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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.

🥳🎄LOSE IT! Christmas Countdown December 2024🎄🥳

170 replies

TheRealHousewife · 30/11/2024 09:41

Hello and welcome!

Following on from 🎄LOSE IT! November 2024🎄

We are now entering the final few weeks of Countdown to Christmas 🎄🎄🎄 Do you want to look and feel absolutely fabulous in time for the festivities?

In adopting a few lifestyle changes and food choices you can 👌

If you’re a returner or a new starter feel free to jump right in to reset & refresh to become a healthier version of yourself. These threads are for those who’d like to lose as well as 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 a 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 follow a lower carb Mediterranean diet. I intermittent fast and eat twice a day. Im a long time healthy eater and overall I’ve lost 4 stones. After having been on the wrong side of 12st I am currently idling around 8st 10lbs.

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

🥳🎄LOSE IT! Christmas Countdown December 2024🎄🥳
OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
LegoTherapy · 24/12/2024 21:59

Merry Christmas to you all, you amazing, inspiring friends on my phone! May you all have a wonderful day tomorrow and may the festive period be joyful and guiltless!
Happy holidays!🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Fellsbells · 25/12/2024 20:59

Merry Christmas 🎄

Really reasonable day for me. Lovely food, but nothing crazy in calories. Unfortunately there’s loads of chocolate that is now in the house that I will have to avoid.

Hope everyone has had a lovely day.

LemonDrizzle23 · 27/12/2024 22:04

How are we all doing post-Christmas? In-laws went home today and didn't take nearly enough food with them! I WILDLY over catered, so have many mince pies and Christmas puddings left 🤦🏼‍♀️ Have told DH they're his and they need to stay hidden in the garage... he's eaten 3 mince pies this evening to "help me out" 😂

Christmas tree is still up for now, and I think I'm going to keep the outside lights up til the 6th. Very nice to come home to them in the dark.

I hope everyone has had a lovely few days.

LemonDrizzle23 · 28/12/2024 16:16

First session back at the gym this afternoon. Did 10km on the bike and a 3km slight hill walk. We stopped in at the shops on the way back as I wanted to buy some fresh vegetables. We are having nothing even vaguely Christmas related for tea tonight!

Fellsbells · 28/12/2024 16:48

I had been really strong, but hormones and chocolate have broken me today.

Goodafternoonmillie · 28/12/2024 17:29

I darent weigh myself 🫣 but im easing myself back to normality. Did a workout yesterday and today, have increased the water and breakfast and lunch have been healthy food. Have snacked on quite a bit of chocolate though 🤣 my tummy is not thanking me. My house is full of chocolate atm!! But I also cant bare waste so I need to hide it out of sight and forget about it for now lol!

LemonDrizzle23 · 28/12/2024 19:20

@Goodafternoonmillie I've decided that my first weigh in post-Christmas will be the WOW on 8th Jan. First Jan WOW is New Year's Day which is not bloody happening 😂

IDareSay · 28/12/2024 19:30

LemonDrizzle23 · 28/12/2024 19:20

@Goodafternoonmillie I've decided that my first weigh in post-Christmas will be the WOW on 8th Jan. First Jan WOW is New Year's Day which is not bloody happening 😂

Ditto @LemonDrizzle23 ! (Hides After Eight wrappers under cushions).

Puffalicious · 29/12/2024 00:07

Hi all,

I'm hoping to come back on the thread now. I'm really, really, really down.

Bit of background: I'd been steady weight wise, but peri-meno really hit me hard, so I really screwed the nut & lost 2.5 stones 3 years ago with lots of support on here. I calorie counted & fasted (eating window 11am-7pm) & it took 10 months.

Unfortunately, it's crept back on with proper menopause (I'm 53) this past 18 months. I don't know what I weigh as I'm terrified to get on scales.

I seriously don't really over eat, or eat the wrong things. My other half is confused by it all as he's forever saying I don't eat much or over eat. I do have a relatively sweet tooth, but I certainly don't eat anywhere near as much as my 2 best friends who are still size 8 and 10 respectively & seem to always be eating!

Both my sisters fluctuate weight wise too, as did mam, so it's no doubt partly genetic, but that can't explain everything. Is it purely that as you get older you can't eat as much?

I don't feel like me at all. I still like to think I'm quite a cool dresser, keep my hair modern, but nothing fits me & I'm just so sad. I'm having to buy size 16, & my stomach is huge, so needing to dress to cover it.

I need help, and don't know what's for the best? Should I join a group? Anyone recommend one? I find being vegetarian harder to stick to prescriptive plans (I do eat some fish).

Exercise is a sticking point. I have an ND youngest child (13) who takes up huge amounts of my time, (i also teach & have work to do out of hours) & when I do get a break I want to just flop & read a book. I'm lacking in motivation. I also get bored, so walking/ cycling on my own would bore me mindless. Maybe I could start walking with a podcast. That's where we are - at the basics.

I'm properly down about it all & need some words of wisdom.

Sorry for the essay, & thank you.

LegoTherapy · 29/12/2024 11:28

@Puffalicious I'm sorry you are feeling so down. Have you seen your GP to have your thyroid checked and a general set of bloods? It might be your thyroid. Keep posting here and definitely go back to the basics. Sometimes it's tempting not to start at the beginning but your chance of success is going right back and possibly reframing things in a more positive way such as I'm going to get myself healthier instead of I'm going to lose x pounds by x time. Less pressure that way and ultimately it's about health. Slow and steady. You've done it before so you can do it again. Work out your tdee and perhaps log everything in my fitness pal? I don't anymore but did for a long time and it really helped to see where I was adding in 200-600 calories without realising.
You've got this and you've got us to help keep you going Flowers

Puffalicious · 29/12/2024 12:15

Legotherapy thank you so very much. It helps just someone listening.

I do think I need to go back to basics. I did use MFPal before, so it's logical to do so again. You're right, it can shock you what is 200 calories sometimes (one, small wrap, for example- I remember being shocked at that).

I hadn't thought of a thyroid check, but I will do that. I have an excellent, female doctor who will listen.

It's just getting back on that horse, but my first step is posting here. I seem to lose really slowly, and that can be de-motivating compared to others, and I'm surrounded by friends who have no weight issues & are naturally slim, but I need to try.

Thanks so much again. I've started today- no food yet & not hungry at all.

Fellsbells · 29/12/2024 19:30

Sorry you’re feeling low about it all @Puffalicious. You’ve had an amazing loss before so you can so if again. I agree with Lego about going to the Dr. Also worth discussing HRT.

Are you getting enough protein? That will really help.

LemonDrizzle23 · 29/12/2024 19:32

@IDareSay Don't even talk to me about after eights 🫣 they're the one Christmassy thing we have left that I'm actually interested in. Thankfully I'm over the mince pies, Christmas cake and cheese, but those minty bastards are a major weakness.

Good to have you with us @Puffalicious . Sorry you're feeling sad at the moment - hopefully you will find the thread supportive.

LegoTherapy · 29/12/2024 21:26

We have a ton of food left. Things forgotten about that haven't been opened yet. I'm not walking as much as usual so maybe I'm not working up an appetite. I finally made lasagne tonight and could only eat half of what I used to. It's great I know but really frustrating too.

TheRealHousewife · 30/12/2024 11:35

⭐️LOSE IT! January 2025. Revive & Thrive⭐️

🥳🎄LOSE IT! Christmas Countdown December 2024🎄🥳
OP posts:
TheRealHousewife · 30/12/2024 12:26

Puffalicious · 29/12/2024 00:07

Hi all,

I'm hoping to come back on the thread now. I'm really, really, really down.

Bit of background: I'd been steady weight wise, but peri-meno really hit me hard, so I really screwed the nut & lost 2.5 stones 3 years ago with lots of support on here. I calorie counted & fasted (eating window 11am-7pm) & it took 10 months.

Unfortunately, it's crept back on with proper menopause (I'm 53) this past 18 months. I don't know what I weigh as I'm terrified to get on scales.

I seriously don't really over eat, or eat the wrong things. My other half is confused by it all as he's forever saying I don't eat much or over eat. I do have a relatively sweet tooth, but I certainly don't eat anywhere near as much as my 2 best friends who are still size 8 and 10 respectively & seem to always be eating!

Both my sisters fluctuate weight wise too, as did mam, so it's no doubt partly genetic, but that can't explain everything. Is it purely that as you get older you can't eat as much?

I don't feel like me at all. I still like to think I'm quite a cool dresser, keep my hair modern, but nothing fits me & I'm just so sad. I'm having to buy size 16, & my stomach is huge, so needing to dress to cover it.

I need help, and don't know what's for the best? Should I join a group? Anyone recommend one? I find being vegetarian harder to stick to prescriptive plans (I do eat some fish).

Exercise is a sticking point. I have an ND youngest child (13) who takes up huge amounts of my time, (i also teach & have work to do out of hours) & when I do get a break I want to just flop & read a book. I'm lacking in motivation. I also get bored, so walking/ cycling on my own would bore me mindless. Maybe I could start walking with a podcast. That's where we are - at the basics.

I'm properly down about it all & need some words of wisdom.

Sorry for the essay, & thank you.

A very warm welcome back and a big hug@Puffalicious ❤️. I mean all the following with the fondest intentions:-

  1. Visit GP. Explain how you feel and ask for thyroid blood test (I have experienced similar to you and it was a wonky thyroid gland. It turned out I needed thyroxin and no diet or exercise plan was going to cut it until I had therapeutic levels of hormones)
  2. Seriously cut sugar! All things sugar and foods that turn to sugar (alcohol, sweets, chocolate, cakes, biscuits, rice, pasta, potatoes, white bread etc). Really sugar is the devil as we get older. It directly affects our blood sugar levels which causes the pancreas to release insulin and then some. I’ve become insulin resistant and if I don’t manage it via diet I see diabetes in my future.
  3. Don’t see a change in diet as giving everything up. See it as giving yourself some well deserved loving care in order to become your most vibrant happy healthy self.
  4. Strength training. Good muscle tone aids in revving up your metabolism 👍
  5. Walking. A simple walk refreshes the mind, gets the blood circulation going and if you’re lucky you’ll get chatting to people in your local community which is excellent for the mind and soul.
  6. Prioritise sleep. Even if you can only do this alternate nights (dear husband takes the reins). Quality sleep is restorative and healing. Plus we feel more bulletproof proof after a good nights sleep.
  7. Up the water! Water hydrates, energises and fills us up (just before a meal)
  8. Get some fibre in. Fibre is good for your gut and micro-biome.
  9. Fats aren’t the devil. Omega 3s, Cold pressed olive oil and cold pressed rape seed oil are good for us.
  10. Protein protein protein! It satiates, repairs cells and keeps us full.

Don’t try to do everything at once to the point of overwhelming yourself. A little bit here, a little bit there adds up to significant change over time. Health and wellness is a destination, it’s a lifelong journey with the inevitable bumps in the road. Wishing you well@Puffalicious ❤️

OP posts:
Puffalicious · 30/12/2024 15:18

Thank you all, particularly TheRealHousewife. Great advice, & absolutely taken in the spirit it's meant.

I WILL get my thyroid checked for sure.

I don't drink, so no issues of sugary alcohol, but I hear you about zero sugar. I must focus on that.

I need to up protein. Started today with 2 boiled eggs, spinach, an apple & v small chunk of cheese. I've stocked up on 0% Greek yogurt too. I like overnight oats, so lots of fibre in there.

It IS a long-term health goal, so focusing on that.

I've been on HRT over a year now. Doctor says it won't put on weight per se, but can increase appetite without you noticing. I suppose that may be true.

DP offered me lovely, seeded sourdough with avocado with my eggs, but I resisted. I love bread, but I know I need to have it only as a rare treat.

I'm going to take this step by step. Thank you all.

PatienceOfEngels · 31/12/2024 08:44

Have been very slack this month! Finishing December on 72.7kg which is -0.2kg this month.

I started the year on 70.5kg, went down to 68kg in February and then gradually crept back up to 74.kg by August, down to 72.1kg early December and settled back where I am now.

I'm still 4kg lighter than when I joined these threads in October 22.

I've managed to stick to some habits (no booze coming up for 2 years now, no sugary coffees at work or caffeine after midday since I joined) but some are harder to break. My weight changes this year have showed me that stress is my biggest enemy as it leads to emotional eating and bingeing.

Here's to a healthy 2025!

TheRealHousewife · 31/12/2024 08:58

Good Morning & Happy New Years Eve 🥳🥳🥳

I did a weigh in today to end the year- 9st 5lbs. Some work to do there 😅

@Puffalicious You can do this 👍❤️

Menu
Meal 1 - Scrambled Egg on 1 slice gf toast.
Meal 2 - Chicken thigh, leek, pea & green bean traybake. Greek yoghurt.

OP posts:
PatienceOfEngels · 31/12/2024 09:02

@Puffalicious welcome back.

Great advice already from @TheRealHousewife

My 13 year old is also ND and I also teach. DC started secondary school this year and after settling well the last few years in their Special Ed Primary, secondary has been a big transition and I'm having to support a lot at home with academics (so many tests in the system I'm in, even special ed). My youngest is about to be referred for diagnostic process so the whole merry go round will start again. DP does what he can but struggles with own MH (likely ND) so a lot falls on me. Have no family support as I'm not in the UK with my own family and DP's family are somewhat fractured - estrangement, elderly ILs who have never been proactive in helping with DC much. So, I know how it feels when you're struggling to exercise.

I find keeping it simple is the best. Mostly I either walk (during school holidays I make DC come with me, or I escape after youngest DC bedtime for a walk around the neighbourhood - can only do that as I'm urban and not rural. Sometimes I go during a free period at school or on my days off after the school run) or do yoga.

I did a lot of yoga this year - from May to October I tried to do yoga early in the morning, outside before kids up (first year I've been able to do it as teen is not as likely to get up as soon as I stir). I always do short practices (less than 30 minutes) and sometimes this means making sure the kids know I shouldn't be disturbed for a short period of time(in practice, someone always starts fighting so if I can do this when they are out or asleep it's better!). I like Yoga with Adriene on YouTube.

Also anything is better than nothing. Dr Chatterjee has a kitchen workout in one of his books that he does while his coffee is brewing (5-10x calf raises, squats, lunges on each leg, tricep dips, push-ups) and if you do it daily it will really make a difference (If I manage it I only do 5 - the push-ups finish me off). Or find a 5 - 15 minute quick workout that doesn't take lots of space. There's tonnes on YouTube that don't need equipment or space (try Jessica Smith - you don't even need to get changed!).

I used to be a runner pre-pandemic, but haven't done a race for 5 years now. I may retry couch to 5k but get frustrated with all the niggles that seems to have appeared the last few years (Find it annoying that I could run 10-15k no problem and now even a 5k is out of reach).

Pick whatever works for your own mental health, For me being outside is really important (I think that's why I've struggled with yoga in November and December as I hate practising inside in my messy cluttered house).

I think it's great that you haven't weighed yourself. Make your focus on feeling good about yourself. Find the habits that make you feel healthy. I know that eating too much bread makes me feel bloated and sluggish after lunch, as does eating anything sugary. So I stick to fruit/veg/unsalted nuts for snacks (wherever possible). I know if I don't drink enough water I get headaches, constipation and am more likely to eat rubbish. I know that eating anything in the evening after dinner (but especially cheese, crisps) will give me a bad night's sleep, dry mouth and headache in the morning. Alcohol doesn't agree with me and affects my sleep. If I don't go outside and move I will be in a bad mood.

Get yourself a haircut and look after it (condition, avoid the hairdryer or make sure it's protected from heat, use hair clips instead of ties to avoid damage), look after your skin (just the basics is enough! cleansing and moisturising twice a day), get enough sleep, pick up a few new clothes that you feel fabulous in (I've just started following https://www.instagram.com/imlaurabradshaw/ for comfy inspiration).

Don't try and do everything at once, pick one thing you want to do and give it a try.

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/imlaurabradshaw

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