I just don't know where to start!

[FenMaxwell]

I have six stone to lose and I just can't seem to get off the starting blocks in regards to how I can shift all this weight.
I'm showing signs of being pre-diabetic, I'm being treated for a DVT even though at 34 this is quite unusual, I've lost what looks I had and generally feel like I want to be invisible most of the time.

In spite of all of this, I just can't commit to one weight loss strategy and find myself stuffing my face all the time. I don't know what I'm asking by posting on here but just feel so desperate and sad that I'm crippled with self-pity and am not letting myself enjoy life.

Has anyone ever felt like this and turned it around? Six stone just feels impossible.

It's not impossible
It is very hard
It takes a long time
It's even harder to keep the weight off as you can never go back to current eating habits

You will need to work out why you respond to difficult times by eating

Thank you for responding. I do need to understand why I abuse food the way I do. I have always been prone to bingeing. I did. have a good few years in my twenties and early 30's where I was able to control it. Since having my son, I've just completely lost it and have put on weight so quickly. I'm 5'10" and carry the weight all over so friends think I'm being dramatic by saying I need to lose 6 stone, but that is definitely where I need to be.
I did try hypnotherapy for a time but couldn't afford the sessions.

Right, make a plan, 3 meals a day plus 2 snacks, lots of water, up the protein and veg, decrease sugar and carbs. You can absolutely do this.

I’d join a slimming club and stick to the diet like glue

once you see it coming off it will give you a buzz and incentive to keep going

eggs, veg soups, stir Fry and lean meat

keep full

It’s hard. These are the things that have helped me over the years but I still need to lose weight so feel free to ignore me!

Slimming World for weekly accountability - I am no longer convinced by the diet unfortunately although it does work. Requires a lot of counting and willpower as it is a low fat diet.

Viewing sugar as an addictive substance like tabacco and avoiding it completely. (Book - The Sweet Poison Quit Plan)

The No S diet - very simple and strict too in some ways but fits in with family meals and social eating. Make me feel that I am ‘eating like a normal person’ (free on the internet and there is a book)

Another book - Why We Eat (Too Much) to understand what is going on with yo-yo dieting and what foods can help. Upping Omega 3 and reducing Omaga 6.

Avoiding Ultra processed food - see above book and also a pod cast - A thorough examination with Chris and Xand Van Tulleken

Finally and most recently - Ozempic.

Being prepared is key. No chocolate, biscuits, cake of crisps in the house.

Decide which way of losing the weight will work for you. Some prefer calorie counting some prefer low fat or cutting carbs. Read up and do the one that fits into your life style the best.

I prefer low carb. It's the clearest and no fuss one for me.

No crap, bread, rice, potatoes or pasta. Clear and simple (I don't bother worrying about the carb content of other things as it just adds too much complications for me.

You hear a lot of people slamming slimming world but I lost a lot of weight going to their sessions which held me accountable, I kept to the recipes, I'm not a great cook but it was easy.
You need to get your mindset right, if you're not determined you won't stick to it.
Up your protein, reduce your sugar and get moving, try walking every night to start, it clears your mind and makes you feel good.
There's lots of blogs you can listen to which will help you.
My exp is a complete gym bunny (I hate the gym) he always says losing weight is easy, it's simple maths "calories in to calories out"
Easier said than done when you're not the one needing to lose weight!

Thank you all for your replies. There is some very sound advice and suggestions there.
I've been for a big walk today and am feeling more positive.
I've been reading up and apparently I'm an endomorph body type and would benefit with a lower carb diet. I know it will be hard but I really want to do something positive. Im sick of hiding myself away and not doing things because of my weight.

You can do it, cut out white carbs, have things like sweet potato and wholemeal wraps. Start by making a meal plan, exercise is good and good for your head but its the food that makes the difference. I also thinking having the odd treat is a good idea as totally forbidden food becomes more tempting!

I feel the exact same. I have 2 kids and no will power or motivation, I struggle because of work, kids routine etc. Just non stop. Really gets to me. I'm unhappy with my body. Ideally need to lose 2 stone to start with. I've tried SW in the past but found it didn't work and the who 'sins' I didn't agree with.

Yep I feel the same. I know how to cook, know what a healthy diet looks like, portions etc. But I just end up binging on crap with depressing regularity. I have gained about 2 stone in the last 3-4 years, which coincidentally have been very stressful, agter hovering around a stone heavier than i should be for years. Now I have 3 stone to lose. Every Monday I start and by Saturday I've given up.

Today I started my 8th diet of 2023 (🤣🤣🤣) and I'm trying something completely new. I'm focusing on eating plenty of lean protein, and not stressing about calories, sugar etc. Just trying to ensure I fill up on plenty of protein first with lots of fruit and veg. Aiming for about 130g of protein per day. But nothing 'banned'. The idea is it fills ypu up and keeps you full for longer, and its hard to binge on, so in theory i should end up natuarlly eating less. Lets see...

I’ve lost 4.5 stone if that gives you hope. Like others have said it’s hard work and it takes a long time but it also took me a long time to put it on so hey ho!! Exercise gives you those gorgeous endorphins. Junk food does not. I keep reminding myself that the stuff I’m craving only feels good for a moment and then the guilt kicks in and I feel like crap. Start out slow like you have with walks - break them up if possible so it feels like a smaller task. It doesn’t matter when you walk, a mile is a mile at the end of the day. I increased my speed and duration slowly and when ready (mentally more so than anything) I began cycling and then lane swimming. Swimming is amazing all round exercise. Love it and it tones you evenly all over. Sometimes the group motivation is needed so if you can find a walking group that’s great. You need someone to push themselves that you admire and want to be on par with. Good luck!

I think something like WW or SW that has a weekly check-in meeting is good for keeping you motivated and accountable, if that's your thing. Both work but I don't love the SW diet and 'workarounds' and I think WW is better at teaching you healthy eating and more sustainable in the long run.

Having a plan is the main thing - can you create a list of meals that you rotate through? And healthier alternatives to what you snack on now - for example yoghurt or sorbet instead of ice cream? It's not the same but it does help a bit.

If all that sounds a bit much then the simple thing to do is make sure half of your plate is vegetables before you add anything else.

I also found that when I'd been eating healthily over a long period, my tastes changed. Having craved fish and chips, when I actually ate them they just tasted oily and made me feel a bit sick!