LOSE IT! December 2021

[TheRealHousewife]

Hello & Welcome

WOW 😯 This year has passed far too quickly and December and the festive season is all of a sudden upon us with about a 4wk countdown to 2022. Don’t panic, this isn’t a quick fix promotion; it’s more a slow & sustained way of eating. 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.

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.

I for one want to start the brand New Year feeling fit, healthy & vibrant with hope that we are all in for a better year! Eating right, getting outside, moving more will all aid in bolstering up your immune system and promote positive mental health.

I’m not one to be a Ba Humbug about festive treats and mulled wine but I do remain mindful about my choices without undue deprivation. Life’s for living and we’ve had too much of that taken away over the last 2 years not to embrace the family & friends celebrations.

Come and join us. On these threads I find members are supportive and inspiring in equal measures. We offer guidance, support and a bit of handholding. Share as much or as little as you want.

Official weigh day is Wednesday aka WOW but it’s not compulsory. Currently I weigh a couple of times a week but at others I’ve weighed daily. Do whatever suits you.

Jump on board, this time next week/month/year you’ll be glad you did. What are you going to change? What are your goals? How do you intend to do it?

Useful Links
LOSE IT November 2021
The Blood Sugar Diet
The Importance of Fibre
The Importance of Water for Weight Loss
Intermittent Fasting
MFP
Healthy Christmas Recipes

Thank you @Youdoyoutoday. I'm feeling very on edge this morning and I'm only going in to check I'm well enough for anaesthesia .

Well done @joysmoy66. So pleased for you!

Not hopeful that we'll be going to PIL tomorrow as dh no better but the kids are old enough to go on their own even though I feel 💔at the thought of it.

Off to hospital shortly. Have a good day everyone. Don't forget your water!!

I hope your appointment went well @SunshineCake1

I’ve temporarily halted the snacking (ambitious I know, on Christmas Eve!). I don’t think I’m used to eating lots of calories any more and had been starting to feel a bit yucky. So time for a break, before the main event!

Have a good Christmas everyone!

It is true when we change how we eat going back to previous ways can make one feel rubbish @Crazzzycat. Well done for recognising it and adapting.

I've just sorted out my fridge and written all the food and use by dates down. My eldest has already been teasing me about how we will never eat all the food. It isn't all for two days!! He will take stuff back to his flat if it isn't used.

DH is ill and hasn't got up so the chances of going to his parents tomorrow are pretty much zero. Our eldest will take his younger siblings on their own instead while I stay with dh. I'm not happy about it as I've never been away from them on Christmas Day but it will hopefully only be for a few hours and I know it will mean a lot to the PIL.

The hospital appointment went okay. Officially two inches shorter than I used to be. Just have to avoid getting covid now before I get tested on the 28th.

Happy Christmas Eve All 🎅🏼🎄🎁🍹

Great milestone @Youdoyoutoday ! Fantastic progress! 👏⭐️👍🥇

So sorry to read your update @SunshineCake1 but pleased they are not leaving you hanging! ❤️

Fantastic result @joysmoy66 👍👏⭐️🥇 I’d be pleased with that too!

Well I’m eating my feelings here … must be catching up on not eating much and also medicating triggered traumas (family member who abused me as a child and still get punches in when she can) here for a few days. Just concentrating on getting through without any dramas … so far so good! No matter what she’s done I just can’t leave her on her own … goodwill and all that.

Sorry if I’ve missed anyone as I'm rushing in between serving up food.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas ❤️❤️❤️ I do love you lot, you are all ace! 😊

I'm done with work!!!! Just backing up my computer now - would hate to lose all that...

DH's test was negative... and the test he ordered to arrive on Tuesday arrived today - 1 day too late.

Glad they are seeing you quickly, Sunshine. Wishing you the best for Christmas, and hope your DH feels better soon. Your PIL will really appreciate seeing the kids.

Sorry work is giving you too much, Crazzzy. It sounds like they really put you on the spot to save things.

Hurray on the loss, Youdoyou! That is inspiring! And, wow, joysmoy - nice to see numbers like that. It gives me hope.

Hugs TheRealHousewife - you can get through this!

I'll see everyone in the new year. As soon as my computer finishes backing up, I am going OFF the internet. I usually do this over Christmas, and it is very freeing. Although I hope I don't miss the support here too much!

@TheRealHousewife chin up!!

@SunshineCake1 I really hope the new year brings you joy!! and hugs!!

My bootcamp emailed to announce the winners of the 8 week challenge qnd I'm not sure if I've won because the spelling of my name is different, think Sara/Sarah, I don't want to email to ask incase it's not me, how utterly embarrassing when they say no, I could never show my face again!! So annoying as they put a surname of 1 of the 3, 1 name is pretty unusual but I'm not sure!! They said they will contact the winners in the new year so I'll just have to wait and hope!!

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hope you all have some joy tomorrow however it comes!!

Apologies as I'm very mad and very upset but

@TheRealHousewife please don't let someone who has hurt you in the last hurt you anymore. If you can't tell them to leave never have them over again but please tell them to go. Do it for the young person they hurt. Goodwill to yourself needs to come before them in this case.

Thanks @murmuration. I'm so upset the kids are going without us. Fine if we all went together but not having them here is just rubbish. I know it is only a few hours and I know I am being ridiculous but I'm just really upset about so much right now.

@Youdoyoutoday thank you and well done as I'm sure you have won the boot camp challenge !

I'm going to peel potatoes for tomorrow as just getting more wound up sat here.

Thanks sunshine,real housewife and murmuration-to all of you going through a hard time at Christmas

It's been a while so I have some catching up to do! So it'll likely be a long post I know how you love those 

@SunshineCake1 I was thinking same but then I do like to eat it warm. No custard I'm not really a fan I have whipped cream (lower fat of course)

Glad dh turned up. Tech still not as reliable as we'd like!

Sending healthy blessings and hoping for good test results for you

@buzzofthebumblebee well...I actually lost 2.75lbs this last WOW, from lowest weight achieved so far (mid Covid) I'm actually only 1.25lbs more than that at the moment. Eating (and drinking! Peroni on the go tonight) what I like next few days. But I'm finding that I WANT to eat fresher/healthier things anyway! And I can't eat the volume I was able to this time last year. When I reckon I was a good 2 stone heavier (I'd already lost some weight before joining thread)

@Youdoyoutoday thanks. I'm not going mad just not as strict as usual
I think you're right to let uncle know so he can make an informed choice. Cancer sucks! My family has been badly affected too in recent years wishing him a full and speedy recovery

Hope you managed to get your list done ok.

Well done on hitting 3 stone loss!!

@Crazzzycat you may well be right! I think just being mindful is helping. Plus my shopping habits (food wise) have changed.

@TheRealHousewife please don't worry about not being as present on thread you do an amazing job. We're all allowed off periods is that verbal punches or literal ones?! Either way put the arsehole on notice that one strike and they're out the door! I know it seems not that simple but honestly removing abusive people from your life is such a relief and makes for a much happier life generally. That's certainly been the case for me.

Agree that going back to eating how we used to when our bodies are now accustomed to healthier ways of eating very quickly makes us feel crap! I learned that lesson a wee while back

A very merry Christmas to all on thread.

I'm doing my 3rd Xmas solo so I'll be online at some point. If anyone needs a distraction I'll be about

Merry Christmas everyone 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

I'm in complete turmoil. I was very upset with someone yesterday and I have woken up to a nice picture and then several supportive caring texts. Makes me want to cry as I know the upset feelings will come back.

Dh has said happy Christmas and gone back to sleep.

DD wasn't nice last night and I'm upset about the kids going to grandparents though dh has said we'll make it nice for us and it will be the first time we've had part of Christmas Day alone since 2001.

Hope you all have a lovely day and yes @Graphista I do love your long posts.

Merry Christmas @SunshineCake1 and @Graphista and anyone else who is checking this thread on Christmas Day🎄

Sunshine it must be so tough for you that your Christmas is so different to what you expected. If it’s any consolation, when I went downstairs early this morning, I found my DH working on a job application…he hasn’t stopped since apart from to make me a cup of tea 😂 It’s much easier for me though, because our Christmas is usually a low key affair (and it’s miles better than the time he decided Christmas was the perfect day to replace the toilet)

I subscribe to the Headspace app and they have a whole series of Christmas related meditations. I think that gives some idea of how much a lot of people struggle with Christmas. Most of the Christmas meditations are focussed on letting go of expectations. The idea is that if you manage to shift your attention to what you actually have, and not on what you think should be happening, things become a lot more enjoyable (or at least a bit easier to cope with). Sorry if that sounds a bit preachy. It’s not intended that way at all. They explain it a lot better in the app than I can!

Thank you so much @Crazzzycat. I'm sorry for being so pathetic and weak.

So far the day is going well. DD has been lovely. The PIL are looking forward to the children going over after lunch and we will Skype them with my BIL so we can open our gifts from each other on screen. I'll find it so hard to watch my kids with someone else but I'll do it. It's making me think about the bit in my social services file that says "Sunshines mum doesn't want her for Christmas Day so maybe she can visit the week before." DH has said we will make it nice for us in the 2-3 hours the kids are gone.

Only disaster so far is dd asked for cauliflower cheese an hour ago and the one time I don't have any cauliflower in the freezer!

Merry Christmas Everyone ❤️🎄⭐️

Full of Christmas Dinner & Trifle 🦃 and feel uncomfortably stuffed 🤢.

Pleased to say got through the last couple of days without drama (mainly I don’t allow myself to get drawn in iyswim).

Fingers crossed for you @Youdoyoutoday that’s you’re top of the list !!! You really deserve it!

Hi @Graphista thank you dear friend. It’s not always easy is it. One of the last times I took them shopping she shouted at the top of her voice ‘who’d have thought it, I used to be the fat one’. When I went on thyroxine it was ‘say goodbye to your hair’ … they are full of the joys. Now we are watching The Larkins and they are being offensive and racist about one of the characters. I just grey rock. PS I love your long posts 😊

Sorry to hear you’re upset @SunshineCake1. Sending a comforting hug 🤗

HoHoBloodyHo … it’ll soon be 2022 😬

Happy Boxing Day All

How’s everyone’s Christmas been? We’ve had an early lunch today and everyone else are now dozing.

Later today we’ll be taking our guest back home. Not meaning to sound awful but I wouldn’t say it’s been enjoyable but was bearable. I’m just pleased there was no drama. OH was saying earlier (in private to me so as not to cause upset or offence) that it’s the fourth year we’ve ‘sacrificed’ our Christmas for our guest and he wants to go away next year instead so he feels he’s had a break. I know he isn’t being unreasonable.

On a lighter note I’m gearing up to start our new year thread for LOSE IT! 2022. I always embrace a sparkly new year! I love a fresh start!

Anyone making any resolutions? Any life style changes? Personally I’m cleaning my eating regime up a bit (too many treats!) and get back on higher protein, moderate fat and low carb. Also up the water … I just can’t get it down! 😬

❤️

Calling @swampytigga. Have you found us?!

Hello @TheRealHousewife

I think your dh is absolutely right. It is time to put yourselves first. This person obviously causes you pain and sometimes doing the right - perceived - thing or being the bigger person is not the best thing to do. My mother said she would stab her partner and kill herself if I didn't invite her to my wedding. She did not get an invitation and both parties are unharmed and still alive.

I'm not making any resolutions. Haven't in years as always got so fed up when I didn't keep them. Having being thwarted in my wish to run on Christmas Eve and today I have decided to give up on this week and start again Monday 3rd. I have to take dd back to uni - minimum seven hours driving then another day take DS1 back home, another 2 hours or so driving plus I will be having a hospital procedure on the 31st so need recovery time for that.

I am mostly only eating one meal a day at the moment but not always a snack so I need to make sure that isn't a bad thing. I'm just not hungry.

DH finally called 111 this morning so he's now on medication so he's in bed and I am doing everything. Not sleeping too well, had to go out early to get the meds, trying to avoid people as much as possible as going for my covid test on the 28th ready for my hospital appointment. I'll be gutted if I caught it right now as need the investigations.

Keep up with the water everyone.

You are a saint putting up with those relatives @TheRealHousewife. I don’t think I would have been able to put up with that kind of behaviour for more than 5 minutes.

Glad to hear your DH finally got some help @SunshineCake1. Fingers crossed he gets better soon 🤞

I have made a few new year resolutions resolutions this year, but I’ve already started most of them, as there just didn’t seem to be much point in waiting!

My first resolution is to eat a greater variety of vegetables. You’d think that be easy for a full time vegetarian, but I just keep finding myself going back to the same, small group of vegetables so really need to broaden my horizons.

My second resolution is to get more sleep and, linked to that, to spend less time on my phone. I’m terrible for going to bed too late because I’ve been “busy” scrolling. It’s got to stop!

I’m also planning to do a 2022 km in 2022 challenge (walking, cycling etc) I thought that was an actual challenge I’d come across on social media, but on closer inspection the one I’d seen was “only” for 1000 km. I want to really push myself next year, so I’m going to stick with my made up goal of 2022 km. I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be hard, but just about achievable 😌

Defo go on holiday next Xmas @TheRealHousewife

My new years resolutions are

1. Spend less time on my phone, I'm wasting hours on my phone a day then I moan that I'm not getting anything done so I'm going to allow 1 hour a day and leave my phone in the kitchen on loud.
2. Be more organised on my food prep, think I'll start making lunch and snacks in the evening ready for the next day.
3. Up my protein intake
4. Up my self care like moisturising all over every day, not passing out with my make up still on, general grooming. I making so much effort to lose weight etc so I want to look nice.
5. Water intake, must drink more.

Think that's enough to be getting on with

@SunshineCake1

Calling *@swampytigga*. Have you found us?!

I have yes thank you!

Sorry realise I’ve been MIA but been feeling a bit apathetic for a while everything was too much effort.

Anyway HRT has been upped (love my doctor he’s really up for trying anything that might help me) and the hell that is Christmas in retail is over so I’m back!

Lovely @SunshineCake1 messaged me to find out where I was so I’m back to say Hi and I’ll be joining in properly again from 1/1

Here I am with friends at parkrun yesterday 👍 was lovely 😊

Lovely photos.

My news is

Dh is more poorly
I've lost £20 in the kitchen
DS1 will have to drive DD back to uni as I really don't want to leave dh for seven hours.
I'm bored. Dh been in bed all day. I've done four wash loads, walked the dog, eaten two small snacks out of boredom. Tired but can't sleep. I have written all my thank you cards though

Hi All

Lovely to see you @swampytiggaa 👍 Glad you’re ok! Great photos btw.

@SunshineCake1 sorry to hear about your dh. Got everything crossed for you that you test negative so you can have your appointment! Here’s to better nights sleep for you 💤.

@Crazzzycat great resolutions and I like your style about putting them in place now. Why wait indeed 😬

Returned guest home today. Asked if they enjoyed their stay (kept asking over the last few days would you like this or that etc. I over compensate trying to please all the time. Even changed goose to turkey as they didn’t think they’d like goose) Anyways best they could muster was … ‘I suppose it was a change’. Then they assumed they were coming next Christmas by stating ‘I’ll bring xyz next time’.

Started eating eating higher protein today:- meal 2 - devilled eggs. Meal 1 wasn’t so low carb as had bubble & squeak with yesterdays left over veg so it’s difficult to portion the roast potato element. Had with sliced turkey and ham with a Burford Brown fried egg 🍳. Delish 😋

Tomorrows Menu
Meal 1 - Prawn Cocktail Salad
Meal 2 - Chicken Soup with added lentils
Water, tea, coffee.

I'm just sort of snacking. I'd better really think about weighing in and trying to refocus. I find it much easier when the kids are at school.

I have a lot of excuses at the moment and not much motivation.

Your guests sound so rude @TheRealHousewife. It’s amazing how some people behave and still expect to be invited back!

Good to see you back again @swampytiggaa!

@DownUdderer this time of year is so hard for healthy eating, so be kind to yourself. I’m sure your motivation will come back.

I’m back on it today. I’m planning to have a lovely lentil soup with lots of vegetables for lunch, and a Mexican bean concoction for dinner. I think that adds up to just under 10 different vegetables today 😊

I’m also planning to go rowing this morning and may be a walk this afternoon.

Have a good day everyone!

Hello lovely people! So good to "catch up" with all your news.
Rubbish time here as I got Covid for Christmas : (