Weight loss by being kind to ourselves? *title edited by MNHQ*

[millifiori]

Holidays over. I have had my body weight in ice-creams, chips, pasties, burgers etc and though we walked about 5-10 miles most days, I'm heaviest ever.

I know I am useless at diets - they make me dizzy and weak and grumpy.

Does anyone fancy trying to lose weight with a shift of mindset? Doing loads of treat-like things that aren't food based. Eating really healthy foods we also happen to love, Being nice to ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally and socially etc. Taking exercise because it's good self care etc?

If anyone wants to try this, join in here for chat.

Today I walked back from shops with (superfit and skinny) DS1. 3 miles. This afternoon, I'm going for a walk with DS2. Going to have some salad for lunch now because I like salad, not because it's rabbit food.

Anyone else?

Hi hurry and bazzinga glad you're still about. Hurry I think that's fine attitude - making healthier choices than you might have done is a step forward, and so is not getting angry with yourself afterwards for not being perfect.

Travelling - how you doing on finding new fruit and veg? We're having the pointy green cauli tonight - forget its name. Had it before and love it but it's only in season for a few weeks a year so I guess that counts.

OK
Here's this week's treats and challenges:

Treats:
Make the most of the sun while it's still here. Get a coffee (normal not loaded with cream and syrups) or tea and sit outside at a cafe table watching the world go by.
Every day this week that you don't overeat and avoid rubbish, put £2 in a jar. At the end of the working week, buy yourself a non-food treat: new gloves; lipstick; CD; DVD; hand weights or kettlebell; hand cream, nice bubblebath; novel
If you have one, light a fire, watch it blaze and read a book by it.

Challenge: do something you've never done before.Try for every day of the week, but do it at least three times. Can be easy - travel a new way to work, listen to a new band on youtube/spotify or more challenging - try an exercise class you've never dared try or go alone to the cinema etc.

I like the sound of these weeks treats. A Mic if good and bad days here. Still struggling to get past seeing nice food as a treat, but made a turkey satay stir fry for dinner tonight which was nice. Previously have been known to throw the towel in after a bad day or week but not this time. I think I am probably taking the scenic route

Well done for not throwing the towel in Octopus, that used to be my problem but feel I am finally winning that battle.

Thanks Milli, those challenges look great. Going to think about what new things I will do and will be back with a list.

I have decided I am going to buy a few tops and some new jeans. I am walking around like a scruff because I have been putting off buying anything until i lost weight but I am tired of looking bad so have given myself permission to look nice while I am losing weight. Tomorrow I am going to sort out my wardrobe and then decide what I need/want.

Octopus, nice food can still be a treat - but nice healthy food - like a punnet of raspberries or some wild mushrooms to go with steak.

Had a few nice walks this weekend and I am another lb down so am chuffed. Feeling a lot more positive and have way more energy, definitely feel like I have made progress.

Work has been busy so haven't had a chance to focus on this week's challenges but I really want to think of some things to do that I haven't done before. I am planning to make a list tonight.

I am getting my hair done this afternoon so that is another part of my self care plan in progress

Hello all! I've managed to be much more active over the last week, and have done some lovely walks. On the downside, I've fallen into some habits of eating too much cake - but will try to be a little more aware of this.
I'm trying to look for new experiences as well, and will challenge myself on this one...
Thanks for keeping us all going here Milli.

Hurrythefuck- I think not being punitive about your current weight is a great step. Withholding nice clothes is a horrible trap- esp if you comfort eat I used to see my reflection, feel bad about how I look and then watch something to compensate. Taking time on appearance and spending money really helped.

I'm much enjoying the effort to walk more and notice nature. Even if I'm not going for specific walks bit my city is actually very walkable and lovely and instead of using bus or car I'm walking and doing detours through parks and pretty bits.

I've rejoined low carb boot camp mainly because low carbing seems the only way I lose weight. Unless I actually count calories which I hate. But I'm determined not to enter a negative head space with it. Won't even follow thread much.
Anyway still haven't actually painted nails or used face mask as a non food pleasure yet...

I'm still here but struggling a bit. I'm stressed and depressed and comfort eating for England.

I think I'll buy some clothes that fit. Luckily I can afford to but I always think it's a waste when I hopefully won't need them for long (and am in denial about my current size). But I look awful and feel so uncomfortable and you have helped me see that it makes sense to buy the bigger clothes, feel comfortable, look better and feel better about myself. Thank you!

Err eat something to compensate not watch something!

Another lovely walk today, including a trip to a farmers market. As per a really early suggestion on this thread, I finally drank coconut water, which I now know is not my cup of tea! Much nicer - and something I wouldn't have tried except for this - I had some wonderful fresh oysters. The seaside walk was wonderful and the oysters went with the mood perfectly.

Sounds nice. I am mixed as ever. Well and truly fell off the wagon yesterday, but not done too badly today. Weight loss has platued and I know I'm going to have to work harder to lose the next big, Unfortunately haven't been very good at finding time to be kind to myself, although wierdly watching a couple of hours TV last night felt kind. I know it doesn't sound like much but I hardly ever have time to do this and everyone else always overtakes the TV. Just need to stay focused.

Hi everyone,

It's weird how these things go in cycles. I know a lot of people who are struggling right now. Stressed and comfort eating. It's so important to look after ourselves despite all this.

I had a very stressful week (funeral of someone important to me and heavy work load.) But today booked a haircut for a fortnights time when work deadline is over, and also bought a lovely houseplant at last (the challenge/treat from two weeks ago!0 It's really pretty and DS helped me choose it.

Had a proper night off tonight - two pints of beer at local micro brewery and some peanuts! But generally have been eating carefully and kindly. Started logging calories on MFP, and yesterday, which was an ideal day - lovely food, and definitely never hungry, came in at 1, 700 which is a lot lower than my usual over-eating.

Does anyone fancy doing this week's treats and challenges? If not, I'll post some by tomorrow.

Thanks lasttime, I definitely feel better when I put of effort into my appearance. I have managed to have a wardrobe clearout and got rid of a few scruffy things. I also cleared out some smaller size items that I wouldn't wear even if I do fit them again. Feels positive to let go of that baggage.

I have had a tummy bug for the last few days so healthy eating has slid a bit as been crazy toast and butter. Not very nutritious but feeling better today so aiming to get back on track.

Inspired and can I join?

Lost weight due to separation and stressful job. Slowly putting it back on. My aim is to return to 'notch 3' on my belt. That'll do me nicely thank you. Now belt more on next notch up.

My downfall is boredom eating/reward in the evening. Like the idea of £2.00 in the pot. Would like to do a city break over Christmas using the proceeds to make a dent in the expense.

Over past few weeks making lentil soup for lunch and porridge with berries for breakfast. Both yummy and very satisfying. Need to manage the energy slump when work finishes.

55th birthday looming. Would prefer that my life doesn't continue to be downcast by weight gain and a toxic emotional reliance on food. It's good when food is a nurturing activity. Not good and 'abusive' when used to counter boredom or stress. Not a pleasant way to treat anything. That's where £2.00 in the pot is a good incentive. Money talks! Maybe a bonus on the tough days when stress eating tricky. It's like giving up smoking.

Thanks to all for inspiration.

Milli - I’ll do next week’s treats and challenges, if you’ll do this week’s.

Sorry, I'm late in doing the treats and challenges.

OK.

This week's challenge is to make a list of your favourite really healthy foods (veg, fruit, lean meats etc) and make three meals this week using only ingredients from that list.

This week's treats

Buy or rent a dvd of a favourite feelgood film or box set and put it on when you feel stressed.

Go window shopping for new clothes in your current size, and try on at least one outfit you'd normally not consider but you think is lovely.

Organise something to look forward to this weekend - a meet up with an old friend or a ticket to a show, or a walk/run/cycle somewhere gorgeous you don't normally go to.

Thank you - looking forward to those challenges!

@TravellingFleet
Thanks for offering to do next week's. That's brilliant. It's great to have different people's takes on non-food treats. I loved all the outdoorsy ones and crafty ones we've had.

@Harvestmoonsobig
Hi and Welcome!
Just caught up with your post. You've reminded me of a treat I meant to put in this week and forgot, but it may help with that energy slump.

Another treat for this week:
Make yourself a really gorgeous and healthy long non alcoholic drink after work every night at the danger time when you normally turn to food for stress. Make it into a mocktail if you want with loads of ice and fruit slices. the idea is that you are rewarding the end of a long day with something that looks and tatses great as well as helping with your weight loss/feel great goals.

Ideas for reward mocktails:

1. Virgin Mary: V8 or tomato juice with a splash of tabasco and worcestershire sauce, black pepper, lemon juice and garnished with a slice of lemon and tall celery stick.

2. A splash of elderflower cordial with loads of still or sparkling water, ice, mint leaves and sliced strawberries

3. Banana and strawberry smoothie - blend a banana and eight large strawberries with some crushed ice.

4. Mango lassi - blend natural yoghurt with frozen or fresh mango and crushed ice

5. Hot spiced milk
   Heat up milk with a few drops of vanilla essence, cinnamon, grated nutmeg and a pinch of ginger, but no sugar. Whisk them together once the milk has reached boiling point. Really soothing alternative to hot chocolate and works well with skimmed milk if you prefer a low fat diet, or full fat if you prefer low carb

6. 1/3 - 1/2 Cranberry and raspberry juice cut with 2/3 - 1/2 sparkling water and crushed ice.

7. Lime cordial with fresh mint and cucumber, crushed ice and sparkling or still water

How's everyone doing. Had lost eleven pound but have put s pound or two back I. As keep falling off the wagon and pigging out. Just get so sick of healthy eating, deprivation and having to have loads of self control. That said I am enjoying feeling thinner so know how contradictory that sounds. Today ate too much salted caramel frosting and feel ill at the thought of it. Also just saw an apple in a fruit bowl in the TV. What is my body trying h up tell me. Yes it's time to get back on the wagon. Weigh about 8sr12, aiming for 8st7 by the 18th November when I have a family event. I can do this

There's no challenges yet this week so I hope it's OK if I set some. These are all body positive practices.

1. Look at yourself in the mirror for 1 minute everyday as close to naked as you can manage. Look for things you like. Write them down.

1. Observe how you feel physically once a day during or after movement of any type (gym or just walking to work). Take a few seconds to observe how it feels. Dont judge, just observe.

1. Practice checking in when eating. Every meal, once a day of just a few times a week - depending on what you csn manage. Focus on what you are eating: how it tastes, how your stomach feels.

Treat do at least 3 things this week that let you enjoy you. How you feel, how you look. Paint your nails, do your make up. Pick out an outfit from your wardrobe put if together. Look at yourself in the mirror and smile at yourself.

Thanks last!

I'm finally in the zone. I've been denying myself and running myself ragged for so long that I'm exhausted. This week, I bought really nice pillows and duvet and when I wake in the night, I feel happy at how comfortable I feel. I know I'm lucky to be able to afford the luxury, but sleep has really been hard recently and I'm hoping it will pay off.

I also tried Body Combat. I've been avoiding it for ages as I thought I would be useles. Do you know what? I was right. I lunged backwards when everyone else lunged forwards, punched left when others punched right and couldn't get my arms and legs to do the trihht thing at the same time. But no one said anything or stared at me and I ended the class on such a high! Today, I have that great achey feeling of a good workout.

I'm finally feeling more positive and hope it pays off on the scales.

Good luck all!

What a great challenge, last!

I looked in the mirror with great trepidation and discovered that, while being visibly overweight, I clearly go in at the waist, my ankles are great and my arms are comparatively slim. My problem areas are definitely my tummy, which I know gets smaller when I cut out bread, sugar and alcohol, and my bum, which isn't so much large as flat. So, rather than feeling that it is an insurmountable task, I know that cutting out/down on problem foods and doing loads of squats will make me feel fab. Great great exercise, thank you!