🍁LOSE IT! October 2022🍁12 WEEK COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 🎄

[TheRealHousewife]

Hello and Welcome

Following on from the LOSE IT! September Thread here’s October’s Thread.

Dare I say it’s officially the 12 Week Count Down to Christmas 🎄😬 There is still time (for those who want to) for a complete body/mind/fitness overhaul before the festivities and family get together commence 🥳 Plus, who doesn’t want to start 2023 feeling more energised, fitter and svelte!

Jump right into October! Reset & refresh to become a healthier version of yourself! Being mindful, planning ahead and few tweaks here and there it’s not impossible!

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 a 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). It’s a journey, not a destination.

I calorie count based on a lower carb Mediterranean diet. I intermittent fast and generally eat twice a day. I try not to drink calories and have very little processed food or sugar. I meal plan, set my intentions daily and exercise most days.

Are you in?😊 What food plan will you be following? What do you want to change and why? You can do it, if you really want too!

Morning all! Bit of a mixed day for me yesterday, as I was unexpectedly out most of the day and had to rely on the likes of Greggs to feed me 😬 On the plus side, I was on my feet all day and resisted multiple offers of cake, so it could have been worse.

I”m loving the pony pics @SanFranBear . They’re looking gorgeous 🥰

@Millie2008 i got my hand weights from Argos. I have a few different weights, but actually found the exercises I can do with a kettlebell a little bit more interesting. Mine is a 6kg one and I haven’t really used my hand weights since getting one...

@Millie2008 I'd probably borrow a set of weights or use tins (good tip there, upthread!) to see how you get along initially. If you enjoy it you can invest in a set of adjustables.
Some people don't get along with them but I think they're fantastic for beginners as you can work up the weights without over doing it.
I got a set for Christmas last year that go from 2.5 to 11kg. I'm now transitioning to barbells as I need more weight for some lifts but still use them regularly

Thanks everyone for the tips about weights - lots to think about 🤔 it's not the sort of exercise I've ever done for some reason- I did do a lot of yoga at home at my fittest- but dr MM stresses the importance of weights/resistance training so feel I should try it. Feel out of my depth with it though!

@Millie2008 not sure if you're a member of a gym but the best thing I did was to get one of the trainers at mine to design me a weights programme and show me how everything works, especially in the free weights area which can sometimes be a bit intimidating with all the grunty men! I really enjoy going there now and observing them all in between my sets, I feel a bit like David Attenborough 😂
I'm also a lurker on the Caroline Girvan thread in Exercise, her workouts are very good (and all free!) I prefer the gym but if you're happy exercising at home that's a great option and from the chat on that thread it sounds very effective.
TK Maxx often have v cheap weights and other exercise bits too.

#SlightlySheepishWave

Hello everyone. I've been awol. Not weighed in and I've been eating and drinking far too much. My scales have forgotten who I am 🤣🤣 tbh the app updated to I need to log in again so not as bad as it sounds 🤣🤣

Doing the shopping for tomorrow at the moment... need to organise some meals that don't include chips 🍟

Hoping to participate a bit more this month and in that vein I will weigh in tomorrow morning to see what the damage is 👍

I really need to get on board with this. Can I join please?
CW 10.10
TW 9.10
So a stone to lose. Would love to do that before Christmas, but 10lb would be great too!

Afternoon Everyone

What a glorious day weather wise ☀️ 😊 Real tonic.

Welcome to the thread @Bobbinsbop . I’ve no experience with saxenda. Is that the injectable ?

@MirandaWest Hope you enjoyed your run 🏃‍♀️. You’ve set a sensible target as always 👍

@Slightlystressedwife 🤣🤣🤣 at David Attenborough comment & grunting men! 🤣

@HouseofHolbein Welcome back! Lovely to see you ❤️ Whatever the outcome from the weigh in I’m sure you’ll soon see any gain off 👍

Menu
Meal 1 - Sharing platter of meats/cheese/pickles/GF crackers.
Meal 2 - Chicken and wedges (Can’t be arsed with doing a toast dinner 😬)
Exercise
Session 1 and only - Gardening 👩‍🌾

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Sorry missed your post @Smarshian and welcome to thread 👍What’s your plan?

Evening all! I feel like my feet haven't touched the ground in a few days - so busy with DS's birthday! A lovely few days had... But I'm counting down the minutes until bedtime so I can finally chill.

Considering it's been a birthday extravaganza weekend, I don't feel like I've been too naughty 😬...

Friday:
Lunch - risotto
Dinner - ended up going out with a friend, had a small pizza and shared a couple of sides. And wine 😅

Saturday:
Lunch/brunch - eggs Benedict
Dinner - fajitas and prosecco 😁

Today:
Lunch - one leftover fajita and a bowl of crisps
Dinner - veggie pie, roast potatoes and lots of steamed veg. Pudding was some leftover doughnut pops and custard.

I've had one tiny slice of birthday cake and a handful of crisps here or there, but not much else snack-wise. Which is definitely more restrained than a normal weekend. I've also done a LOT of walking, general 'doing' etc. Ready for a calmer week ahead 😂

In terms of October goals... I really just want to get this (potentially last) 2-3lb off so I'm into the 9 stone bracket. I think I'm reaching the point now where I really have to build some exercise (other than walking) into my daily/weekly structure to see the changes I want to in my body. But I just don't have the motivation or inspiration. Some of the chat on the thread here has been helpful though... So yes, that's another goal for me. Start working out 😬🤦‍♀️

Hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday evening!

Popping in before hitting the hay as this week has wiped me out.. feel like I've been crazy busy every single day and my new hours at work have only added to the general craziness. Would like a quieter week next week and some time to focus.

A dear friend of mine today told me she's 'worried about me' as she clearly thinks I've lost too much weight. It's upset me quite a bit as I'm not exactly miniscule despite the big loss (size 14/16 and over 11 stone still, not even into a healthy BMI although within sniffing distance) I think because she's only ever known me overweight/obese - we met after the birth of DD, 13 years ago - so I look very different now but it's hurtful anyway... I've been sensible, not crash dieted or followed a fad or become addicted to exercise etc, just been trying hard all year to eat less and move more. She's not jealous as she's absolutely teeny (size 8!) so not sure what it is but just made me sad that I'm healthier than I've been in years and she can't be happy for me...

Sorry for the pity party... just needed to get it out. It just makes me doubt myself and worry that if I manage to lose this last stone or so (which I really want to!), she'll stage some sort of intervention and force feed me cake - only half joking!

Has anyone else come across this?

@SanFranBear doubt your friendship not your weight loss or healthier habit. Stay on track, getting into the normal BMI zone will be worth it.

@SanFranBear I find I've had those comments from people who see me regularly. Especially if I'm wearing my old clothes rather than new clothes and everything is baggy if that makes sense? 'You're wasting away' is my favourite- no I'm bloody not, I've just lost the extra 25kg you're used to seeing me with and I can walk up the sodding stairs without panting!

I think it often comes from a misguided place of concern. I reassure them that I am eating well and not starving myself!

From your description of her I'd wager your friend has never been on a sustained weight loss plan so only knows about Atkins, slim fast and sensationalist ways to lose weight, so has a bad view of diets, justifiably as there are many out there that aren't healthy in the short or long term.

It's deflating and takes away your good feeling of achievement for a bit. Look at your current food intake- is it healthy? Are you depriving yourself of nutrients or just avoiding rubbish? Then you can reassure yourself that there is no cause for concern

You do you (and you're doing great!)

Good morning. I’d like to join. I’m doing WW these past two months. Aiming for 2kg loss in October. I have a number of family birthdays and events this month which will test my willpower.

@SanFranBear one of my friends recently lost a lot of weight. I didn’t make any comment, I thought it may be due to ADHD medication. Then she mentioned she’s had a bypass. It’s not something I’d have thought of as she wasn’t that big IYSWIM. Your friend may be genuinely worried.

Morning ☺️ I’d like to join but I’m worried my fluctuating motivation will extend to being unable to keep up with this thread too 🫣

I lost 6 1/2 stone in 2018-2020 but Life Events collapsed my progress and I’ve put half that back on. I’m 48 and am concerned that my get-up-and-go has gone, along with my my give-two-shits. I used to channel the perimenopausal rage into three weeks a month of laser focus on MyFitnessPal and a consistent average loss of half a stone a month but I’m on HRT now and I just can’t be arsed. But every now and again I get flawlessly Back on Track with portion control and walking and it drops off. Then something clicks and I’m back uncontrollably stuffing in 5 bags of crisps a day. I could probably do with antidepressants tbh, as there’s been loads going on, but I just want to be normal. See how much I have to say? I need some counselling. Or perhaps an ADHD diagnosis, she says brightly.

Anyway. This morning I‘be had two cups of black coffee and 40g of oats soaked in 100ml of chocolate Oatley 👸🏽

Morning - thank you for your kind words, fallfall & milk... and LadyWithLapdog, I'm sure you're absolutely right as I consider her a very good friend so am sure she's genuinely worried. But she has no need to be and I'm not 'scary skinny', just closer to a healthy weight than at any other time she's known me.

Ah well... onwards and downwards! I'd normally have a lower calorie day today but I've picked up a stinking cold from DS (not Covid, thankfully, which seems to be on the rise amongst everyone I know!) so lunch will be stuffed mushrooms with smoked fish as it needs eating and is such comfort food.. dinner - hmm, shall have a think!

Happy Monday everyone!

Morning everyone. I've been reading your posts and decided I need some accountability too. I lost a couple of stone last year but it's creeping back on so unless I do something it will all have been for nothing. My downfall is evening snacking- last night alone I managed a bag of crisps. Some slices of cheese and a bowl of cereal.
Weighing in at 10st 12 this morning and my target is 10st 2 by Christmas

I braved the scales. Had to reset everything for some reason 🤣🤣

Anyway not too horrible I'm on 12st 9lb. That could have been a lot worse.

However. I've not set up as athelete mode this time as I am exercising and that has tipped my body fat percentage just into obese 😱 I have been eating the wrong shit and drinking too much so it's probably fair and the shock I needed to get a bit of a handle on things.

Aiming to get back down to 9st 7lb and reduce my body fat to normal 😊

Morning all, wow this thread moves fast. Reassuring that others think toast for lunch is acceptable when holding a baby, just means I need to make extra sure to get plenty of veg in my evening meal.
I need to go shopping today, so will write a meal plan for the week this morning. I was quite good at the weekend and yesterday I did my first run in about 6 months. Thought I’d follow the couch 25k plan, but actually felt a bit fitter than I thought I’d be, so managed to jog round the (very small) park 3 times without needing the walk breaks. Will try and do this three times a week and start building up the distance.
Needless to say all this exercise has shown itself on the scales straight away with a 2lb gain 🤦‍♀️ So I am ignoring the scales and will join you all on only weighing in on Wednesdays.
Also thinking about adding in some weight training in due course, so loving all the tips. I listened to the EC Method podcast to keep me motivated when I was dieting for my wedding and they were always citing studies that showed the health benefits of weight training. Might have to give them a listen again.

Good morning everyone,

Thanks so much for this thread. I'd really like to join you if that's ok.

At the start of summer I was 64kg and was managing my size through low carbing. I'd previously shifted almost 20kg through low-carbing.
I knew I wanted to relax over summer which is what I did and I saw the scales going up . Then I caught Covid and I started eating lots of carbs because I had so little energy. No surprise that I saw the scales going up even further.

Anyhow, this morning I'm 68.5kg ( or 10 stone 11) and that's enough. So, as from now I'm back to my low carbs and no alcohol during the week, regular weighing and reasonable weekends.

The next two weekends I'll be away and there'll be celebrations. I want to particularly take care of myself and not get in a tizz wozz then.

Looking forward to sharing this journey with you all,

@SanFranBear lovely photo, I am very jealous of your pony views!
Had a terrible weekend food and drink wise, two days straight of good food and too much wine again Scales this morning have me up 0.4 of a kg so hoping that is all the damage and it won't rise further over the next few days.
Meals today are
Lunch- porridge and fruit salad
Dinner - Butternut and chickpea burgers (probably without the bun) with salad on the side
Hoping to make it running this evening as its a beautiful early summers day here, but not sure if I will get out the office in time. Wishing everyone a wonderful week

Good Morning All

@ImALittlePea Sounds like a lovely weekend was had 🎉 🎂 Your food sounds lovely and don’t forget Birthday cake doesn’t have calories 😉

@SanFranBear Im spitting feathers here! What a friend! It’s because she feel threatened as you’re altering the status quo. She was (and wants to remain) the thin friend. You are doing fantastically well in a healthy, balanced and consistent way. You are awesome 👏

Welcome to the thread @LadyWithLapdog 👍

@CamoTeaLaLa Welcome aboard! You’ve done it before, you can do it again. Keep reading, posting or not posting, do what your body needs you to do to feel awesome & healthy 👍Reading the previous threads might help with motivation. Also try to up your protein as it helps to keep you satiated and reduce the need to snack. Bin the sugar/sugar laden snacks, processed foods and try not to drink calories. Also upthread is a photo with a number of points on that might be useful 👍 You are right about MH and how it impacts on eating/diet/food. Counselling might help if self help isn’t cutting it. Sorry for rambling …

@BadlydoneHelen Welcome to the thread. A good tip to reduce the likelihood of night time snacking is cleaning and closing the kitchen after your last meal. Also ensure you’re eating enough nutritious food in your meals so you won’t feel hungry. A hot black decaf coffee is comforting and calorie free. Also see what I wrote for @CamoTeaLaLa 👍

@HouseofHolbein You know what to do, you’ve done it before and I’m sure you will back to your svelte self in no time (not judging but have I read right that you’ve gained 3stones in a matter of weeks ((are you pregnant)).)👍❤️

@Jammymare I hear your disappointment but don’t despair. Weight loss, frustratingly isn’t linear. Keep consistent and it will come off.

Welcome aboard @WitchWand You've outlined a sensible plan, good luck 👍

Oups forgot to post menu.

Menu
Meal 1 - Halloumi stir fry with red pepper, kale, carrot, onion and butter beans.
Meal 2 - Tomato curry (nigella recipe) and spicy Cauli rice.
Tea, black coffee and water. Apple. Walnuts.

Exercise
Session 1 - Bum bum exercises 😬
Session 2 - Night time yoga 🧘‍♀️

Enjoy your day!

😭😭😭 @TheRealHousewife I'm such an idiot! I weighed in at 9st 13lb 🤣🤣🤣
That's an easy loss 🤣🤣

And no definitely not pregnant 😱 53 and have had the lady snip.

Bloody hell I thought my new HRT was going really well too 🤣🤣

@HouseofHolbein hahahaha 😅

Oh @SanFranBear that's rubbish!
I agree with @TheRealHousewife I'm afraid - some people don't like the friendship dynamic shift weight loss can sometimes bring - if she's a size 8 has she perhaps always enjoyed a feeling of being "the thin one" in your friendship and now there's a change and she's starting to feel almost competitive about it? She can still be a good friend in other ways and still feel like this, so I wouldn't discount it. "Worried about you" indeed. If she says it again I'd ask her to elaborate more - what exactly is she worried about? Oh really, why's that? Etc etc. Get her to spell it out. She'll soon backtrack when she can't explain herself.
Let this be a motivation for you!! How worried can you make her?? Haha

I've had a terrible weekend so I'm basically counting last week as the second week of honeymoon 😂 Back on it today! @ImALittlePea also hoping to see the 9s by the end of this month, shall we try together?? I feel like I need a bit of a buddy to remotivate myself without a wedding dress to get into!