What was your light bulb moment? I've been a real idiot and I've had my wake up call

[T1gerEye]

I've put on a lot of weight this year. An impressive 3 stone and I was a little overweight before I did that so today sees me looking at 14 stone something

The death of both my parents this year meant that for some reason I felt I could literally stuff my face with cake, Doritos and pizza. Oh and chocolate. Was eating as if sometime had told me it was calorie free

Anyway, I've had my wake up call. I got a good deal on a private blood test subscription service and thought I'd try it as just a one off as I was idly wondering what my vitamin D levels were. The fact other tests were offered too was a bonus - I didn't think too much about those. Until I got the results ..

Vitamin D low. Iron low. I have tipped myself (just) into high cholesterol. Again with the CRP test - too high. Globulin is over what it should be. On top of this, I frequently have acid reflux - which I've never had before - some back pain and I'm a bit out of breath if I walk too fast. My stomach is terrible. Just an apron of fat. I can only wear loose clothes but I kid myself they're stylish as I buy them from Hush. Nothing looks nice on me.

Amazing! what a fool I've been. I spoke to my doctor who isn't too concerned from a clinical point of view as my results are just a bit off kilter but I know this has been caused by me basically eating for England these past months. Maybe not the vitamin D - I dunno!

Anyway that's my wake up call. I have children - one still young at 12 - and I'm in my 40s. I'm hoping I've had enough of a shock to actually stick to something now

I've started the 800 calorie blood sugar thingy. I need some fairly speedy results to feel better but don't want to do any diet not nutritionally sound so this ticks the boxes for me. I'll do the 8 weeks (please god I stay the course!) and is like to see 2 stone off for Christmas which I know is achievable with dedication.

Anyone fancy chipping in? Joining me? With any diet. Or I'll just ramble to myself and see how it goes

Oh and what was your lightbulb moment?

@ISmellBabies I've seen higher! So not the worst that's for sure. I'm trying not to focus too much on proteins, fats or sugars. Because I'll lose focus then. I'm just aiming for 800 cals a day and choosing wisely within those 800 calories

So full food for today

Greek yogurt
Raspberries and pear
Scoop of protein powder

Piece of cheese

100g cottage cheese
Blueberries

2 x portobello mushrooms stuffed with heirloom tomatoes and Philadelphia light. Salad.

722 calories

Day 5 ... DONE

@houseRefurb well done. Cracking start

Well done @T1gerEye and @houseRefurb!

Not too bad a day here, never got round to having dinner so had some of DTS2's chocolate buttons but am on 20K steps for the day, hopefully it will cancel out.....

I’ve just done a good hike with 11k steps, it took 2 hours, how do you fit 20k steps in a day? But I do confess I don’t carry my phone for every step I take during the day, only during my hike. But still, if I walk from one end of my house to the other it’s only about 16 steps.

I’ve had chorizo and avocado and hummus and cucumber for lunch.

I’m hoping for a pound loss tomorrow, but we’ll see.

@RubySlippers77 20k steps is pretty impressive stuff!! Wow. I'll try and do 1000 today  it's no joke though I know @DownUdderer - well done on that

Not sure how good will pan out today but I'm starting with

Full fat Greek yogurt
Blueberries
Scoop of protein powder

I've upped the yogurt a little - 50g more. I was hungry yesterday so am hoping the extra bit might help.

Day 6 is underway!!

How are you hitting 20k steps?! That's so impressive. I didn't stop moving yesterday, including two school runs (on foot) and 90 minutes at the gym and I only hit 16.5k.

I had a good day yesterday and off to a good start today. Just need to keep it up over the weekend - always the hard part!

I'm still here. No snacks so fat this week - not one - and I've been to the gym 5 times. However, I have 5 meals out this week

I'm also the only veggie in the family. So I get away without the rest of the family noticing whether I'm living on pizza and pasta, or cauliflower rice and lentils, I cook healthy meals for the others, whichever come I'm in. I suspect if we all ate the same, I would yo-yo far less due to peer pressure.

Argh.
So far
And
whichever zone

Sorry!!

I spoke to soon. I'm pre-menstrual and pacing the house looking for things to eat. The cravings are animalistic!

@Steala yep I hear ya! I've been craving badly today too. Ugh!

Today's food ..

Greek yogurt
Protein powder
Blueberries

Smashed corn, black beans and tomatoes with salad leaves

Pear

2 x pieces of cheese

Fruit salad

No dinner. Had more Greek yogurt with 2 fresh figs. No idea why!!

Total cals -1015

Day 6 .. DONE

@T1gerEye I am so impressed with your restraint. I hope you get the results you deserve.

@Steala I hope so too because I don't want to get downhearted about it. And I have to take one day at a time because I don't actually enjoy eating like this . Well I sort of do but my true love is chocolate, cakes and pizza and Greek yogurt and stir fries just don't compare do they?

However... I can't stop can I ? I did these stupid tests and the facts are the facts. I've given myself high cholesterol. Albeit only slight but it's a warning sign. Along with the low iron, vitamin D, other bloody stuff caused by fatness - well, I cannot have even a day 'off the wagon' can I ? And I don't just have a biscuit or two do I? No. I'd have a packet, then three bags of crisps then half a cake.

I'm actually half woman half cake!

I'll weigh in on Sunday. Not sure how I've done really. I want to have lost half a stone. Is that unrealistic?

@T1gerEye I know what you mean; I do feel better for eating healthily/ low carb but obviously given the choice with no health implications I would be scoffing all the !!

I haven't had blood tests for a while but like you, think my cholesterol will be slightly raised. More to the point for me is that my DM is vastly overweight and I could see myself going the same way. She loves a slice of cake, fish & chips, proper dinner..... nothing too extortionate but more calories than she needs on a daily basis, then gets depressed because she's so big and her movement is very restricted (by osteoarthritis) and eats more for comfort. I just don't want to go down that round; am already an 'older' mum but still want to be energetic for my DC.

Sometimes it's easier to stay on the wagon then to allow yourself even one treat because (for me) I'd think oh well I've had x, might as well have y, and what about z..... then it's a vicious circle, putting on a few pounds till I get back on that wagon and try to make anotherfresh start.

The 20K steps doesn't happen often!! I did lots of cleaning, two school runs on foot, then a couple of trips across town on foot. I hear that Martin Lewis (MSE) makes a point of doing 20K steps per day but I have no idea how he fits it in!

My mum is so healthy! She’s an inspiration for me really. She gets out and hikes everyday and when she gets home she’s not tired out she just has more energy! If I go hiking my favorite bit is the relief I feel when I get home and then hop into a hot bath!

My bathroom scales have packed in, I’m worried if I buy new scales I might weigh more! Silly I know.

Tigereye you’re doing really well with your eating. Are you worried if you can transition into a new way of life? I’m thinking about my magical day when I weigh a good weight, which will be 10st, and what I’ll have to do to stay that weight. I think I’ll have to eat in a similar way to what I’m doing now. I don’t know, it’s just something I’ve been thinking about. But I’ve only been 16:8 for a week!

20k steps is amazing @RubySlippers77 - even on my busiest days I can only manage about 16k!
I had a nice surprise this morning, I've been on holiday with my in-laws for the past week, being really decadent with food and booze (although I have stuck to 16:8). I was dreading my fortnightly weigh-in this morning, but I have actually lost 2kg, and am now 'only' 10kg from my goal weight :)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Low vit D and iron makes you tired, and so can lead you to eating more sweet things for the boost.
Also grief is a process. I ate so much chocolate mousse after my Dad died , i found it comforting and familiar, even though it was ridiculously unhealthy to have so often.

Be kind to yourself OP. You have had a rough time.

@SirVixofVixHall very kind of you , thanks. And sorry to hear about your dad too. Hmm, chocolate mousse! If not considered that 😂 Yes it's been a very tough year but comes to us all eventually I suppose. Just a shock losing them both within 8 weeks and then all the 'death admin' of probates, house sales, inheritance taxes .. it's still ongoing.

I'm glad I've decided to try and turn things around before I hit 30 stone

Attempting to have a spot on day today ahead of weigh in in the morning!

Breakfast ..

250g total full fat Greek yogurt
1 fresh fig
8 strawberries
Scoop of protein powder

I bought new scales because I like weighing in every day, it helps me focus and when I get a loss I know I’m eating right! So that means I could weigh today and I’m down 5lbs after one week 16:8. I’m happy especially because I’ve enjoyed my food. I’m enjoying low carb. I’ve definitely had hummus every single day! And I’m really loving avocado and mozzarella.

@DawnLecoe that looks a bit click bait nonsense. I could be wrong though!

So food for today ..

Greek yogurt
Protein powder
Strawberries

Mini cheese piece

Avant garden vegan bowl in Wagamamas

Fruit salad

990 cals for the day

Day 7 ... DONE

Weigh in tomorrow . Ugh! Nervous!

@DownUdderer you're doing brilliantly. And I love all those foods too! Could eat then every day. I'd like to add some crusty rolls to it and kettle chips but meh

Guys I would love to join if that's ok. I would love to loose weight. It's always on my mind. I'm just over 14 stone and 5ft7. I'm a size 14.

I've tried slimming world, but due to food intolerances I find it difficult. I can't eat eggs, dairy or gluten!! My body just needs a rest and a rest from years of eating food that didn't agree with me - it took me a long time to get to the bottom of what was upsetting my system so much.

I'm in from first thing tomorrow morning!