caramel shortbread. I'm only 16 calories over for the day once I've eaten my dinner but what a bloody WASTE of calories!!

I came on to say knitting or cross Stitch but both have been mentioned already! I think keeping my hands busy whilst watching TV is important. Cross stitch is the best for me because once I've got my stuff out, adjusted the frame, laid out the colours, turned the big light on, I don't want to move. Next thing I know, I've been sat there three hours and it's bed time.

Also, seriously eat more vegetables! As many as you possibly can. Add them to everything you make because they fill you up. And then add an extra helping on the side of the plate.

I had the same problem, just no will power come the evening.

I don't buy anything that I can nibble on.

I have to say, I also rejoined weightwatchers in desperation and actually it has worked regarding the snacking. The points are loaded, so sugary foods are much higher but grilled chicken and vegetables are not. You can eat anything though.

I must say it achieved what I nearly thought impossible and has completely put me off drinking wine and eating sugary snacks.

The downside is, my family keep muttering about "points points".

You will find something that works I'm sure. the teeth cleaning is another good tip that has worked for me too.

What about trying 16:8 where you only eat during an 8 hour window? That would stop you snacking in the evenings.

The key here is to not buy crap. If it's not there then you can't eat it. You're also teaching your daughter a healthy eating pattern.
As for boredom in the evenings, you need to find something to occupy yourself with. Reading, chatting online, playing games, knitting , yoga, maybe a new hobby or maybe some study? There are plenty of things you can do that don't eating.
Last tip, keep a jug of water in the fridge, a nice cold drink maybe with ice and a lemon slice is nice and refreshing and has zero calories.

Ooh I was the exact same measurements as you in October, but I'm now 11 7 after doing low carb for all that time.
My weakness is sugar, and I've realised I just have no self-control, so I have cut it out completely. I don't seem to be able to have a little bit, but a complete ban I can do...
Some people can do moderation, some can't...
I second the brushing your teeth thing though. I also wear my retainer in the evenings sometimes, as then if I eat anything I have to clean it as well...

I have the same issues, including trying SW more than once and just not working. I’m doing Whole30 and I honestly can’t reccomend it enough- I don’t feel hungry in between meals, my head is clear and not foggy, my skin looks healthy and I have loads energy. Give it a go - it’s only 30 days. I honestly can believe how much better it is than slimming world

just been shopping after school run - I bought loads of veg for a side plate at dinner time, and some of those 10 calorie pots of jelly for when I feel like something sweet. usually I head straight for my DDs stash of Turkish chocolate which I bring home each time I visit my partner - but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and I will not do that tonight!

I think keeping the sweet treats out of the house is probably key. Agree with other posters saying you need to eat more during the day - especially as you're so active. At the very least look into some protein or (low sugar) granola bars to supplement the fruit and yoghurt.

I'd say if you really need the treats and nibbles in the evening, think about what you can have that's less likely to pile on the pounds. I went carb free in the evenings and it took quite a while to adjust to then not wanting lots of sweet things afterward. So I would splash out on things like, "fancy" fruit - eg strawberries, cherries that were sweet and that I could nibble on in the evening. Dh tends to eat fat free yoghurt with fruit late at night for similar reasons. Similarly, if you want something more "real" at least go for high protein or vegetable snacks rather than snacks loaded with carbs and sugar.