⭐️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!

First WOW

SW - 79kg
CW - 77.9kg
TW - 69kg

Only a few days in and I'm down 1.1kg I'm so buzzing. I know probably water weight but it feels amazing 😁😁...
Good luck everyone 🤗

Cross posted with @DivaRainbow … that’s a great start, well done 👍👏

Yep, fully aware of the damage caused by the booze in more ways than just calories @TheRealHousewife ; ) I have been SO good up til last couple of weeks too, having done fully dry Jan, and then majorly cut out. Just mega stressed atm and it's a fast fix. Will do better, starting from today.

Great to see so many new WOW'rs - motivating for us all!

I bought a new skirt in the sale and it arrived in the post today. It doesn't quite do up! It will fit eventually! I guess I'll try it on again next week and see how I'm going.

My food today has been good and I didn't have any snacks and didn't want any either.

@DownUdderer Which shirt is it. I love a skirt, especially with a side pocket or two 😬

@buzzofthebumblebee I Hope I’ve not upset you, I really wasn’t trying to preach; clumsily empathising.

Well done to everyone who has weighed so far today! I've only a chance to skim read so will read through properly once toddler is napping, but wanted to quickly reply and send a hug to @buzzofthebumblebee I really do get the stress-wine association. I go through phases where I'm terrible at reaching for the wine when I'm fed up. Even though I know it doesn't actually help, as you say it just takes the edge of the stress off. For me, one glass turns into half a bottle too quickly, and then I finish the bottle the next day.. and then think 'f*ck it, I've ruined the week, may as well carry on', and before I know it I'm back to that glass or 3 of wine every night. We know deep down it isn't actually helpful for our stress/emotions, it isn't healthy (as @TheRealHousewife says - empty calories, among other things), and it damages our mental framework when it comes to weight loss too as we make progressively poorer choices. When I'm in that cycle, I have to mindfully make myself stop, so I choose a sensible drink to mark the end of the day (normally a cuppa) as my signifier that it's time to chill. I also write on my calendar every day so I can count up my wine free days, with the aim being at least 2/3 of the month without any (which I achieve most of the time). I realise thay this makes me sound like I have an alcohol problem, and the reality is that I probably could have a problem with it if I didn't consciously do these things. I've also made a choice that I don't want to turn to wine when stressed, as it then becomes more of a negative dependency, so I save it for the weekend and celebratory occasions as much as I can. I enjoy wine, so I do drink it most weekends, but I mostly no longer consider it an option in the week because of these conscious choices.

Sorry that became a bit rambly, and I hope it doesn't come across as patronising at all, I simply want to convey solidarity and support ♥️ I truly believe that making a conscious and willful choice about how to break the habit is possible. You've got this 🐝

Excellent post @ImALittlePea I totally agree; for me there is a direct correlation between the amount of alcohol I drink and my appetite increasing. My resolve totally dissolves 😮

Not at all @TheRealHousewife - don't think you could ever upset anyone. You are always so warm and generous with support and advice.

You've nailed it @ImALittlePea and I am grateful for you to share your ramblings. Much appreciated. I had made it to F-it point over weekend, a few times over....

Sorry to derail thread everyone ... In normal news:

B - blueberries & yoghurt
L - salmon & left over roast veg
D - pesto chicken, spinach, mushrooms & broccoli, small amount wholewheat pasta

Today's drinks: tea, water, coffee, water, more water, & will finish the day on camomile tea!

I’d like to join you, if I may.

This time last year, I wanted to lose half a stone to get back into the middle of the normal weight range for my height (5’0”) where I’d comfortably sat for most of my adult life (save for blips when I discovered pints at uni, and for pregnancy). What actually happened was that I put on slightly more than half a stone. I need to turn this ship around!

The main thing hampering weight loss has been 3 years worth of Long Covid fatigue which made any kind of exercise difficult and left me with very little energy to cook healthy food; some days it was all I could do to stick a pizza in the oven. I can feel the icy hand of menopause grasping at me, too.

I’m feeling much better now, and think I can commit to regular exercise (swimming, walking, weights). Portion size will reduce and puddings will be for special occasions only. More vegetables, more water, fewer white carbs. I’m not going to do anything too drastic as I don’t want to cook separate meals for me and the rest of the family, so I’m prepared for it to take some time.

Starting weight today: 128 lb
Initial target: 119 lb
Stretch target: 112 lb

I'm clawing it back - 1lb down on yesterday - just need another 1lb to go and I'll be back to Friday morning's weight.
Was a great weekend!
Welcome @NothingTraLaLa all welcome

@ImALittlePea totally agree about the alcohol. My DH sat down with a fizzy water one night and said, 'The trouble with having a few days not drinking is you've got to have a few days not drinking'. It's such an easy habit to get into.
I drink herbal tea, but it's NOT THE SAME.

WOW
CW: 11st 4 lb - a loss of 1lb. Very pleased. That lb had been lingering.

Hello everyone - thankyou for the welcome and well done to all the WOW results, no matter how small (or in fact maintaining, I take that as a win as well!)

Have also only managed to skim and need to do my own WOW but to add to the alcohol chat I CONCUR, I am mainly trying to stay totally way because I fall back into daily habits so easily and one glass turns into 2 turns into evening snacks I do not need (or even want half the time - it switches on the self-sabotage button) so I feel your pain and mutual support!

So stupid as well because it only takes a few days off before I start sleeping better, skin looking better, generally feeling better in and about myself....

Hi all, I am late weighing in today (doing lots of boring paperwork like our tax return 😒)
i have gone off plan the last two evenings, a result of school holidays and impromptu pizza and yes, wine ! I have had no wine for three weeks and then had half a bottle the last two nights.
i agree with everything you have said @TheRealHousewife , @buzzofthebumblebee and @ImALittlePea there is definately a direct link with me drinking wine and bad food choices. I feel groggy and sluggish today and I am actually looking forward to not drinking again from today.
I didn’t weigh today but I was 62,05 kgs yesterday morning.
I will be more than that today I know as I ate too much yesterday. Back on it today
i hope you feel better soon buzz . It’s actually nice to hear other’s issues and opinions on alcohol. Wine is my downfall!!! I think a lot of people are the same and I completely agree that it is so easy to get into bad habits.
anyway, well done to all who have lost and hello to anyone joining this week
meals today:
L: protein bar and beef on a skewer with olives and tomatoes
D: TBC but it needs to be light !!!!

@AutisticLegoLover i hope your household feels better soon
@DivaRainbow i am short too (5 foot 1 inch) . It sounds like you are starting really well and making great food choices. It’s hard when you are shorter !!!!!
keep the water intake up everyone 🍾

Hello, I'd like to join.

Been obese/morbidly obese pretty much all my life until 4 years ago, when I developed an arrhythmia, which was the trigger to lose 5 stone. That took me about 16 months and had to have a nasty heart procedure to fix the arrhythmia. Got to 10 stone 7 lbs and managed to stay there until September last year when the weight came creeping back. I've put on over a stone and I'd really like to get back to ten and a half, because my heart is a lot happier at that weight.
Weight today 163.8 lbs
Target weight. 147 lbs

I'm doing reduced carbs and fats, lots of fruit and vegetables, with an awareness of calories. Can't have alcohol, sadly, as it's known to trigger the arrhythmia. Walk at least 2 miles daily and do yoga.

Today I've had
Breakfast porridge, sultanas and soya milk
Lunch. Wrap containing fat free natural yoghurt, lettuce, Cucumber, tomato, cheese, an apple, slice of melon, grapes. 1 Werther's original.

I'm using a free app called mynetdiary to track my calorie intake etc and hoping for some success.

That’s good @buzzofthebumblebee ‘wipes sweat of brow’ 😥😬

Welcome to the thread @NothingTraLaLa Sorry to hear about covid fatigue. I’ve heard it is very debilitating. We are similar heights; however your current weight is my goal😬. I hit it last year but keep bouncing the same half stone up and down. You’re doing exactly the right thing to get it in hand now. Several years ago I allowed myself to get over 12 stone without even noticing 😮 Initial loss was relatively easy, then a significant health blip undid a bit of it, now I’m nearing goal I’ll admit it’s tough. Disability prevents me burning any excess and a medicated thyroid further complicates things. That said, I’m not one to be defeated. Onwards and downwards 😊

@Was126orbustandmaybebust @Bikechic Pleased to read a 1lb has bitten the dust 👍

@Citygirlrurallife Great post!

@Ninjachicken I blummin hate paperwork. It’s gotten worse as I’ve got older too! OH loves doing paperwork and has taken control. I’m now worried I’m totally deskilled!

Welcome to the thread @Ecci Gosh you’ve been through the mill! Congratulations on losing 5 stones, that’s life changing territory. You’ve done it once so you have the skills and knowledge to do it again, albeit on a smaller scale. I’m sure you’ll have some tips and insights you can share with our members 😊

I’ve had a menu change. My planned lunch will now be my evening meal.

Lunch - Omelette on gf tortilla wrap. Chorizo and chilli filling. Yummy 😋

@TheRealHousewife
I know numbers 6 and 9 in that picture are my major downfall - eating when not hungry and eating in front of the tv.
Trying to be better!

Love your numbers @AutisticLegoLover !! Fabulous dedication.
Yup @buzzofthebumblebee brush ourselves off and let’s get this going!
lovely hard working day spent in the yard, good exercise, good food choices, drank my water and downed my vitamins. In bed by 8pm

Well, it's Wednesday and I've weighed and I'm the same weight as last week. I'm actually ok with that as I've been ill and it's messed up my food choices but feeling better today and back on plan!

SW: 14st 11lbs
CW: 14st 3lbs
GW: 11st

Menu today:

B - coffee
L - porridge
D - mushrooms on toast
S - grapes

I'm totally fine now with not having breakfast as I'm never naturally hungry in the mornings so if I could cut the milky coffee out first thing I could probably do intermittent fasting pretty easily. Will have to give it some thought as I love that morning coffee with milk!

@ThreeRingCircus I swapped coffee with fresh double cream for a straight black coffee. I honestly prefer it now 😬 I think as long as the coffee isn’t bitter it’s fine. If coffee is on the bitter side, add the tiniest pinch of salt as it counteracts it without tasting salty 👍(tricks your tastebuds)

Sounds like you’ve had a perfect day @greenspaces4peace . I can feel an early night coming on. I love my comfy bed, more so when my back is extra painful.

Number 1 & 3 are my downfall @Fara22 but not a lot I can do about it. I do 5 or 10 minute sessions when I can or rather when my back can 😬 Everyday I try to get the water in too but I don’t always get enough 💧

@TheRealHousewife it's never easy is it!
Well I finished the day on 1800 calories, did a 10k (indoor) bike ride and have cleaned my teeth so there's no snacking!

Hey lovelies!

WOW brought disappointment- 1lb gain 🥲. I thought I might have squeaked through with a maintenance, but sadly no. I'm not too down because I knew I'd been nibbling snacks too much on a few occasions. It's just a reminder that at my age and stage (bloody peri) I really can't eat that many calories before I gain/ maintain.

But, upwards and onwards. It's so good having you lot here for accountability, so that I don't go 'Feck it' and eat more of the nice nibbles. Both my best friends eat double what I do in a day and remain slim- it's a source of great annoyance, but I love them too much to punch them in the face 🤣.

Sending hugs and flowers 💐 buzz, life is a bugger when we're stressed. Great support from Littlepea and the others. That's what we're here for- to raise each other up from the mundanity and struggles of life.

I don't drink - it doesn't agree with me- so I only have my lack of willpower to blame for my fat belly (or cosy tummy as DS3 says- bless him).

Day off tomorrow, so I'll work off calories with some serious housework. Hold me back for the excitement 😅.

Well done with everyone's WOW, you all sound so motivated!
Been good all day today, was gifted a lovely bottle of Prosecco which I carefully weighed out and added to MFP, but one led to two which led to three...which then led to spoonful after spoonful of DH leftover very cheesy pasta bake, hand in the chocolate basket, one last biscuit etc...my downfall is thinking if it's not plated and I'm just picking on mouthfuls here and there it doesn't count. May as well have just had another meal!
Feeling very disappointed in myself, will weigh in tomorrow to assess the damage...CW 9st10
Kitchen closed
Teeth brushed
Tomorrows a new day...

@Puffalicious i'm another that just doesn't drink, i can hardly call the three or four sips, twice a year, usually at social events "drinking". i just don't like the taste. on the rare time i have had more, the fun time buzz literally lasts minutes followed immediately by drowsiness and desire to sleep.
we have drizzle over here which is keeping me out of the garden for the moment.
breakfast was kiboshed by dh who shoved a quarter date square in my mouth from the bakery...once home i quickly had a half grapefruit. just wanting to stay on the right track.
lunch was full of fruit and veggies and 261 calories.
supper will be fine a sausage along with a salad.
water, multi vits and morning weigh in done.
weigh in showed a down arrow 3 days in a row, NO i'm not looking at the number YET.
👋@TheRealHousewife my bed is my refuge come 8pm by then i've had enough of dh as sweet as he is. dd is in london with dgd and i'm getting ready for coronation quiche and coronation chicken (more because i like variety and fun with our meals).

This thread is staying positive even with the little lows we all have and I love that about it. Nobody judges that slight gain we all experience but encourages and supports. The static weight weeks are a shared frustration and the losses are a celebration. It's great 😃

I have spent ages this afternoon sorting my wardrobe and have finished trying on most things now. I have a big pile to sell on Vinted because so many things are too big. Trousers I bought in the last 2 years that were too small are now too big. Some fit ok but will be baggy within am hour of wearing. Linen is the worst for that. so my NSV this week is fitting into everything. that was too small and finding lots of it too big. I was amazed just how baggy my jeans were that I was wearing a year ago. My BMI has gone from 26.80 to 21.64. It sounds a lot more than it looks but I'm still very pleased. I'm probably a size 10 now as opposed to stretching a 12. I wish they'd standardise sizes!

In terms of alcohol I think we have a culture that's very alcohol based. People see wine or whatever as their relaxation and reward. They see it as deserved. My dad was a functional alcoholic so my views on alcohol are not positive and quite frankly it worries me that drinking and drinking a significant amount is so normal. I do like certain drinks and have Baileys over the Christmas holidays but otherwise I don't bother. It holds no interest. I think I've not drunk for so long that it doesn't occur to me to have a drink. People see that as weird and if you're a social being who goes out to restaurants, bars etc then it's hard to be the weird one not drinking. It's not weird but some see it that way. Just look at all the threads where people don't want to share that they are pregnant and want plausible excuses as to why they aren't drinking. It's bonkers that people just can't say no thank you and that's the end of it. From a thread point of view the calories are empty but so are the ones from my sweet habit so as with all things moderation is the way to go. I don't mean any of that to sound judgemental, It's just my thoughts on how society doesn't help matters😬