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To lose 80lbs this year? Is it doable?

145 replies

FootballFanGirl · 30/12/2023 19:09

I'm very overweight. I'm tipping the scales at 18st 13lbs, aside from when I have birth to my son last year I was 22 stone which I manag d to lose without trying really, this is the biggest I've been although I've always had issues with my weight up and down since I was a child. I don't want to be fat anymore, I want to be healthy and slim and just feel better. My mobility is bad now, all my bones ache, I have back problems, knee problems, you name it. I know that my weight isn't helping me. I want to lose 80lbs so around 5-6 stone. Ice already made some big dietry changes. And trying to be in a calorie deficit. I struggle to do vigorous excercise because I'm always in so much pain, I also have bad anxiety mainly health anxiety and terrified that my heart won't take the exercise and I'll die!! Silly I know. I do walk alot and most days walk between 4-5 miles pushing my son in his buggy. I don't really understand how it works . I know that I need to burn more calories than I consume but how on earth do you burn 1500 calories in one day alone? (Just an example) especially when mobility is bad like mine? Is there anyone that can give me some advice, some stories or just words of encouragement? Now that I've sat here and said it aloud I feel like I'm being unreasonable to think I could actually lose 80lbs and get to my goal weight. Any opinions or thoughts appreciated.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
FlabMonsterIsDietingAgain · 01/01/2024 08:16

I have weighed in and my spreadsheet has calculated the goals.

Starting at 225lb
1st big target is getting to 'overweight' - so I need to lose 28lb
2nd big target is getting to 'healthy BMI' - which is 61lbs lose
Ultimate target is 'ideal weight for height' - which is 84bs to lose

Would love to follow along with you OP and encourage each other towards our goals,

To lose 80lbs this year? Is it doable?
FootballFanGirl · 01/01/2024 09:33

FlabMonsterIsDietingAgain · 01/01/2024 08:16

I have weighed in and my spreadsheet has calculated the goals.

Starting at 225lb
1st big target is getting to 'overweight' - so I need to lose 28lb
2nd big target is getting to 'healthy BMI' - which is 61lbs lose
Ultimate target is 'ideal weight for height' - which is 84bs to lose

Would love to follow along with you OP and encourage each other towards our goals,

Oh wow! This is amazing!! I'm thinking of joining slimming world xx

OP posts:
maybein2022 · 01/01/2024 11:29

firef1y · 31/12/2023 23:41

Sure.
I simply logged everything in Myfitnesspal and reduced the Calories I ate at the same time as increasing activity. It was very important to me that I didn't demonise any foods, if I wanted it and I had the calories I ate it. It took a few months and I made mistakes along the way but I gradually learnt what was and wasn't worth the calories.

I didn't have surgery or take any pills or go to any slimming clubs. I did go to see the GP right at the start, but he told me only way someone my size would lose weight was surgery. That put a stubborn streak in me and decided to prove him wrong

Wow. This is so inspiring. I need to lose around 100lb (maybe bit more) having already lost 2st 10lb from my very heaviest. This gives me so much hope that it can be done without surgery or diet pills/injections. Thank you.

Muthaofcats · 02/01/2024 07:04

firef1y · 31/12/2023 23:41

Sure.
I simply logged everything in Myfitnesspal and reduced the Calories I ate at the same time as increasing activity. It was very important to me that I didn't demonise any foods, if I wanted it and I had the calories I ate it. It took a few months and I made mistakes along the way but I gradually learnt what was and wasn't worth the calories.

I didn't have surgery or take any pills or go to any slimming clubs. I did go to see the GP right at the start, but he told me only way someone my size would lose weight was surgery. That put a stubborn streak in me and decided to prove him wrong

Wow! What an inspiration!!! Incredible achievement

2 hours a day is an impressive amount of exercise!! Do you have kids/work? I’d love this but couldn’t ever fit this in….

Ansjovis · 02/01/2024 07:55

Can you post a typical full day of food? Then people can help you with suggestions for how you can slowly change your diet to be more conducive to weight loss. I say slowly because if you make loads of changes at once it requires way more willpower to stick to than if you change gradually.

firef1y · 02/01/2024 09:57

Muthaofcats · 02/01/2024 07:04

Wow! What an inspiration!!! Incredible achievement

2 hours a day is an impressive amount of exercise!! Do you have kids/work? I’d love this but couldn’t ever fit this in….

I do have children, but I also get up at 5am to get a workout in before they get up and then train when they're at school or in the evening

delilabell · 02/01/2024 10:03

Lots of people don't like it but slimming world has been life changing for me. I started off at 23stone 8lb in September 2022. By September 2023 I was 17 stone 12. Ive hovered around this for a few months and been off plan for the last couple of weeks but I'm hoping to have lost 100lb by the summer so just over 2 more stone to go.

BarrelOfOtters · 02/01/2024 10:09

My sister did this - lost 8 stone in a year. And has kept it off over the last 5 years. She stopped eating crap and tracked her calories. Upped her protein a lot too.

She had been a sofa biscuit eater, pizza, chips and garlic bread every Friday, lots of chocolate.

She cut all that out and started walking for an hour every morning. As she lost weight she was walking more quickly and further and for longer - she now hillwalks.

I know you have to fit something round kids but find something you can do.

It is possible.

MumofSpud · 02/01/2024 10:21

I know it's like Marmite but I would suggest joining Slimming World
Also - go swimming - you said you like it!
That really will help you lose weight and 'firm' you up too and it will be ok on your joints

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 11:32

I have signed up to slimming world andy first meeting is on Saturday.
I have largely been eating for convenience and quickness. A typical day I don't eat breakfast, I don't usually eat until after lunchtime and by that time I'm starving! I've been terrible for just bingeing on cakes and sweets or my DS snacks 😳 I'll graze all day and then have a large meal at tea time which will be coming like sausage and mash, spaghetti bol etc and then it's the evenings when DS is in bed that me and DH will sit and eat chocolate or biscuits watching TV. The only thing which is good is I drink A LOT of water. I don't drink pop, I don't drink coffee, I have a cup of.tea in the morning but that's it. I can see what I'm doing wrong and know I need to be eating more nutritious foods and get into a routine. It's hard because my DH is not supportive and said he is not dieting but he will eat whatever I make but he will still snack regardless which is not going to help me but I suppose.i have to keep the discipline with myself. The only thing that I'm struggling to understand is calorie deficit. How do I know I am in a deficit?

OP posts:
Ansjovis · 02/01/2024 11:39

I would download MyFitnessPal. You can provide your height, weight, desired weight and activity level and it will calculate everything for you. For most foods you can scan the barcode and it will tell you the nutritional composition, you just need to edit the portion size on the app to match the portion you're having. You also need to be disciplined to include everything that goes into your mouth, including drinks, spreads and oils.

Whoopitywhoops · 02/01/2024 11:39

FootballFanGirl · 30/12/2023 19:09

I'm very overweight. I'm tipping the scales at 18st 13lbs, aside from when I have birth to my son last year I was 22 stone which I manag d to lose without trying really, this is the biggest I've been although I've always had issues with my weight up and down since I was a child. I don't want to be fat anymore, I want to be healthy and slim and just feel better. My mobility is bad now, all my bones ache, I have back problems, knee problems, you name it. I know that my weight isn't helping me. I want to lose 80lbs so around 5-6 stone. Ice already made some big dietry changes. And trying to be in a calorie deficit. I struggle to do vigorous excercise because I'm always in so much pain, I also have bad anxiety mainly health anxiety and terrified that my heart won't take the exercise and I'll die!! Silly I know. I do walk alot and most days walk between 4-5 miles pushing my son in his buggy. I don't really understand how it works . I know that I need to burn more calories than I consume but how on earth do you burn 1500 calories in one day alone? (Just an example) especially when mobility is bad like mine? Is there anyone that can give me some advice, some stories or just words of encouragement? Now that I've sat here and said it aloud I feel like I'm being unreasonable to think I could actually lose 80lbs and get to my goal weight. Any opinions or thoughts appreciated.

Why a year? Why not 15 months or 18 months? A year sounds neat and tidy but in reality it's much more likely to happen if you do it in a slightly more relaxed way and make it sustainable. I have 6.5 stone to lose and I'm aiming for about half of that this year. I'm keeping it flexible to allow for occasional slip ups and a more normal lifestyle.

RatatouillePie · 02/01/2024 11:40

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 11:32

I have signed up to slimming world andy first meeting is on Saturday.
I have largely been eating for convenience and quickness. A typical day I don't eat breakfast, I don't usually eat until after lunchtime and by that time I'm starving! I've been terrible for just bingeing on cakes and sweets or my DS snacks 😳 I'll graze all day and then have a large meal at tea time which will be coming like sausage and mash, spaghetti bol etc and then it's the evenings when DS is in bed that me and DH will sit and eat chocolate or biscuits watching TV. The only thing which is good is I drink A LOT of water. I don't drink pop, I don't drink coffee, I have a cup of.tea in the morning but that's it. I can see what I'm doing wrong and know I need to be eating more nutritious foods and get into a routine. It's hard because my DH is not supportive and said he is not dieting but he will eat whatever I make but he will still snack regardless which is not going to help me but I suppose.i have to keep the discipline with myself. The only thing that I'm struggling to understand is calorie deficit. How do I know I am in a deficit?

Is it him doing the shopping or you? That's really rubbish if he's not wanting to support you.

I don't have "nice" snacks in the house. I buy boring crisps for lunch boxes (or ones the kids like and I don't!) and I buy relatively healthy muesli bars that I wouldn't generally snack on.

You need to find yourself something to do in the evening that means your hands are busy and you can't snack. Go out for a walk, knitting, play piano/guitar etc...

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 12:15

Ansjovis · 02/01/2024 11:39

I would download MyFitnessPal. You can provide your height, weight, desired weight and activity level and it will calculate everything for you. For most foods you can scan the barcode and it will tell you the nutritional composition, you just need to edit the portion size on the app to match the portion you're having. You also need to be disciplined to include everything that goes into your mouth, including drinks, spreads and oils.

Yes I have this app and have be n using it over the last couple of days.

OP posts:
FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 12:19

I will be doing the shopping today and I've made it clear that I won't be buying rubbish o.unhealrhy snacks. We've pledged to use up unhealthy foods we have in the freezer such as pies, burgers, pork sausages etc I will b buying fruits, lots of fresh veg, frozen veg, potatoes, sweet potatoes and whole grains sich as cous cous, brown rice, pasta, etc Greek yogurts, eggs etc. he said he is happy to do this but he will not depriv himself of a or a cake or a treat from the shop if he fancies it etc.

OP posts:
DewHopper · 02/01/2024 12:35

Sassysmom · 31/12/2023 04:27

Another poster stated that they don't eat breakfast or lunch. This is awful advice. Please PLEASE eat breakfast. Try to avoid processed nonsense food (granola bars, weird "porridge" mixes etc etc) - if you are unsure just go for the fewer ingredients you can: a poached egg on some toast for example.

Not eating for large portions of the day is not going to help you exercise. You'll feel tired, fatigued, and you won't be able to do the exercise you want to do to get your body moving.

Why is this 'awful advice'? I have not eaten breakfast for years and am completely fine!

Redundantrobin · 02/01/2024 12:40

If you’re already walking several miles a day, build on that. Challenge yourself to increase the pace of your walk - time it and see if you can knock some seconds off each day. Have you heard of rucking? Basically walking with a heavy weight in a backpack. It’s becoming more popular here, I think. Start adding weights to a rucksack and building them up.

consistency is key - of diet and exercise. You need to find a plan and stick to it like glue. No cheat days or ‘just a bit’ because you then spiral back to unhealthy habits.

if you can afford it, work with a personal trainer who can create a full plan for you. If not, look at apps and online programs. Take the work out of it so no thinking is required until it becomes routine. A friend used 6 pack revolution and managed to lose weight - she was told belly fat is 90% diet so you really need to address your eating.

No sweets / cakes in the house and every time you want to boredom eat, have a glass of water and make yourself wait 20 mins. You won’t want it after all.

Diet wise - cut out UPFs wherever you can. The more you have to do to prepare and digest food, the fewer calories are retained because you’ve burnt them off doing more work. And cut out rubbish carbs like white bread, white pasta, potatoes etc. which affect your blood sugar and can cause insulin spikes.

Are you in the age bracket for menopause? Hormones can have a massive affect on your energy levels.

Think about how to increase the calories burnt in every day life - called Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). Making small changes can build this calorie burn up so you’re working on your goal throughout your normal day - get off the bus 2 stops early, take the stairs (or get off the lift a floor below and build up). Stand to write emails / on the bus.

Take photos. You might not see much weight loss - and it may plateau after a few weeks, which will make you feel rubbish - but photos and measurements won’t lie. If you do the work, they will show you getting smaller.

Good luck!

Redundantrobin · 02/01/2024 12:51

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 11:32

I have signed up to slimming world andy first meeting is on Saturday.
I have largely been eating for convenience and quickness. A typical day I don't eat breakfast, I don't usually eat until after lunchtime and by that time I'm starving! I've been terrible for just bingeing on cakes and sweets or my DS snacks 😳 I'll graze all day and then have a large meal at tea time which will be coming like sausage and mash, spaghetti bol etc and then it's the evenings when DS is in bed that me and DH will sit and eat chocolate or biscuits watching TV. The only thing which is good is I drink A LOT of water. I don't drink pop, I don't drink coffee, I have a cup of.tea in the morning but that's it. I can see what I'm doing wrong and know I need to be eating more nutritious foods and get into a routine. It's hard because my DH is not supportive and said he is not dieting but he will eat whatever I make but he will still snack regardless which is not going to help me but I suppose.i have to keep the discipline with myself. The only thing that I'm struggling to understand is calorie deficit. How do I know I am in a deficit?

to be in deficit, calories in need to be less than calories burnt.

calories burnt are made up of:

~ basal metabolic rate (calories needed to keep your body alive & functioning if you sat down all day)

~ non-exercise activity thermogenesis (see my prev post)

~ exercise thermogenesis - calories burnt in exercise

so you have 3 ways to make sure you’re in deficit- put less in, move more in everyday life & exercise more.

But it’s not as simple as fewer calories = weight loss because the type of calories matter - carbs, fats, protein all have different effects on the body and are burnt off in different ways.

You need to be burning fat but the body prefers to burn carbs, because it’s easier - so you need to get into fat burning mode by doing exercise at the right level (roughly equates to how hard you’re working - measured by heart rate) and cutting back on carbs (and eliminating shit carbs) so there is only fat to burn.

protein is really filling - eating more protein will keep you fuller for longer - but only works if you stop reaching for the sugary stuff after every meal, because they (carbs) will still make you feel tired and craving more.

Redundantrobin · 02/01/2024 12:53

If you’re spending hours watching tv and eating biscuits can you get a cheap exercise bike or walking treadmill? Do that whilst you watch instead. Not so much for the exercise but just to stop you binging on biscuits.

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 22:41

Am I in a deficit?

To lose 80lbs this year? Is it doable?
OP posts:
Gliblet · 02/01/2024 22:47

Yes 👍 Your basic daily target is on the left. Food is what calories you've logged for that day, exercise is what calories you've burned according to what you've logged/recorded, and the figure on the right is what you have left (so basic, minus food, plus exercise). As long as that number on the right doesn't have a minus in front of it, you're in deficit.

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 22:52

Gliblet · 02/01/2024 22:47

Yes 👍 Your basic daily target is on the left. Food is what calories you've logged for that day, exercise is what calories you've burned according to what you've logged/recorded, and the figure on the right is what you have left (so basic, minus food, plus exercise). As long as that number on the right doesn't have a minus in front of it, you're in deficit.

Perfect thank you. I have no idea lol

OP posts:
Shizzlestix · 02/01/2024 22:53

You have to change your eating habits, tricky with dc in the house. Are you better if you are accountable, so you weigh in front of someone, for example? I did about 8st one year, but I was riding, doing a huge dog walk, swimming 50 lengths, playing a very fast paced sport, at least two a day. I also did a constant food diary and was a bit extreme eg only protein on certain days. This was with Slimming World and I know it’s vilified on here, but it worked really well for me, my downfall was thinking I no longer needed it when I hit my target, but I needed to be accountable. This was back in the day of green or red days and it worked really well.

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 23:02

Shizzlestix · 02/01/2024 22:53

You have to change your eating habits, tricky with dc in the house. Are you better if you are accountable, so you weigh in front of someone, for example? I did about 8st one year, but I was riding, doing a huge dog walk, swimming 50 lengths, playing a very fast paced sport, at least two a day. I also did a constant food diary and was a bit extreme eg only protein on certain days. This was with Slimming World and I know it’s vilified on here, but it worked really well for me, my downfall was thinking I no longer needed it when I hit my target, but I needed to be accountable. This was back in the day of green or red days and it worked really well.

I have joined slimming world and plan to go toy first meeting on Saturday. I feel like I've done really well today. I've eaten no rubbish and lots of fresh fruit and veg. My downfall is carbs. I love the bread, crackers, etc. In below target on all my fats, salt, cholesterol etc but over on my carbs and bang on on the protein. I meticulously planned my meals today but somehow feel defeated x

OP posts:
Shizzlestix · 02/01/2024 23:04

FootballFanGirl · 02/01/2024 23:02

I have joined slimming world and plan to go toy first meeting on Saturday. I feel like I've done really well today. I've eaten no rubbish and lots of fresh fruit and veg. My downfall is carbs. I love the bread, crackers, etc. In below target on all my fats, salt, cholesterol etc but over on my carbs and bang on on the protein. I meticulously planned my meals today but somehow feel defeated x

Can you cope without bread in the house? That used to be my downfall, cheese sandwiches! No bread is a huge help, it’s basically empty calories.