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

Update

I have glandular fever ! No wonder I'm so exhausted. I haven't eaten since Saturday night, wasn't allowed breakfast so now enjoying macaroni cheese. Hurts to swallow but it tastes amazing !

Longest accidental fast of 43 hours.

Well...I may be great at giving the advice not always so good at following it! Thought I was doing well yesterday as had lunch and dinner at more normal times but then at the time I usually have dinner (around 1am) got the munchies and caved!

Need to figure out how to avoid that whilst also sorting eating at better times - any advice gratefully received

@SunshineCake apologies looking at your posts/symptoms now glandular fever is glaringly obvious! Which I should have spotted, had it myself some years ago and it knocks you sideways you have to allow yourself time and space to recover, I ended up going part time at work for a year! I was that knackered. Also had to stop running for 6 months as it was messing with my joints

When you can for the sore throat I found the only thing that worked was soluble paracetamol gargled regularly and that anaesthetic throat spray interspersed, still could only manage liquids the first week or 2 (soup, fortified medical milkshakes etc) but it took the edge off

@Thatsplentyjack welcome I know it's not that kinda thread but i think your dh needs to be more helpful!

@Crazzzycat I LOVE pickled garlic but be aware don't have too much as can have a laxative effect

Underwear drawer is a start at least!

@swampytiggaa 10 miles however fast or slow is still 10 miles! It's more than I'm doing

Re paracetamol - it's not a massive painkiller in itself but it can augment others, I have it in to boost my prescription pain meds take the paracetamol about 20 mins before the others and it makes them work a bit better

@ButterflyOfFreedom wish I had shifted the weight when it was only half a stone had gone on! I was way too complacent and here I am 20 years and 5 stone + later! And it's much harder!

I may switch to weighing on Wednesday too if you're all doing that?

@Graphista I weigh pretty much every day and hope to end the month lighter than I started it. Or actually to sts now I am at goal 😊

I’m off for a run this evening and hopefully one in the morning too which will be nice 😊

Thanks @TheRealHousewife, although it doesn't feel that great! 😂.

@Graphista, yes, I think you're right, but at this point I'm flogging a dead horse.

I'm thinking of going to a pt. There's a wan near me who does it from home. Has anyone ever had one? Was it worth the money?

Is glandular fever the uk version of mono (mononucleosis)? Been there done that, as a teen, I lived on Welshes grape juice and ….tapioca pudding!
@SunshineCake positive thoughts for a full recovery and uneventful bout.

Thank you @Graphista. When DS had it he was 17 and in hospital for nearly a week. I want to go home today. I can barely stand another hour of one rude, loud, demanding repetitive patient and while I am sorry for her that she is in the situation she is, she's monopolising all the staff, is constantly on the phone and is so loud. Any tips to recover would be great.

In other news, morphine is doing nothing for me. Didn't help that just after I had it ^ started being loud again.

No news on when I'm having my scan or blood tests so worrying I won't get home today. I miss my dog and I know she's missing me.

Apologies for not supporting. I am struggling to read much.

Hi everyone!

Bring on Autumn! Im 31F, 140lbs. My goal is around 10lbs loss.

Plan is really similar to the OPs- Simple healthy choices, move my body, avoid toooo many carbs, or alcohol- favour fruit veg and protein. I’m sick of feeling chubby in all my old pre baby clothes, I want to give my body an opportunity to look and feel good before baby number 2 (hoping to try TTC next year).

Hello everyone 👋🏾, keen to join.

Have one year old twins and yet to return to anything like what I am happy with.

Currently 64/ 65 kg depending on the day but keen to see 55kg again. Lowest I've been since twins in about 62kg.

I'm happy to go slow and permanent (certainly not having any more kids!), but it's good to have a deadline and autumn is usually a good weight loss period for me, so would like to get to target by Christmas.

Today I had no brekkie, a disappointing sandwich and crisps for lunch and then a penguin and some quavers with my son as we both had back to school anxiety. Hoping to do better at dinner time.

Good to hear all your stories (apart from illness - hope you're on the mend soon!)

@SunshineCake I hope you're ok, that all sounds so hard!

Today has been stressful but good, as in I've not had a second to myself but have felt on top of it all. Eating well has definitely helped me feel in control of my life today! So far:
B: porridge made with water, tangerine
L: black beans, tomato salad, rice and the inevitable 2 sq dark choc (I'm very pleased to hear about the antioxidants @TheRealHousewife! )
S: a 90cal biscuit (ok, not ideal, but honestly, for me that's amazing)

D: the plan is to have the veg soup DH made. It's v filling so it doesn't need bread. Then I just need to Not Snack for the rest of the evening... So maybe a walk, as the weather is lovely and even I can't snack on autumn leaves. I hope ...

Haven’t been able to log on over the weekend. But have walked over 40000 steps together Saturday & Sunday . I have stuck to 1200 calories having omelette for tea with salad and yogurt & strawberries for afters. Weigh in day tomorrow hoping all the hard work this week pays off. You’re stories have been so motivating x

Thanks @fallfallfall. I don't know if it is the same. I'm going to google to see what I can do. I just snapped when she started again and she has complained to the nurses about me. She literally gave me another migraine. I was so expecting to go home today and there are two poor ladies who keep yelling out and they did it all last night as well. I'm boiling hot. Just want to go home.

@SunshineCake, mono is rather infectious (kissing disease) and easily shared (think a large bowl of popcorn on a campus movie night) i'd be requesting a private room.
although it doesn't sound like you will be kissing or sharing popcorn with these unpleasant room mates.
infection wise, hospitals here are doing away with shared rooms.
from what i remember when my dd had it first year of uni, so 20 years ago now, exercise is not recommended for a while due to the spleen involvement. so be somewhat prepared for a eventually quiet recovery at home.

sunshine. Hope you get home soon.

I didn’t want to post too early today, in case I went off plan again, but I’m pleased to report that I’m doing well so far.

I had a very late breakfast of fruit & overnight oats which meant that I wasn’t really hungry at lunch time. I just had some twiglets and pickled garlic, because why not?! 😂 Dinner will be bean & halloumi stew with bulgur. I’ve also done some weights and spent half an hour on the exercise bike. I just need to keep this up for the rest of the week!

I’m glad you’re finally getting some proper medical attention @SunshineCake. Fingers crossed you’ll be discharged soon

Hi all - another Monday done!
@SunshineCake - bless you - what a torrid time you’re having at the moment. I’m so glad they’re getting to the bottom of what’s wrong and I hope you get home soon.

Went to the gym this morning. Haven’t been a member of a gym for years. Fannied about on some machines for about 30 mins but I really need a programme to work to. Gym is v v budget so it’s not a service they offer. Any ideas?

Meals today:
B: Yoghurt fruit and granola
L: v small portion (side plate) of leftover lasagne and some home made green soup
D: Chicken enchiladas with sweet corn.

@notsusan hi! I've held on to a few pregnancy kilos for the past 4 years, so well done you for getting to work after one year!

To all of you who are doing all this exercise - 10k runs, gym, etc@swampytiggaa, @Crazzzycat @others? - I am honestly in awe. Can I ask, were you always into exercise? if not, how did you change? I need to exercise more, esp as my goal is less about weight and more about health, but I find it so much easier to focus on food - eat a bit less/ eat more veggies - than to muster the will power/ make the time for exercise. I'm doing yoga twice a week, which I absolutely love. But running/ swimming/ actually getting out of breath - I always seem to be 'too tired' or some other excuse.

@Cathy31 - I’ve mostly done some kind of exercise regularly throughout my life. Helped by the fact that I was quite sporty as a child and I think that helps the active mindset.

The trick with exercise is not to do too much too soon. Bog standard exercise is not going to have a massive impact on your calorie expenditure so do it for the health benefits rather than for weight loss.

The hardest thing is to start, so commit to starting. Even if it’s a 30 min brisk walk three times a week. Start gently.

@Cathy31 I used to avoid formal exercise 😂😂 but I have always walked everywhere and walked quickly.

I got into my 40’s and my weight was creeping up so I got a Fitbit and upped my daily steps. Then I started C25K and went to parkrun and it’s all gone from there!

Tbh tho my motivation was the knowledge that my dad died at 47 and my brother died at 51 both with cancer which seems very prevalent in my family. I wanted to be in good shape to have treatment if I needed it as I felt I owed that to my kids (I have 5)

It’s amazing for my mental health and I have made such good friends doing it! It’s increased my confidence… I’m a run director at parkrun and a run leader at running club which are things I never thought I would be able to do. I happily stand in front of 200+ people giving them information and making them laugh 😊

I also end up on riotous nights out including copious shots and cheesy chips with runners but perhaps I shouldn’t mention that 😂😂

I’d search on YouTube for a circuit type routine, take a few notes or follow along with your phone. Squats with a heavy ball, lunges with weights etc on leg days, then upper body days and a good cardio day on a machine of your choice. Or a little of all 3, 20 minutes cardio, 20 upper body, 20 lower. Consider asking a PT to set up a program that you then do on your own.

@swampytiggaa enjoy your runs

@Thatsplentyjack I'm sorry you're in that position. As I said this isn't really the right thread but I hope you find a way out of it

@fallfallfall yes they are the same thing just different names, virus spread via saliva and other bodily fluids we are so behind in this country with shared rooms in hospitals still

@SunshineCake as for tips of recovery sorry, just the throat spray, lots of fluids and rest there's no cure as such unless I have missed a major medical discovery somehow. Reactive arthritis did for me when I had it which is why I had to stop running for a time back then. Keen runner then too. Another thing I thought of later is it may well be why you've feeling so low too. Not just because being ill makes one low anyway, but it messes with certain hormones and chemicals. Honestly in a year you'll look back and it'll be like you were a complete stranger just now

@shreddergodo welcome, sounds a good plan

@notsusan welcome

I've soup ingredients in but need to clear the freezer down a bit to store

Today I've done laundry, cleaned the kitchen and was walking/dancing while the laundry was doing (had radio on).

Meal 1 - 2 Tesco "weetabix", 200mls skimmed milk, sweetener, small carton apple juice

Meal 2 - jacket potato, cottage cheese, salad with spinach leaves as the basis (I'm not a fan of boring lettuce) and Tesco low fat balsamic salad dressing which I love. Dessert was my low cal "Eton mess" which I make with a meringue nest, strawberries and activia no added sugar low fat peach yoghurt

I had some celery and a small pot of reduced fat humous while waiting for the potato to cook.

Meal 3 is going to be either fridge raiders OR a small sandwich with some cherry tomatoes, a satsuma, maybe a cereal bar OR a choc pot

Trying to pull things back after a poor start to the week.

Have to have a urine test now as spiking temperature. Hoping dh can come and visit. I'm dropping due to menopause And don't feel fresh but as soon as I'm allowed I'll get sorted. The nurses smuggled dh in yesterday so I have clean clothes for today. Plan is MRI and blood tests it who knows what will happen. Nurse wouldn't give me the pain relief that worked so been very sore in my throat again. I have had it now, five hours later, so feel less like crying.

I'm not sure I've been kissing anyone!🤣

OMG Sunshine - you are so going through it. Rooting for you here.

Had a sneak WI before tomorrow, and all going in the right direction. I should feel elated, but actually feel a bit flat. Lots of stressful things going on in my life atm, and food was my "company".

But not wanting to be doom and gloom on a gorgeously sunny tuesday, I'm in my exercise gear about to go out for a run soon. I have @Crazzzycat mantra firmly in my head - exercise is a top priority, and try and do something at least every other day.

I have Graphista to thank for saying that weekends aren't special, not to over indulge. OMG, you saved me from a major calorie over-load. Instead, I did have nice things - but one of each, and stopped there.

Have a good day everyone !

Morning! Thought about doing bootcamp again today but my arse hurts from yesterday as do my shoulders 😂😂 so I’m off for a gentle run before I take a girlchild to college for her first days induction 💕 might pop in for a bra fitting whilst I’m in town!

Orthodentist this afternoon with another girlchild… too much excitement at the end of the holidays!

@Cathy31, I’m not sure that I’ve always been into proper exercise, but Iike @swampytiggaa, I’ve always been into walking! Even at times when I wasn’t doing a particularly good job of looking after myself, I’d still go out for a walk (or two) every single day.

I think cardio (and getting sweaty) is something that takes some getting used to, but I’ve personally found that it got addictive pretty soon. The one thing I don’t like, but still do, is workouts with weights. I have very little natural upper body strength and doing weights actually protects me from ending up with injuries all the time, so that makes it worth my time.

I think with cardio, the trick is to start slow and just build it up gradually. It is hard when you are just getting started and your body is almost guaranteed to rebel! But if you can push through that, it gets easier pretty fast.

If you don’t have one already, I’d recommend getting something that measures your heart rate, like a fitness tracker. It’s very easy to push yourself way too hard when you’re just getting started and that can leave you feeling pretty grim. I wonder if that might be what happened to you in the past? When you’re just getting started you don’t want to go higher than about 70-80% of your maximum heart rate (your maximum heart rate = 220-your age).

Good Morning Lovely Lot

@youdoyoutoday to keep the 2st off is a real positive and I'm sure more will follow.

@SunshineCake sorry to read you have glandular fever, baby steps. Sending positive vibes for your recovery. Hope you're soon home too!

@Graphista some of us Weigh on Wednesday (WOW). you're more than welcome to join in :) Don't feel you have to post your actual weight, its all about what your comfortable with.

@Thatsplentyjack if you can afford it id go for it! Id love a PT but cant quite stretch to it at the moment.

@shreddergodo a warm welcome. What a lovely reason to get match fit ... ttc. Everything crossed for you.

A warm welcome @notsusan Slow and permanent is better than fast and temporary :) Congratulations in regards to your twins. they must keep you on your feet all day!

@Cathy31 They say a little bit of what you fancy does you good and I'm pleased that true for dark chocolate :)

@Harnett11 40000 steps over the weekend is an impressive amount! Well done!

@QueenMabby well done on getting into the gym! Do they have free weights? Im reading more and more about the importance of strength training. More muscle means naturally increased metabolism = weight loss. Win/Win.

@swampytiggaa you are really inspiring. Thank you for sharing your progress. I miss exercise but do what I can.

Menu
Meal 1 - Spicy Cauliflower soup
Meal 2 - Chicken & Mushroom stroganoff

water water water ...

Enjoy your day!