I want to lose a stone - care to join me?

[RattusRattus]

This is the first time i've joined in on a thread with others and I'm hoping the mutual support will give me more motivation.

I've realised that I've gradually put on a stone and I want to stop expanding and start decreasing! My clothes feel tight and uncomfortable and I need to do something about it now. Its about 6 weeks until the whole Xmas things starts to go into overdrive and I want to do some damage limitation before then.

I'm going through quite a stressful thing at the moment which is my excuse for gorging on rubbish and indulging in that extra glass of wine. IT HAS TO STOP NOW.

So I've ordered the Davina DVDs (Power of 30 and the 30 minute work outs) and aim to eat about 1500 cals per day. I want to lose 1.5lbs a week over the next 6 weeks. Ok it's not the stone I'm really after but with Xmas in the way I need to be realistic.

Anyone care to join me?

It was a bit frustrating, especially as I had quite a lot of stuff to do for uni, so got into quite a rush for something that didn't happen. But I am back on track now and I hope that a good week now will mean I actually have a loss for my weigh in instead of a gain.

I didn't have breakfast today but will have some bread with ham etc now and then some steak with veggies tonight. I will use some milk in tea as my calcium allowance (I am quite bad with calcium in general). And I will try not to have snacks but use some butter on my sandwich.

Thanks.

GravityDefier that would be 1st 8llbs in 5 weeks, thats if I stuck to what I had been eating and excercising like I had for those 2 days for the whole time, but I don't have as much time during the week to fit in as much excercise as I'd like so it probably won't be. Although saying that I have had the morning off today so I have done a Level 2 shred and a 40 min run so that should put a bit in the bank for the week.

I have a girls night out planned for next weekend and I treated myself to some new skinny jeans when shopping last weekend, so I just tried them on and am able to do them up, all be it with quite a bit of a muffin top, so that is my incentive for the rest of this week and next, to be able to wear my new jeans comfortably for night out.

Wow, that would be a lot of weight! How many calories are you eating at the moment?

I gained all my weight in the last few years and got loads of jeans and skirts that don't really fit me anymore in my closet. I need to fit back into those, I don't want to have to wear the same pair of trousers every day. So I know the feeling of using clothes as an incentive Good luck with those jeans! If they feel uncomfortable though do wear something else. You wat to enjoy your night after all.

I got invited to two dinners next week, not sure how that is going to work out for me.

Wow well done Wherearemysocks that's a fantastic loss!

I'm a bit confused - have just calculated my BMI and it's come out as 19.3, which according to the website I was using is right at the bottom end of the healthy range?! But how can that be when I've got loads of excess flub around my middle?! I do have a small frame, can that effect the result?

Am wondering whether I really need to focus on exercise to improve my shape, rather than trying to count calories, as my body totally lacks any tone. I'll still stick with (or try to!) cutting out the booze; getting my 5-a-day; cutting down on milk/cheese/red meat; and planning healthy meals instead of picking at toast and biscuits etc, but think maybe I really need to get moving with some exercise again.

I've got a Tae Bo dvd which I got a while ago but have never got round to doing, and have also got the 30DS. Do you think doing one of these 3-5 times a week would make a noticeable improvement? I really want to shift this wobbly belly once and for all!

Hi GravityDefier, for the last 4 days that I've been using myfitnesspal its calculated that I've been having between 1400-1500. The aim is 1200 for normal weightloss but I've been 'earning' extra with the excercise I've been doing. I agree it would be a lot but I've only used it on the days so far when it happens that I'm able to fit my excercise in, I wont do so much over the next few days so I think that estimated weight will go up iyswim.

And yes I do have a back up outfit in case I don't quite make it into my jeans in time, if I don't it'll just be a good excuse to go out again in a few weeks when I do.

pinkcustard I think it is widely agreed now that a BMI is not a particularly good thing as it doesn't take into account so many variables, ie muscly men would come out as obese on it and likewise with people with small frames it will say they are underweight. Toning up and healthy eating sounds like it is the way forward for you, and maybe try and increase your protein and do some weights as well to build some muscle.

Hello, is there room to sign up here?
I'd love to join you.

I'm looking to lose 1 stone (to start with) and then keep it off. I'm currently 11 stone 9lbs and now that my youngest is almost a year, it seems a little silly to keep making excuses.

Welcome TeaEarl!
Are you planning to follow a diet or just try to eat healthier?

I had an ok day yesterday, up to 1am when I was so hungry I nibbled on some bread that didn't really fit in. Going to do some Zumba today at lunch.

PinkCustard, it sounds like you might need exercise. I am by no means an expert but it seems like you don't want to lose weight but more fat. I have heard the 30 day Shred really makes a difference. Otherwise have you tried the couch to 5 k running? It's a free podcast you can download from the NHS. I started it a while ago but it's too dark to run in the mornings now up here in Scotland. If you got time during the day you might be able to try that?

MySocks, 1400-1500 doesn't sound too bad, but probably feels too little after all that exercise Well done! Even if you lose it slower, just remember that it's healthier anyway.
And I didn't mean to sound al discouraging about the trousers, it's just that I have done the too-small-jeans thing before and it can really ruin a lovely night out.

Have a good day everyone!

Hi GravityDefier!
I think I'm just going to try eating healthier. I think my diet was okay, but a massive reliance on bread and pasta and large portions wasn't doing me any favours. So cutting down on the low nutrient foods and upping proteins and greens! I'm planning on doing 20 minutes of exercise a day - better than none! Any extra will be bonus time. I'll have a look at myfitnesspal also, once I have a good stretch on the interweb.
I can't wait to fit in clothes the next size down again!

Yeah I think you're both right. I have looked at the 5k running thing before but I just can't do running! I like walking, but I would have to do hours of that to make much difference I think. I've just ordered the Anna Richardson body blitz book, and am determined to finally do some exercise this afternoon whilst DS is out at pre-school.

Welcome TeaEarl

Can I join? I'm 5ft4 and weigh 10 stone. I would love to lose a stone and hopefully you ladies will give me the motivation and I will walk past those mince pie offers in the supermarkets :)

Welcome MadMummy and TeaEarl !!

So I've given up snacking between meals, and generally try to eat a little less. I'm exercising 3x week, got my second weigh in tomorrow but am not convinced I will have lost anything. I guess my question is, to actually lose weight, how drastic do I have to be ? I've got a feeling that my current regime will just stop me gaining weight.

Also, over the last 24 hrs I've eaten a whole big bag of Sensations Crisps - it's the first time I've indulged in two weeks and I'm scared I've blown it and that's the end of my weightloss - somebody please encourage me that it's okay to slip up sometimes ???!!!

I need to stop snacking between meals. I think that's my main problem but from today it's got to stop. One big bag of Sensations in two weeks? I think that's great, I know I will be slipping up alot more than that. I will still need to have a few treats otherwise I will get to the weekend and binge.

What is everyone having for lunches and dinners? I need some healthy ideas. I've got a great weight watchers recipe book which I need to dig out and dust :)

TheEndlessArete sounds like you've made a good start - I guess only the weigh-in will tell whether you have to cut back even more, but it depends what your diet/exercise was like before I expect. I don't think you necessarily have to do anything too drastic to lose weight, cutting out bad snacking can have a big impact if you were previously snacking a lot on high calorie foods.

So I finally made a start with exercise - I've just completed my Tae-Bo dvd and actually really enjoyed it. Pre-DS I used to go to Body Combat classes 2-3 times a week and it was very much like that. I think I'll be able to keep up with this one, Billy Blanks is also much more likeable than Jillian Michaels!

Food going ok today too (so far!) - had 2 scrambled eggs and a fruit smoothie for b.fast, am about to have some veg soup and a slice of oaty bread for lunch...haven't gotten as far as planning dinner yet though, which is often the problem! Am hopeful that the Anna Richardson book will contain some nice recipes for evening meals. Madmummy I found some nice sounding recipes on the SW website, I just need to get organised with menu planning and food shopping (DS has been ill this week though so my usual shopping routine has gone out the window a bit - will get organised over the weekend).

Day 4 of the 30 Day Shred and I am feeling a funny combination of enjoyment and wanting to die. So knackered. Sorry not to post more - looks like everyone's doing really well though.

madmummy6 those mince pies are giving me the eye too! I've managed to avoid them so far, I will save myself till Christmas week hopefully, and then make up for it indulge sensibly.

pippaandpolly I've also done 4 days of shred now, still not noticing any difference though yet, but hey 26 days to go I suppose. Aching lots though so that must mean somethings working.

pinkcustard I try to have seafood for lunch, one of my fave quick lunches is Princes mackerel fillets in spicy tomato sauce on a slice of wholegrain toast. I also love the chilli and corriander prawns from Marks & Spencers.

Also I use Philidelphia light, the flavoured ones, garlic and herb or sweet chilli as sauces, so I'll stir fry some chopped up chicken or turkey breast using a couple of sprays of olive oil and then when its cooked just stir in some philli and serve it with what ever veg/carb you fancy.

Can you tell I'm not much of a cook :)

wherearemysocks that's my kind of cooking! Half-fat creme fraiche does the same job and is good with pasta. Are your knees hurting from the shred? Mine really are - am a bit worried it's too soon post DD's birth for me to be doing it. Too much relaxin still in my body? They definitely feel weird. Am going to do tonight's and then see how I feel - am quite enjoying it (through the pain) and don't want to stop.

Did my Day 1 of Shred last night - enjoyed it (in a masochistic way!!) - how long are you supposed to do each level for ?

No, PippaandPolly, didn't find my knees hurting - it was mainly muscles rather than joints. How old is latest DD ? it certainly does take a while for the body to go back to full strength post-partum, perhaps something lower impact would be better ?

Weigh in yesterday and had lost NOTHING - felt quite disappointed after 4.5lbs the first week - but I guess it's better than adding anything. Also, am just about to get my period, so I imagine there will be a little more water etc ?? Anybody else feel like their weight goes up and down depending on the time of month ?

Hello, everyone sounds to be doing really well I've only been losing 1 lb a week so far but I'm pleased with that as TBH I haven't been that good really, have just cut out the chocolate and making healthier choices mostly. But going on our beach holiday 3 weeks today So need to try and increase the weightloss for a few weeks.

So tonight I AM going to start the 30DS again! I've said it now so I have too!

theendless - don't panic over the lack of loss yet, it can take a few weeks for your body to drop the weight after introducing changes, I think especially if introducing exercise too. Just keep up the good work and it will start to come off soon. When I started exercising I actually put on weight the first week or so, then it started to go!

pink definitely sounds like you just need to tone up with exercise

Going to be very good this weekend and abstain from alcohol and all things sweet and yummy!

Hello everyone. I'm struggling a bit tonight. I really want to eat something! I'm not hungry, I just want to eat. I had a yogurt hoping that that would satisfy my craving but it hasn't.

This is the first time all week I have felt like this and I am determined to overcome it.

What does everyone else do when when trying to resist snacking?

Hello everyone. I'm struggling a bit tonight. I really want to eat something! I'm not hungry, I just want to eat. I had a yogurt hoping that that would satisfy my craving but it hasn't.

This is the first time all week I have felt like this and I am determined to overcome it.

What does everyone else do when when trying to resist snacking?

Hello everyone. I'm struggling a bit tonight. I really want to eat something! I'm not hungry, I just want to eat. I had a yogurt hoping that that would satisfy my craving but it hasn't.

This is the first time all week I have felt like this and I am determined to overcome it.

What does everyone else do when when trying to resist snacking?

:o :o obviously its so bad I had to say it 3 times. Stupied wifi playing up.

Evening socks....all I can say is RESIST !! try and find something to distract you or get some chewing gum to allow your mouth to move without putting anything in.... it's so hard, isn't it !!

TheEndlessArete she's 10 weeks tomorrow. Have given up Shred till New Year - think my joints just aren't ready! Bit gutted but trying to walk lots instead. Have been super good this week as we went to a friend's for Sunday lunch and I knew I'd need to use my weeklies. Pointed it at 49 for the lunch! Argh. But I haven't technically messed up - still even have 20 weeklies left. Just feels super naughty!

Re. not eating when not hungry but just wanting food, stick on an exercise DVD or go for a walk and then you won't want to undo your good work!