MFP Thread 7

[Not2bObvious]

Continued chat for those using MFP as a weight loss tool

Haven't bothered to log my evening digressions into mfp but suffice to say I'm freewheeling close to 2000. Thanks need, yes v down today, the horrible row with himself had me floored for the whole weekend. I had a good rant at him earlier lest he be in any doubt of the impact - I spoke too soon yesterday saying all forgiven & forgotten. Anyway, we'll get over it hopefully. Close on 20 years together, nearly 16 married, can't all be plain sailing eh? Half a bottle of wine & lots of crisps/chocolate later I'm calm now. Back to the grind tomorrow, absolutely hate bad weekends - feel like I've been mugged of my precious 48 hours off (well I do get a bit more as only work half day Friday but ykwim)

Need hood you had a lovely night away. I approve of the odd rest day, as someone who tends to be all or nothing I've had a fair few overuse injuries in my time! Your menu looks lovely

Not I hope you are feeling better. Of course some arguments just happen, must be hard also working with your DH.

Hoping everyone else had good weekends.
I had a quiet day. Had a short walk (9000 steps in total). Made dinner- my chicken turned out to be very large so will be having leftovers next few days!

Tomorrow- chicken stir fry
Tuesday- chicken+prawn curry
Wednesday-cod with lentils/minty peas
Thursday- beef stew (slow cooker)
Friday- frittata

Morning all, up a little from Friday to 11.7 but that's pretty normal. Sorry need I was so busy whining into my wine I missed your hotel night - sounded lovely! I love going away for a night, when you have kids it can feel like a complete holiday. We did it last year for our anniversary and it did the power of good, complete recharge of the batteries. Aiming to do a class tonight, I can't use the excuse of illness as I'm fine now and I've just booked a mini break away to visit one of my besties. It's in 8.5 weeks & I want there to be less of me on that plane😉 With the family occasion the week before, it's all go. Also booked my summer hols on Friday so the dance card is well & truly full. And then 6 days away in April, I feel like 2017 is nearly over with so much in the calendar!
I like the look of your menu sugar and well done on the 9000. I managed a late wander around the shops yesterday but only 3000 steps. It was something at least & it meant I slept last night. So anyone any big plans for this week?

Not. I was going to say that I hope today can be the start of a brighter week, but if it's raining cats & dogs in London, it will be doing worse in the Emerald Isle. But do try and not dwell. Sadly men-folk are from Mars, they just don't get us. It is more than irritating and frustrating. It is hurtful. But sadly, it is a fact of life.

Any conciliation (which I probably can't spell, and won't be a conciliation to you but I'll share anyway, so you know you're not alone, plus makes me feel better) the reason why I haven't posted all w'end is I was so narked with him that I just ate and ate myself into complete oblivion. Literally a 2-fingers reaction to him not even bothering to acknowledge his very own DS's birthday friday, or bothering to call his DM on her b'day earlier in the week (which I had sent cards, present, and phone call for, as despite everything, she is lovely). Or even acknowledging I exist, and have needs too.

So, a self-pity-party for 1 the whole weekend - I demolished 2 krispy kreme donuts, prob 1/4 of son's b'day cake, more chocolate, whole, yes, whole bottle wine last night with big kettle-chip and sour creme and chive dip, rounded-off with 2 slices cheese on toast for supper last night. All by myself.

Water, tea & coffee for me today. Maybe a salad throw-in for good measure. Think I will go food shopping and take lead from Sugar's excellent positive menu planning and buy cod, lentils, and stir-fry stuff. A fish & veggie week ahead. Will pack the wine in this week too. Need to get my head balanced again. Feel very teary too! I actually think a scream and a shout would help, but don't want to alarm the neighbours.

Sorry everyone for being such a misery. You lot are so amazing and encouraging. Your positivity is rubbing-off. Damn brilliant for PT'g too Loli.

Ahh bath, that sucks. No consolation as I hate to think of anyone having that sort of horrible weekend. Isn't it funny how we punish ourselves with food - and I don't mean funny haha. I guess you soothe with your poison, in my case crisps & wine. Hope your week pans out better, you could just murder them sometimes couldn't you?

Bath sorry to hear you had a rough weekend too. I think most of us on here have a self destructive streak when it comes to food. I really need to try to find ways around that. If anyone has already do let me know!

I didn't weigh in this morning- I was over calories both days at the weekend and feel so bloated this morning. Also exhausted as DD has clearly decided that sleep is for the weak lately.

Today's food plan- porridge (200cals), yet more vegetable pie (400cals- glad to be at end of it- 3 days of same food is too much!), chicken stir fry tonight (450cals). So have 200 or so leeway to have some fruit/snack.

I'm sure I'll have my usual 12-13k steps, and will try to do a short HIIT workout tonight.

You'll probably laugh at my new distraction technique sugar but the kids got fancy colouring books & pens for Christmas and I borrowed them. Spent probably 6 hours last week doing a very complicated picture. It was very soothing & even I could find a way to eat while immersed in it. That was the purpose of my shopping trip yesterday, to see if I could buy my own colouring book. It's official I'm in my 2nd childhood

couldn't not could - didn't want to ruin my beautiful picture with greasy fingers

Not I won't laugh at all! My very good friend is a psychiatrist and he is a fan of adult colouring books for relaxation. However I couldn't bear colouring as a child and still cannot stay inside the lines as a grown up. As a complete nerd I'd rather a complicated maths problem to work out!

I would have totally agreed with you sugar, I hated it and hated colouring with the kids ("ooh v good Mammy, you're keeping in the lines") so v surprised I'm enjoying this. Laughing at your nerd comment, I did a degree about 10 years ago and I loved the applied maths module, and the programming😳 I think I'm in the nerd camp too

News flash!!! My dress has arrived and we have a problem, there's no way it's going to zip up until I lose 4 inches across my back. Hmm. I think this means my second set of boobs & back fat need to go, now how to fecking do that in 7.5 weeks? I have until about the 10th Feb to return it. My plan is to work really hard for the next 3.5 weeks, try shift 7lbs and see what it fits like then. If the gap is 2 inches by then, I may have a shot.
Wish me luck troops 😉

Not 7.5 weeks is long enough but 4inches might be quite an ask! Depends on what distribution you lose in too of course. I would probably exchange it for a size up and get it altered to fit me nearer the time.

Not. There's always spanx? (Mine go from mid-thigh to under bra).

I'm probably in the nice-but-dull camp, but too impatient lazyto partake in mindful colouring, or complicated maths. Too few brain cells around these days as well.

Sneaking back in ....

So first, to explain my absence for over a week...nothing sinister at all. Need thanks for asking for me .

First few days of last week, in all honesty, I was a bit embarrassed to post . Some of you were being really good and supportive trying to get me to stop eating the Xmas rubbish. But I was doing the classic hands over my ears ignoring you all going la-la-la-la.

I know I still have issues, in that I'm not mature/slim-thinking enough yet to throw away food. It's the awful truth . Then after I'd done the damage, I was too embarrassed to come and post on here because I felt that I had no right to complain about sabotaging myself and you were all being so lovely.

Anyway, slowly been getting back on track, but work has been busy/awful and the weekend got away from me, which prevented me coming back later last week. More about that below but some quick catch-ups first:

Not when I was last here you were v under the weather, so it's great you're well again. for issues with H, but if there's any silver lining I think it's much better to get things aired and off your chest instead of bottling up and festering. Well done on the downward trend and it's brilliant you've got so many events to look forward to. Boooo about the dress but some good ideas from Sugar and Bath already and I do think it's worth holding on until closer to the return cut-off.

Loli brilliant that you love the new hairstyle and that DS made it home . And the PT session sounds brilliant - I hope to be copying you in a few months.

Need going great guns as ever! It's so inspiring that you run even when you don't always feel like it. Glad you had a lovely night at the posh hotel - and wow for resisting a cooked brekkie!!

Jonty so glad your little boy is ok. You've done SO well to get back on track so quickly after something like that. Well done on the loss already .

Sugar wow 5lbs since 1st Jan is fantastic - well done !!! Sorry you've had a rough night last night but look at what you've achieved! You can afford a pamper day.

Sesame did I miss you edging into your 40s - or did you sneak in while we weren't looking . It's great you've been getting back on track last week.

Cora Happy belated Birthday for last week! Well done on the 3lbs loss !

Bath while I was doing my disappearing act you came back from the skiing holiday - glad you had a lovely time! Lots of and because of your weekend. Always remember that you are fabulous and deserve the best. Great that you're back on track today - Mondays have their advantages sometimes.

Hope I haven't missed anyone - so much going on for everybody.

So, my highlights & lowlights in the last week+:

• Weekly average last week (Wed -> Tues) was 2,400 and quite rightly at WI on Wednesday I gained 0.5kg back up to 64.8kg ~ 10.3. I was just lucky it wasn't more . Thankfully it shocked me into giving myself a bit of a talking to.
• Those calories included a 4th 'Xmas dinner' as we had some family home that I hadn't seen in over a year. But first thing my Aunt said when she saw me was that I'd lost an awful lot of weight

- However this also meant loads more food-related presents of biscuits and chocolates being in the house....

• Some of you know about my past anxiety problems - had a 'maintenance' dose with my counsellor on Friday and I suddenly realised while talking to her that I think I've got my spark back .
• All of your ears should have been burning, because I talked about how losing weight has been the catalyst and how I've only done it this time because of the support from my online friends .

- I've set lots of goals for myself for this year (mostly small and pathetic but they're still goals) for the first time in years. I feel like that if I can lose weight then maybe I can do anything .

I am having a lot of work stress, so more G&Ts than I'd like lately to help me sleep. Weekly average this week is still v high at 1750, but at least it's slowly coming down.

TOTM this week, so my original goal was to maintain. If I can lose that 0.5kg instead I'll be delighted. I do feel v chunky and bloated though, so not sure how it will go on Wednesday.

Dawhead. You are just SO lovely and thoughtful to us all, and always say such kind words. Lovely to have you back.

My theory is that you are re-kindling your spark as you are being kinder to yourself, and getting more self-belief - the weight loss is an added extra bonus. Here's hoping your positive-spiral continues to grow - YOU deserve it

Sorry work is so stressful at the moment - is it just volume / workload, or tricky characters to deal with too? I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel

So so lovely to hear from you dawg, I adore your updates - you catch all the important things. Well done you going and having a chat with your councillor- you truly get the put your life mask on first😉 I am wowed that even after doing the dog, you have a minuscule gain, really tiny but you're right to kick it in the arse. It's them little gains over time that do the damage.
Hmm the dress...well there are no bigger sizes, I either slim into it or bring it back. I had a similar situation a few years ago and that was with a size 14. I lost 10 pound and that got me in, but now this is a size 10. Oh Lordy. I think it's the weight under the boobs that's the issue, if that was gone I'd be elected. If I can't get into it for March, I should get into it by the end of May for the second occasion. But I want to wear it in March. Anyone remember that program with Anna Richardson where she did a drop a dress size in 2 weeks? I watched the first episode today and there were women there with my back bulge issue (think my gut is slinking around my back!) so I'm going watch the rest, iirc they did get into the dresses. Now if all I had to do was watch the bloody program😁

The lovely Dawhead is back ! I miss your updates! Well if anyone sees a tall shorthaired Welsh woman doing a John Wayne impression you know it's me after my first PT session. Wow she worked muscles I honestly didn't know existed. I need brufen to even attempt Latino tonight!!
Deep and meaningful moment...I buried my mum 2 years ago today. We had a very difficult relationship and I know a lot of my awful body image stems from childhood (she loved to tell me I was fat etc).
I'm sure me loosing the weight and exercising now is me taking control back, it feels very different this time. I still unconsciously refer to myself as big but I guess that's from a lifetime of being overweight. It does feel liberating. Sorry if that makes no sense, the ramblings of a mad woman!

Evening all
Self-sabotaged a bit yesterday, and almost didn't post today, but then read everyone's updates and realised my role here isn't just to get support but to give support too, so told myself to pull my finger out!
Bath sorry you had a crappy time, would he be open to discussion about what he didn't do or is it a lost cause?
Not ''tis lovely to hear you sounding more positive today - think the dress has given you a good challenge to rise to!
Daw glad to see you back and thank you for your well wishes, glad you're getting back on track.
TOTM is overdue here, so I feel extra bloaty, which coupled with the self-sabotage has me feeling (and looking) about 6 months pregnant 😳. I've stayed on track so far today and have food and drink all planned and (just about) within calorie target so today should close as a good one. I need to make soup tonight for tomorrow's lunch - I've got half a butternut squash I roasted yesterday left over, so I'll add onion, chilli, stock, maybe a splash of soy, some lime, ginger and coriander and some noodles, that will give me a warming and filling soup.
Have a great evening everyone, may the kitchen close tonight before the calories bite!

Loli cross-posted. Well done on the PT absolutely not laughing at the John Wayne image
Re your mum, it's awful how often our nearest and 'dearest' can be the cause of our issues - it's definitely good to take a moment to celebrate taking your control👍

Bath I have the same Spanx! I used it to squeeze into a size 16 dress for a wedding 18months ago. Thankfully that dress is too big on me now. And the Spanx probably!

Dawhead you always do the loveliest updates. Glad things are going well with counsellor. You really sound like you've gained lots of confidence in the last few months. As I said earlier we all self sabotage to an extent- that's why we are here I suppose. I've certainly been known to purposely eat 1000calories in a sitting after a bad day. Hence gaining 8lbs in December! I find being on here keeps me accountable. But if you only gained half a kg you must not have consumed as much as you think. I hope the work stress settles- I've had all sorts of work stress over the years and I know it really can keep you up at night. May I gently suggest some exercise rather than a G+T can really help with the anxiety?

Not that programme sounds like one of my guilty pleasures! I love that sort of tv and find it strangely motivating despite the absolute lack of science behind it and the fact that it's the type of thing I absolutely advise my patients against!

Loli well done on the PT. A lot of body image issues also stem from childhood- my mother always told me I needed to diet, never allowed me snacks/second portions but gave them to my sister etc. We have a much better relationship now and I realise I reminded her of herself, and she has terrible anxiety about her weight (definitely disordered eating). So I'm also trying to take control and ownership (even though she still constantly comments on my appearance).

Not well done on almost fitting into a size 10 dress! I think you need to ascertain if it's fat or ribcage stopping the zip. If it's fat you may well do it. I hate how variable sizing is. Today I'm wearing a very old size 10 jumper from Dunnes with a size 14 tube skirt from H+M. But I also have the same skirt in a 12 and it fits me exactly the same!

Jonty well done on a good day. Glad you are back on track. Hope the little man remains well.

I'm on my way home from my slightly less busy than usual Monday. So far only 9000 steps so less than usual but will hit 12000 by the time I get home. More if the buses act up! I'll try to do a 30minute workout with my online PT (trial I've signed up to!). Then perhaps browse online for my own motivating dress!

Aww loli, what damage they do eh? Mine decided I should be told I needed to get control of my weight, not let myself get out of control - true but a week after a mc wasn't the best time for it. for you. I had someone tell me on Friday I'd lost loads of weight, I looked thoroughly baffled! She was completely wrong footed, I don't know if she thought I was insulted or strange. Then she says she rarely comments on anyone's weight, especially someone skinny like me - seriously I was like wtf, who are you talking to! I'm not nor have ever been skinny, I'm not v heavy anymore but even if I got to 9 stone, I'm still 13.7 shoehorned into a size 16. So I hear you on the "fat" thoughts.
sugar I'm cautiously optimistic it's flab and I won't know if it's rib cage until I get shot of some of the flab😩 I am addicted to these programs, I search them out. I used to love baby programs in disc h&h, my ideal program then would have been about fat babies. Wait a minute, I think they did that on bbc3😉
jonty after the stress of last week and tiredness and totm madness, you're doing admirably well getting it together today.

Evening.

Well, I can beat you all on the DM front, mine told me that I was a 'worthless piece of shit' last week. She's given me a lot of issues over the years, that maybe I literally run away from, but not about food. Probably the only thing she hasn't...

Bath and Not. DH and I are in a good place at the minute. However, we've been married for 18 years in February and together over 20, so we've definitely had our rocky moments too, as any marriage will have. DH has bi-polar, which can be tricky. I can only send and say I've lots of sympathy.

Daw It's so lovely to hear from you and your updates. Don't please be too hard upon yourself. We all are and there's really no need. I'm so glad you have your mojo back a touch after your session.

sugar You menu plan sounds lovely, in particular the cod with lentils/peas. Yum. I did a Jamie Oliver Asian salmon and sweet potato tray bake tonight, which was a massive hit here. I only plan on a couple of extra miles increase this week, small, incremental increases in training. I can't not be able to run again.

I've had a busy day. Worked until 2 pm. Long dog walk until 4 pm. Got changed and had a easy paced run of an hour to get rid of the days stresses. Literally came in, cleaned out the chickens and cooked tea in my running kit.

Breakfast - Avocado on toast.
Lunch - Tuna bagel with lots of rocket. About 5 cashews!
Dinner - JO salmon/sweet potato tray bake, mange tout, carrots.
Snack - wine (to amuse Bath...!).

Well under today, only about 1500 calories (I have logged but phone on charge upstairs).

Omg not I just watched the exact same programme on YouTube, the whole series in fact over the last few days! I love crap weight loss reality telly! I also watched another one with Claire Sweeney, where she lets herself eat whatever she wants for 6 weeks. But rather than thinspiration that one actually got me eating everything in sight.....

Have to rush off now, but I'll be back to update properly very soon.

ps - learning about comfort/emotional eating is very interesting, thank you. I don't eat at all when upset or stressed, my stomach knots up and I can't touch food, so you are giving me such an interesting perspective. Like I say. my mother is really a negative in my life, but I was a skinny kid and food was fuel in our house and nothing more, so that wasn't something she could focus on.

Ooh sesame I love the Claire Sweeney one - she proper went for it - I'd best not watch it tonight, could set the hunger beast off! need your DM sounds pretty charming eh? I'm sure you take it with a pinch of salt now you're grown up even though they cut like a knife but my, aren't some of them just prizes (sarky head tilt there!)
Love the sound of your dinner! I'm having a v low cal day, probably around 750 - not that intentional, just busy, teeth brushed & gone to bed so kitchen closed. I started a new picture after dinner as I was still a bit peckish and it took my mind off food completely. I really hope I don't get bored doing it, it could be a lifesaver for the next 7.5 weeks (aka operation gut'goner)