LOSE IT! August 2021

[TheRealHousewife]

Good grief, I’m sure the year is speeding up! July has passed so quickly!

This is a space for those of us who enjoy healthy eating, exercising and feeling motivated to reach (or maintain) a healthy weight/bmi. The members of these threads are inspirational, supportive and happy to share their progress (the ups and the downs).

We all know that if we eat right, get outside & move more your mental health will reap the rewards. Better mental health = better choices. It becomes a healthy cycle.

There are so many enjoyable lifestyle options out there without the need to resort to extreme measures. Whatever way you choose, it needs to be enjoyable & sustainable for the long term. This is a long term commitment rather than a quick fix. Personally, I rarely drink alcohol and keep sugar to a minimum. I try to not overload on carbs etc, include a protein source with most meals and aim to glug enough water. I exercise by doing walking vids & strength sessions with light weighs.

As no one size fits all, members need to follow their own way of eating. Nonetheless this thread aims to offer guidance, support and a bit of hand holding. We generally have WOW (weigh on Wednesday) day each week. However post and share your progress as often or as little as you prefer. I’ve weighed daily at times and weekly at other times. Do what works for you.

There is no shaming, competition or harsh words to be found on these threads. We are in this together.

Jump right in! If you’re not too shy, post a bit about yourself 😊. How do you plan to do it? What do you want to achieve? What excites you about your future self? Together, we can create a whole new you!

You’ll be glad you got on board this time next month 😊

Useful Links

LOSE IT July 2021 Thread

NHS 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

Fast 800 Diet & Fitness Plan

Water Intake & Weight Loss

MFP

26 Evidence Based Weight Loss Tips

The Psychology of Weight Loss

😬. Better than reaching for the snacks.

@SunshineCake losing 3 stone AND keeping it off for a year is a massive achievement. I’m hoping I can say the same this time next year 🤞

Well done on that loss @Juno231!

Monday is my usual weigh in day, but as I already posted my weight yesterday, I won’t post it again. I’m pleased to report that I hit all my exercise targets last week, including 10k steps a day. I’m not sure how I managed to do that, as I’m fairly sure it was raining all the time 🤔

I also hit my 30 plant foods a week target and managed to not trigger my IBS in the process. That’s got to be a result!

@SunshineCake enjoy the cake - enjoy all things in moderation

@Graphista, I hope you're making progress through your problems today now things are open.

I usually weigh in on first of the month but since I only lost 200g in a month I won't bother posting stats this time! Was incredibly stupid last night and stuffed myself silly with a dirty great kebab, so a poor start to August, but I'm going to be in hospital for a few days soon so needed some consolation in food form. Back on a good healthy path today, but going into isolation from noon before admittance to hospital on Thursday, so walks will be limited in case I meet people.

Silly rambling post, will stop now, but not before saying I hope everyone has a successful month ahead in their weight loss journey.

I'm getting precisely nowhere. NOBODY is taking responsibility for the help and support I need

Sorry to hear that @Graphista. Every time you aren't helped I suggest you say if you can't hero me who do you suggest I do call as I need help and you are who I am speaking to now.

We've discovered a referral reply has gone to a private doctor our dc hasn't seen in years and of course they are on annual leave. Make a nuisance of yourself. You have to be your own advocate.

@SunshineCake I am in tears of utter frustration and despair here.

I am TRYING To advocate for myself I have made 11 calls so far today to no avail I'm being sent round in circles nobody will accept responsibility for what I need

I am now awaiting a call from an agency outside my area and who don't strictly speaking have responsibility for me but who have said they will help if they can

It's disgraceful!

I do ask "who DO I need to speak to then?" and it's always a suggestion of someone/an organisation I've already spoken with who has already told me "not my job"

I'm sorry. I was hoping it would help. I get the frustration. I've had a to fight a lot for dc to get the medical help they need. I learnt to be firm, polite, take names and always chase up. It really is the luck of the draw. I hope the new people can help. Maybe they can get the others arse in gear. I had to beg a receptionist to help when the hospital wouldn't call us back .

I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time @Graphista, do keep posting on here and we're here to listen if you need us.

I'm kicking off August with a 2lb loss which I'm pleased with....still got a long way to go but I feel like I'm slowly resetting some bad habits.

I laughed at the soup comments because that's exactly what I'm doing today. I dug up some potatoes that I'd grown with the DC yesterday then my vegetable delivery box arrived and had a load of potatoes in it and also a massive cabbage. So today I'm making potato, onion and cabbage soup and I'll freeze it in portions for quick and easy meals.

Dinner tonight is broccoli and tomato crustless quiche with some of the new potatoes and salad. I'm trying to have more meat-free meals this week.

Meant to post my stats:

Starting weight: 14st 5lbs
Current weight: 13 st 13lbs
Goal weight: 11st

It's so nice for the scales to start with a 13 rather than a 14.

Just checking on... Had a steak for tea last night but was still within calories.

Walked 12k steps this morning with my pal. Had leftover soup for lunch. Thinking baked potato with cold sides today as it's very warm in Edinburgh... Paddling pool is out!

Well done everyone on their met targets and weight losses!

@FuckingHateRats oh wow - it's overcast and due to rain here in London. Your food sounds yum and well done on the walk.

I went out for a quick walk at lunch just to get some steps in - am hoping the weather will be nice enough for me to go on another one after work so I get my min 10k steps in today.

@Graphista I'm sorry you're being passed pillar to post. Do vent to us on here for sanity though!

@CarolinaWeeper Ooh I can't wait for the day my weight starts with a 6 instead of a 7 so I fully understand the 13 vs 14 feeling! Well done on making soup and on your weight loss so far :)

Joining in if I can? I'm guessing my CW is around 10st 5lb but I'll join in with WOW on Wednesday this week to find out for sure. I've been too scared / embarrassed to stand on the scales recently so I'm hoping my guess isn't too far off ...last weigh was probably circa April and healthy weight for my BMI finishes at 10st 4lbs.

Lockdowns and WFH / having kids at home has affected me dreadfully. I used to be 9st Now my hips are sore lying on sofa/bed as I'm carrying too much weight, I keep getting horrible headaches, I wake up every morning feeling guilt about what I've eaten the day before, my clothes either don't fit or are uncomfortable, and I'm tired nearly all the time. I KNOW eating healthier and exercising more will fix / make all of this sorry list better - but after a couple of weeks doing "well" my will power and motivation goes and I spiral and binge. Main problem is that I LOVE food - and have a mega stressful job. Plus hungry young children.

But I'm here. And I'm going to try. Contemplating buying some Fitbit scales to up my motivation - if I've paid for them I'm more likely to use them as I'll want my monies worth!! Also started with the Better Me app today. In the past I've done 5:2 but the 2FDs are really hard for me when at home.

@swampytiggaa fabulous! And why not!

@SunshineCake I can’t find your thread. Sending a hug as I sense that’s what you need, although I’m not sure of the nature of your upsettness. On a happier note enjoy the cake and birthday celebrations 🥳.

@Graphista sorry to read your update. Sending strength.

@CarolinaWeeper great progress! 👍👏🌟

@FuckingHateRats that’s a substantial walk! We’ll done. 👍👏

@Juno231 sending you good weather for you walk later 😉

A warm welcome @20FlowerPower I agree about 5:2 I did strict 5:2 last year and lost a nice chunk. However long term I can’t sustain circa 800 calories for 2 days a week without compensating the other days iyswim. So I generally have between 1000 - 1200 every day. My problem is disability and being unable to exercise enough for it to make a difference. My TDEE is low anyway due to being petite in stature.

Does anyone else find that if they are upset or tearful first thing about something it kind of hangs around all day ? While I do have a lot on my mind it feels like this is hanging on from feeling tearful this morning over my cat - he's been missing. Having to keep him in now.
Thanks for the hug @TheRealHousewife .

I did 5:2 and while I did lose a stone it messed up my metabolism for a really long time.

We've had heavy rain so I'm behind with my washing now. Not planning on doing anything once we've had dinner and sung happy birthday. Tomorrow I'll go for a run.

I absolutely recognise what you described here @SunshineCake. If I wake up feeling sad or upset, or something happens early in the day, it will hang around for a long time.

The following helps me a lot:

• meditation (I use the Headspace App). It’s very good for teaching you how to live with negative feelings and emotions
• exercise
• spending time in nature. That can be as simple as spending a few minutes in the garden and seeing what’s around in terms of bees, bugs, birds etc, or it can be a trip to a nature reserve if you happen to have any nearby
• planning something fun to do. That can be really hard when you’re not feeling great, but it is so important to have something positive to look forward to, no matter how small that positive thing might be.
• CBD oil…it doesn’t work for everyone, but can be good for stopping your head from spinning

Don’t know if any of that helps, but I hope it does!

It helps that someone understands and it's not just me @Crazzzycat. I'm sad you have it too. I've just eaten too much dinner - most of a flat bread, some baked goats cheese dip and some cheesy fries. I'd already had half a bar of fruit and nut chocolate while waiting to have dinner. I'm tired, feel stuffed, emotional, flat, annoyed with myself.

DS1is Skyping. Yay!

You’re welcome @SunshineCake. I found your post and replied. I’m pleased he’s home ! Your food sounds delicious 😋. We all need to self sooth sometimes ❤️ Enjoy your Skype … wipe the crumbs away first 😬

Excellent advice @Crazzzycat, brilliant!

It was nice at the time but now I just feel bleurgh. Never mind, I can go running tomorrow. It was lovely to see DS and he's coming home on Saturday so doubly lovely.

Hi there I'd love to join aswell please!! SoI started trying to lose weight last september/ october and I was 15 ' 6. I've fallen off the wagon the last three months & haven't really put proper effort in and I'm currently at 13'10, my goal weight is 9' 7 & would love to get there by next summer I just need to be consistent now! I'm hoping if I keep checking in with this thread it'll help with the motivation!

Just checking in at the end of the day. Hope everyone is ok.

Glad you got to chat to DS @SunshineCake and glad your kittykat is home.

@Graphista - hang in there. As others have said we’re here if you need us. A dear friend of mine’s DH is really struggling at the moment. His gp has referred him but has said he may get seen earlier if he presents to A&E. Not ideal I know but maybe something to keep in reserve?

I’ve been out for a walk with a friend today - we had a coffee too and it was nice to catch up. I’ve injured my back doing weights though so am going to have to stop the exercise for a few days I think so will need to be doubly good on the old intake.

Welcome @Somuchtolose and @20FlowerPower

@SunshineCake it kinda helps a bit that someone at least "gets it" I've been given the royal runaround today! Finally spoke with someone who can possibly help but nothing definite at the moment

But I am feeling calmer and back on track food wise

Thank you to EVERYONE who was thinking of me and sending supportive vibes it's much appreciated

Meal 1 today - salad, sandwiches, melon fingers and milk slice

Meal 2 - is going to be sausages, baked potato and cottage cheese, and more salad (there's only me here and I need to get through that bagged salad cos it's expiring soon - I over ordered!) It's in the oven now (trying to eat at more reasonable times)

I'm on "lighter than light" Mayo now having finished my regular "light" Mayo.

I need to empty my freezer a bit before I can make soup, but I have a portion left from last batch and a portion of chilli which I've brought out the freezer tonight for tomorrow's meals. Sausages and baked potato were also frozen. So freezer a bit emptier now

It's so nice for the scales to start with a 13 rather than a 14.

Yes smaller targets really help I think. That's me below 13.5 stone mark, hoping to be below 13 stone by end of month.

@FuckingHateRats - I'm same temp here on west coast not finding it very warm though

@20FlowerPower welcome

I think you're right to get things in check before they're way out of control I wish I had! I was a size 6-8 before having dd and was one of those annoying skinny people who could eat what they liked and not gain an ounce. There's a family photo of me at this size knocking around somewhere where I've got a Mars bar in one hand and a snickers in the other! I daren't eat anything that calorific these days!

My problem is disability and being unable to exercise enough for it to make a difference. My TDEE is low anyway due to being petite in stature.

Same here

I'm the opposite with morning and rest of day. I wake up at my most anxious and it gradually dissipates through the day. It's weather affects my mood more than anything even though I don't go out. If it's a bright sunny day I have a better day, if it's grey and gloomy I'm screwed!

A warm welcome @Somuchtolose. Well done for climbing back on the wagon. Well done on your progress to date!

Hope your back soon recovers @QueenMabby! Back pain sucks!

Fingers crossed for you @Graphista. Hope they deliver on the support you need!