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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Five stone in six months before.

79 replies

violetsun · 08/07/2023 18:09

Four years ago 15 and half stone.
Started lighter life from 14.13 and got to 10 stone 2.
Couldn't do again!
Now almost 14 stone.
In my late fifties and feel/look bad/old.
Can't get that motivation and willpower to lose weight again. Lose a few pounds and put back on.
Clothes feel uncomfortable.
I feel breathless/old/ugly/out of control.
Dieting feels slow and overwhelming and like I am never going get there.
Just need help please. Feel depressed as skin white and I have bad leg veins so just feel gross especially in summer as want to wear shorts as even overweight people have legs with no marks but my leg's horrible. I hate my appearance and need to help myself but out of control and work clothes really uncomfortable.
Just can't get that willpower or switch to do it like I used to.

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 09/07/2023 21:58

Badchickenpecks · 09/07/2023 21:49

I found it easier to think, I’ll just lose 1/2 stone, then the next 1/2 stone. Success comes more quicker (and more often!)

Yes I think that's how I need to do this.
How long did it take you to lose half a stone

OP posts:
Badchickenpecks · 09/07/2023 22:04

Can’t really remember exactlybut somewhere between 2 and 3 weeks. I lost about 5st in about 6 months, then a bit more later. It was really quite quick.

Original poster
violetsun · 09/07/2023 22:35

Badchickenpecks · 09/07/2023 22:04

Can’t really remember exactlybut somewhere between 2 and 3 weeks. I lost about 5st in about 6 months, then a bit more later. It was really quite quick.

That's really good.
Well done.
You sound like you stuck with it but were sensible and still had things in moderation.

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 09/07/2023 23:33

I think you just have to start. I'm always saying 'Monday' or 1st of the month. But that Monday never seems to come.
So instead of waiting for that switch to flick, I just started. Day by day. I log everything on My Fitness Pal (ignore the exercise calories - they are inaccurate). I try to do 14:10 too.
I'm a bit worried this week as I'm away for three days and will be eating out several times and hard to resist!
I too think mini goals is the way to go. Five stone is a big number to contemplate, but 10lbs isn't. Lose the 10, feel the achievement, and vie to continue. Try not to give yourself food-based rewards too. Maybe think you'll book a pedicure after you've lost 20lbs? Something like that.
Also cut the alcohol. Empty calories and it may loosen your resolve! And get any tempting food out of the house.
I'm 61 and a Tyoe 1 diabetic, but counting the calories is working- I'm tall and eat about 1700/day and still lose about a kilo a week. Anything much lower is not sustainable for me.

Original poster
violetsun · 10/07/2023 07:26

mondaytosunday · 09/07/2023 23:33

I think you just have to start. I'm always saying 'Monday' or 1st of the month. But that Monday never seems to come.
So instead of waiting for that switch to flick, I just started. Day by day. I log everything on My Fitness Pal (ignore the exercise calories - they are inaccurate). I try to do 14:10 too.
I'm a bit worried this week as I'm away for three days and will be eating out several times and hard to resist!
I too think mini goals is the way to go. Five stone is a big number to contemplate, but 10lbs isn't. Lose the 10, feel the achievement, and vie to continue. Try not to give yourself food-based rewards too. Maybe think you'll book a pedicure after you've lost 20lbs? Something like that.
Also cut the alcohol. Empty calories and it may loosen your resolve! And get any tempting food out of the house.
I'm 61 and a Tyoe 1 diabetic, but counting the calories is working- I'm tall and eat about 1700/day and still lose about a kilo a week. Anything much lower is not sustainable for me.

Started today👍

Weight 14 stone

Goal weight 12 stone

( more realistic as ideally want to be 9-10 stone but going take a while so will review things when reach 12 stone)

Have decided not to calorie count after all as just can't stick to it. Done before😬
Going to cut out most of the rubbish.
Don't drink much alcohol already.
Drink more water.
Move more-initially aim for 30 minutes daily.
Smaller portions.
Just a big overall of lifestyle in general.
Will think of things as I go along on a daily basis and weekly weigh in on Monday mornings.
Thanks for the support.

OP posts:
LouLou198 · 10/07/2023 07:35

You need to cut out the biscuits/cakes/crisp. If you are struggling read ultra processed people by Chris van Tulleken. It is an eye opener and has put me right off these UPF's.

LouLou198 · 10/07/2023 07:37

Oh and I am starting again today too op, so keep us posted how you get on, I am doing pretty similar to you.

Original poster
violetsun · 10/07/2023 07:49

LouLou198 · 10/07/2023 07:35

You need to cut out the biscuits/cakes/crisp. If you are struggling read ultra processed people by Chris van Tulleken. It is an eye opener and has put me right off these UPF's.

I will look it up
Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 10/07/2023 07:59

LouLou198 · 10/07/2023 07:37

Oh and I am starting again today too op, so keep us posted how you get on, I am doing pretty similar to you.

Good luck with your journey too.
I will keep posting on here probably a lot as it also will help me writing things down.
I have already changed what I said I was going to do and haven't even started properly. It is really hard for me as I love food and it is a big social thing. I don't smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. Sometimes I will have more to drink for example on holiday and can get through quite a lot of baileys or beer/lemonade etc.
My life revolves around food.
Main focus when I go on holiday, meet friends for coffee, can't go to cinema without a bag of sweets. Hospital appointment-have to stop off in coffee shop! You get the idea. A holiday isn't good if I haven't eaten alot of nice puddings etc.
I just don't enjoy things as much if food isn't involved😬🫤
I hope I don't bore people but will post alot to keep me in check and would love to hear everyone else's stories too.
Thanks for your support and sending lots back too.

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 10/07/2023 08:25

Also sometimes I feel like my life is on hold when overweight so I say I won't buy something nice till lost weight and such forth as what is the point!
Not a good way to think so need to change my mindset that this is a journey and there will be slip ups but if I overall reduce weight each month that's good.
Like someone else said slow and steady but need to value myself now and not think I am not worth nice things.
My oh says still get nice things just in size now as you live for now. He is supporting me. He is fit/sporty but understands as likes the fattening food/sweet stuff too and has to watch it.
I am fat compared to all his sports friends so do feel rubbish about myself when in their company although they never say anything negative I just feel bad about myself. Like I am separate from them looking in on this group of good looking people.

OP posts:
Badchickenpecks · 10/07/2023 17:31

violetsun · 09/07/2023 22:35

That's really good.
Well done.
You sound like you stuck with it but were sensible and still had things in moderation.

Show quote history

Yes I was generally good, but I was also very bad on occasion! Good luck - don’t set your sights too high, little chunks!

Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 07:16

Yes rethinking goal after reading your reply .
Goals would be better as little chunks for me as you did.
I have put two stone in initially but will change to half a stone and once achieved that put the next half a stone in.
I will see results quicker which wiill hopefully keep me motivated.

OP posts:
lampformyfeet · 11/07/2023 07:26

We stopped buying all snacks apart from 85% dark chocolate and mixed nuts. If things aren’t in the house they can’t be eaten. Also use a dessert plate so portions are smaller and eat with a cake fork to slow you down.
There’s a good Zoe podcast about protein intake as we age and it’s often not enough to prevent muscle loss, so I use boiled eggs as a snack often. You should also aim for at least 12 a 12 hour fast in any 24 hour period. This helps repair gut biome and reduce inflammation in the body.
Try to view it as a lifestyle change not a diet.
It’s not easy though. I’ve got 12kg to lose.

lampformyfeet · 11/07/2023 07:29

The Zoe podcasts in general have lots of interesting info on nutrition . There’s one on UPF too.

Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 09:35

lampformyfeet · 11/07/2023 07:26

We stopped buying all snacks apart from 85% dark chocolate and mixed nuts. If things aren’t in the house they can’t be eaten. Also use a dessert plate so portions are smaller and eat with a cake fork to slow you down.
There’s a good Zoe podcast about protein intake as we age and it’s often not enough to prevent muscle loss, so I use boiled eggs as a snack often. You should also aim for at least 12 a 12 hour fast in any 24 hour period. This helps repair gut biome and reduce inflammation in the body.
Try to view it as a lifestyle change not a diet.
It’s not easy though. I’ve got 12kg to lose.

Yes I definitely agree with you re if not in house so there is nothing in house to tempt me now.
I'm not keen on dark chocolate but it is good to have a couple of pieces as because its stronger it satisfies the craving for chocolate in a way.
I like boiled eggs so need to do that.
When I went on holiday one year everyone was eating rubbish muffins etc and I would have two boiled eggs with a little salt and a coffee and didn't feel hungry all morning so good tip of yours👍
Thanks for reminding me.
I will look up the podcast you recommended. Not familiar with it.

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 09:46

lampformyfeet · 11/07/2023 07:29

The Zoe podcasts in general have lots of interesting info on nutrition . There’s one on UPF too.

I've got four maybe five stone to lose but just going do half a stone at a time as feel so overwhelmed otherwise. I lost almost five stone about four years ago on a really strict lighter life diet and really thought I wouldn't put weight back on as thought I had a grip on it.
But as you said in your other post it should be a lifestyle change not a diet. This is what I'm trying to get my head round now as seems such a long way till I am a slim person again. Only the second day and I am struggling. But will keep posting on this forum and hopefully tips such as yours and others on here will help keep me going.
I see all these slim attractive people about the place and just feel and look gross.

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 11:29

Now with friends who have just bought donuts and shortbread for us all so it's so hard to resist but will...

OP posts:
beAsensible1 · 11/07/2023 11:39

make your own snacks for when youre going to cinema or other outings. make your own popcorn and flavour them yourselves, dried/dehydrated fruits, its a bit of effort but the best way to avid the treat is to just not buy them. its too tempting otherwise.

wishing you the best of luck

Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 11:51

beAsensible1 · 11/07/2023 11:39

make your own snacks for when youre going to cinema or other outings. make your own popcorn and flavour them yourselves, dried/dehydrated fruits, its a bit of effort but the best way to avid the treat is to just not buy them. its too tempting otherwise.

wishing you the best of luck

Good idea
Thankyou

OP posts:
BIWI · 11/07/2023 13:37

One really important thing to do @violetsun, is to make sure that your friends/family know that you're on a diet, as well as what kind of a regime it is, so that they can actively support you. And then, even if they make a mistake by bringing the wrong kind of food/snack/drink, they shouldn't be offended when you say you can't have it.

TuckingFypos · 11/07/2023 15:26

@violetsun I'm a bit late to the thread but just wanted to make a suggestion that worked for me and my DP - it's called the Human Being Diet, it's a programme which totally changes the way you think about food. It initially lasts 3 months but gives you a structure to continue with, which involves cutting out refined carbs / sugar and eating a balanced diet of protein and veg. It's great for balancing out hormones too, particularly for peri and menopausal women.

Our diet is still based on the same principles 6 months later - I've lost 1.5 stone, and DP has lost 2 stone and still going. It balances out your sugar levels, and focuses on 5 hour fasts between main meals (and increasing water intake). You're allowed a treat meal once a week, where you can eat anything you like - in the first few weeks the diet can be tough but this keeps you going, knowing you can have a slap up meal at the weekend.

There's a book that explains it (on Amazon), and a really supportive instagram community. It honestly works, and we've always been yoyo dieters!

Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 16:17

BIWI · 11/07/2023 13:37

One really important thing to do @violetsun, is to make sure that your friends/family know that you're on a diet, as well as what kind of a regime it is, so that they can actively support you. And then, even if they make a mistake by bringing the wrong kind of food/snack/drink, they shouldn't be offended when you say you can't have it.

Yeah because some people like MIL previously have got funny when I refused food trying to make out I was been snooty or something but just was trying really hard to not get bigger.
Weird

OP posts:
Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 16:20

TuckingFypos · 11/07/2023 15:26

@violetsun I'm a bit late to the thread but just wanted to make a suggestion that worked for me and my DP - it's called the Human Being Diet, it's a programme which totally changes the way you think about food. It initially lasts 3 months but gives you a structure to continue with, which involves cutting out refined carbs / sugar and eating a balanced diet of protein and veg. It's great for balancing out hormones too, particularly for peri and menopausal women.

Our diet is still based on the same principles 6 months later - I've lost 1.5 stone, and DP has lost 2 stone and still going. It balances out your sugar levels, and focuses on 5 hour fasts between main meals (and increasing water intake). You're allowed a treat meal once a week, where you can eat anything you like - in the first few weeks the diet can be tough but this keeps you going, knowing you can have a slap up meal at the weekend.

There's a book that explains it (on Amazon), and a really supportive instagram community. It honestly works, and we've always been yoyo dieters!

Thankyou I will look this up. All these suggestions help me a lot as I really struggle so hopefully I will find some way to be more healthy but still lose weight without starving myself or giving up after one hour!!

OP posts:
BIWI · 11/07/2023 16:50

Yeah because some people like MIL previously have got funny when I refused food trying to make out I was been snooty

Unfortunately, it's very common for those supposedly close to you to try and sabotage your best efforts. If challenged, they would deny it - and sometimes I genuinely think they don't realise they're doing it. My mother used to do this with me largely, I think, because it exposed her own failure to deal with her diet/weight.

It's harder to deal with people like this, as they are often your closest family/friends - but you have to remember that you're doing this for you, and if you don't stand up for yourself, then no-one else is going to either!

Original poster
violetsun · 11/07/2023 17:20

BIWI · 11/07/2023 16:50

Yeah because some people like MIL previously have got funny when I refused food trying to make out I was been snooty

Unfortunately, it's very common for those supposedly close to you to try and sabotage your best efforts. If challenged, they would deny it - and sometimes I genuinely think they don't realise they're doing it. My mother used to do this with me largely, I think, because it exposed her own failure to deal with her diet/weight.

It's harder to deal with people like this, as they are often your closest family/friends - but you have to remember that you're doing this for you, and if you don't stand up for yourself, then no-one else is going to either!

Yes sometimes it can be more aggro than I want but don't see her as much these days so that's good in relation to my eating.
She used to do it with our children too giving them far too much which used to really annoy me.
I remember one time years ago her giving our primary age son three pieces of toast and then getting a pack of big muffins out.
Ridiculous....

OP posts: