Anyone looking to lose 100lbs plus... - Part 4

[NoTractorsAtTheTable]

Hello, welcome to the fourth instalment of the ‘Anyone looking to lose 100lbs plus …’ thread

If you want to read them (but by no means feel obliged!), the previous threads are here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

We’re a very friendly, supportive group, and I think we’re all seeing some real changes in ourselves and our attitudes to food. It’s a long old road, but it helps to chat along the way 

Collectively, we’ve lost 869 lbs since the start of the first thread, which is pretty amazing! 

We tend to weigh in on Fridays or Saturdays, but feel free to join in at any time, with whatever weight loss method you think works best for you. Some of us have lost more than others, but we're all in this together, so if you're losing, gaining or staying the same, it's nice to have some inspiration to keep going.

We’re always welcoming to newcomers, but as with the previous thread(s), I’ll add one caveat - we’re all here because we are trying to lose a LOT of weight. If you’re looking to lose the last half stone, or even two or three stone, this might not be the thread for you. Good luck with your goals, but you may find more support with in threads with people who have similar goals to you.

Honey, I just notice you’re talking about net calories rather than just calories too.

Just to clarify is it net calories that everyone means in here when they’re talking about how many calories they’re on?

Also so is it just eating back the calories burnt? What I mean is if you eat within your calorie intake but end up doing more activity that day than expected, do you then have to eat a load more to make up for it? I’m kinda thinking then not point exercising, apart from fitness, then then getting to eat loads?

Super confused now, as I’ve not noticed on here any talk about net calories I need to do more homework on this!

Moonlight, you probably wouldn’t like my diet, it’s still not great I had wholemeal rolls, whole meal bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice and jacket potatoes and McDonald’s twice this week 😳

I wondering as well that I’m just not a textbook person.

When I was pregnant all the consultants were saying they were serious concerned that I would end up on life support/they would have to terminate the pregnancy as my kidneys wouldn’t cope, but somehow I got my kidney function to improve and got my medications deceased and managed to deliver term babies my doing only only thing I could which was to drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day.

Every week they were saying to me that any problems before 26 weeks they would terminate as they would put mine life before my babies before mine. It was so scary but somehow my miracle babies got here.

Anyway, just rambling now. I will just enjoy the day and get on my research later.

Moonlight it’s fustrating to say the least when that happens but it will be down to water retention/undigested food/hormones/none of the above ! It does sometimes just happen but as long as you keep at it then it gradually comes off. And you are absolutely not doumg rubbish - it was a long time going on and will take a long time coming off and gives you more time to permanently change your habits making this the last time you need to lose weight. I think alll of us will have to be careful for the rest of our lives but actually so do the overwhelming majority of people .

Great NSV Honeysuckle and good you’re feeling better. Definitely better to not feel deprived and ‘only’ lose 2lbs a week which is 104lb in a year if you look at the bigger picture.

Fezzes I think it depends on here who is doing what. I don’t generally personally talk in terms of net calories but am careful not to run too big a deficit over the week, 3500 would be the absolute max for me now I’m on the last stone. I’m not great at the net thing and others wiser than me will know better but yes it is effectively eating back some of your exercise calories.

If you look at it very simply and as above let’s say you eat 1600 calories but you burn off say 1000 from activity for simplicity’s sake then your body would be coping on effectively 600 cals a day which long term is not good news. I think MFP says minimum 1200 net a day. For older, short women this might not work but probably isn’t a bad rule of thumb. If you eat some of the calories back then you will still have a deficit and you get the fitness benefits which are physical and psychological.

Our bodies can run on a low amount of calories for sometime but then start trying to conserve energy by shutting down non essential functions hence hair loss and disruption to periods can happen. When this occurs it is usually in response to a big deficit some weeks previous. So you might feel ok at the time but issues occur later The other problem is fast weight loss increases your risk of gallstones and both myself and NotaNurse can testify to the fact they really bloody hurt ! It’s worth reading through the My Fitness Pal Forums. There is a split between those that say never eat back your exercise calories and those that say you do so you’ll need to make up your own mind about it. My loss hasn’t been particularly fast ( current average is 1.2lb a week as 18 months in now ) but I have been perimenopusal for years , however it does appear to have escalated things somewhat which I have read can happen and the doctor confirmed it can happen. Not an issue for those of you who are younger but does go to show it can do weird things to your system.

AnotherOtter a huge well done getting through the first week! It can stall weight loss, it did for me but it will restart again. The comments are generally ‘you’ve lost loads of weight, you look amazing’, I smile and say yes I have and thanks. Had one that was you’ve lost loads of weight, I acknowledged that and then she asked if I meant to - yes I bloody did! She did then ask how I did it. Most people too polite to ask how much I’ve lost and I do say I’m not quite finished yet as still overweight BMI and aiming to get to the top of normal BMI as it’s all about health for me.

I think I’ve been pretty lucky with my friends and after some wobbles early on it hasn’t changed the dynamics too much in the scheme of things but people do treat me differently now. Hard to put my finger on exactly but I think strangers are generally a bit friendlier and I had always thought they were pretty friendly before.

Thanks for explaining Post

Confused on what to do really as I want to keep it simple.

I’m loving doing the exercise and the calorie counting is helping keeping my portion size, when to eat etc in check well.

I thinking that if mfp says to have at least 1200 net then that’s what I should make sure I’m doing as a minimum then. So now I’ve got to go back and track all that! Maybe a idea to add back in tomato sauce and all that crap again to my meals too.

Shame when food wise my appetite is in check and I feel full on what I’ve eaten. But it’s really the fitness angle I’ve done this for and although weigh loss is great, I just want to be a active Mum that can run around with my kids.

I hope no ones minds if I don’t reply today, this whole thing has got me really confused and upset. I’ve just made lunch and cried my eyes out as I don’t have a fucking clue what I’m doing and so ashamed that I’ve lost too much weigh this week.

I need to stop stressing and try and enjoy my anniversary and sort myself out and put in out of my mind until tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Fezzes I am so sorry to have upset you You haven’t lost too much, you’re doing brilliantly. I could be totally wrong about MFP saying about 1200 net. What about carrying on as you are for now and enjoy the weekend then doing some reading next week about it and seeing how you feel then?

It’s brilliant you are focusing on the fitness and you’ll reap the benefits of that in years to come. If you decide you do want to eat a bit more things like full fat Greek yoghurt with a banana and some nuts are really helpful and pretty nutritious. Houmous is another and other people will have lots of suggestions. You may decide having done more reading that you are fine as you are and I am so sorry for upsetting you.

fezzes here are my graphs - total calories and net calories. For me, I am supposed to eat 1500 a day to lose weight at 1.5lbs a week. (To maintain it would be something like 2200 a day). I breastfeed, which burns 500 calories a day. If I didn't eat more, I'd be having only 1000 cals a day - less than half I need to maintain my weight and below the 1200 rough figure needed to keep an adult woman healthy. So effectively I get to eat 2000 a day - 1500 plus my 500 from breastfeeding. But net it's only 1500.

Another NSV today! Popped to shops to get a pair of jeans. Wasn't sure what size to get. Took an 18 and a 20 in to dressing room. Tried on 20 - slid on no problems. Fuck yeah! Chanced my arm and tried on 18. Tighter, but did up quite easily, could sit down ok. Probably can't curl up on sofa in them, but hell, they fit! Bought them. 😁😁😁😁

Post, honestly it’s not you

I just can’t do this, it’s too bloody hard.

I was happy doing the exercise and calorie counting however with the whole net thing it just getting too much now for me. I really don’t feel deprived on what I’m eating as it’s not empty calories and I feel full. If I get a day that I feel a bit hungrier that normally I eat more.

But now it just feels like I’m too fat and stupid cos I’m not doing it right, and I don’t get how do to the whole net thing especially now the strengthening and rat days are coming into play as you can’t count calories burnt for strengthening. Also now I’m actually walking the school run which I wouldn’t really count as exercise now I’m going to have to count that as it will affect my net.

I thought I had done all the hardest parts of getting into this and was prepared for the stalls and plateaus but this is way hard to count every single activity In doing and then more or less having to binge to not loss too much.

I just don’t think I can cope with the micro managing every little thing. The whole Marcos thing is as micro as I was going.

But honestly it’s not anything you’ve said, you’re giving good advice. It just I can’t do anything right.

Oh fezzes love, honestly, don't worry about it. It's working for you so keep going! Post (and I) are concerned for your health, but equally we can't see you. We don't know how tall you are, where you carry weight, how your metabolism functions...

I think the bottom line is - don't starve yourself, or exercise so much you feel faint. If you don't feel like you're doing either of those things, then just keep on. ❤️

Fezzes I don't do calorie counting so have no clue really, but it sounds like you just need to be kind to yourself [cuppa] I am adjusting and trying stuff out all the time to see what's tasty / filling / has an effect on weight loss / gives me energy - I see the whole long process of trial and error as a perfectly OK way to learn. You know your own body, and you're listening to what your body needs - that's really all anyone can do.

AnotherOtter I did not manage the third run this week, as predicted. DD has additional needs, and her ability to handle external childcare is zero rather low, so combined with a busy week at work, it didn't work out. Mondays and Wednesdays should be do-able most weeks, so the process is just going to take me a bit longer.

Had a nice afternoon today - on a whim last week I invited all the neighbours round for tea and cake today. I'm only on nod-and-wave terms with most of them, but every single person came, we had the whole (small) street, and they all said no-one had done it before (some have lived here longer than I've been alive). They were lovely, two almost 90, and one usually housebound who was pushed round in a wheelchair because she was determined to come. I am not a natural socialiser, and it all got a bit flustered sorting out the catering, but it turned out really well.

B1rd that sounds lovely! I keep meaning to do the same, we're in a new build so everyone is new. Most seem to be like us - childless couples in late 20s-early 30s, or with very young children. In fact, our toddler is the oldest child on our little row. Some I already know quite well but would be good to know the others too.

Weigh in this morning:
Lost this week: 2lbs
Lost in total: 39lbs
To go: 63lbs

DS is eating right now and is freshly sun tan lotioned. He smells of coconut and it's delicious!

Checking in

STS this week.
I’m ok with that as started period and had a large loss last week.

Also very proud that I’ve stuck to plan this week as ChestyDog had surgery on his eye on Monday and 2 hourly eye drops for 48 hours after!
Stress and sleep deprivation was a big trigger for me and I coped ok

Post and anyone else I’d be really interested to see before and after photos if you have them and are comfortable sharing if they are non identifiable of course?
I don’t think I look any different, although of course I must?

Hope everyone has a good week

Loss this week: 1.4lbs
Total loss: 87.4
To go: 13.6lbs

I am delighted with my 1.4lbs off after my weeks and weeks of half pounds and STS. I am down into the next stone bracket which has unreasonably pleased me to see 10 something. It's taken me three months to lose this last stone so my final stone will be tough I think. But I'm feeling pretty positive.

Honey, that is great that you are feeling better for upping your calories a bit. Two pounds a week is excellent and absolutely bang on what the NHS recommends as the maximum safe rate ( https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/set-your-target-weight.aspx ). Good NSVs too, that's always a wee boost too

Aww, Moonlight, you sound quite down It is really is tough when the fucking scales just won't cooperate. It's all very well to pay lip service to the idea that we shouldn't overvalue the number and it's just one measure of many and really it's about health and blah blah blah but it's hard to feel like things aren't going the way they should be. Especially when every other bastard is getting their own way. It's okay to feel disappointed and frustrated. You're not rubbish at all, please don't be mean to yourself. It's a fresh week tomorrow and I hope you have a much better one

Fezzes, I wonder if this blog post by a Canadian nutritionist (who is pro size acceptance hence her name) would be helpful www.fatnutritionist.com/index.php/you-dont-have-to-figure-out-the-universal-truth-of-nutrition/

Post, that is interesting what your friends say. Reassuring that most are kind. I have a sort of reunion this week which I am a bit nervous about. Strangers are definitely friendlier with me too. People smile at me more and hold doors open, etc.

B1rd, that is lovely that you invited all the neighbours round. Good on you for making the effort and pulling it off. Like Post has been telling us, there's no time limit or rush for Couch25K so making it work for your life is absolutely fair enough.

Well done Chesty on getting through what sounds like quite a week! Hope ChestyDog is better soon.

Tractors I missed you off yesterday, well done !

B1rd well done. What a lovely thing to do with your neighbours! Mon and Wednesdays will work very well.

AnotherOtter brilliant !! My last stone is going to be hard I think, we'll do it though. I have no expectations on how long it takes. Had someone who I could tell was gearing herself up to do the whole you don't wa t to lose too much but I nipped it in the bus with the top end of BMI being goal thing. She's a health professional and responded well to that.

Fezzes it is lovely of you to say it's you but it definitely was me, you were fine before. You are doing absolutely brilliantly and you absolutely can do it and are not doing it wrong. It is a very individual thing snd as Honeysuckle says do what feels right for you.

Chesty, am about to PM you !

Thank you AnotherOtter. Did you by chance get the links mixed up? Yes, I think 2lb is sustainable. I did 90 mins of cleaning today whilst kids napped (rock and roll) so going to enjoy my extra calories today! 3lbs to go to 3 stone lost

Also, my trousers kept slipping down. 😂

Well done all on the losses.

I'm proud to say I had a nice weekend I didn't deprive myself but I didn't go stupid now to the next challenge!

New 1st halved my planned pizza and topped up plate with salad. C.c. as accurate as I could weekend and it wasn't too bad. Will see what scales say Tuesday.

Had a weekend off this weekend. Succumbed to usual Saturday night takeaway that I had previously given up.
Made me feel rubbish.
Don't think my body can handle that type of food anymore.
Back in the wagon tomorrow until next weekend when we are celebrating a damumt birthday.

Does anyone know how accurate MFP is with exercise. I've put in 45 mins martial arts and its given me an additional 844 calories.

It seems a bit much to me but I really don't know.

I've always felt it rather generous so i tend to put less time in. To factor for the standing around. I did about 2 hours cleaning today but put in 90 mins to account for running the tap, faffing with various buckets, plugging things in, etc.

Yes, I actually do an hour but have taken off 15 mins for the standing and listening to instructions. Still, means I can definitely have a roast potato or two

I use map my Walk and it is very generous.

I guess if you find that you eat the full extra and your weight loss is affected, you can cut down a bit, maybe just an extra 500 or something.

I miss martial arts. I did it at uni and felt great, but I've got connective tissue disease now so am not supposed to do high impact sports. I'd love to do it again in the future.

This is a recent one, hopefully I am headless in it As you can see concerns that I am wasting away are misplaced ! I’ll see if DD can find some before ones, I used to keep my distance from the camera.