AIBU to want a gentler health/weight discussion

[argumentativefeminist]

Want to interact with others and get support/motivation for getting healthier and active, and in the process losing weight. But I absolutely don't want to hear any "diet culture", calorie counting or unhealthy disordered eating promotion. Surely I can't be the only one? Sometimes it seems like every thread I click on is just full of upsetting, unhelpful comments that sound like they could have been lifted from a thinspo website.

Verbena Thank you lovely, that's exactly what we both needed to hear! Have fun zooming around with the teeny one! 💕

Has anyone made any back to school resolutions or new habits? About health or exercise or just looking after yourself in general? I always think it's like another New Year for any of us involved in education at all!

No resolutions beyond ‘see how far I can get with this running thing and try to remember to do my kegels even when I feel ok and they’re boring’, so nothing new!

However, good walk today and just squeezed in a run, and ran continuously for 20 minutes. 3 years ago I could do 2 unbroken hours, which is kind of making me amused by how proud and chuffed I am today about managing a 6th of that at a much reduced pace. However. I excessively proud and chuffed.

Really well done Verbena!! Any progress at all is good news, and that's a major milestone. I couldn't run for two minutes 😂 I think it's good that you're trying to see how far you can go, rather than pushing yourself too hard to do what you could do before. I'm also just going to do as much as I can/as much as makes me feel good.

I’m using the nhs couch to 5k podcasts for now and just doing what they say to do, so have just finished week 5. By week 9 I’ll be running for 30 minutes, and then fingers crossed will just use the 10% rule and stretch one run a week to a decent distance with half an eye on the idea of a half marathon. There’s no point ramping up too quickly as I’m still breastfeeding and it leaves your ligaments baggy and so your joints are a bit more vulnerable and I don’t want to take the piss when my body’s doing its best.

Sounds like you’re doing really well @verbena and going at a sensible pace. There’s no point in overdoing it. It must be difficult juggling a baby and teaching. No idea how you manage to fit everything in and exercise too! I’m trying to get a better work/life balance and leave work at work, but it’s really difficult! I hate it when meetings/training falls on my dance aerobics days. I’d much rather be doing that lol.

I like your plan of action Af You’ll have to let us know how burlesque goes.

Well done everyone! I went back to yoga yesterday and found I enjoyed it. There was less incense in the air and I didn't feel sick when I left. I am aware of my muscles today though, but in a good way. I'm trying to avoid pigging out over the weekend and resisting buying take-aways. I'll try to plan nice but lower calorie meals at home. The kids like gammon so I'm going to get the slow cooker out and cook one to be ready for tea tonight.

Oooh apples I love gammon too! Really glad you enjoyed yoga this time - the day after feeling is so satisfying to me.

Two days until Ill be back to the healthiness and the exercise! Really excited to get back into it to be honest. A week was too long off for my fitness, but I needed it for my mind.

Hey lovelies!! I’m on a cheat day so thought I’d pop back in!!
Having Mexican for dinner, cupcakes for afters and a variety of gin and tonics in the mean time

Ooh that sounds so so good Camel. I've got Chinese today, then curry tomorrow. Won't be arsed to cook when I've got all my uni unpacking to do 😂

LIam has his first MMA fight tomorrow so we are carbing up

Glad you enjoyed yoga apples I did Pilates and found my back was hurting after being hunched over my desk! It really helped to stretch everything out.

We usually have a takeaway on Fridays, but decided to have Mexican too last night camel chicken fajitas with sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Then ice cream for afters 😋

Pixie You're making me hungry for non breakfast things! 4/5hr drive to uni today, wish my spine luck...

I had fajitas too, then English cheesecake company cupcakes for asters

The weekend has not started well - I've just eaten two butteries (they are from north east Scotland and are a bit like croissants but even more unhealthy).

DH did so well today, it was amazing to see him perform at something he is so good at. I’m bursting with pride and all the good food we ate today.

Diet can wait til tomorrow, tonight we celebrate

I got on the treadmill and went for a jog and it was ON and I didn't go flying into a wall either!

Sorry to be so mememe but I'm so happy I did it, finally (I posted about my treadmill-phobia earlier on).

The last time I went on a treadmill was in March and I walked only. I was absolutely dying (not really but ykwim) on a really low setting and was sweating like anything and out of breath about 2 minutes in. Yay, fitness improvement. I found out I can do a light jog for about ten mins without stopping.

Just wanted to share in case anyone thinks their cardiovascular system can't recover from their weight issues because it can!

Does DIY count? I've stripped the old sealant from round the bath, put on new sealant, tidied up the sealant round the kitchen sink and touched up the grouting in the bathroom. According to my step counter I've only done 10000 steps but I have been on my feet all day.

Well done to your DH Camel!

That's really good news Liquorice and it's definitely helpful to hear that you've felt your fitness is improving - I do worry that I'll never get fitter and it'll never get any easier!

DIY and such like def counts as exercise apples. Today I've been here there and everywhere around the city on the buses and on foot with tons of heavy bags - Its been a real workout! Another busy (but not so physical) day tomorrow, and then it calms down a bit. This week is more about getting sorted and settled, and then routine and exercise hopefully begins next week.

How is everyone doing? I've been eating too much and maintaining my ample weight. I went to two exercise classes today though and enjoyed them. I'm off to yoga tomorrow too. I've decided to stick with it even though I feel like a whale compared to everyone else. I feel the stretching and relaxation side of it really helps my body.

I'm trying to break the habit of "treating" myself by eating a chocolate biscuit, having a sweet etc. What small treats do other people give themselves that don't involve calories?

Hi apples Glad things are going well. I’m still around, but not been great healthy eating wise. Trying to get back into it - had salmon, veg & potatoes for tea. DH & I have started a little competition. We have a midweek weigh in and meal out as a treat - whoever has lost the most weight gets their meal paid for. It’s pretty good motivation

How are you getting on at uni AF and how are you doing Verbena ? Hope all is well x

Hi all. Can i join in? My DD (15) has been having problems with her MH for the last 18 months (self harming, now on anti depressants!) I have 'coped' by comfort eating and am now just below 'obese' which has shocked me into action. I went to the gym yesterday and today am aching and have a headache (sugar withdrawal?), but am feeling positive and looking forward to lunch (mashed avocado on wholemeal bread) and some fruit. Hopefully I'll be able to wean myself off my food obsession and find something more healthy to occupy my time...

hi, how is everyone going? I'm doing kind of bad tbh.

I've been doing the opposite of gentle weight loss-ing and surprise surprise I'm miserable, ill, tired and unhappy. Sigh, I never learn but that's why I'm back. Need to slow down and stop obsessing.

Any victories, non victories or lessons learned that anyone wants to share?

Ages since I've posted here...had a tough few weeks with flare up of chronic condition...not fun. Still managing some yoga/Pilates classes but have had to cut back. Got good advice from the physio today though, how to get through those times.

And reminded not to be discouraged!

Liquorice I agree with what you said about slowing down... I'm trying to develop a nurturing attitude towards myself (rather than a punitive one) and sometimes that means slowing down, taking the time to breathe, being more mindful of process of eating (so enjoying it and therefore feeling more satisfied).

Even coming back to this thread can be part of that I think, so thanks for posting.