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

@Graphista I think December is a tricky month to be experimental, if you’re likely to be coming across lots of “extra” foods. If you’re fed up of weighing everything then absolutely take a month away, but if you’re able to hang on in there then I think January would be better - as it’s more likely to compare like with like.

Week 4 weigh

Morning all! I’m another one who is feeling a bit bleurgh at the moment. I’m lacking energy, although so far at least I have managed to resist the temptation to just sit on the sofa all day. It’s very tempting though!

@Graphista, my personal experience is that stopping weighing and counting everything for a while can be motivational in the long run. I like to think of losing weight as running a marathon. You wouldn’t run that all at the same speed. If you pace yourself for a bit, it gives you an opportunity to get soma energy for the next lap. So, I’d say go for it!

Big wave to everyone. December is so hard. Hang in there Graphista. Sorry you are feeling so down.

Fantastic you made bootcamp yesterday You. Seriously impressive! Food choices not great hear, on account of having been too busy to do a food shop this week. Takeaway last night, which was delicious (Pad Thai noodles with chicken). I also had a large glass prosecco. But only 1 !!! used to be able to do a bottle to myself on a friday night Will need to be careful today.
Take care all.

Well done on your pound off, @DownUdderer. Same for me today.

Week 4 weigh in:
SW: 11st 8lbs
CW: 10st 12lbs
TW: 10st 0lbs

We went to a Christmas fair today. I had a waffle with toppings. It wasn't planned, but I definitely enjoyed it. I think over a week one or two off plan items is fine.

I had some hair loss about a a year ago, I had low iron levels. I think you'll need some blood tests to check iron levels @Graphista. Now my iron levels are good and my hair has recovered :)

Good Morning All

I actually told my scales ‘oh do f’ when they registered a further gain. I know it’s my thyroid. When I recently had bloods done my levels were in the adequate range rather than the optimum. I’m walking most days even though it’s painful and utterly fatigues me further. Anyway enough moaning, I’m in a better place than I could be …

@MyAnacondaMight good tip about courgette👍 Lovely progress you’ve made!

@Graphista lovely to see you❤️ Sorry to read you’re struggling a bit, like you say a lamp might help.

Congrats on those losing and commiserations to those who aren’t seeing the deserved progress. I know how that feels!

Menu
Meal 1 Savoury mince, carrots, Cauli, fine green beans.
Meal 2 Platter of sliced peppers, celery, carrot batons, pickles, small amount of cheese, gluten free crackers.
Water, tea, coffee, 1/2 apple.

Enjoy your Sundays! ❤️

I'd like to join please! A bit despondent because I lost 3 stone last year and have put 1.5 of them back! Urgh! I've only just started to feel motivated to do something about it and now Christmas is going to come along and scupper it! Anyway, for me I'll just be trying to eat more healthily, cutting back on all the cheese/butter/oil I usually use, and reducing my sweet treats. I'd like to count calories really but I'm so hungry at the moment I know I'll go over my limit and hate myself so I'm just going to try and eat sensibly instead, and up my exercise a little. I normally go for a walk every day anyway but I'm going to try and make it either 2 walks or a walk and a HIIT workout.

Starting weight: 11.9
Christmas weight: 11.5

A warm welcome @Pickles89 I think becoming more mindful now rather than after Christmas in January you are actually getting ahead of the game. Well done on your previous loss. You’ve done it once, you can do it again 👍👏😊

Welcome @Pickles89

I'm so confused. Been away Wednesday to today. Food wise
Wed pm - special tea from chippy can't get at home. Maybe some chocolate. Bag of sweets before at 2pm.
Thursday - sandwich and two small pots of sushi at 4pm.
Friday - sandwich at 3 pm.
Saturday- special tea from chip shop with 1/2 chip portion
Sunday - chocolate at 2pm, driving. Milkshake, fries, doughnut from McDonald's on motorway. Unexpected roast dinner at 5.15, small portion.

The confusing bit is the one meal a day when I wasn't hungry the rest of the time and I'd normally eat twice plus snacks.

The trip away was hugely emotional but generally when I'm struggling like I would mainline chocolate or sweets or crisps or all. I just wasn't hungry.

Run then weigh tomorrow. The amount I have cried I should have lost something !

@SunshineCake1 too much going on for you to be too concerned about weight loss. Take care.
Also sending your way @TheRealHousewife you are always so positive when struggling yourself.
Sadly I did mainline the chocolate and gin this eve. 1st chocolate in over a month. My DS 16 3/4 was just vile to me. So hurtful. My DH is just a pacifist and introvert, which doesn't help the situation. I'm with you sunshine on the tears.
Monday tomorrow - fresh start.

Thanks for the welcome guys! Did ok for today. Could have been better but I'm v. hungry at the mo!

Breakfast: Small glass of smoothie
Lunch: cucumber, mini pot houmous, 2 falafel, small glass smoothie, fibre one bar
Snack: 4 ricecakes
Dinner: lentil and pea soup, 2 slices of cheddar, folded flatbread, banana, yoghurt, fibre one bar

Welcome @Pickles89, I lost weight before covid/pandemic. Then I put some back on during lockdown, I lost that last year, then put some back on during another lockdown. I'm losing again now. Anyway I just wanted you too know yours in good company here!

I'm in Australia. Quite a few weeks ago we'd had an announcement that family members would be allowed to visit starting on December the 1st, anyway with news of omicron things have changed again. I've not seen my mum and dad for two years and I really had started to look forgot to having them visit for Christmas. I know things could change again in a couple of weeks but this weekend I've just been feel gutted. So I guess I'm just muddling through making good food choices when I can.

I've done 7km walking today.

Welcome @pickles89

Ive been able to up my steps this week. The weather is currently beautiful I have been taking the boys to the park and walking laps around while they play. Plus a morning and evening dog walk with the baby in the carrier.

Tonight's dinner is ham, green bean and potato soup. Have been eating pretty good this weekend 🤞

Hi everyone

I had a 5km run then just under two hours walking the dog. I'm 5lbs down since Tuesday. Not surprised as eaten OMAD pretty much while away and barely any snacks plus awaiting a whoosh. I'll not go mad and hope that it all stays off.

MH = rubbish so I might disappear for a bit.

Hope everyone else is well. Keep going!

Welcome to the thread @Pickles89. Good job on the exercise @DownUdderer and @Mummytogg.

It’s sunny here too, so I’ve gone for a walk this lunchtime. I may go on the exercise bike later, but to be honest I find that so boring that I wouldn’t be surprised if I manage to talk myself out of that…

I’ve been having a few really odd days food wise. I just haven’t felt like eating, which is not like me at all. May be my body is subconsciously preparing itself for the next few weeks 😂

Your exercise is as impressive as always @SunshineCake1. Sorry to hear you are still struggling with your mental health. I was reading something the other day about exercise and that while it’s good for mental health in general, too much of it can make things a lot worse. I’m not saying that’s what’s happening in your case (only you know how you feel!), but just thought I’d mention it in case it’s relevant. Problems falling asleep after exercise and elevated heart rate while resting are some of the signs apparently.

Good Afternoon All

@SunshineCake1 @buzzofthebumblebee ❤️ Well done on your loss Sunshine.

@Crazzzycat I have days like that when I don’t feel like eating. Today for example I’ve only just prepared my lunch as didn’t fancy it. I wished it was sunny here. It’s cold windy rainy … just totally blurgh. Got fire lit 🔥

@Mummytogg how creative to find a way to still exercise whilst still caring for your babies/children. Well done 👍👏⭐️

@DownUdderer that’s great exercise at 7k 👍👏⭐️ Sorry to hear your plans might need to change again. COVID has been devastating on so many levels. I hope you get to keep your plans and are able to see your mum ❤️

@Pickles89 your menu is right up my street 😋

Menu
Meal 1 - Chickpea, cauliflower, carrot, green bean, Halloumi stir fry.
Meal 2 - Chicken tray bake. Small piece homemade flap jack.
Tea, coffee, water water water.

Have a good day everyone!

I've had a frustrating day waiting for a plumber who never came! So no walks at all! I did have a good long workout session though, about 50 minutes I think.

Breakfast: Small glass of smoothie
Lunch: Packet of kettle chips and bowl of tomato soup
Dinner: Pesto and goats cheese tortellini with olive oil and pine nuts, metric tonne of lettuce, banana, yoghurt, fibre one bar

Good Morning All

That’s disappointing @Pickles89. Has he let you know when he is coming?

No news to report 😬

Menu
Meal 1 - Mushroom Omelette
Meal 2 - Roast salmon, sweet potato, green beans.
Pecans, 1/2 apple, tea, coffee, water.

Have a great day what ever you’re doing. 😊

Very frustrating Pickles. A quick text doesn't cost anything.

I'm having roast salmon as well this eve TheReal. Mine with brown rice and roasted veg. I'll be doing lots of cooking this eve for DH & DS as away for work for few days. Hopefully will be too busy to eat !!

So I'll be up and out far too early for WOW tomorrow, so quick hop on scales this morning and 2lbs down, so now 11 stone 7. Pleased. It's getting harder as time goes! Especially as still not exercising. But back to it next week.

Glad to hear on your whoosh and run Sunshine.

I'm like you Crazzy - not really feel like eating. It has to be a good thing. Having done a big shop for Xmas treats at weekend, I'm frightened 1 kettle chip or 1 mince pie will lead me back to my previous levels of gluttony. I'm still all-or-nothing.

My main challenge will be to learn to have 1 and stop. Not convinced I have the willpower, so easier to have blanket no treat policy? Hmmm. I want to enjoy Xmas without going mad. Or do I just allow myself the 1 week to not care, and back on it January? Interested to hear everyone's views ...

But I am liking my 11 stone 7 body much more than my 13 stone one! I can look in the mirror without feeling disgusted with myself (yes, self hatred was that strong). My clothes feeling better. I have more confidence. I feel lighter in my step. Don't know what TW to aim for though. 5'6 and big bones. 10 stone 7 would be great, but I honestly don't know if I want to be that slim. Anyways, a long way to go til then, if ever ; )

Big wave to everyone. Rooting for you here.

My lack of appetite turned into a stomach bug. It doesn’t seem to be a particularly bad one, so hopefully it won’t hang around for too long. It comes with a terrible headache though, which is bothering me a lot more at the moment.

@buzzofthebumblebee, I don’t really trust myself to have self-restraint, so I’m opting for just a few days off. I’ve already had to re-buy some nice crackers I bought for Christmas three times, because previous packets disappeared down my gullet 😳 I’ve told DH to hide them this time, because I clearly can’t be trusted.

And I can relate to your point about not knowing what target weight to aim for buzz! I’m glad you are feeling much more positive about how you look now. My own weight gain was closely linked to mental health issues and I used to hate looking in the mirror and be reminded of that. At least now when I look in the mirror, I feel like I’m a bit more in control of things

Good morning gang - failed miserably at checking in every day but I am still at it. Sooooo.........
SW:151
CW:132.75
GW:132
0.75lb to go - tempted to have a fast day just so I can hit it tomorrow and give myself a but I will not as this is a long term thing.
I reckon I will get there just in time for my parents arriving - oh please God they get here as it has been almost 2 years and if they don't I think I will be inconsolable, never mind them - then go up a few pounds again. Onwards and inwards.

Omg life is too short for decimal points on weight! I'd take that as a win @132orbust!

I've had a messy weekend and Monday so I think my weight has crept back up but I need to stay off the scales. Plus I'm sick with a sore throat and a cough, not covid though, but generally feeling urgh! Heavy period isn't helping either.

I need to get back on track and back on the wagon too as I've drank so much over the past few days, haven't been to bootcamp or swimming. I really want to go to bootcamp tomorrow but it's so cold and I feel like crap so I'll see how I feel in the morning.

Haha @Youdoyoutoday you could be right but those decimal places have been my friend as the closer to target ( or interim target as I haven't decided yet...) I have got, 0.25lb loss has frequently been a weekly win for me so I respect those decimal places.
I really hope for your sake that you haven't got that super cold as it took me 2 WEEKS to get over it and I never get ill normally.
I am not leaving my house today. I'll do a leslie later instead.