@Getoffmygrass I’m absolutely at rock bottom too. I weigh considerably more than when I was heavily pregnant with youngest child.
I’m weigh a stone more than you, and ideally need to get down to around 10 stone, so similar amount to lose.
Just start. You can do it! Doing something is better than nothing, because if I do nothing, my weight continues to sloooooowly creep up.
I’m already knackered, and have creaky, achy joints. I can’t be far off significant joint damage/diabetes/other health issues if I do nothing.
I’d also like to look in the mirror without wincing, and be able to fit into some of my lovely clothes.
My changes are:
don’t buy biscuits, then I can’t eat them
small amount of chocolate 2-3x per week (rather than huge bars most days)
less alcohol - perhaps a medium glass of wine 2-3x per week - so within recommended limits for health, cuts down on calories, reduces alcohol-fuelled overeating
more water in addition to my tea habit
more veg in quantity and variety - which I love, mostly roasted. Recommend Bertolli olive oil spray for a very light coating - it’s an aerosol and much better than pump sprays. I do 1 or 2 large trays of roasted veg a week to eat cold for work lunches or microwave for dinner, with protein and some interesting sauces/condiments
mostly berries/melon/apples for fruit, occasional small banana
good fats protein and calcium: Greek full fat yogurt, smaller amount of cheese, eggs, tofu, fish, chicken, lean meat, avocado
interesting cold-pressed oils, butter, nuts and seeds in small amounts
lower GI carbs where possible - wholemeal or rye bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, lentils. More beans - can’t beat beans on toast - but wholemeal bread and no added sugar baked beans.
Microwave pouches of whole grains or cooked lentils are brilliant - Merchant Gourmet Tomatoey Lentils particularly. I have half a pack with chicken or white fish, baby spinach and roasted courgettes and cherry tomatoes, good squeeze of lemon and extra-virgin olive oil - just in reasonably small portion.
Another favourite is Biona tinned organic black beans in chilli sauce - mild but really tasty. Lovely on roasted sweet potato or rice with cheese, avocado, salsa and yogurt with a good squeeze of lime and fresh coriander.
Only 2 weeks in, but it has not been difficult. Helps that I love cooking, but I am a very busy single mum in full-time work, so I need to plan for some quick meals.
If not, I resort to buttered white toast and tea and biscuits when I am tired - for every meal!