⭐️LOSE IT! MAY 2023 COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER⭐️

[TheRealHousewife]

⭐️Open to previous members as well as new members⭐️

⭐️LOSE IT! April 2023 Countdown to Summer⭐️

Summer countdown starts here! The holidays are right around the corner so it’s time to embrace a fresh new month, fresh new start, fresh new habits. Jump right in to reset & refresh to become a healthier version of yourself. These threads are for those who’d like to lose and those who wish to maintain whilst eating a healthy varied diet.

As no one size fits all, members need to follow their own way of eating. 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 eat twice a day. Im a long time healthy eater and overall I’ve lost over 3 stone. After having been on the wrong side of 12st Im now hovering around 9st. I had a blip a couple of years ago when my thyroid went wonky but now back on track.

Are you in😊 What food plan will you be following? What do you want to change and why?

Feel free to share your own links, tips & recipes!

Thank you all so much, it's lovely that you all care, it really is. I don't mean to bring the thread down with negativity, I'm a super positive person in real life- always the one laughing and caring for everyone, strong and resilient- yet I think peri/ menopause is affecting me in different ways than my friends, one of which is weight, the other getting down about things. HRT sent me emotionally all over the place so doctor took me off after a few weeks, but I reckon I should go back for a chat.

I'm.also missing my eldest. He left for the US a week ago to do Canp America and will be away 4 months. I've encouraged him - heck I did it at 18 too- and he will have an amazing time, but I'll miss him horrendously. So I've been feeling rough about that, but ad always covering it up with jollity.

I cannot abandon efforts to lose weight, as the 1.5 stones that have gone on on the last year, will end up going on again, and another 1.5 stones too. I can't believe how quickly it's gone on without over-eating, just eating normally, and I do mean normally, I don't have a skewed vision of food, I'm pescatariam and have always eaten a balanced diet.

I had a good day yesterday- avoiding any sugar at all- and will try to only have a little each day in case it's affecting my blood sugar. I also try to avoid bread/ pasta, as I do love them and I seem to have lost weight in the past when I avoid them. My carbs tend to be oats/ oatcakes/ cous cous. I don't drink, so that's easy.

It's long bank holiday here and I'm off today anyway, so no work until Tuesday. We're away in the camper van Sat-Mon, but that's okay as I'm in control of the food and just take what I need and let DH and DC have the take-away/ food out.

I will keep at it with all your help. I do need to look at the long game- how I'll maybe be 1.5 stones lighter this time next year, rather than 1.5 stones heavier, maybe I was wanting it too quickly..

Thanks again and I hope you all have a good week. ❤️

Great post! Have a lovely lovely time away in your camper @Puffalicious ❤️

@Ninjachicken I do roast the chickpeas with the veg, I like very crunchy chick peas 😂

@Puffalicious sorry you're feeling down, 100% go get everything checked out even a minor mineral deficiency etc. can really impact you. I was diagnosed with pernacious anaemia shortly after joining these threads 12 months ago and the difference the right treatment has made to my mood, energy and ability to loose weight is amazing.

Food today hasn't been great as it started with a kitkat and lucozade petrol station breakfast but I had fruit salad for lunch and dinner will be the leftover roast chickpeas and veg perhaps with some pitta to bulk it out if needed.

@Weatherwax13 l’m so sorry about your son. There are just no words for some things. I completely understand taking the chance for the life you want. Keep me posted on your travels, you may end up near me!
@Puffalicious it must be so frustrating especially when you are doing all the right things and nothing is shifting. The only thing to do is keep going and think that is you had just said fuck it you would be in an even worse place. As @TheRealHousewife says every good decision is making you healthier and hopefully as a result happier

@Allthegoodnamestakken i am going to try the chick pea and roasted veg thing with some Moroccan spices. It sounds lovely

i had a smoothie for lunch but have just been shopping and scoffed nearly a whole bakery cookie on the way home. Not impressed with myself. Dinner will be an omelette as I have to go to my daughters singing ‘spectacle’ this evening. Oh the joys 🎶🎶🎶

I have been at a conference again for the last two days which means more unhealthy snacks; almond cake yesterday and walnut cookie the day before + milky coffees! My brain was overworking with all the face to face conversations so felt like I needed the sugar hit!

@Puffalicious I understand how you feel as my weight loss feels very slow. I've lost about a stone in the last 18 months and want to lose around another 1/2 a stone. Cutting out most carbs, drinking more water and more yoga + meditation has helped accelerate it a bit. There's a connection between stress and weight loss / gain which from past experience is critical for me to address. There's an easy to do mediation called the body scan which I often do in bed before going to sleep - it takes 5 minutes! I also finally went to the doctors and had lots of blood tests done to find that my vitamin D levels are too low. I just started a high dose supplement so am hoping that will help too - it's already making my sleep quality better (which helps weight loss). Could be a good idea to get checked out at the GP as it might be something simple like me. Good luck and sending you encouragement - keep going, the weight you've lost so far is great!

I haven't kept up with everyone's posts but hope the weight loss / healthy eating and exercise is going well for all :)

My latest update is that I have bought new trousers that actually fit (waist 30) and I look slimmer - my clothes were looking a bit baggy and unflattering (I started out at waist 32). Would love to get down to a waist 29 soon, that's the goal by the end of the summer. The slimmest I've ever been in my adult life is a size 27 / 28, at age 30. I was a little bit chubby in my early twenties (I now realise it was linked with stress / depression / childhood trauma). Have addressed all this from my late 20s onwards and it's an ongoing process of healing (and being healthy!).

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend peeps x

I've had some broccoli and cauliflower soup from the supermarket for lunch, with added fresh veggies. Very filling.

My daughter is home from school today, with a temperature. I think I'll burn extra calories from the nervous energy of worrying. I thought I might stress eat, but so far I haven't. Last time she was ill she ended up in hospital so my brain is really scrambled today.

@DownUdderer hoping your daughter is feeling better soon and you can relax a bit!
@Superdashmama congrats on the new trousers, its a great feeling isn't it! I started out as 31 inches size 14. Now I am between a 10/12 with 28.5 inch waist. My thighs are what make the clothes sizes difficult as all my weight goes straight to my legs! Goal is to be a solid size 10.
I do try not to get to obsessed with clothes sizes as they're so variable but I get most of my basic clothes through a mass online order twice a year from the UK as new clothes here are insane so its helpful to be a set size. It was actually easier when I was bigger and a solid 14 in most shops

Morning all. 54.4kg this morning. I've started a maintenance thread but there's only me on it 🤣
@DownUdderer hope she's better soon.
@Superdashmama congratulations on the trousers!

Ds is still home ill so routine is totally out of the window here. He gets 2 weeks off for half term so no school run for so long means I need to be extra careful what I eat. Is always gain over the holidays.

Any j

Any nice plans for the bank holiday? I'd not realised it was one this weekend. No plans here but once ds is better we might go exploring the new park we've found in the hills near where he goes swimming. There a river that runs through it that's perfect for paddling, a bike track, skate park, sand area and the usual park stuff with beautiful views of the hills.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Lots of 🍾🍾🍾🍾

@AutisticLegoLover that sounds like the dream park!

We have a family birthday over the weekend, so going out for a juicy steak, and there will definitely be cake! But I'm aiming to offset some of it with a swim and I'll be driving, so no booze.

Otherwise there will be also be playgrounds and bike riding here. And then hopefully a nice sunny half term 🤞🏻

@Weatherwax13 I'll raise you (and your dear DS) a glass of rosé when I open my bottle of v nice Cote de Provence in fridge for occasion.

@Puffalicious - wish there was a magic wand I could wave over you (and me). Think it's a whole host of things that hits us all at once in our 50s, more than we know. Be extra kind to yourself. You don't deserve to beat yourself up too. Big squeeze.

Well done on goal @AutisticLegoLover - but do be careful ; )

Not doing brilliantly here food wise. I know it's hugely connected to emotions. I know if I don't cave by 5pm I'll most likely get through the day ok ; )

Sending happy positive vibes to everyone for Bank Holiday.

@buzzofthebumblebee why do you say to be careful?

Good morning

Fabulous NSV @Superdashmama 👌. It’s a lovely feeling when we slip into smaller sizes with ease. Well done!

@Ninjachicken How was your daughters recital? I used to get emotional when watching little ones performing. I remember seeing my niece in her plays. Sobbed I did 🥲😬

@DownUdderer Fingers crossed your daughter soon recovers and doesn’t end up in hospital!

@AutisticLegoLover Youre very welcome to remain here as we cover maintenance too. We are always happy to follow your progress. ❤️ Sounds a fabulous park to visit! Enjoy! We’re out for meals Saturday & Sunday and having a pottering in the garden day Monday. 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾< I hope you were referring to lots of 💧💧💧💧💧😅

@Puffalicious How are you today? I’m hoping you feel more settled. I know you do your best everyday; but sometimes our best looks different on different days iyswim. It all depends what life chucks at us. Try to be kind to yourself ❤️

Menu
Meal 1 - Minestrone soup & gf roll.
Meal 2 - Stir fry and salmon.
Tea, black coffee and water.

Enjoy the weekend and bank holiday (if off that is) 🥳☀️💧🍾

Good morning all.

Thank you all so, so very much for your kindness, I've been so touched. Buzz and TheRealhousewife you made me tear up for a second there, I do need to remember to be kind to myself.

Day off yesterday meant a visit to my niece and newborn snuggles with her 6 week old- perfect antidote to rubbishy weight issues.

I have my friend's daughter's Batmitzvah tomorrow morning. It's all about the food , but I need to nip off quickly as we're away in the camper, so that'll avoid 1000s of calories! I have fond memories of her son's 2 years ago where I couldn't believe how delicious the food was, which was piled high! Her mum arrives from the states and just cooks for days and days. Over the past 8 years of knowing her, I've been introduced to some awesome food, but not this time!

Have an excellent day everyone. Is it half term in Eng/ Wales/ N Ireland?

Afternoon all!

Sorry to have been AWOL, I've been juggling catching up on sleep, being run ragged by the 2yo (who is being such a 'terrible two' this week 🥴), working and a bit of exercise. Have barely picked up my phone! But feeling a lot better and livelier for it.

Anyway - lots of lovely results and NSV's this week! Well done everyone 🎉 and to those who didn't see what they wanted, still a huge well done for remaining present and accountable. That in itself is a huge win ❤️

Big hugs coming your way @Puffalicious I'm glad to see some of the team have already buoyed you up a little, please stay kind to yourself and keep talking.

I don't know how, but I somehow logged a tiny loss (-2oz) this week. I suppose I haven't been crazily off-plan, and I've moved a lot (thank you to the DJ for keeping me dancing all night at the party 💃😂), but I just really wasn't expecting it. Nice starting position for the half term. Still trying to work out what I want to do now; I don't think I want or need to lose any more weight really. I'm 2st down overall since I started in January 22, and I'm in a good place physically and mentally. In an ideal world, I'd love to stay under 9st 8lb, but in reality I just don't know. I'm going to give it a bash though; I've drawn a line at 9st 10lb in my head, so if I start to edge close to that again I'll know I need to tweak things.

Today's meals:
Lunch - protein wrap with houmous, cheddar, lots of salad veg and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce, plus a small bowl of posh crisps
Dinner - we're getting chippy tea tonight as an end of term treat. Will be a small portion of chips and an unbattered sausage for me. Working tonight and been out with DD all day so going to easily top 10k steps.

Got a relatively busy bank holiday ahead - boot fair, long walk and lunch out tomorrow. Hosting a BBQ Sunday (4 meat eaters, one of which is GF, and 2 veggies - be an interesting one to cater for!), and having a family day Monday before DH has to go back to work and I'm in the half term juggle. I hope the sun shines for everyone 🫶

@Puffalicious You're welcome x

Thanks Imalittlepea. It's fabulous to hear about your progress- I think I need to readjust my mindset and if i can lose my 2 stone in 18 months that should be a realistic target. I'll bet you looked and feit awesome at the party!

I hosted a huge BBQ for my son going away recently and the big hits were lots of different salads (a few favourites and I googled some new ones) and loads of halloumi- both veggies and meat eaters alike scoffed loads of it. That and those big, flat mushrooms make a delicious veggie combo with/ without a bun- I had it without. Have a great time.

I always forget it's half-term for loads of folk, we don't get it because we only have 4 weeks of school term left - yeah!!!!!

Well I'm up at 2.00a.m leaving for the airport in 3 hours . 1.5kg heavier than I wanted to be but trying very hard not to fixate on it although I'm pissed off at myself.
Doing 10 days with dreaded MIL in London but then France 🇫🇷 yippee.
I need to make sensible choices in UK. I found the pub meals are enormous last time I was there. Note to self: you don't need to eat the chips!
I'll keep checking in while I'm away.
Have a great bank holiday weekend.

Hey @Puffalicious you sound more upbeat today.
You and I are in the same boat as DD2 is heading off to the USA 6 days after she returns from Uni for 3.5 months too and as DD1 is a medic I will only get 3 weeks with her all summer too. Very empty nest - but would we not prefer to have raised strong independent DC with a sense of adventure rather than clingy creatures? That's how I'm looking at it anyway though I am really looking foward to the slightly less than 6 days I will see her before she flies.
I did not weigh in today - lovely meal last night so I dare not - felt great in one of my favourite dresses which is the reason I do this as some of my clothes are decades old and I don't want to grow out of them.
Tomorrow I will weigh in first thing/

Was126 That's such a coincidence that your DD is off to the US too! Is she doing Camp America? Where is she heading? You're so right that I'd rather my kids were independent and full of adventure. I did it at 18 too, and I was the one telling him to apply. I just miss him already after a week 🙈.

I am definitely feeling a bit brighter- a few days off helps! PP has mentioned stress can be a barrier to weight loss, and work has been very stressful this year. It's worth a thought for me, I reckon. It should lessen as I've decided to reduce my hours come August- I'm so looking forward to it.

She is going with BUNAC rather than Camp America as appparantly with the former you get paid more - according to her anyway @Puffalicious!
She is going to Little House on The Prarie territory. Where is your son based?
DD loves all things American and has ambitions to work in finance there once qualified - I want her to see what a hard station the US is work wise as well as get a feel for the country. She has wanted to do this since she was 16 so having finished her first year at Uni, off she goes.
As expected weight is up today - Wednesday nights meal was worth it.
Onwards and inwards.

Thanks @Puffalicious yes I have to say I felt amazing. I've found the groove that has got me here but I've now got to use that to help me stay here! Having more activity with classes and work has definitely propelled me in the last few months too. I had weeks/months where my weight wouldn't budge unless it was going up, it's so disheartening, but I'm really glad now I didn't give up at that point.

Ooh yes, one of my best friends coming would probably dump me if there weren't at least two blocks of halloumi! 😁 There's six of us, and I know the group well enough to cater for the difference in tastes and dietary needs. My priority is to not glutenate my coeliac friend! Thankfully I seem to remember you can easily get GF BBQ meats (burgers, sausages, something chickeny), and I can put together some veg skewers and find some veggie burgers. I'm going to do either roasted/crushed new potatoes or a version of a potato salad, sumac halloumi fries with rocket and pomegranate, a big mixed salad and possibly roasted veggie cous cous. It never feels enough with a BBQ, but I'm trying to keep in mind that it's far more than we'd have for dinner on a normal night so I really don't need to go overboard!

Hungry now just thinking about it!

The American adventures sound wonderful. I never did anything like that when I was that age. I hope my kids are more adventure than I was when the time comes, despite me never wanting them to leave home ever 😂

Happy weekend team 🫶

Was126 That'll be Kansas then? That'll be so exciting and different. Good for her having those ambitions. DS1 is doing Maths, but no ambitions in finance- he's just bust clubbing his way through uni 🤣. He's just finished 1st year too. He's in North Carolina in the mountains, he chose it as he's into his mountain biking. He's coaching rugby and white water rafting in an adventure camp. He sounds like he's having a ball already. I hope your daughter arrives safely and loves it too.

Imalittlepea your DC will stretch their wings eventually, knowing their mama adores them and will squeeze the life out of them when they get home!

Hearing about your struggles some months keeps me sane, it really does. Enjoy that amazing feeling of being on target and relish that delicious sounding food at the BBQ: the halloumi with pomegranate sounds unreal!

Everyone sounds busy, busy, busy. Have an excellent weekend all.

I'm glad it helps @Puffalicious 💗 I had a quick look back on my log last year and I bounced around the same 2-3lb from July to the end of September last year. It wasn't until the start of November that I finally sustained the drop I'd been chasing that time.. and this year has been a really slow chipping away of the last 6-7lb to get to my current weight. I think it was @AutisticLegoLover who phrases it in the vein of - slow loss is real/fat loss, not water/salt/bloat. We love a whoosh but in the longer term, the chipping away effect is probably more sustainable?

And yes, you're very right, they will spread their wings and live their lives. They're only 8 and 2 though, so I feel far too attached to them to contemplate it 😂 I'm sure when the time comes I'll be ready haha!

Good Morning

@Weatherwax13 How exciting; Im looking forward to your exciting updates! Keep us posted and piccies if comfortable 😬🤞

@Puffalicious @Was126orbustandmaybebust Thinking of you both as each of you have young people going off into the big wide world. What wonderful opportunities for them both!

Menu
Meal 1 - Toasted gf flat bread & Best butter 😬
Meal 2 - ?
Tea, black coffee & water.

Enjoy the weather and don’t forget to get the water in and sunscreen on ☀️