LOSE IT! September 2021

[TheRealHousewife]

Hello & Welcome

September has come around so quickly; children getting ready to return to school and Christmas around the corner (116 days). A time when summer is starting to fade and an autumn chill is in the air. Changing seasons is a natural transition that we echo in our day to day live’s. I for one look forward to cosy nights by the fire and mentally prepping for the coming festive season.

A part of my Christmas prep also includes dropping a few extra lbs ‘to make room’ for a little foody extravagance… and a Baileys or two 😬

Carrying on from August’s Thread 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

NHS Free 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

On-Line Plan

Water Intake & Weight Loss

Tips

The Psychology of Maintaining Weight Loss

@TheRealHousewife, yes on wednesday's we sell our honey at the local farmers market BUT i always check out the other vendors. i picked up a case of peaches, the most amazing massive radishes as well as fresh corn.
@SunshineCake, yes i've done it before and can do it again! you would be proud of my rummaging through my fridge and sorting out what i'm bringing. i've chopped up veg for both in the car and into a big bowl. the big bowl is a massive (for just 2 of us) mixed salad and i made my home made dressing and bottled it. packed up the green beans. ds and daughter in law both eat extremely carb heavy. i'm sure i can add a bit of steamed beans to the side of my plate and make a baby improvement without being THAT mil.
ds and fam live in a difficult to access village and pay a premium for all products that reaches them SO we are packing lots of things from here which will save them money, we had a relatively tiny costco shopping list. but as some of you know we're no stranger to remote living so some of this is routine. i gather due to a sick cat the house is in quite the state and we won't be spending much time indoors at their home. part of the reason we bring the travel trailer. but the state of their home drives us both moderately insane. and we spend our time going from coffee shop to sandwich shop etc. the up side is an easy 10,000 steps a day.

@TheRealHousewife oh I'm so glad I haven't offended and flattered you like me and respect me that genuinely means a lot to me

I avoid alcohol mainly as not supposed to have with my meds (though it has zero effect on me) but also because it makes me snack more and more unhealthily.

@SunshineCake thank you for your reply. I hope I keep it off I think that's the hardest part.

Thank you all!

I'm actually chuffed I've kept it off but I do need to kick start things again as I'd like to lose another stone by Xmas then another stone or more in the new year. After years of crappy diets from cabbage soup to atkins, I'd like to think that this time round I'm actually succeeding, however slowly.

Alcohol is my next big step, I'm feeling wretched and full of beer fear enough today to kick-start reviewing my very unhealthy relationship with booze!

I am proud @fallfallfall. Anyone who takes offence because you have brought some food (needs using up at the very least) needs to think about why they feel that way.

Keeping weight off is hard @Graphista, especially as we all get older. I know the women in my family were all very overweight so it is in my genes. My dd is very slim. Even the neighbour noticed she'd lost weight so I hope she doesn't take after my side.

I am determined to get out running but food wise I have to just carry on as I am as it has stopped me getting obsessed and a slower loss is a win for me over an emotional crisis.

Evening all! Still here waving pompoms to encourage everyone and to keep myself motivated 😁

I’m keeping my steps up and sticking with the fasting but falling down on the water intake. Think it’s because it’s very autumnal at the moment and I’m finding cold drinks a bit erm cold 😂😂

Anyway I’ll work on that.

I’ve treated myself to a new pair of jeans… Levi 501s no less! Wanted a pair since my last pair fell apart about 25 years ago 😂😂 they were half price in a local shop so it would have been rude not too tbh. Actually considering getting another pair while they have them but I accidentally bought myself a new pair of boots as well 😱 what can I say it’s my birthday next week and I’m spending in anticipation of birthday money 😂😂 plus the jeans are another reason to do my utmost to stick at goal weight 👍

Today I’ve eaten lots of cake as it’s the husbands baking day 😂😂 but I’ve also don 25k steps and had a sensible tea. Fasting clock has restarted 👍

@swampytiggaa

Evening all! Still here waving pompoms to encourage everyone and to keep myself motivated 😁

I’m keeping my steps up and sticking with the fasting but falling down on the water intake. Think it’s because it’s very autumnal at the moment and I’m finding cold drinks a bit erm cold 😂😂

Anyway I’ll work on that.

I’ve treated myself to a new pair of jeans… Levi 501s no less! Wanted a pair since my last pair fell apart about 25 years ago 😂😂 they were half price in a local shop so it would have been rude not too tbh. Actually considering getting another pair while they have them but I accidentally bought myself a new pair of boots as well 😱 what can I say it’s my birthday next week and I’m spending in anticipation of birthday money 😂😂 plus the jeans are another reason to do my utmost to stick at goal weight 👍

Today I’ve eaten lots of cake as it’s the husbands baking day 😂😂 but I’ve also don 25k steps and had a sensible tea. Fasting clock has restarted 👍

Great steps swampy and new purchases sound lovely.

What do you think you'll do about the water intake given that we are heading for autumn. It's an issue I'll come across soon I'm sure.

Honestly @Window1 I don’t know. My hot drinks are generally green tea so I’ll drink more of that. Not sure what else I can do! I’ll try to drink a couple of bottles of water a day as well 😊 let me know if you have any ideas please!

Evening
I thought I posted earlier but I think my phone ate the message.
We have a working oven so I can do some cooking, no sign of a working hob but my menu plan can expand a little!
Today I've done 11000 steps, the school run is helping.

We went swimming yesterday, it's probably 2 years since I've swum, my goodness it was lovely despite me fretting how I looked. We have a pool 10 mins walk away so I'm going to look up the timetable and plan some proper sessions in.
Hope everyone is having a good week,

@swampytiggaa I'm struggling with my water intake but I drink room temperature water, I fill the water jug in the morning. I don't like cold water much

@swampytiggaa, I dream of wearing jeans! Well done!

Hello all! Day 2 done stayed within my 1200 calories yesterday & today plus just over walked 10 k both days! Day 3 nearly over!! Craving chocolate today so had a orange & chocolate yoghurt.

This is me at a charity event on Sunday night 😊 I’m in the red tee shirt 👍

These are the charity shop Levi’s that make me keep my weight in check 😂😂

Food was going well today until I fell into the kitchen press after work and ate multiple chocolate bars and some Pringles . Really disappointed as I have been really focussed over the last couple of weeks and hadn’t fallen into my bad habit of binging. Hoping I can get back on track tomorrow but have a friend visiting which will make it difficult to not have far too much cheese and wine!

@Window1 I find using a water bottle to see how much I’ve drank is helpful. I also drink lots of green tea or lemon and ginger in the morning. I find the lemon and ginger stops me snack at coffee break.

@youdoyoutoday lots of things depend on the lightning, the angle, etc... It's not necessarily your look, it's most likely your DH not knowing how to take the picture of you. Everyone is different but if you book a professional photo shoot you'll be gobsmacked at your own beauty and it's not because of some Photoworks magic that makes you prettier, it's simply because of the angle and lightning and a better pose! I think wedding photos are going to be beautiful because wedding photographers know what they do

Rubbish day yesterday. I was exhausted (pms?) Ate far too much, won't even bother to list. I did do a yoga class though, and weighed myself. 50.1kg. I think I look best at about 47/48, but if I tone up I think I'd look better at a higher weight.

Today, I'm still bloody tired, but at least I'm aware of it!

B: rice cereal, tangerines
L: chicken and veg soup, with extra veg and some new potatoes
D: don't know yet

Exercise will be hard to fit in today - up with a screaming toddler right now, and DH away until 6 this evening, but I will try to get outside for a while.

Fresh air will help both of you @Cathy31. Forget about yesterday. It is done and hopefully you enjoyed what you had.

@LosetoHike the rules are, don't stress about what you ate. It is done. As long as you enjoyed it, and learn from it if you didn't and know it wasn't the best choice, just remember it is just food and sometimes we do need the whole pack of biscuits or loads of crisps. We all do it. As long as we don't do it every day it doesn't matter.

Your jeans, and you, look great @swampytiggaa!

I've woken up with a sore throat and feel bleurgh so I am not going running and have dyed my hair instead. Later dh and I are going tile shopping and are relieved it is Friday. The school runs are necessitating early rising are a shock to the system after not having to do any since May!

Good Morning Everyone, Friday already 😯

@fallfallfall sounds like my kind of market! I love seeing all the farm fresh produce. Did you meet your sales target?

@Graphista that’s nice to know 😊 There are great sincere people on these threads. It’s a calm and accepting space, never any drama.

@swampytiggaa Levi’s 501s are my favourite. Hug the bum and give a firm silhouette. Birthday greetings for next week 🥳🍾 🎁 (in case I forget, memory like a sieve) Impressive step count @25k 👍👏 Just seen your pic … looking hot ! In regards to drinks, I sometimes just have boiled water either plain or with lemon & ginger.

@RunningKatie swimming is my exercise of choice although not been due to lockdown. Good step count 👍

@Harnett11 being consistent is key with weight loss. You’re doing fab👍

@LosetoHike Yesterday is done with, forget it. Today’s a brand new day and just start over. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re human. Have you been having protein with each feed? Helps keep you satiated. With your friend just be mindful of portion control. Could you compensate by having less on your other meals. Whatever way you manage it try to keep it enjoyable, social time is so important to psychological health 😊

@Cathy31 we all have crappy days when we eat off piste. It must be hard with caring for your little one too. They take so much time & energy (worth it 😊) Be kind to yourself, you’re doing a great job 👏

Menu
Meal 1 - Spicy veg soup.

Meal 2 - Home made chicken curry & cauli rice. Yoghurt/mint dressing.

No nuts today, they sometimes tip the scales 😬

Thanks @SunshineCake and @TheRealHousewife

@SunshineCake, I'm not feeling that well today either. I'm supposed to be working, but decided to take a couple of hours to rest first, which I never do. I think ignoring how I'm feeling makes my diet/ bad habits worse, which then makes me feel worse, vicious circle type thing... So a coffee and a podcast in bed will hopefully set me up for a better day.

Good luck with your day everyone!

Happy Friday everyone! Checking in with my first weigh in day, 10 stone 13 which I'm actually pleased with as I thought I was carrying quite a bit of holiday weight. I'm 5"6 and my aim is to get down to 10 stone 7 consistently as for me, that weight is realistic to maintain whilst still enjoying treats/a social life on the weekend. I would love to get down to my pre-baby weight of 10 stone 2 as I looked pretty darn slim at that weight (I think I am naturally "heavy") but it's not realistic.

The weekend is always hard for me, and next week I have a meal out on Tuesday and a meal with friends on Thursday so I will have to work very hard to lose anything more next Friday.

Good luck with the weekend everyone!

@Sweetener12 thanks, I'm sure the photos will be good but you knowing you just have the dreading fear.

Weigh in this morning was 2lbs back on so I'm seem to bouncing about again on the same 2lbs. I'll carry on being sensible with food over the weekend but next week I'll start swimming again at least twice a week

Friday Weigh in for me -

SW: 12 st 1 lb
CW: 9 st 11 lb
GW: 9 st

On Tuesday I was 9 12, so moving in the right direction although the fluctuations mean i have been hovering around this weight a while.

Bit of a set back tonight as we have planned a takeaway with a friend 😬

Well done on that loss @CescaCesca

I woke up really tired this morning. Think I may have overdone it a bit on the cross trainer yesterday! I will see how today goes, but I may actually have to skip doing cardio for a day.

Food wise, I’m planning pretty much the same as yesterday:

Breakfast - overnight oats with raspberries and nectarine
Lunch - spicy bean wrap with pickles, a packet of twiglets
Dinner - roasted vegetable with bulgur and halloumi

This weekend I’m planning to sort out my wardrobe again. A few weeks ago I moved everything that was too big, but now I think I need to take a critical look at what’s left.

There’s not much, which initially made me think that I should hold on to it all as otherwise I’d have nothing to wear. After a few weeks of working with the current wardrobe though, I’ve concluded that there’s very little in there that I actually like or want to wear around the house (lots of office wear!).

I kind of feel like, after the amount of effort I put in to lose weight, that I should have some nicer clothes to wear, but at the same time I don’t want to buy loads of new stuff as I’ll hopefully continue to lose weight. Think I need some inspiration for setting up a capsule wardrobe! 😄

Great thread! Please can I join you too? I am a new mum with a 5 month old and have put on a significant amount of baby weight Was 89kg immediately after the birth and I'm 85.5kg as of this morning and need to get to below 68kg. Was overweight before I became pregnant and now even worse after pregnancy but determined to lose the weight. None of my clothes fit and very down .

To lose the weight I've been running every other day and am currently on week 3 of couch to 5k. Also going for lots of walks with baby in the pram. Having salads, sandwiches or soups for lunch and meat or fish with vegetables or rice for dinner. Not counting calories yet. My weakness is willpower....snacking on sweet things in front of the tv with DH in the evenings after baby is in bed. And having a big glass of wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I struggle with willpower and find I can stick to my diet for around a week or two and then I fall off the wagon. I have never managed to lose weight on any diet in the past and I guess that's why I struggle with motivation...even losing a stone to start off with would motivate me to continue with the diet Help!

Jump right on board @Coffeehouse22. Congratulations on your baby 👶 . You’ve made a great start on reaching your weight loss goal so far👍

@SunshineCake my family we're all skinny except the women who have kids. We lose the weight from pregnancy in the first 6-12 months after giving birth then in the 12-24 months after we pile it on! And then struggle to shift it. Also diabetes and a rare thyroid issue in the family which also only happens to the ones that have had babies but isn't diagnosed until 50+ but I believe is triggered by pregnancy in us

I weighed again yesterday though and I had lost another 1lb! So I've hit my 5% target and now only 2.25 lbs to go to hit 1st stone lost

But I am struggling to stay as motivated as I have been in some ways. What I'm finding really tough is that's almost a stone I've lost and I'm still the same dress size? Although I may have been squeezing myself into that size

@swampytiggaa for a hot soothing drink with zero cals - Earl grey tea no milk splash of lemon, sweetener if required it's what I'm having at the moment.

I also have new clothes in jeans as I finally found a pair that fit! Boots and coat because...I'm going out!! Today is my 4th time out in 3.5 months over 4 years. Trying very very hard to maintain the momentum with it but I don't cope well with autumn/winter weather/conditions so I'm trying REALLY hard to keep it up but I won't manage next week as weather looking to be lousy here. Trying not to push myself too hard too as I can get a bit...running before I can walk!

For the newbies/those unfamiliar with me I am agoraphobic, this is my 5th time housebound and longest yet.

@LosetoHike Pringles are LETHAL and I'm not being lighthearted. They come in huge amounts even the wee packs and are loaded with msg which makes you eat more. Perhaps get healthier savoury snacks in instead others in the house will cope without too. I have twiglets and frazzles multipacks in for when I get crisp shaped munchies. There's NO chocolate in my house now, no tablet (55 calories a square!!! ) and my "treat drawer" has in it now ryvita, cereal bars and non fridge fruit (satsumas, bananas, apples) and pistachios which are the least calorific nut by weight

Gotta go post more later