Accountability thread, anyone?

[Essie274]

I've just pulled my head out of the sand and got on the scales for the first time since I had my eldest child 4 years ago and FML, I have about 3.5 stone I need to lose JUST be overweight rather than obese 😩. Just over 5 stone to lose to be a healthy weight. Whilst I really want to sit and cry into a packet of crisps - that's not going to change anything. I feel a bit sick at the enormity of it. I knew it was getting bad but was kind of kidding myself that my clothes didn't fit because my shape had changed with pregnancies, not that I'm just obese.

Ideally I'd like to TTC for baby #3 in July/August next year and would at least like to have lost some of the weight and live a healthier lifestyle by then.

ANYWAY, I'm going to use this thread to update and hold myself accountable. Post my weigh-ins, maybe some food diaries and moans when I fall off the wagon. Please, please join me!

Not sure if I'm going to choose a weekly weigh day or weigh in every morning, anyone prefer one way over the other?

Oh and generally speaking I don't like to engage in negative talk towards myself as I struggle with my self esteem anyway, but that is feeling pretty difficult right now.

Hi, I have been to the doctors last week. I could have burst into tears when the scales showed me to be 140kg over 22st. I basically need to halve my weight to be healthy. It seems like such a huge task as to impossible. But for health reasons if nothing else it needs to come off.
I am trying Noom and hoping that tracking will help keep me accountable.
So far I am showing 136kg on scales, unlikely to be fat more likely water weight but moving in right direction. My first mini goal is get down to 130kg so 10kg loss ( 20st 6).

Thanks for joining!! I'll admit that I did cry when I got on the scales. I've seen good things about Noom - let us know how you get on? I haven't really given enough thought of exactly how I'm going to lose this weight, only that I have to! Mini goals are a good idea

Hey I'd love to join please.

I have at least 6 stone to lose and am sad that my BMI is now 40! 😢

I juat decided this evening to restart ww as I've had success previously and need to track to stay consistent. I'll be weighing in weekly.

My first goal is 0.5 stone

If you are going on Noom, sign up for the smallest fee for the trial then say you want to cancel the membership because it costs to much. They will magically come up with better prices and terms for plans.
I like the way you log your food and it makes you accountable. Also that it doesn't seem to be a faddy diet.
Minuses is that you have to weigh yourself every day which can be demoralising when the scales go up a pound even though you are doing everything right. I think it's probably better to weigh yourself once a week so that you can see the progress but not get obsessed by the scales.
But will stick to it for until new years to see if it works for me.

Oh I’m in. Thx @Essie274 for starting this. I need to lose 20kg. I haven’t a clue how. Everything I read tells me I will mess up my metabolism in a greater calorie deficit. What are people using to lose weight?

Hi all! I'll join.

I've got at least 15KG to shift in order for BMI to be in the normal range.
As well as the horrible number on the scales, I have high blood pressure and no clothes that fit.

I would love to try shift 6-7 of that by Christmas.

I've done a bit of research into both the Michael Mosley and Joe Wicks methods.

Michael Mosley is more of a rapid/fast weight loss program but seems safe according the science behind it. It's basically absolutely no sugar or carbs. I think it might work for me as I found in the past that if I have a good first week and lost a nice 3-4lbs, that will really spur me on and keep me focused. Whereas if I lost .5lb or nothing at all, I'll feel deflated and like 'what's the point'

There's a podcast, a few of books and also Facebook groups with helpful tips, recipe ideas etc. as well as an online program which you subscribe for.

The Joe Wicks 'Shift' method seems straightforward. So a higher carb meal after exercise as your metabolism is spiked. And then 2 lower carb meals as your other meals. Recipes look good too. Plus very easy HIIT exercises that you can do at home with no equipment. Nice n short too! I feel that could work as the thoughts of a nicer, carb meal might motivate to do the workout first.

Also some tips I've come across that I think might work for me:

• Sugar free sparkling water drinks in between meals to keep hunger pangs at bay

• Clean you teeth early evening after dinner and use a strong mouthwash such as Corsidol to help prevent snacking (snacks far less enjoyable with a minty taste in your mouth!)
• shot of apple cider vinegar before meals if you can stomach it
• water, water and more water
• milk thistle - can't remember the science behind it but it helps cleanse the liver, which has a positive impact on blood sugar/insulin which aids weight loss

Good luck everyone!

Tip:
I have been having overnight porridge for breakfast (jam jar with porridge oats tablespoon of raisins and oatmilk left overnight in fridge) so that i can empty it in a bowl and zap it microwave ( that's just cause I don't like cold porridge but you can skip that step) topped with sliced banana. Keeps me far more full and stops me reaching for the biscuit tin in the office mid morning.

Weight loss for me was a lifestyle change I managed to loose 15kg and have kept it off for 3 years now. The last 5kg to get to a very ideal BMI seem hard but also I have learnt it’s not about weight but body composition… Noom is great as it gives nice psychology advice but so is my fitness pal being mindful about food and exercise worked for me but I do understand it’s not easy

@IfKipling yes I have found it a bit confusing myself - lots of contradicting advice!

I was interested in the full diet created and trialled by a GP its a low insulin diet, with an emphasis on eating real non processed food full fat alongside intermittent fasting and working on stress/sleep etc its definitely a lifestyle change but I cant see myself doing it longer term as I want to be able to have rice and potatoes from time to time. @MummyShah369 did you use Noom then? Any advice on making it into a lifestyle change?

I'm going back to weightwatchers as I've paid for up to January and I think there is a good balance there which has worked for me previously. It will give me kick-start before Christmas at least. The thing that derailed me last time was needing to start eating wheat again so I could be tested for coeliac.

Yes I used Noom and went through all the content which was very useful it was a few years ago but in a world where here there is so much advice best to stick to one platform and make it work.
The hardest part is the food, I still struggle with it but small increments is best way to go I think anything that feels unsustainable probably not worth talking head on as you are just not ready. I also had a PT personal trainer and I still use them. With the right PT you get advice that’s more Taylor’s to you but it is expensive… bottom line it’s a balance between diet and exercise but getting that woven into your lifestyle and psyche lots of content etc out there choose something and stay with it as a result I prefer annual subscription etc

I’ll join you if I can please? I have steadily gained weight over the last year or so, and was getting so sick of the endless cycle of weight loss, regain, weight loss ad Infinitum… losing and regaining the same 5lbs over and over again.

I have ended up going back to slimming world, something i really swore I’d never do. However, it’s going well. I have lost 5 of the 6 weeks, total 8.5lbs. It’s nothing spectacular, however I am gradually chipping away. I’ve stopped chasing the big 5lb dramatic losses and instead I’m eating really nice filling meals, hardly any ultra processed foods, lots of veg, and I’m actually to sticking it and consistently week on week which is what I was not doing before. My goal is 1lb a week. I’m noticing my shape changing even after only a few weeks.

i’ve been running more after a summer plagued by health issues and I’m slowly building my fitness back up. I do need to start doing some hiit/stength stuff again, I cancelled my gym membership as we have a new puppy and i couldn’t get to any classes but I don’t want to lose all my muscle tone.

I’ve done Michael Mosley before but I found it unsustainable long term and I just couldn’t exercise on so few carbs/calories but it is good for a dramatic weight loss. I never thought I’d go back to SW but I’m enjoying it, cooking loads and eating really well. Just bought a 12 week plan and hopefully if I continue to lose 1lb a week I’ll be at target by the time that runs out.

Hi can I join? I have 20kg to lose.
I feel paralysed with the thoughts of starting as work stress and an extremely busy house with 3 boys means I'm just so burnt out. I also have long suspected I have ADHD too which means I struggle with commitment to any strict plan.
Anyway! My goal is to focus on making better choices around food, more fruit & veggies. Less empty calories. Lots more water and some form of exercise every day. I don't have a gym or much time but I do have a treadmill and I would love to get a walk in every day.
Good luck all!

Hey how is everyone getting on? Used my slow cooker yesterday which was great popped on in the morning and then ready for evening. I always fall down when I don't cook so this is progress for me.

@thenewaveragebear1983 that's how I feel about ww - very similar plans. Made some recipes from here which are really nice

https://www.slimmingeats.com/blog/

Welcome @randomchats I know it can be feel overwhelming. My plan is to weigh in tomorrow to restart and then plan meals for the rest of the week.

Still chipping away. I have been sticking to my calorie allowance, eating healthy foods and planning my meals in advance so that I don't end up eating something unhealthy.
Noom makes you weigh in every day. Which means some days you are up and some days you are down. I probably need to be on it longer to notice a trend. But I think I am losing something.
Went for a short walk today as I must start moving more.

That sounds great @qazxc

Evening all! And welcome!!

Since I last updated I've decided on a "plan" (I don't do well with strict rules and being told what to do, so I'm making it up). To start with:

• Swapping to drinking only water for cold drinks
• Limiting myself to 1 cup of tea early morning, a coffee late morning and a cup of tea before bed (I'm prone to drinking 5+ cups of tea throughout the day when home, and tend to have a biscuit or two with each...)
• ADDING vegetables and fruit to my meals, rather than focussing on taking away things.
• Sticking with full fat dairy like yoghurt, butter, milk, etc but trying to consider whenever I make something what I could do to make it healthier (i.e. measuring the milk I put in my coffee and the oil I put in the pan, not necessarily to track calories but just to be a bit more mindful about how much I'm consuming).
• Start swimming 2-3 times a week. It's my favourite exercise - it's just finding the time to go with two young children!!

I will add more things as I think of them, but I really want it to be sustainable and somewhat enjoyable this time (so I stick to it!!).

@IfKipling I find all the conflicting advice online really overwhelming and confusing. That being said, I think I will be avoiding anything dramatic as while the big losses are probably very motivating, I worry about the damage to metabolic health - but I don't know if I'm worrying unnecessarily!!

@Essie274 Totally agree you need to make it sustainable and enjoyable to you to maintain consistency.

Update: Got my third postpartum period today. The first two have been remarkably light by my standards, but this one seems to be making up for them both, plus every missed period in the last 2 years with pregnancy and breastfeeding in both heaviness and pain... so I'm feeling very sorry for myself and need/want allllll the chocolate. Trying to decide what exactly it is that I really want, then will send DH out to the shop for it (but not in large quantities because I WILL binge it). I'm such a comfort eater, ughhh! Anyone else? Anyone overcome it? Or any tips for managing hormonal times without copious amounts of chocolate and comfort foods?

@Essie274 it’s horrible isn’t it, I would have a week of absolutely zero control, I’d binge and eat literally anything sugary or bread/toast. The only thing that’s stopped it has been being on HRT which isn’t really an option for you. I guess it proved to me that it is hormonal, I’m not imagining it. I do get more hungry generally in that week but now I’m better able to manage it by having more healthy stuff to fill me up rather than comfort eating.

I’ve had a couple of good days, I’m still just sticking to slimming world, every day. I couldn’t find my lovely menu tonight and couldn’t remember what I’d planned so I did a full English for dinner and it was delicious- egg, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, new potatoes.

I can understand your chocolate cravings. Can you incorporate a bit of chocolate without it blowing your calorie intake? like a small pack of chocolate buttons that you let melt one at a time in your mouth would leave you the impression that you are eating more chocolate than you actually are? There was a chocolate drink that you made with hot water called Options that was low calorie, I liked the Choc and orange flavour, reminded me of Terry's chocolate orange, Not sure if it's around anymore.

Supposed to be an accountability thread so here we go; today i've eaten/drunk (not even slightly stuck to my rules)...

Breakfast: black coffee with 1tsp vanilla syrup, dollop of Greek yoghurt and some stewed apple/blackberries.
Snack: coffee with 100ml milk and 2 tsp vanilla syrup
Lunch: McCrispy burger from McDonalds
Snack: Hot chocolate, 2 biscuits
Dinner: Homemade relatively healthy coconut chicken and chickpea curry with broccoli, green beans and rice
Snack: Cup of tea and a mini kinder bar of chocolate pinched from DS's trick or treat bucket

Honestly, it doesn't feel like a TERRIBLE day of eating, but obviously not conducive to losing weight. And I am still hungry/snack-y/wanting to comfort eat.

@thenewaveragebear1983 - damn you, now all I want is some hot buttery toast! I love doing breakfast for dinner when I can't remember what I've planned to make! Well done for keeping on track :)

Can I join please! I lost weight for my wedding 18months ago and have piled it all back on and more. I have lost motivation and need an accountability thread and somewhere to check in each day

Down 6kg since I started ( 3 weeks). I suspect a fair bit was water weight before my period but am happy with progress. 50kg left to lose to achieve a healthy weight. Am aiming for ten percent of this by year end ( 5kg) as a mini goal.
Food wise, my meals are mainly:
Breakfast, porridge made with oatmilk, tablespoon of raisins and a chopped banana. Coffee.
Snack fruit ( banana, apple or grapes)
Lunch salad with slice of brown bread and protein ( tuna, wafer thin turkey, hard boiled egg). Or a sandwich with similar filling.
Snack fruit
Dinner, healthy meals, yesterday I had some turkey that I tossed in seasoning and cooked with some brown rice and green beans. I also have some of those lidl or aldi high protein healthy meals for when I am busy and can just bung I microwave.
After dinner Snack fruit or protein pudding.

The hunger is getting more manageable. Having a heavy breakfast has been a game changer. I used to have a slice of toast and be starving by mid morning/ lunch. Planning meals in advance also has been a saving grace to keep on track.

I'll join, at the end of last year I lost a good bit of weight from doing some groups with the hospital dietitian, and have managed to maintain since March but no further loss. Ready now to change things up and lose the final bit. Taking it slow and making small changes.

Plan: sort out my sleep, going to try the sleepio CBT app, I didn't realise how much sleep can impact weight and mine is terrible.

Up my vegetables and protein, meat has been so expensive I've really cut it down but think that low protein is not helping im snacking more and hungry all the time so going to suck it up and spend.

Up the exercise, winter makes me hibernate and at the start of the year I was doing getfitwithrick videos when it was dark outside to get steps in, then got out of the habit as the days got nicer and I could walk more - so back to Rick for the winter months!

When I have a craving, think about what it is I really want, is it that I'm bored, tired, want something to crunch or something sweet, and just see if I can make a better choice at that point instead of giving in. And not beat myself up if I do decide to go for the chocolate once I've thought about it!!

These are the things I'm going to focus on for the next few months until its a bit brighter. It's just getting back into the good habits that often fall by the wayside when life takes over!!

Will aim to check in once a week, going to set a reminder in my phone.