LOSE IT! March 2022 🌼

[TheRealHousewife]

WOW 😯 Where did February go … A Warm Welcome to New and existing Members alike! Fresh new month, fresh new start, fresh new habits. Jump right in to reset & refresh to become a healthier version of yourself.

As no one size fits all, members need to follow their own way of eating. 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. Do what works for you.

The important thing is not to think of it as a diet (based on deprivation and unsustainable) but more a way of life (sustainable & enjoyable).

I calorie count based on a lower carb Mediterranean diet. I intermittent fast and generally eat twice a day.

Are you in😊 What food plan will you be following? What do you want to change and why?

February 2022

Useful link if you’re unsure where to start:-

NHS Weight Loss Plan

More links to follow.

I have those smart scales, and from I understand, when you stand on the metal plates barefoot, it sends a small electrical current up through your legs and back again, and the time it takes for the current shows how much resistance there is. From that, it can estimate the fat vs water content, but of course it doesn’t take into account that each person could have a different body type, so you might have skinny legs and be top-heavy, or vice versa.

@SingaporeSlinky thank you for the explanation! I can understand it better now😬.

Day 78 - Sun 20th March - 9s 3 & 3/4lb
BMI 21.5
BF 24.3

I'm not too worried, it was a major pig-out yesterday but I'll re-balance this week 🤞🏻

@TheRealHousewife Yes @SingaporeSlinky has explained it - it's an electro-magnetic current that detects percentages of water, body fat etc It calculates your BMI from the basic info you give it (height, age etc) It's more accurate as it's assessing your own individual body. I note my BMI but pay more attention to body fat & also water percentage as I'm not great at keeping hydrated. I really like my analyser scales 🙂

I've had a slightly indulgent weekend with dinner, drinks and cocktails on Friday and then lunch out yesterday. We did walk to the pub where we had lunch and back, and I did have salad, but that's probably the most I've strayed since I started this current health kick. Ah well, will have to see if a concerted effort this week to eat within my limits and get out at least once a day will keep me heading downwards.

Like you, RealHousewife, I am loving thus weather - even got some washing out on the line. My kittens are also much better and are having healthy 'movements' again so all in all, been a rather wonderful weekend.

Never look forward to the working week, especially at the moment as pretty busy, but will endeavour to enjoy the fact Spring has sprung! And at least there's one more week until the clocks go forward (although why did it fall on Mother's Day??)

Hello

Imo shattered! Walked 8.5km yesterday 18500 steps approx while out with DS and the family for his birthday. Was a lovely but long day. Today I've spent the morning in the garden and an hour after lunch and I am shattered with the munchies. Still no weight loss.

How many days for the whoosh to come after a day of exercise?[hopeful] . Didn't run today as very tired and achey after yesterday but will try and do so tomorrow and I did walk the dog this morning.

Lost track of this thread a little so popping in to say hi. Your lunch on Friday looked lovely @TheRealHousewife what was it?

Weight loss has been going pretty well here - I'm 12lbs down since the start of the year. Clothes are noticeably bigger - it's going to be an expensive year replacing things if I stay on track. Another 10Ibs to go!

Hello Everyone

@8stone13 now I understand a bit better what the numbers mean I’m going to start to graph them. Thank you.

Pleased to read kittens are better (although I must have missed where you’ve said they are poorly, sorry) @SanFranBear . In regards to going off plan, realistically this is normal and healthy in scheme of things. Socialising and connecting with family and friends over food is so important and really good for the soul. Great to read you had a good weekend.

That’s a fabulous step count @SunshineCake1 👍👏. Nice to read you had a good day with ds celebrating his birthday 🥳 Whoosh’s are beyond me so can’t help sorry 😬. Hopefully one will be along soon!

Hi @WhatWouldTheDoctorDo Thank you, it was kale, Halloumi, red pepper, butter bean, red onion, carrot stir fried in chilli oil. 😋 Congratulations on your loss s far this year. Quite substantial! Well done 👍👏🥇

I’ve posted a photo of the sky I’ve been lucky to have been looking at this weekend. Not a cloud in the sky. Bliss.

Not weighed but swear I’ve put on weight. Friday night with boyfriend chicken tikka masala with rice and naan bread. Spotted dick and custard, 3 Sevilla gin and tonics plus 2 packets crisps. Breakfast of toast and margarine. Tea and Starbucks orange loaf cake. Sweet potato M&S wrap for lunch. Jamie Oliver chicken (with butter, prosciutto ham, tarragon etc) plus wine and today toast with peanut butter and marmite, chicken veggie soup (homemade plus toast, lemon buttercream cake (SIL’s birthday) and vegan pukka minced beef pie plus veggies and quarter potato.

I must mention to boyfriend that I’m not eating what he eats as he loves pistachios, bought a huge box of crisps and he also loves drink - he does exercise, but then he passes food onto me! Seeing him and his family for Greek birthday lunches next weekend plus Mother’s Day. Try to stick to salads this week. Guessing a little over 11 stone now

Hey everyone.

Bit late into March but I'm joining. I've dipped in and out of diets for a while but think I haven't had the real motivation. It really hit me a couple of weeks ago, I went to a black tie event and wore quite a tight dress, I was aware I didn't look as slim as I used to but still felt i looked pretty good until I saw the photos and I looked HUGE.

I really don't carry weight well, it goes all to my upper arms and stomach.

Where I've gone wrong in the past I feel is over complicating my diets. Trying lots of faddy stuff, making faffy salads, making meals I don't like such as piles of brocoli and salmon just because I know its healthy and I feel like it's what people who diet eat. I'm just going to keep my meals really simple, such as baked potato, beans on toast, smoked salmon bagel, fruity smoothies, stir frys, chicken avocado wrap etc.

The only rules I'm going to follow are.

-no chocolate
-only drink once a week (unless a special occasion)
-if I need a snack, have fruit.
-don't eat while cooking
-three, small and simple meals a day
-when I walk the dog, actually walk rather than standing still and chatting to people.

I want to get back to the gym but I want to shed a few pound first as I'm really hanging out of my gym gear (I'd say I'm about 6 pounds away from it fitting)

I'm not going to weigh myself, even when I was skinny (size 8/10 at 5'9) I was still 11.5/12 stone and always felt the number was too high, do don't think I'll ever be satisfied by the numbers on the scale. I imagine I'm creeping up to 14 stone currently. So I'm just going to go by clothing.

I bought a shirt a few weeks ago, currently I can get it on but only if I'm happy to walk around with my shoulders hunched, arms extended and buttons ready to burst. In 3 weeks time I'd like that shirt to fit comfortably.

After that, I'll get some clothes out that I bought last summer but I was just a tad too chonky for, they'll be my next milestone.

Welcome to the thread @Mreggsworth. You are lovely and tall! I bet you look great whatever you wear! I think it’s sensible to not follow ‘faddy’ diets. I always say nothing is banned but I generally eat mostly freshly made meals. I realise that not everyone has the time to invest. It’s positive to knock snacking on the head and try to stick to meal rimes only. I would suggest try to ensure you have protein with every meal as it helps keep you satiated. Your description of your too tight shirt made me laugh 😬

@Gonnagetgoing sounds like you’ve had a blast this weekend! I’d ask your boyfriend to not ‘feed’ you as it will derail your efforts. Good luck!

Well done everyone. Great to read such progress

I’ve been swamped with work and kids, and still v tired. But I have stuck with it, for three whole weeks now, and the scales are beginning to shift. I have also increased my walking time and got back on my bike this week for first time in months.

SW: 91.5kg
CW: 87.8kg

Happy Monday all! Hope everyone had a good weekend. I managed to curb the amount of indulgence - DH tried to suggest takeaway pizza Friday night but I held firm and cooked a risotto as planned! Starting the week riding on that positivity so hopefully that continues as the week progresses!

Good Morning Everyone

That’s great progress @Wizzwazzwas 👍👏

Well done @ImALittlePea 👍 I had the same conversation with my OH at the weekend. He wanted chippy fish & chips and I said he could still have them but I was sticking to plan. So pleased I did. Like you say it starts the week off positive rather than using the first half of the week to undo weekend indulgences.

Menu
Meal 1 - Mediterranean omelette
Meal 2 - Black Bean Chilli & buttered cabbage
Tea, black coffee, water

Have a great week!

Racing in as ever... 😀

Day 79 - Mon 21st March - 9s 3lb
BMI 21.3
BF 23.7

I've recovered from the weekend pig-out by the look of it 👌🏻

Hope everyone is ok, catch up soon 🤞🏻

Morning all, struck down with Covid here, managed to avoid for 2 years, suppose it was only a matter of time. Luckily just a bit of a cold so I feel absolutely fine, but can’t go to the gym this week which is a bummer.
Planning on doing some walks outside and an old boxercise dvd that I used to enjoy.

B - coffee
L - greek yogurt, strawberries and granola
D - quiche and roasted veg

@8stone13 good stats!

Wishing you a speedy recovery @SingaporeSlinky!

Thank you @TheRealHousewife

Just been out for a walk and spotted a famous person (Olympic gold medalist). I’ve seen him a few times as I know he lives fairly locally. Never know whether to say anything, or leave him alone as he’s just shopping with his wife and kids. I wouldn’t particularly say I’m a ‘fan’, so I guess not much point trying to have a conversation.

Hello! Day off today 😊 weight is still moving up and down but seems to mostly be between 9-6 and 9-8 so that’s ok. Eating reasonably well and trying to up my water.

I was aiming for a minimum of 10k steps each day in March. So far done it every day bar one when I did 9.7k 🤦‍♀️ But I’m happy overall.

Run tonight hopefully. Still waiting to hear back from that interview.

I’ve cleaned my kitchen and now I’m going to eat a cinnamon swirl have a coffee and crack on with my Easter baskets 👍

Thanks for the welcome

I find reading peoples meal plans for the day helpful. Gives me ideas!

I've started my day with a smoothie. Unfortunately I need to go shopping and won't be able to go till evening. I have an oven pizza in (thin crust not overly cheesy) so might have that for lunch and just have Greek yog and fruit for dinner.

@TheRealHousewife

Welcome to the thread *@Mreggsworth*. You are lovely and tall! I bet you look great whatever you wear! I think it’s sensible to not follow ‘faddy’ diets. I always say nothing is banned but I generally eat mostly freshly made meals. I realise that not everyone has the time to invest. It’s positive to knock snacking on the head and try to stick to meal rimes only. I would suggest try to ensure you have protein with every meal as it helps keep you satiated. Your description of your too tight shirt made me laugh 😬

@Gonnagetgoing sounds like you’ve had a blast this weekend! I’d ask your boyfriend to not ‘feed’ you as it will derail your efforts. Good luck!

@TheRealHousewife - I’ve tried asking him not to feed me! He’s a typical Greek (Cypriot) likes food and drink then wonders why the weight piles on! He wants to get back into handmade shirts he has.

So this morning did weigh just over 11 stubs at 11 stone 2lbs

Had Kellogg’s berry granola raspberries and raspberry yogurt for breakfast. No idea on calories.

@HouseofHolbein

Hello! Day off today 😊 weight is still moving up and down but seems to mostly be between 9-6 and 9-8 so that’s ok. Eating reasonably well and trying to up my water.

I was aiming for a minimum of 10k steps each day in March. So far done it every day bar one when I did 9.7k 🤦‍♀️ But I’m happy overall.

Run tonight hopefully. Still waiting to hear back from that interview.

I’ve cleaned my kitchen and now I’m going to eat a cinnamon swirl have a coffee and crack on with my Easter baskets 👍

@HouseofHolbein fingers crossed 🤞 re your interview!

You’re right, I should do as you do and run after work, not like I’ve got kids needing to be fed!

@SingaporeSlinky if his name is Joe Bloggs for example you could say ‘good morning Mr Bloggs and well done on your gold’ 😬

@HouseofHolbein Fingers crossed 🤞 for you! Enjoy your well earned day off!

@Gonnagetgoing Greeks love food! I must admit when I went to Greece the food was lovely as were the people! Perhaps get him on the healthy eating band wagon too then he might get into his lovely hand made shirts 😬. Not easy to change ways of eating but it can be done. I absolutely love all the veg & beans (with some eggs, chicken, fish and meat). I’d guess I’m 75% predominantly veg based now. Feels great! I realise it’s not for everyone.

Welcome to the thread @Mreggsworth. I’m excited to have someone of (almost) the same height as me on this thread 🙌

I don’t often share my meal plan, partially because I’m conscious that because of my height & activity levels, the amount I can eat while still losing weight is likely to be higher than most people on this thread. I don’t want to make anyone feel like they have a much harder time sticking to their diet. That’s just my own personal anxiety though, so best not to pay too much notice to that 😂

Anyway, especially for you a rare posting of my meal plan for today...I sort of do intermittent fasting, so only two meals a day for me

Lunch: homemade carrot & lentil soup (with lots of other veggies thrown in), pitta bread & cheese, pineapple & blueberries

Dinner: harissa spiced beans with goat’s cheese, bulgur wheat & spinach salad, soy yoghurt and a couple of satsumas

Snack: a couple of squares of dark chocolate

By the way, if anyone is looking for a really nice veggie meal, this is one of the nicest recipes I’ve come across since starting my diet last year. Based on the ingredients, it sounds like it should be nothing special, but when they’re all put together... 😋

www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/harissa-butter-beans-peppers-feta/

(I use tinned cherry tomatoes rather than fresh, so that I can make it all year long, not just at the height of summer)

@Crazzzycat your food sounds delish! Please post your menus more I've bookmarked that link. Have you done a variation of it for your dinner tonight?

My meal plan today:
L - two poached eggs, ham, spinach and tomatoes
D - either macaroni cheese (loaded with greens) or homemade wedges, Quorn nuggets and beans
Snacks - an apple, multiple teas and just loads of water (have really upped my game water-wise the last few days)

I don't eat breakfast, so kind of follow IF, although I technically break that fast with a morning brew. But it isn't something I'm willing to go without. Not going shopping until Wednesday this week so a bit limited on options, but I figured if I weigh out my portion then that'll stop me from over-consuming.

Thanks @TheRealHousewife I felt a bit bad on Friday as DH had had a rubbish day, and I know sometimes we feel we need a treat, but I'm gunning for a month with no takeaways (he could of course have had it on his own, but he does love a risotto so it wasn't really a hardship for him!)

I hope you're feeling better soon @SingaporeSlinky

Sorry to hear you’ve got the lurgy SingaporeSlinky
If it’s any consolation, when I recently had Covid my appetite disappeared so I hardly ate a thing without actually wanting too 😂

Crazzzycat that recipe looks really nice, isn’t have to give that a go.

My meal plan today:
B - Greek yoghurt with raspberries, seeds, goji berries, granola and heated honey.

L - 3 cream crackers, 5 crab sticks, 3 cherry tomatoes, pear and a cup of tea.

D - half a portion of a Gousto meal of veggie sausages with potato salad and caramelised onions.

Snacks - tea, maybe a couple of bourbons.

This is roughly what I’ve been eating Monday to Thursday for the past 6 weeks and I’ve lost half a stone.
At the weekend I eat what I like which always involves chocolate, baked goods etc.

I had a try on of all my summer dresses from years back and was so pleased when I could actually fit into them. It felt great 😊