2018 - Thread 2 of Help Me Mumsnet I have 4 stone to lose and 10k debt to pay off

[ChickenVindaloo2]

Hi everyone,

It's the day after the day after Boxing Day, Thursday 28 December 2017!

Just over a year ago, on Boxing Day 2016, I was 14 stone exactly (My highest weight ever was 14st 5, I'm 5 foot 2 ish). So I needed to lose 4 stone just to get to a healthy weight. After a false start, I lost 3 stone, getting down to a low of 11 stone exactly through stopping binge-eating. I also went to (private) CBT therapy and started going to the gym. I had popped back up to 11st3-4 in the run up to Christmas, mainly as a result of complacency and dropping the gym visits due to the dark evenings.Having eaten more than usual and some salty foods over Christmas itself, as of this morning, I'm 11st 5. I need to lose at least 2 stone really to be a healthy weight and perhaps 2.5-3 to achieve peak gorgeousness!

(I also had £10k worth of debt, mainly on credit cards. I re-mortgaged and I now have £5k on a 0% credit card for 2 years. I've worked out I need to pay it off at £200/month)

In terms of weight loss, the general rules are to err on the side of low carb, unprocessed food. I need to get in more salad/veg and restart the gym sessions. I also need to watch portion sizes and ditch the snacks, treats and extras.

Rowgtcfc has been an amazing help throughout and I hope she will join me on this shiny new thread! Would also be delighted to see new comrades of any size, shape or "diet" plans!

I've attached a pic of me at my heaviest plus one at the end of last year.

Thread 1: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/2811974-Help-me-MN-I-have-4-stone-to-lose-and-10k-debt-to-pay-off?pg=1

Some of my best tips which I hope help!

• every day is every thing. it's what you do every day over the course of a year which makes a difference. In a year, what will you wish you did today?
• it's ok to just not eat crisps/chocolate/sweets/cakes/biscuits, easier, even, than trying to moderate
• eggs for breakfast
• salad and veg are your friends
• low sugar but good fats is anti-ageing too!
• You need less food than you think. You won't die from hunger.
• The secret is: there is no secret. Most slim folk have to prioritise it and work at it.
• Practice being slim. Act like you're slim.
• Do what suits you, find your own path. Eg don't assume breakfast is vital for you.

I am in Day 4 of my regime & dong pretty well. I space the food out over the day & keeping the hunger at bay. Tonight is salad & boiled eggs, which I will have late-ish after choir practice.
I am not exercising at the mo as my back is out so seeing chiropractor on Sat, then I should be able to -slowly & carefully -add some in.

Hello everyone, hello Chicken, remember me?! Well done you for sticking it out, you're very impressive! I, umm...didn't. :p Mind if I join you this year?
Bit of background info. I'm the heaviest I've every been. I was 15' 1" before Christmas, and I know I've put weight on since. I am going to weigh myself and take a few measurements Sunday night ready to start on Monday morning.
I'm not going to adjust my meals just yet, just cut down on portion sizes. I am however going to give up all the cakes, chocolate and crisps. I'm going to start out by cutting down on all the snacks. I snack a lot . I need to cut down for health reasons too. I'm a type 2 diabetic and hadn't been taking it seriously. However, my Dr warned me strokes and heart problems are just a few years away if I don't do anything.
So I'm stopping the snacking as a first step. It will be a big step as I know I gave up one addiction for another. I stopped smoking and my weight has just gone up and up since then. I'm going to try and quit the same way I did with smoking. I'm not going to give up cake (Choc, crisps.) forever, I'm just not going to have one right now , and hopefully ride out the craving.
I'm not going to exercise just yet. I can't get out to a gym as I'm agoraphobic. I take medication for anxiety (Just getting it all out there!) and they make me very tired. Just tidying up takes it out of me.
It actually sounds like I'm not doing much (!) but I want to take things slower this year so hopefully it's more achievable. I usually go in all guns blazing, exercising like mad and cutting out everything and eating food I don't want to (Hence not changing my main meals just yet but they aren't to bad really.) and end up bailing.
Although I need to loose weight for health reasons I also have a goal of getting down to a size 18. I'm a 24 atm. I want nice Christmas PJs! Finding Christmas PJs in a size 24 is quite rare. There are loads (On Ebay. ) for a size 18 so that's my goal.
I hope I haven't rambled on to much. It really is nice to see you again Chicken. And I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello all
Hello 73kittycat73, good to see a familiar face!

Just found the tape measure:

Waist 41
At bellybutton 46
Hips 47
Thigh 26

Would like to see some 30s.

Hi everyone!

Row - you still feeling smug/been for any more runs?! Managed to find the tape measure?

Fire - hope you've been getting some good sleep. I find it hard to drop off and then hard to wake up! Roll on the brighter evenings and mornings! Feels like it's been winter forever!

DoAsYouWouldBeMumBy - got a weird image of you on a bike in the gym, balancing electronic devices and your brandy!! Keep it up!

Peonies - how did you get on at barre class? Sounds interesting. Like ballet? And how is your prep for going back to work?

Moanranger = boiled eggs are like the perfect food. So high in protein, vitamins, low in fat and carbs and calories. Good work.

And welcome kitty73! Of course I remember you from the first thread! Good luck for your weigh in and measuring session. I'm sorry to hear of your diabetes related health issues but thank goodness you are addressing them early. I've never smoked but I was addicted to alcohol so I feel you, dealing with addiction (including sugar) can be hard. But being fat is hard work too - choose your hard!

Sorry to hear about your agoraphobia too. Definitely just do what you can. It's 80% diet anyway, exercise is not your no1 priority right now.

VERY excited to see you in a pic of your Christmas pajamas later this year!

I've just finished my first week back at work and things are just trundling along. Can't wait for it to get lighter in the evenings so going to the gym won't be so hard. Every atom of my being screams at me to stay on the couch with the curtains closed in the evenings.

Pissed off at fitbit - they've changed the way their weight graphs display now so I can't be arsed with it anymore. I'm just going to track my weight on my food/exercise spreadsheet. I hope to lose about another 2 stone (take me to 9 stone) and then more or less maintain it there.

Keep going everyone, look forward to hearing about everyone's progress and updates.

Cross post with Row!

I see you found the tape measure! Excellent work!!

Hello Rowgtfc72 , nice to see you too! How have you been?
Hi chicken thanks for the kind words. I think being agoraphobic has stopped me addressing the weight too. No one sees me so why should I care? Except my nieces are now discovering mobile 'phones and up loading to Face book! Seeing myself on film is not flattering.
I will keep you updated on the PJs!
How have you done today? Yesterday and today I've been eating everything in sight! lol Going to have a last take away Sunday then get on it on Monday. Still have loads of cakes and puddings left over from Christmas but I think my brother is coming over today to pick some up.
Good luck ladies! Keep up the good work.

Hi all,
Chicken well done doing your first week at work. Good on you for pushing through and keeping busy and doing exercise etc. That's a really good start to the new year.
Peonies wow that's some great exercise you have planned. I'm envious.
Moan - yes hard boiled eggs are the best. I love having these as a meal.
Row - good on you for taking measurements. You just reminded me that I wanted to do this too.
Welcome back kitty73. I think one of the main things to learn in this process is that you're worth it Have you tried watching YouTube clips of people who follow weight loss/healthy eating plans and the changes they make? For me I get inspired by that sort of thing. Finding new and tasty foods to eat helps too. I'm sure you could order those foods online and stock up a healthy cupboard. I don't know I just get excited about new meals and meals that are good for me. Being organized really helps me. Saying that, that's what I've been concentrating on since Jan 1st - food preparation - I'm getting healthier meals together and healthier ingredients in the house. This has been my biggest change. Exercise -I've only done a couple of small runs but again it's a start. Finacially - I bought two pairs of work trousers today that I needed but probably should've only bought one so not a good financial decision so soon after christmas. Anyway that's me and my update for now. Keep up the good work everyone.

chicken it’s lots of plies (basically an elegant version of squatting!) and lifting leg/curtsey squats, lifting up and down onto toes and then core strength exercises like plank all done at the barre and to music. It’s pretty cool actually, will go back. Am trying a Pilates class today but not sure if I’ll like it.
Have stuck at the higher weight now for a week but hoping it will shift now back at work and with gym most days, I’ve signed up for some of the 6.45am classes this week, starting tomorrow so let’s see how that goes....

Costs £19.99...

Khamiak has spammed all the threads in weight loss trying to sell her (illiterate) partner's website.

Reported. I'm sure MN will deal.

Apologies!

Punchbag up in the garage. Never understood how I would burn any calories hitting that untill dh persuaded me to do five minutes. Out of breath within two!

Hi Firefries , nice to meet you. I'm afraid I'm not a good cook, and I really dislike it. However, I have bought in some broccoli, sweet corn and garden peas to have with my main meal. I haven't looked up anyone on YouTube yet, do you have any suggestions?
Hi PeoniesforMissAnnersley , that sounds like a good work out! Nice to meet you too,
Thanks for stating why there was a deletion ChickenVindaloo2 , I was starting to get a bit paranoid as they had a deleted post under mine in another weight loss thread! How are you doing today?
Hi alittlelessplussize How are you? Nice to meet you.
Hi again Rowgtfc72, I bet your arms were killing you after?! I've always had weedy arms and tire out quickly using them (Exercise wise.). I would have been useless! Are you going to keep it up, or was once enough?! lol

hello everyone! would love to join this thread to get inspiration and support. am also in debt not sure of how much maybe about 4000. speaking to stepchange on tuesday. also wanting to lose weight maybe 2 stone. had to cancely gym membership as neverused it although i did love body balance. do dog walking and work with learnng difficulties so physical. i also have to admit to overdoing it with the alcohol. have drunk twice since new year as opposed to most nights usually and am happy to stay dry til end of the month as already feel better with more energy. am looking for healthy budget cooking ideas and would love to offerwhat i can to you guys too xx

Hi Lisajane2810 , congratulations on cutting down on the drink. I've heard good things about Stepchange. Good luck for Tuesday!

Well, here's the awful truth, laid out bare:
Weight: 15' 6"
Bust: 44"
Waist: 47"
Hips: 49 1/2 "
I'm very embarrassed at the hip measurement. Anyhow, I've had my take-a-way and cleared out most of the chocolate. Gonna see how I do with that, having it in the house. I think I'll try the 'No S' diet:
No Snacks
No Sweets
No Seconds
Except (sometimes) on days that start with "S"

Hey Row, we might need you to get in boxing training to deal with any more spammers on this thread and the rest of the Weight loss part of MN. I suppose we are a sitting target for anyone who wants to sell their diet & exercise programme or new blog that they're hoping will go viral

Haha, yes, 73kitty, I would have been paranoid too about what the hell someone said to us all. turns out it was just "click here" to sign up for some "diet plan" Congratulations on braving the scales and measuring tape! I'm sure you will see the pounds and inches melt away and you'll be feeling like a new woman by the end of the month! It will be fab to revisit these measurements at the end of the year too!

Hi Lisa Jane and welcome! Alcohol, food and money are all things I've struggled with so you're in good company. And no judgement here. The nights will be lighter soon and you will not need the gym, you can just up the dog walking! All the best for Tuesday, let us know how you get on.

Well I'm tried something new today - ordered a big delivery of low-fat meat from MuscleFood to stock the fridge and freezer. I already have frozen veg, some dairy and some good carbs. Hopefully this will help me save money as well as lose weight! I was starting to see my Lidl bill go up and up! It's due to arrive at the end of the week.

Right, I've done some food prep for the week ahead:

Dusted off the smoothie maker and have blended the following:
Frozen spinach, frozen avocado, fresh cucumber and fresh celery
Got enough to keep in the fridge for 2 days.

Dusted off the slow cooker and have placed in:
Frozen onion, garlic paste, frozen leeks, tinned mushrooms, tinned potatoes. Will add the fresh chicken and a tin of mushroom soup tomorrow am and turn the slow cooker on.

In the fridge, ready for tomorrow is overnight oats:
Skyrr yoghurt, porridge oats and frozen berries.

You will note how much I rely on frozen fruit and veg! Means I always have everything in stock and there is no waste! It's also better than veg which has been hanging around the fridge for a while!

Hi, had my weigh in this morning and lost 2lb this week which is my goal and means it will all come off this year if I continue.

I've just found out my clubbercise class won't be running anymore and I'm gutted. Does anyone have any class recommendations? I thought about Yoga but worried it will be full of skinny flexible people (which I am not!)

DP brought hope a box of biscuits from his mums last night - Not impressed as I can't even have them in the house so I will ship them off to the foodbank this afternoon.

Your meals sound lovely chicken - agree frozen fruit and veg are a lifesaver.

Hi everyone, nice to see so many updates! It's sounds like things are generally going well.

Shame I missed the spammer, ha ha. Maybe I would have learned the secret to being super skinny? Presumably for a fee...

Bored - Well done on the 2lb loss. That's great! Hopefully it has spurred you on. Sorry about the biscuits though. Very frustrating when you're being well behaved.

Chicken - Sounds like you're doing really well creating lots of healthy meals. Very inspiring! The smoothies also sound good. I make a lot of smoothies as a way of getting more fruit. I need to be better at adding a few extras in with the yummy fruit (e.g. adding some spinach, chai seeds etc).

KittyCat - I'm really sorry to hear about your anxiety and agoraphobia. I can't begin to understand the impact that must have on your day to day life . How's the 'No S' diet going? Sounds very sensible!

LisaJane - Nice to meet you . Hope all is going well.

Peonies - I'm sorry about the 4lbs. Hopefully they will come off quickly. How was the Pilates? I would love to try Pilates but am always put off by the price! It's meant to be really really good for you though (which you already know, durr).

Firefries - Sounds like the diet and exercise are going well! Don't stress about the extra trousers. As long as you wear them at some point you haven't really wasted money. Which YouTube videos do you watch/recommend? I love most weight loss shows (Biggest Loser, A Year to Save My Life etc) and always find them inspiring.

Moan - Hope all is well and the chiropractor appointment was useful.

Not much to report here. Up to 13 stone 8 so 2lbs gained this week. More than I would like, but I'm not going to stress too much at this stage. I'm 8lbs lighter than at the equivalent stage in my first pregnancy.

I haven't been brilliant with snacking and consuming sugary foods (loads of chocolate, sugary drinks and pizza/pasta) as I have just been beyond exhausted. I have been making a real effort to eat more vegetables though, and a little more fruit (although I'm conscious of the sugar in fruit). I need to start having more healthy protein, as I've also been bad in this regard lately.

I have also been trying to keep walking around and get little bits of low-intensity exercise. Small, small steps...

Meant to post Sunday evening then forgot. Week 1 went well. Exercised every day. Combination of walking. 30 miles. 2 exercise classes and 2 x swimming. Ate from freezer 2 nights. Rest cooked properly. All veggie. A stew thing pasta bake and curry. Had 2 alcohol free days and 2 no spend days. This week trying for 3 of each.

so ive spoken to stepchange and feel much more positive. debts not as bad as i thought even the tax credits i have 10 years to pay so pressure lifted. no alcohol but cant say i feel better as had the worst period pains in the world! got 70 to last me til next monday so even money is stretching. how long does it take to feel better after stopping alcohol?

Hi CoffeeAndCupcakes85 , well I've stuck to it so far yesterday and today! I missed my afternoon Mocha yesterday (I had 3 sugars it it! ) but it wasn't so bad today.
All I've seen everywhere is food! lol I watched a programme last night (Mondays, 9pm, Lifestyle.) called Fit to Fat to Fit. Basically you had a fitness trainer and their overweight friend/spouse/sister, etc. The fit person would try and add on 30% of their bodyweight in 4 months then diet and exercise it off with the larger partner afterwards to see what they were going through. Well, boy, did they show some delicious food (The fit people were complaining about having to eat it!)! Pancakes, waffles, cream, syrup, chicken wings, mayo, pizza. Basically it wa an hour of watching people stuff themselves, lol. I didn't cave though, after seeing all of that, which is good for me. Will watch again next week too. (Want to see how they do now.)