The stone starts shifting, today!

[Chubbybetty]

I am 45 and 5ft 2". I have been a size 6/8 for most of my adult life. I put on about a stone in lockdown. Managed to lose it (largely through stress) for my wedding a couple of years ago, and have since piled it back on, mainly through too much cheese and wine and a love of cooking/feeding other people. I eat mostly low carb and Mediterranean style but have become a bit more lax, I don't really snack and do a fair amount of exercise (including strength training) I'm now more a size 10 with a small spare tyre and a large chest. I detest my body like this. On a short, small frame, 1 stone is a lot and really shows. Yesterday I didn't even want to leave the house with my husband to go for a drink in the sun as I thought I looked hideous. Today it all changes. I have started working with an online wellness/fitness coach recently and she said something this morning that made me stop and think - how sad it is that people literally don't want to be in photo's with their families because of their weight. This is me. I hate that I am so hard on myself because of my size and speak to myself in a way I'd never speak to anyone else. I hate that for the last few years every nice thing we've done, has always had the niggling thought that I'd enjoy it more if I were a stone lighter. I know I have lots of 'mind work' to do aorund my relationship with my weight (hence the coach) but on the physical front today is re-set. Binning the alcohol, more strict with the carbs and cheese. I aim to lose 7lbs in the next 4/5 weeks. Posting here for accountability really. Anyone else having a 're-set' today? Good luck!

Day 2 of calorie counting complete ✅ I did 1400 yesterday (but only decided to log towards late afternoon so had already had about 800 by that point) and am just under 800 today.

Might aim to stick to it all week and then not track on a Saturday, just to give me something to look forward to all week and stop me losing the plot entirely! But I won’t go mad with it on a Saturday, just not quite as strict.

Morning everyone, I am back from the hormonal land of despair. Bloat still not shifting but I’ve managed to have two reasonably good days despite feeling like a whale, so I’m hoping when my body sheds this water - ? Tomorrow? I will feel much better. Well done everyone on the progress it’s really good. I had a slight victory this morning, wearing a pair of trousers that I’m sure are a bit looser on the leg than they were a couple of months ago and did up without a spare tyre effect. Let’s keep on it!

@GrazeConcern great news on the trousers, and I'm sure you'll have a 'whoosh' in the next couple of days having been consistent. @MarmiteWine your colleague sounds like an idiot! I'm back in the land of chubby despair 😓. I have eaten under 600 calories for the last 2 days to try and give the scales an arse kick. Virtually no sugar, no alcohol, plenty of water and steps, 2 workouts, 100 skips every day for 3 days, good sleep and I have gained 1.5lb since yesterday (even went to the loo before weighing). How is this bl*dy possble?! Last night I had a large salad (shredded carrot, cabbage, lettuce, onion, spicey peppers) with tuna and very low fat dressing, I know they are carby veg but can a plate of salad bloat that much? I have cried. I have contemplated just saying fck it, I'll just have to accept being 9 stone and miserable for the rest of my life. Days like this I am so sick of the rollercoaster and the misery of the scales. However, I then put on a pair of jeans with a belt that I wore at the weekend that could only go to the 2nd notch, today I can do the 3rd notch. Go figure...! No idea what my calorie/eating plan is now. I guess the Fast 800 as previously mentioned, but just want someone to tell me what to do. I even pay a fat loss coach, but don't follow what she recommends as it's SO much food and I fear it. FFS!

@MadameLeotta when I successfully lost over 4 stone in the past with WW, I found that what worked very well for me was being "strict" during the week but more relaxed at weekends. That fitted really well with going to family for Sunday dinner or tea without looking like I was "fussing" over the food offered.

@Chubbybetty the colleague is definitely an idiot, for so many more reasons than that!

Don't be too despondent about the gain. In my experience the loss on the scales comes after the noticeable size difference. I used to call it shape-shifting! And remember too that you're not wearing your weight on a label around your neck. No one else knows what you weigh. What they "know" is what they see. Same applies to you @GrazeConcern

I measured myself this morning. Since my initial measurements 2 weeks ago I've lost 1.7" from my waist, 1" from my hips, 1.2" from my chest, and 1" from my neck(!) That brings my waist/hip ratio back into the "healthy" range. I've lost a total of 10lb now, and it's been great to see the number on the scales starting with 14 instead of 15, but there's a long way to go yet.

The next couple of days will be challenging for me. I'm going to a funeral tomorrow afternoon and I'm sure there'll be a lot of temptation at the wake afterwards. I'll try to eat beforehand so I'm not hungry. Today I'm going for lunch with my friend. I've had a look at the menu and think I'll order halloumi with poached eggs and smashed avocado on sourdough, which is probably the least carby option. I'll make tea as low-carb as I can today and tomorrow to compensate, probably salad with meat or fish.

@MarmiteWine sorry to hear about the funeral. Good plan to eat before and not be too hungry as standard fare at these things tends to be sandwiches and a bit beige in general (in my own experience anyway). Hope you enjoyed your lunch today.

@Chubbybetty don’t believe the scale, it’s just slow to catch up! Who knows what impacts that - Water retention, hormones, the f-ing phase of the moon?!! This is precisely why I’ve stopped weighing for at least 2-3 weeks. If you keep on with what you’re doing, it’ll get shifting. But the trick is to not let a delayed response on the scale derail your efforts in the meantime. And an extra notch on your belt is a much better indicator of actual changes to your body shape. Just keep on, and try to resist weighing yourself again for a week or so if you can. Does your weight loss coach actually tailor things specifically for your goals, or is it a bit generic. I find Macros Inc on Fbk really helpful - it’s v American (with some overly enthusiastic followers in some cases) but the coaches offer really sensible responses to questions. They obvs try to encourage people to sign up to their paid coaching services, but I’ve always only ever used the free resources and find them a good source of advice.

@MarmiteWine thanks - I think a bit of a looser reign at the weekend will help me keep going for longer and make being strict in the week more manageable, although I’m thinking I’ll probably still track to stop me going too mad, but will allow a few treats (e.g. Dairy Milk!!). Hope the funeral goes as well as it can.

Good news about your trousers fitting better @GrazeConcern and hopefully you’ll see even more of a difference once your hormonal bloat buggers off 🙏

I’ve had a good day so far - I’m at around 600 cals (was in the office today so find I rely a bit more on portable carby foods) but feel I have enough left to have something decent for tea for around 400-ish I expect. I’ve been eyeing up the strawberries in the fridge and might have some with a bit of Greek yogurt later too.

@MadameLeotta well done on having a good day yesterday. Strawberries and yoghurt sounds delicious! Thanks, I'll take alook at that facebook page. My coach doesn't give individual tailored plans, but just advocates more food and higher carb in general than I feel comfortable with, but I do love her life coaching and workouts in general so stick with it. I know you're right about what affects the scale but I would feel out of control without daily weighing. I am 2lbs down today from yesterday, so now 8st 13 again. As you rightly say, I just need to stick with it.

How is everyone else getting on? What's everyone having for meals over the next few days? I've been addicted to salads this week but could do with some inspiration 😊.

Sorry I've been missing in action ! I down from 65.8kg to 63.7kg. I think that's about 4 pounds? I've been doing a lose 16:8. No breakfast then eating 2 meals with some snacks between 12 and 7pm. !

@GreenYodaFace well done, that's great!

@Chubbybetty hoorah, glad those faux lbs have vanished again. From past experience, I never stick to anything for long if I’m relying too much on the scales. But I know lots of others are very motivated by them.

Well done @GreenYodaFace that’s really good going.

I’m feeling too hungry on under 1000 cals so tomorrow I’ve planned my food at just over 1200, which I think will be more sustainable for me. I’m trying to up my protein, but have only got it up to 60g tomorrow, so will keep trying to add in extra protein where I can. I’m having strawberries with Greek yogurt for breakfast; mince & veg for lunch, with some red grapes afterwards; and currently have cheese & veg pasta planned for tea, but think I’ll look to swap that to tuna & brocolli pasta instead.

Everyone is doing great 😊
Ive had an up and down week. Tended to stick to OMAD which works for me. However one of those meals was from a delicious Malaysian restaurant and couldn’t even begin to guess the calories/carbs/fat. Totally worth it though.
Going away for the weekend but will manage to stay just about on track I think.
Tummy definitely looks and feels flatter, legs maybe not as wobbly.
I hope everyone has a lovely bank holiday weekend. And if you enjoy a few treats, be kind to yourselves and then get back on it next week. I’ve enjoyed catching up on the posts 😁

Morning all, good to see everyone's updates. @DurhamDurham the Malaysian restaurant sounds totally worth it 😋

I fell off the wagon and head-first into a pit of carrot cake and caramel shortbread at the funeral 🙈 What can I say? My plan to eat beforehand didn't really come off, due to a "work drama" so I had a rushed snack of smoked mackerel pate (smoked mackerel & full-fat greek yoghurt) with lettuce at about 11am, just before leaving home. Then it was after 3pm before the buffet. I started with good intentions and just put a few savoury items on my plate but then spotted someone eating the caramel shortbread. The rest is history...

Not too much damage on the scales this morning, so hopefully I can turn that around quickly. I'm taking full-fat cottage cheese and a big salad to work for lunch and will have stir-fry or similar tonight.

Hope everyone has a good Bank Holiday weekend ahead!

After a week of 16:8, really eating very little and walking 10,000 steps every bloody day, I have lost a quarter of a pound. It is very disheartening but I will just try harder next week. And lay off Lidl’s chilli thin crackers. I know I sometimes think ´I’m really not eating much, so I’m allowed this‘. Have to be stricter. Bugger.

Wait, no - I have gained almost a pound. Mixed up last week’s weight with the week before. 😡

@MarmiteWineif ever there was justification needed for a caramel shortbread it’s a funeral. It’s almost obligatory to eat cakes and sweet treats after a funeral I think. Bet they were tasty!

@DurhamDurham That's very true! And yes, they were delicious 😋

I've just prepared my huge salad to take to work. Lots of variety in there to make up for the near absence of fruit & veg yesterday, except for the carrots in the cake 🤣

Hi all, I've also been missing in action for a week or so, but happy to report a 3lb loss - the first time the scales have shifted for ages!
Have been increasing step count, upping weight training (doing Caroline Girvan workouts), cutting down on alcohol, and eating between about 10.30am and 7pm, and slowly seems to be working.
happy weekend everyone!

Morning all. Happy bank holiday 😊. Sounds like there are a few ups and downs in the group this week (literally!) but good that we're still here keeping on keeping on. Not much to report here - my few days of being very low calorie (and hangry) have made tit all difference and I have hovered between 8st 13 and 9st all week (wanted to be 8st 10 by this weekend 😩). I did a workout on Wednesday that gave me such sore thighs/DOMS that I have been barely able to walk since then, let alone workout or skip, although I din't think that will have had much impact overall. About to attempt a workout now as legs have freed up a bit this morning and will do my 100 skips. Stomach is definitely flatter today so there's a glimmer of hope I suppose. Having a light food day today as we are out for a special three course lunch tomorrow which given the menu/quality of the food, may not be as horrendous calorie-wise as I thought, although I do have my eye on the cheese plate for dessert and we will of course have a good wine with our meal (would be rude not to!). Have a great weekend all.

In other news, I am seriously thinking about looking in to studying nutrition (part-time alongside work) which has been a dream of mine for a long time. It's very far removed from my profession currently. I'm also doing lots of research/thinking aorund avoding ultra-processed foods (we don't consume much, but want to really focus on moving away completely).

Well the scales are telling me I’ve lost 2lb, so that was an unexpected treat this morning! If I can keep those off for a week I’ll be pleased. I’m going to carry on with my increased daily walking (although this might not be quite as enjoyable now the weather’s gone to shit) but I’m not enjoying tracking calories so I’m going to knock that on the head. I’m reading a great book about Intuitive Eating so am going to implement some of its techniques to hopefully maintain my current weight (or even slowly lose another few lbs over time) without having to obsess over what I’m eating. I’ll report back..!

@tigerbear well done on 3lb loss! I’ve tried Caroline G’s workouts previously but found them too advanced for me (like you @chubbybetty I couldn’t walk without pain for the rest of the week!) but I would like to incorporate some regular strength training into my cardio. Might need to take another look at her.

Have an enjoyable long weekend everyone! ☔️

Well done everyone on the losses!

I kind of fell off the thread a bit and my eating is slipping back into bad habits. Need to rein myself back in! I have been running a bit more though, and haven’t been hitting the snacks really.

My husband, who is constantly around 18-20 stone, just took his first mounjaro jab today, so that will be interesting. Both to see how he goes, but also to see if it helps me at all. I think sometimes I’ll have a drink because he’s having one or we’ll make a less healthy dinner because we egg each other on, so it might be easier to stick to my own plan.

The last few days have been an interesting "experiment" for me. With just a couple of days where I didn't control my carbs, the scales have gone back up by 2.6lb since Wednesday. I've had some acid reflux symptoms, and last night I had a restless night, despite being so tired that I went to bed earlier than usual. No return of the hot flushes, although I did get rather hot and sweaty in Pilates this morning.

In better news, I'm fully back on track today, and I'm pleased to say that I'm still improving on the cross-trainer.

Your lunch tomorrow sounds exciting @Chubbybetty, certainly more so than my beige buffet the other day! I'm looking forward to hearing what you had. And do look into studying nutrition. I considered it a few years ago, and was looking at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition. When not sabotaging myself I do try to eat good quality food, cooking from scratch and keeping UPFs low. I think it's important that if I'm restricting calories that I should make the most of them where I can.

@MadameLeotta well done on your loss. I'm new to Caroline Girvan but found enjoyed the 15 minute arms and shoulders video I followed in the gym last week. Having said that, I only used 2kg dumbbells as I wasn't sure I'd be able to complete it with heavier weights. Next time (either tomorrow or Monday) I plan to try heavier weights for some of the exercises.

@Swearwolf it will be interesting to see if you benefit from your husband's jabs too.

@tigerbear 3lb is great, well done!

I've fallen off the wagon a bit but now back on it! I just feel like my legs are huge and I really need to slim them down.

Morning all. Congrats to everyone still here and battling it out! 3 weeks in, 3lbs lost. Nothing dramatic but hope that if I keep it up, I'll hit my target by August. Think I've learnt better portion control and generally swerved the cheese and wine. Bank Holiday weekend could be tricky but the traditionally shit weather is puting pay to mimosas on the lawn