LOSE IT! May 2022

[TheRealHousewife]

☀️THE SUMMER COUNTDOWN THREAD ☀️

Fresh new month, fresh new start, fresh new habits. Jump right in to reset & refresh to become a healthier version of yourself in time for a Sizzling Summer!

As no one size fits all, members need to follow their own way of eating to LOSE or MAINTAIN. 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?

I appear to have gone AWOL - have tried my best to catch up!

Thoughts remain with you and your family ❤ @SunshineCake - is there any further news?

Sorry to hear a few of you are struggling with motivation/stalling etc. I've been there in the last few weeks too. I think for me the issue is that I resent the fact I have to put so much constant thought and effort into not continuously gaining weight. If that makes sense? I used to be much more active and could just eat what I wanted and stay super slim, but I don't do much/any 'proper' exercise other than running around after the children now, and I can no longer just eat and drink what I want each day without any thought. Over the weekend I had a fair amount of bread, and I actually looked pregnant from bloat on Sunday night. Turned my DH a funny shade of grey 😂

So I'm trying to get back into the balance I had from January-March of less interesting meals in the week but in exchange for fewer restrictions at the weekend. It really worked for me for those three months, but the bread/crisps/unnecessary extras crept back in over the last school holidays and I haven't really kicked them back out again. I also know I need to build exercise into my life somehow, but I just can't seem to work out what my window of opportunity is here.

Yesterday I had:
L: cup-a-soup, half a pepper, lots of cucumber, a greek yoghurt with pomegranate
D: pasta & pesto loaded with green veggies, a sprinkle of parmesan and 1/4 slice of garlic bread (shared one slice between me and the kids). Followed by the last couple of chunks of a choccy bar in the fridge
Plus teas and lots of sparkling water (with added lime, yum) - 950 calories for the day (according to MFP)

Today:
L: same as yesterday
D: homemade chips, sausages and beans
Tea, water etc
Expecting c. 1100 cals for the day

No real news @ImALittlePea DD spent Saturday night in hospital and DH spent the night outside in the car. She wouldn't engage with them doctors. She is making plans for going back to uni but is a bit all over the place in my opinion. I'm shattered. Emotional. Worried. Only good thing is I haven't had time to worry about the tests I have coming up.

I'm here having soup and lentil crisps for my lunch. I've decided to give up on 16:8 for a while and try 1300 calories instead. My current job is just a lot more unpredictable that my previous one so if I don't have breakfast it could be any time before I get fed. I've been strict since Sunday but that's probably too short a time to see a difference on the scale tomorrow but fingers crossed.

I'm back in (I know more revivals than mick jagger!)

I've been hovering around 13 stone 5/6lbs by some miracle despite eating pretty much everything in sight!

But for both health and financial reasons I need to get back on track.

For those who don't know me I do calorie counting, I don't believe in cutting out food groups I believe in sensible moderation and yes I don't always practice what I preach!

I'm not a breakfast person although I may try and change that too as also for health reasons I'm trying to actually be awake in the mornings!

Struggle with exercise as I'm disabled but planning to hopefully start swimming and yoga again following a recent house move meaning more facilities available to me locally

Right I'm off to read and reply properly to the the thread this was just the support acts bit!

@SunshineCake you seem to be doing better I think you can get down to 11 stone - but if you don't, don't beat yourself up about it

@HouseofHolbein I know you've nc what was your old name? Just so I can "place" you? I'm not a big choc person but I love my savoury snacks! My (patent pending ) salt n shake carrot sticks help with that desire (sometimes celery sticks or sliced peppers if I can't get carrot batons - they seem in short supply in the shops of late)

@Crazzzycat well done on hitting maintenance point!

*unlike less processed food, these all tend to come in handy, perfectly portioned 100 calorie packets.

@Graphista I was Swampytiggaa 😊

@HouseofHolbein Great stuff! About 7 weeks to get match fit 🏃‍♀️ 👍

@ElderflowerTonic To be honest weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit. 16:8 and other IF patterns only work if you’re less eating overall. I’m a big advocate for higher protein, moderate fats and lower carbs (not low carb as we need the fibre). IF is good for reducing blood sugar/insulin spikes. I naturally eat between 12:00 - 19:00. Try CC you might find it suits you better.

@ImALittlePea you got a lot of bang for your buck calorie wise yesterday. Excellent menu, plenty of fresh things, variety, a wee treat, fibre & protein 👍

@ginsparkles I know it wasn’t posted for me, but your photo is fabulous!

@SunshineCake pleased to read you’re getting back into a routine 👍👏

Right I’m off to sow some seeds before I prep our meal.

Mid life crisis piercing 🤣🤣

That piecing is sooo cool @HouseofHolbein. Bang on 👍👏 …. Did it hurt much?

PS I like your diamond studs, very classy @HouseofHolbein

I had the studs today too 😊 had my ears pierced over 40 years ago and they’ve never healed properly. I’m hoping the titanium helps that.

yes the top one was a bit ouchy but it’s ok now 😊

@ginsparkles That photo is amazing! How did you get into it?

I want to go to Sword as that's where my uncle was on D-Day. My Grandad was in the RAF but only from the very end of 1943 as he was younger.

Have you visited Bletchley Park btw? There's a big D-Day exhibition there including an amazing film.

@8stone13 ... I married into it! I haven't been to Bletchley park. It's more DH's thing than mine, but I'd like to see the exhibition. These things are always pretty moving!

Well your DH sounds ace! Well done Mr @ginsparkles 😀

Definitely give Bletchley a go - you'd both love it 👍🏻

@HouseofHolbein I ran the woolacombe half (what feels like a very long time ago!!) and from memory its not short of hills. But you do get to run around Baggy Point which is one of my favourite runs ever. The views will be stunning and you'll have a fantastic time
And the piercings will sparkle in the sunshine....

I like your piercing @HouseofHolbein

@Graphista hurray! You are back. Now stop leaving us!! I really hope I can do better than 11 stone as I was down to 10 stone 8 but my head is in the game. I have eaten stuff I don't want to admit to today but it I was a case of emotions needing coping with, I wanted something for the enjoyment of it, was peckish, need it gone.

DD has just gone out for a walk and I'm just fretting.

Thankyou for all your supportive messages. I'm definitely a bit perkier today. Work is always hard going at this time of year, so I suppose I'm used to coming in and de-stressing with a cuppa and nibbles (I don't drink at all, I was always a bit of a lightweight and since first being pregnant 18 yeats ago I just didn't go back to it- so can't even just do a wine or something!). It doesn't help that I have 2 DS in the midst of school exams right now (Scotland, so they're in full swing) and they're constantly snacking to fuel their brains. It also means I need to buy all the lovely snacks and have them around! I came into DS1 having halloumi and avocado on oatcakes as a pre-dinner munch😀 and DS2 hoovering Doritos and a do-nut (had an exam this morning, so I forgave him!).

I'm sitting outside karate class right now, waiting on DS3, so no temptation at least.

Today:

Lentil soup
Lentil curls
A banana

2X Babybel
Low fat yogurt

Mushroom Stroganoff

Small Sea salt dark chocolate
Tea with milk

Lashings of Liquorice tea.

Need to up the water- maybe the scales will move then.

Sunshinecake💐

So many posts - it's lovely to see so many supportive and encouraging posts, led by the lovely RealHousewife... you're honestly such a kind poster, always got something lovely to say!

It's so hard when you lose focus and determination but keep posting, Gin & Buzz, as I swear this thread is like therapy!

I love your piercing, Holbein - I had a couple done up there as a wayward teen and they've never really healed over although I don't tend to wear earrings in them now.. you've tempted me to put some back in though! Hope you had fun with your DD too - what did she plump for?

We did Bletchley Park a few years ago now and it was very moving (I grew up less than 10 miles from there and had never been before!) The little rooms and old fashioned telephones etc - and they had a special exhibition on the SOE when I was there which was fascinating - such brave women! Loved your photo, Gin!

When I walk, I prefer to walk alone (plug myself into one of my True Crime podcasts - love hearing about gruesome murder as I walk😉) but a friend comes with me most Wednesdays now. I don't mind too much but it's not as relaxing and she's slightly slower than me.. I also have to do my weekly shop on a Wednwsday as DC are reliably away which adds time to an already quite long day. I do treasure my Fridays as that's me time and when I try to do the longer walks! Got a cracker sorted for Friday, in the heart of the South Downs which means lots of ups and downs - a good workout anyway! I'm so lucky to live here and feel I should take much more advantage although, similar to you Sunshine, the sandy beaches are quite a way away.. always worth it when I get there though!

DS seems fully recovered today so he'll be back in school - thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

And whilst I know they technically need bonnets, here are my two babies - any excuse to share a pic!

Had a lovely shopping trip which included a trip to Pizza Hut 🤣🤣 never mind it’ll be my one meal for today then back on it tomorrow.

B- boiled egg and slice of seedy toast, tea
L- beetroot and chickpea salad with a small crumbled piece of feta, apple. Water all day.
D- tofu and veg stir-fry with noodles, a kiwi fruit.
Will have one square of 70% choc later with a cuppa. Amazing how long you can savour a small piece of treat food.

I like your piercing @HouseofHolbein. I’ve nearly got a second piercing in each when my DD’s have been. But I’ve always chickened out as I can do without the pain and upkeep. Remember not to sleep on it-ouch!

Your two cats are similar to mine @SanFranBear

Loving the cat snaps 🐱

My menu for the day included;
B- porridge with almond milk
L - salad with a bit of coleslaw
D - jacket potato, steam fresh veg, beans

Still have 300 calls left of my 1,200 allowance, so going to graze on a muller chocolate fix yog (89cal) later whilst watching tv.

No run or walk today as I've been in the office for work and now stuck at home with kids as DH is out with friends tonight. I could have done a home workout tbf, but I was ravenous and just wanted to have dinner!

Glad you feel better @Puffalicious