I don’t even recognise myself

[Bookaholic73]

In the past year (since getting married) I’ve gained about 3 stone.
I know exactly why, we went from being quite active to sitting in front of the TV most evenings and weekends, eating shit (chocolate etc).

We went out to a friends post wedding garden party this weekend (Social distanced) and when I looked at photos on Facebook I was MORTIFIED.

I know I’ve gained weight, but how did I not know I looked like that??
I didn’t even recognise myself!

So, today is Day 1 of ‘Bookaholic Gets Buff’ and I’m looking for support, advice, fellow ‘Buffers’ who would like to join in etc

I am quite active, although you wouldn’t believe it by looking at me. So it’s mainly diet I need to improve.

I’m 13st and a size 18
I’m aiming for 10st.

Lost 1lb since last Monday... feels like slow going which I think is mainly due to lack of exercise. I was pretty good at going to the gym but I need the classes for commitment (once I sign up for a class I have to go!)
Has anyone found anything good online (for free?) I need something Hiit or similar. I'm rubbish at just going for a run I need an overly enthusiastic happy instructor to convince me I can do it

I lost 4lb last week, it's given me the motivation to keep going. I had a slight blip yesterday when I ate nearly a full bag of chocolate stars but it immediately upset my tummy so it's not too much of a hardship to never want them again!

Have lost 2lb today, yeeow!

That's a stone in total during the last few months. Then went out for lunch to our first restaurant visit & am wining & snacking due to being on holiday time. Really hoping for no gain next week so will enjoy today & May try a fasting day tomorrow 😬

@Cavagirl I think some Jillian ‘don’t phone it in’ Michaels is on YouTube?

I started to feel grumpy how long it takes to lose, but then realised it’s only been a week.

Thank you, I'll take a look

I’m writing today off to hormones & period pain.
Interestingly I have found after not much time spent approximately 16:8 fasting, my appetite seems smaller, I fill up faster on less I mean.

I had two chocolate biscuits today - oops!

I have also found that my appetite has decreased, I still miss chocolate though. It's using up all my will power not to to go to the shop and buy a giant bar!

Wow...I weighed myself today instead of Monday and I’ve lost 6lbs this week alone!!
I knew I’d lost some, as my stomach is so much less bloated.
Really pleased!

Bloody hell @Bookaholic73! I can’t remember what method you’re on - remind me?

Having not put it all back on over the weekend, I think I’ve made up for it today

@Coldhandscoldheart

Bloody hell *@Bookaholic73*! I can’t remember what method you’re on - remind me?

Having not put it all back on over the weekend, I think I’ve made up for it today

I’m not doing any specific diet. Basically I’m eating whatever, and how much, I want. As long as it’s not sugar, I can eat it. I eat carbs at pretty much every meal, as well as lots of nutrient dense veg. I always eat to satiety.

That’s it.

I have had weight problems most of my life - sometimes bigger problems than others. At my heaviest I weighed 17st 5 - about 12 years ago. DH has seen me go up and down between 15st and the 10st 3 I am at the minute.
I have lost 2+ st since lockdown. After I had DS2 last summer I lost weight but stuck about Christmas. I am 5ft 7 and can carry some weight but wasn't happy with myself.
Since lockdown I have walked 10-12 miles a day at least 6 days a week and followed a calorie counted diet, low carb, high protein, sticking to between 1300- 1500 calories and eating twice a day.
Absolute no-nos- crisps, chocolate, cheese, cake- I have no self-control with them.
I am veggie and hardly ever have a drink but do occasionally.
Have made big salads, coleslaws, roasted veggies every day.
Allow myself a pitta bread a day- that's my only bread.

The big thing that has helped me is a new fitbit I bought. I use it all the time, record everything I eat and drink and it just really helps me.

I still hate my body🙁- ok legs, boobs, but flabby tum and no bum. I am an apple.

@LuluJakey1 I’m so sorry, hating your body sounds tough.
I’ve never been overweight before, and I really love my body regardless.
It’s grown and birthed children, given me the ability to go through life and enjoy myself along the way.

Have you ever thought of writing a list of positive things about your body? It really does help.

Yes, have made lists and TBH there is quite a lot I like - my face, my skin (apart from on my stomach), legs, breasts, back , arms but I HATE my stomach. Am privately contemplating a tummy tuck (haven't mentioned it to DH yet) because it is such a big psychological thing for me. I look in the mirror and just see this huge stomach which apparently is not real according to DH.

It’s good that you have quite a few positives. How long have you thought about a tummy tuck?

Seriously- since about Christmas but on and off for years.

@LuluJakey1

I have had weight problems most of my life - sometimes bigger problems than others. At my heaviest I weighed 17st 5 - about 12 years ago. DH has seen me go up and down between 15st and the 10st 3 I am at the minute. I have lost 2+ st since lockdown. After I had DS2 last summer I lost weight but stuck about Christmas. I am 5ft 7 and can carry some weight but wasn't happy with myself. Since lockdown I have walked 10-12 miles a day at least 6 days a week and followed a calorie counted diet, low carb, high protein, sticking to between 1300- 1500 calories and eating twice a day. Absolute no-nos- crisps, chocolate, cheese, cake- I have no self-control with them. I am veggie and hardly ever have a drink but do occasionally. Have made big salads, coleslaws, roasted veggies every day. Allow myself a pitta bread a day- that's my only bread.

The big thing that has helped me is a new fitbit I bought. I use it all the time, record everything I eat and drink and it just really helps me.

I still hate my body🙁- ok legs, boobs, but flabby tum and no bum. I am an apple.

I'm also an apple, even at my lightest of 8 stone, I have a little pot belly. I'm over 4 stone heavier now and look awful.

I've learnt a few techniques to hide the apple shape, e.g. v necks and a line clothes.

I am positive you don't look as bad as you think you do though!

I've learnt a few techniques to hide the apple shape, e.g. v necks and a line clothes.

Yes, I do this. I look fine in an A line dress- really slim. But anything with a waist looks awful. Trousers/jeans look awful -but I wear them with long tops. Remember I have been 17st at one time. My skin is definitely saggy.

Anyway, this thread isn't about me so I am off but I appreciate people being nice.

I’m an Apple too.
B necks are my best friend, as are A line skirts/dresses. Although I’ve resorted to leggings/jeggings and slowing tops to hide the belly.

81.4! Off one day of unrestraint! Bah!

Well done guys. I've gained 2 pounds. Maybe no sugar and carbs is the way forward.

I tried doing low carb/Keto and it killed me. I have carbs all day every day, and I’m so much happier. Clearly weight loss isn’t an issue with carbs either.

Sorry @SummerDayWinterEvenings I’d highly recommend cutting out sugar, and eating more (heathy) carbs. So I eat a lot of rice and potatoes, but don’t eat pasta or bread very often.

@Bookaholic73 I would love to wear A line skirts but never know what to wear on top. Blouses age me by 20 years - my husband said I looked twee and frumpy, other tops show off my apple tummy too much.

@SierraOscar that’s always tricky. I agree with the blouse/shirt problem.
I like to wear jeggings with flowy tips which don’t hug my stomach.
A line skirts are great, but I never know what to wear on top.

Am on holiday for a week, so next weigh will be a week on Monday when I will be the approximate size of the house.

I've lost another 5lb. All this suffering has been worthwhile!

Getting on the scales has motivated me to keep going!

How is everyone else doing?