Lockdown stones to lose, please join me

[poorpaws]

I’ve joined many diet threads on here over the years and in time they have all crumbled into dust. This time it’s dire so I’ve decided to create my own post for the first time and just hope some lovely people will join me and this time stick to it until we are all thinner and happier with our bodies.

During the first lockdown I managed to lose a stone and was overjoyed. Last November my partner moved in with me for six months and whilst I fed him large meals I ate the same plus a lot of evening snacking. He is thin and can eat a lot of food without weight gain because he has a manual job. He left three weeks ago and I have eaten even more food. I can’t fit into any of my clothes apart from a couple of baggy t-shirts and some very old stretch jeans, which to add insult to injury ripped today.

I have to do something NOW. I think (am pretty sure) I have gained 2.1/2 stones. I am 5ft 4 and tomorrow I will face the scales and really lose it this time. Please if anyone is feeling overweight, lethargic and totally overwhelmed by weight gain, do join me, make me feel better and help yourself too.

I find the trouble with wine is that it is really hard to just have one glass, and then after a few glasses my will power for everything else also goes out of the window. I’m trying to steer clear. I had an ok day yesterday. Ate half a shortbread biscuit which wasn’t meant to happen but the rest of the day’s eating was within limits. Going to the gym today.

What a super thread this is!

@Lostmyunicorn Yup! I am very embarrassed to admit this, but I had a whole bottle of bubble on Monday night and a whole bottle of wine last night. After the first 1.5 glasses, my willpower left me. I'm so embarrassed. I was dry for so many months (and have done years in the past) but the lifting of lockdown and emotional stress have made me lose control. I guess that's how the weight has crept on...

Good luck at the gym!

@poorpaws Thank you for the welcome! That does sound busy, but what fun! Ha ha, I have ordered fatgirl clothes, too - new jeans and flowy dresses to hide my bulges. I'm a mess. My friend took a pic of us yesterday and my arms are hideous. I should do some exercise as am naturally quite toned and look athletic. Hmm maybe I stopped taking as many walks as I used it. Lifting of lockdown has made me lose control!

Good luck with the shopping. The irony is that before this week, my partner and i shopped together and it was pretty healthy: lean meat, fish, then spinach, broccoli, courgettes, avocados, bananas, berries, as you say, tiny amounts of bread. How did I get so fat? I reckon it's the booze, also he tended to eat crackers with pate, cheese, and maybe too many ice lollies

I like your story that you now don't bother with alcohol. I was at that stage in February, I remember telling my GP. I didn't even drink at Christmas! How has it crept up?! Must be stress.

I MUST NOT TOUCH WINE TODAY.

Yes, good luck with Day 3!

Morning all :)

I'm considering my relationship with alcohol too. I was a very heavy drinker in my teens and 20s, much less so in 30s/40s since having kids but do have a glass or two of wine and this has been creeping up to most evenings during lockdown.

I haven't had a drink for two nights (this is good going for me) and I sleep so much better, no night sweats, feel less anxious. I don't doubt that if I keep it going I'll feel better and not just because it makes it much easier to lose weight. Every time I have a few days off I think maybe this time I'll stop for good. But it's such an ingrained habit to share a bottle of wine with DH or when friends are over.

@poorpaws I am a major chocolate addict. I find a really good fix is a bowl of strawberries or raspberries with a pot of Alpro dark chocolate dessert (only 100cals or so).

Good morning all, day 3 and another lovely day here. Disappointed to see that I have lost only one pound. Shredded wheat for breakfast. Have been to the park for a walk with my grandson this morning and trying to stay on the straight and narrow re food today. Good luck everyone

Can I join in? I'm getting married in four months and I'm determined to get to my goal.

I've been seeing a personal trainer for a few months but not counting calories and practicing mindful eating instead. That helped me enjoy the workouts without feeling like I was punishing myself. But now it's time to get serious!

I'm tracking measurements as well as weight but:

SW: 12.4 stone
CW: 12.2 stone
GW: 10.2 stone

I'm using MFP to count calories and working out five days a week (mix of weights and cardio). I sit at my desk for about 9 hours a day so other than my workouts I'm getting no exercise. I want to start adding an evening walk.

Just a tip for those who don't like to count calories - I found the Ate mindful eating app really helpful. You just photograph everything you eat and it simply asks you to tick whether it's on path or off path. Not so guilt inducing but definitely makes you eat more consciously.

I'm in! My constant motivational struggles got me in the 'dieting again, quitting again' phase and I can't even count my starting overs. It's all fun and games till you have to learn how to make your face thinner in pictures to post them Here is a guide btw, if you are anything like me
Calorie counting works fine for me, even though sometimes I get out of control, haha. This is fine tho, everyone needs treats here and there and you won't get anywhere by just pushing yourself again and again with no reward.

@FearlessSwiftie That app would have been very helpful for me yesterday when my friend tagged my fat arms me into a photo online. However, sadly it won't stop me feeling like I'm wrestling with an elephant to put my legs in my jeans...

Yes, healthy to think about treats every now and then... Gawd I am out of control, though. Hungry now and thinking about lunch but I don't know what is 'safe' currently. I need my jaws wiring! Considering scrambled eggs with a dash of grainy mustard....

It's interesting to read about the different methods everyone has for tackling the extra pounds
I have recently had most success with intermittent fasting but atm fancying a ploughman's lunch with lovely crusty bread but that's my kryptonite lol

Half way through day #3 and I have to admit I caved when in M&S....however I am determined to stay on track with my calories and therefore had a small sushi lunch and have a grilled salmon salad planned for dinner. If I don't snack further I'll be ok.
Alcohol wise, I have cut down somewhat overall, but if I do fancy a mid-week glass I now have a small G&T. I use the cans of slimline tonic to make sure I don't have too much. It's less calories but also i find it much much easier to stop after one.

Stay strong, everyone! Chocolate or wine or bread, whatever has been your downfall in the past (and they’ve all been mine...) you can overcome it. I’m trying, every time I feel like eating or drinking something I shouldn’t, to have a glass of water first - often by the time I’ve had the water I’ve been distracted enough not to go back to the cupboard.

YES let’s stay strong!!! Everyone seems to be doing well today.

My friend suggested cocktails at the weekend but I suggested a quieter coffee in the day instead

Just did a 25 minute pilates workout, and will be going for a 4km walk this afternoon. Have also started tracking my food in myfitnesspal, which helps me not to overeat. I'm also going stop eating after 8pm, just green tea or water.

I hope to regain my love of exercise, I know it will take a few weeks to get into the habit of it. A few years ago I was really fit and healthy and felt so strong and capable.

This may sound strange (but to be honest I'm willing to give almost anything a try) has anyone considered hypnotherapy...

Me please. I've just bought some new jeggings and feel horribly bloated in them. I took up jogging in lockdown and lost a few pounds but it's been a bit hit and miss.

@Lostmyunicorn

Stay strong, everyone! Chocolate or wine or bread, whatever has been your downfall in the past (and they’ve all been mine...) you can overcome it. I’m trying, every time I feel like eating or drinking something I shouldn’t, to have a glass of water first - often by the time I’ve had the water I’ve been distracted enough not to go back to the cupboard.

That's a good tip

I'm under my calories for today. But did very little exercise. Just one half hour walk. Nowhere near my 10000 steps.

I realllllllllllly want a beautiful coke glass of white wine. Someone talk to me out of it please. Ffs.

Cold* NOT coke!!!

I've been drinking sparkling water with slices of lemon today and it does seem to lessen the taste for sweet stuff but I've had to wee about 10 times - I work from home all the time and it is so easy to pick during the day

@zippityzip I’m addicted to Diet Coke, is that any good instead of wine? I have a very addictive personality, I could get addicted to anything and have in the past. I take cans of Diet Coke everywhere with me, it’s not very good for the teeth though.

Just going to have a snack dinner before I go food shopping so hopefully won’t be starving around the shop, which is when I cave and buy loads and loads of chocolate.

I'm by myself tonight so I will need to be careful to avoid a bit of a binge.
I've got a Gousto recipe to cook that's for two people. I'm thinking I could either cook it normally and box up half for my OH (it will take my strength not to pick at it or give myself more than half) or I could cook it with half the carbs and half the meat but enjoy all the extra veg.

I've been thinking about it all day!!!! Food obsessed and so worried I'm going to mess it all up!!

My other tip for the day is that I find the bubbles in sparking water make me feel fuller than ordinary water does. I completely agree about the weeing though - I keep having to get up in the night....

Am really enjoying reading people's updates and tips - will buy some carbonated water tomorrow and see if it helps.

Today has been ok, food-wise and all things considered: my mum is ill so am looking after her at hers for a few days. I have been worried today so I instantly wanted to eat some chocolate. And unlike at mine (no chocolate allowed) she has chocolate/biscuits/toffees/croissants everywhere. Both these things make healthy eating harder!

Because today was quite stressful, I allowed myself 2 Ferrero Rocher and 2 chocolate digestives. Otherwise a good day:

B: overnight oats, raspberries, almonds.
L: 2 slices of toast, small bit of cheese, carrot sticks and hummus.
Sn: 2 choc digestives.
D: 2 slices of toast, tomato/caper/olive salad. 2 Ferrero Rocher.

Also 10k steps and 2l water.

Still healthier and less chocolate than my usual day .

Day #3 done. Just about under calories. No exercise but hoping to run in the morning before work. I also have an addictive personality @poorpaws and Diet Coke is one of my vices too. That's why I know if I get into the healthy eating routine I will do ok-it'll become a habit.
Well done everyone-another day done!

Day three finished. Walked loads but had a day out with my mum which included afternoon tea. Better than donner kebab and chips I guess 😳