Thank you everyone for your links and advice.
@milkfromthesleepycow I've digested as much of that article as I can but it's all quite technical for me 😂
No, I hadn't heard of the DASH diet @CrimsonAlligator (although it's also mentioned on the links @fallfallfall kindly shared too). It all looks like common sense and straightforward enough - the issue I have is DH is quite fussy. He isn't much of a fan of meat unless it's processed - so sausages, minces, bacon, frozen goujons etc. I've tried making my own chicken nuggets etc on numerous occasions but he doesn't like them (and neither do DC 🙄). He will eat chicken breast, but that's about it. He doesn't like fish, eggs, beans (again, unless baked beans - so processed) or pulses. He loves vegetables, and he'll eat cheese (but only cheddar). It's really hard to create meals that satisfy all of us, especially without any processed foods involved. Having said that, I think our dinners are mostly quite healthy; we don't have ready meals, I make sauces from scratch etc. It's breakfasts and lunches that are harder, however I've got some inspiration from the links shared and will look at some homemade granola or overnight oats. He's already recognised he needs to either cut down on or cut out completely crisps, biscuits, chocolate, bread etc.
One thing that I really don't think has helped has been the way our last month has gone. We've had to have ready meals, we've had more takeaways and much more grab-and-go type eating - just out of pure necessity. So I'm hoping the return to our more normal balance now that I'm better, along with some positive changes, will be all that's needed 🙏
@TheRealHousewife I remember you saying about your OH's BP, I'm glad his is within normal range now. Would you mind sharing how long it took for his to come down - how long was he on the diet/exercise before offered medication? I'm only asking so I can try and manage my own expectations (and anxiety) over things improving. But please don't worry if you'd rather not say.
Sorry - I feel like I'm derailing a little. I really appreciate all of your advice and support. It's helping me focus and come up with positive ideas, which I'm hoping will help from a health, weight and anxiety management point of view!
WoWs - well done everyone!
@milkfromthesleepycow great you've got a positive plan with the PT and a restful weekend ahead. I'm sure you'll see things go back downwards soon 😊
Well done for STS @Lizsmum
Congrats on the losses @wannadisc0 @Was126orbustandmaybebust @giatta
@wannadisc0 I'm not much of a snacker, but if I feel a hunger pang coming I will have either a glass of water or a cuppa. Otherwise, I'll have fruit and yoghurt. If you feel like you need something more 'substantial' and warming, how about a cup-a-soup or something along those lines?