So, I'm changing my life on Monday...

[Runnaway]

Well, that's what I hope. Am currently overweight. I am tall so can carry it quite well, but I always feel very flabby and am uncomfortable with my size. I have lost weight successfully before so I know I can do it, but have lacked a bit of motivation and willpower in the last year. Gradually my weight has crept up and trying on clothes yesterday was not fun!!

My plan is this:
Food diary - am a mindless eater
Drink more water - tend to eat when I am actually thirsty
Move more - this will be the biggest change. I work FT now and move much less within my everyday life. I now need to factor in exercise as it is no longer part of my day to day life.

I would like to lose 14 pounds in total, but am going to start with 7 pounds as my first goal!

So, anyone care to join me?

Well done!! That's fab! I lost one myself this week. Have to admit, I was happy to see it gone, although I shouldn't really be losing.

Children are 11 and 9. It's really cool to be doing something healthy all together!

I bet is it .

Chinese takeaway tonight then back on the wholesome band wagon tomorrow!

First are you still in the game?

A weirdly big loss for me this morning takes me just into a healthy bmi! So happy . So that's 29 and 1/2 pounds lost since the thread started. More importantly, I don't feel ruled by cravings.

That's amazing Bus!! How many clothes sizes have you lost? What other benefits have you found? Incredible success- a massive well done!

Thank you Dakota . How's your week been?

My personal trainer re-did my measurements today and I've lost inches all over since the end of May. My waist has reduced by over 4 inches, which I found completely shocking but obviously very pleasing!

I want to lose a bit more, to sit comfortably in the BMI range. But I'm definitely going to keep exercising with free weights and building muscle. That's been a huge revelation. When I've lost weight before, I've always been skinny-fat. Just a lighter version of the body I had before. This time I'm more toned and strong. That's been massively motivating so I'm keen to continue.

I'm worried about maintaining but can only hope I've made permanent changes to my life-style.

Sounds great! I'm all for the muscle building thing too, also a massive revelation to me. Skinny-fat is really no better than fat fat. Toned and strong is the dream. And 4" loss is amazing!!

I had an okay week. Up to 2400 and thinking I've probably hit my TDEE. Feeling slightly less positive, but that's mainly because I keep seeing my cellulite and panicking about swimming costumes! Sad!

Keep your focus on your long term goals Dakota. It is not a quick fix. This time next summer you'll be at your goal weight. For now, a spray tan, pretty cover up and good posture will get you through. When are you going? UK or abroad?

Going in a month, to Spain. I know I won't care after day one, but the thought of that first day make me want to weep! You're right though, fake tan ahoy!! X

Oh my god, oh my god. I have gained FIVE pounds this week. What????

Don't panic Dakota. Could it be due to TOTM? Did you have a meal higher in salt than usual? Have you exercised harder than normal?

Yes to all of the above, I guess. Am calm again and will soldier on... Sadly!

How did you get on?

Keep soldiering on Dakota. You're playing the long game.

I'm down another pound. Want to get comfortably within the healthy bmi band for my height. I'm at the top of it now so looking to maybe lose another 9 pounds. But I'll see how I go. More important to me is building muscle and losing body fat.

Well done! Great job.

Thank you .

You still doing some jogging with the family?

Yep! We are onto week four, which means that today we had to do five minutes without stopping (twice, plus two lots of 3 minutes). I know it's not really much but three weeks ago it was unimaginable!! Loving it too!

Good for you! A real achievement.

How are you getting on Dakota?

1/2 pound off this week. Slow and steady wins the race!

Got fitted for new bras this week and am 4 inches smaller in the band . I'm feeling very well lifted and supported today!!

4 inches!!! Blimey! Had you been wearing the wrong size all that time? Love a good excuse to buy new undies. Presumably you've had to restock the whole wardrobe? How many sizes are you down? Must feel so amazing! Well done you.

I think the slow and steady thing is sooooo important in weight loss. I reckon part of my problem is that I want to lose really quickly so I give up too soon. One thing that this new eating more thing has established for me is that, having spent ten weeks actively tring to maintain, I feel I will be better at handling small losses when I finally start cutting down. Am really hoping that my head feels delighted with the half pound loss because it's those little fellas that turn into stones.

Anyway, in answer to your question I dropped 3 1/2 of the 5 I gained last week. Goodness knows what that was all about but I'm glad they're gone. I'm sitting firmly at 2300 calories now, although I'm being a bit lax about logging. Holiday in two weeks, then going to drop to 2000 at the end of August. I'm looking forward to cutting back a bit, but do think this whole eating more 'experiment' might have changed my life. I really hope so! X

I had a bra fitting in March, so I've clearly lost quite a bit of back fat since then! I've gone from a size 14-16 to a 10-12. I'm enjoying buying new clothes but it's not so good for my bank balance!!

I'm worried about maintaining, so it's really interesting to hear your experiences over the past few weeks. From what I've read, I think it's sensible to view goal weight as plus or minus a good few pounds. A ball park range rather than one specific number on the scale. A few pounds fluctuation is alarming to see but normal.

I know this all in theory but can I do it in practice?? You've been doing this already in your way of eating.

And small changes are changes none the less. The little ones add up and every week brings us closer to our ultimate goals.

How did you get on this week?

I'm climbing a bit, but off on hols on Friday so refusing to worry....kind of!

Wotcha!

I stayed the same this week. Was expected as I'd eaten way over tdee 2 days. Struggled a bit with feeling hungrier than usual last week. Was worried I was losing focus but I feel back to normal today.

I've got a full of few weeks with a wedding, birthday and holiday so am going to focus on maintenance this month I think.

How exciting your holiday is almost here! How long are you away?

Two weeks.... Do you think this thread will have totally vanished when I get back?? Just us two left...:()

Have a really lovely time and post on here if you feel like it when you get back.......if the thread still exists!

Shame it's dwindled away but at least we've kept going until the bitter end!

I'll check in, to tell you what a beast I've been. If you're not around, so long friend and thanks for your support over the last few months. Well done on your massive success. You' ve been an inspiration indeed! X