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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.

The stone starts shifting, today!

544 replies

Chubbybetty · 28/04/2025 10:47

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!

OP posts:
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Goodvibesonly · 15/11/2025 10:48

Hi all, weighing in early this week as I’m off to a birthday party today which will mean lots of food and cake! Anyone have any tips on how to not mindlessly pick whilst I am there?

Came in at 8.3 and 1/4 is which a little less than last week. I know weight loss is slow now because I’ve not been as strict as before, helping myself to a handful of this and extras of that. Really need to stop this, such a bad habit!

How is everyone doing? @MightyGoldBear I’ll have a look at chamomile tea this week. I used to drink dandelion tea in the mornings as it’s supposed to be good for digestion but there is just something about coffee that makes me keeping going back to it 😂

Autumnleaves82 · 15/11/2025 13:58

Well done @Goodvibesonly Hope you enjoy the party. Regarding tips for not mindlessly picking, other people might have better suggestions, but I’d focus on that word ‘mindlessly’. So, try to make a conscious decision. Eg. You might decide that a delicious piece of cake is worth the extra calories, but you might decide that the extra sausage roll is not worth it. I’d just pause before each decision and make sure you’re actually making a decision that’s based on what you really want (both short term and long term). But given how well you’ve done over the past few weeks, I’m sure you probably know and do this anyway!

I weighed 8st5 yesterday. According to my ‘Happy Scale’ app, that was my lowest weight since 28th Feb. (You might remember that we started this thread after my ridiculously high gain over Easter, when I genuinely didn’t even eat very much!) However, I was back up to 8st6.5 this morning. Daily fluctuations are so strange.

MightyGoldBear · 17/11/2025 09:27

Had a Indian take away over the weekend so back up to 11. It was so nice to eat food though after the sickness bug. Back to fasting today hopefully can see 10 again.

There was a thread about losing weight and having loose skin. So I really don't mind taking it slower hopefully give my body time to adjust. As well as me to cement some long term habits too.

@Goodvibesonlytry ginger tea too if you like the flavour. Reminds me of a gingerbread man in tea form 😋

Goodvibesonly · 17/11/2025 21:54

Thanks so much for the advice @Autumnleaves82 I thought that I would get a little carried away with the food, drink and nibbles but I stuck to diet drinks and had a late lunch / early dinner (so only one meal that day). I did have a generous slice of cake but no other nibbles or sweet treats! I was super proud of myself!! Congratulations on the weight loss, you’re doing so well! Daily fluctuations are strange, I get at least one spike around midweek and then it slowly comes down. I have no idea what causes the spikes either!

@MightyGoldBear I purchased camomile tea today and am sipping away at it now instead of my usual night time coffee. It’s different, definitely better than dandelion tea, but I’d be lying if I said that I was enjoying it 😂 I’ll try and get hold of some ginger tea as well as I really need to stop drinking milky coffee in my fasting window!

Goodvibesonly · 23/11/2025 10:14

Hi all, just doing an end of week check in. Finishing the week at 8.3 again. I did see 8.2 on the scale a few days ago but sadly it went back up again 😫 Oh well, apparently slow and steady is the healthy way… but my heart secretly wants Amazon Prime delivery results!

How are u all getting along?

MightyGoldBear · 23/11/2025 11:23

I'm holding around 11 although I did see 10.13 the other day. I'm hoping to get back to fasting just lacking the motivation with the cold weather at the moment.

@Goodvibesonlythe teas certainly are an acquired taste😂 I have to rotate through a few otherwise I do find them very hard going.

Autumnleaves82 · 23/11/2025 20:33

Well done @MightyGoldBear and @Goodvibesonly

I was 8st4.75 this morning. That quarter of a pound under 8st5 is very important! I’ve been bouncing between 8st5 and 8st6 this week, so it was very exciting to see slightly lower this morning. I’m sure it will bounce up again but it’s been encouraging to finally be seeing a downward trend (even if very slow) after being stuck for so long.

Autumnleaves82 · 23/11/2025 20:37

Also, for those of you talking about camomile tea - I really like the Twinings Sleep - Camomile and Spiced Apple. Much nicer than plain camomile. I’ve actually got a lot of herbal teas of all sorts of flavours.

Goodvibesonly · 29/11/2025 12:28

Hi all, thought that I’d do an end of week check in today as we’re out for a meal tonight which will no doubt affect tomorrow’s weigh in! Honestly super shocked to see 8.2 1/4 on the scale! I’ve not been this weight in 3 years!! I’ve not done 5:2, calorie counted or even logged on MFP this week. I guess it’s because I’ve been run down with a cold so I hope that the scales don’t shoot up again next week! I always notice a bit of difference in my physique once I get below 8.3, my face looks slimmer, stomach less bloated etc.

How is everyone else getting along? Glad u saw 8.4 on the scale @Autumnleaves82 I’m so happy for u!

Autumnleaves82 · 30/11/2025 14:11

@Goodvibesonly I hope you enjoyed your meal. Sorry to hear you’ve not been feeling well. That’s amazing that you have seen 8.2 1/4 - especially without calorie counting etc. Well done! If you were to roughly estimate - do you think you have a vague idea how many calories you’ve averaged or what types of food you’ve been eating to see another drop in weight? I’m keen to learn from you.

Frustratingly I’ve been bouncing back up between 8st5 and 8st6 again this week. It’s so strange how I saw that lower weight last Sunday, but then not again. However, my Happy Scale app is still showing a gradual downward trend over the past few months.

Goodvibesonly · 03/12/2025 21:30

@Autumnleaves82 Thanks for yr kind words, I’m feeling a lot better this week although not fully recovered yet. I feel yr frustration, I remember when I got stuck at 8st 10 and it refused to budge for 4 very long months! Keep at it, it will surely come down.

Even though I wasn’t calorie counting last week, I definitely didn’t overindulge. I think that because I have changed my eating habits since starting this journey, and I pretty much stick to them everyday, it helps massively, even when I am not in “diet mode”.

I feel embarrassed admitting this but my snacking was out of control before! I would almost kid myself into believing that I deserved that extra bar of chocolate simply because I had a tough day, I had one to many takeaway sugar larden coffees and even though my meals were relatively healthy, they were smothered with mayo or other condiments. Intermittent fasting has definitely helped with this and keeps me on track.

I’ve stopped using MFP because I found it time consuming constantly searching for food (hoping to get Nutra Check in the New Year) so I no longer log but would say that I have around 1300 calories a day.

Autumnleaves82 · 06/12/2025 08:56

Hi all. Just doing what seems to have become our regular weekend check-in for a few of us (although I do keep planning to check-in during the week as well).

@Goodvibesonly Thank you for your reply. It’s really helpful to hear what’s working for you. I use Nutracheck and I really like it. In my opinion, it’s so much better than MFP. I think I can ‘refer a friend’ to get you a discount but I’m not sure if we can share codes on here? I could try sending you a PM if you’re interested (although I’ve never actually sent a PM on Mumsnet)?

I was 8st4 1/4 this morning! I’m so pleased. It’s very slow, but I actually feel I’m making progress in quite a sustainable way. I’m really prioritising protein & fibre, and often feel I’m managing to eat quite a lot. I’m just a bit sad at how calorific some Christmas treats are (eg. Mince pies, etc!) and need to make sure I really plan and choose wisely. Has anyone got any strategies for the Christmas season? I never particularly overeat, but at my height/weight an odd mince pie or chocolate can really quickly put me over my calories for the day. I’m currently thinking I need to make sure I make conscious decisions. Eg. It’s ok to enjoy special occasions and choose to enjoy something but I need to plan/consciously choose each decision.

I think I’ve said this a few times, but I gained a number of pounds over Easter weekend, not by being particularly excessive (genuinely - I really didn’t eat that much extra!) and it’s taken me 8 months to lose what I gained. I can’t let that happen again!

Autumnleaves82 · 06/12/2025 09:00

This chart from Happy Scale shows my weight over the last year and some of what I was trying to explain in my post (both the negative of the Easter gain and the positive of my recent progress).

The stone starts shifting, today!
Goodvibesonly · 06/12/2025 14:46

Many congratulations @Autumnleaves82 I'm so glad that you are seeing the scale move! It's so encouraging when you finally break the plateau! Yes please, if you could PM me the code! I was hoping that Nutracheck would have some sort of Black Friday sale but sadly they didn't. I was going to wait until the New Year to see if they offered a discount but will happily use any code that knocks off a few ££s lol.

I am also trying to prioritise protein which is a little difficult for someone like me who doesn't like chicken or meat 😣what do you have on a typical day, if you don't mind me asking?

My weight this morning was 8st 1 1/2. My mind is honestly blown. I've been on this journey for 12 weeks and I am so pleased to have lost 1/2 stone. I know that most people could have and probably would have lost a lot more in 12 weeks but this last stone has taken me almost 4 years to lose and this is the longest that I have really stuck at being consistent in eating healthily. I am starting to feel like the "old" me again (pre-pregnancy) and it feels amazing.

@Autumnleaves82 I have the same worries about Christmas. I'm be staying with family for a week and my family can eat! Luckily for them, they have very good metabolisms so they don't need to worry about weight gain but I always come away from these family visits a few pounds heavier. I'm honestly dreading it. Last summer, after our last visit, I gained six pounds and it simply refused to budge for a good while. Like you said, it doesn't even take that much to gain, a few extra sweet treats etc. I always try and plan ahead but for some reason, I get carried away with "food mob mentality" and before I know it, I'm overindulging with the rest of the family!

Autumnleaves82 · 13/12/2025 09:34

Good morning all. After seeing 8st4 1/4 last week, I’ve been bouncing around 8st5 again this week. It’s a bit frustrating, but I’m trusting the process and I’ve found it helpful this morning to look back at my post from last week and focus on the (slow!) progress I’ve made over the last few months.

@Goodvibesonly So sorry for my slow reply. Well done on your amazing progress. How’s this week been? I’ve just checked on Nutracheck and the current ‘refer a friend’ code gives you 30 days free (not a discount). Do you still want that code? (Sorry, I thought it was a discount.) I’m on Mumsnet on the app at the moment, but can go on the website later to PM you if you want it?

Regarding protein, I know you said you don’t eat chicken/meat - how about fish? The main tip I would give is planning ahead. I find I can’t accidentally get enough protein but if I roughly plan my diary on Nutracheck the night before, I can make slight adjustments. My diet varies a lot but on the days I have breakfast I now try to have eggs instead of porridge. I’ll often make a large frittata type thing on Sunday with some veg and extra egg whites (you can buy cartons of egg whites) and that will keep in the fridge for a few days so it’s quick in the morning. For lunch I usually have a big salad with tinned tuna or cooked chicken or prawns/cottage cheese. For dinner, I’ve tried to adapt some family meals so that I might have slightly less of the carb but more veg/protein. I’ll often bulk meals out with extra beans or lentils. They then provide fibre and protein. If I’m not eating with children I’ll often have really simple fish and veg, stir fry with chicken/prawns, etc. I often have a dessert or snack of Greek yogurt and fruit. If you do sign up to Nutracheck, we might be able to link diaries to learn from each other? (But no pressure if you’d prefer to keep that private! I wouldn’t want to share my diary with anyone I know in real life.)

I also sometimes use protein powder or protein yogurts/desserts. I’ll sometimes use half a scoop of protein powder in milk to make a lovely latte or stir into yogurt. The protein puddings are highly processed but I don’t mind having them sometimes if they are instead of me having a dessert, biscuit or chocolate! They often have 20g of protein per pot.

It seems we have similar concerns about Christmas. Hopefully we can both get a balance of enjoying family time and being able to eat the odd mince pie, etc. without gaining half a stone!

How’s everyone else getting on? What’s everyone’s plan for enjoying the next few weeks in moderation (or not?!)?

Goodvibesonly · 15/12/2025 15:03

Hi all, completely forgot to check in over the weekend! After my little period of elation, my weight went back up to 8st 2! To be fair, it’s very much deserved as it’s been a rollercoaster of a week and my eating habits have been all over the place. Oh well, time to start afresh this week!

@Autumnleaves82 I joined Nutracheck as someone on FB sent me a code for 25% off. I need to start getting into the routine of logging food consistently and learning the app and then we can perhaps link diaries? Thanks for detailing your meal plan, it’s very helpful. I do find that protein keeps me fuller for longer. I could try incorporating more fish / prawns into my diet to up my protein. Definitely something to look into.

Autumnleaves82 · 21/12/2025 09:08

Good morning, everyone.

Sorry for the slow reply @Goodvibesonly That’s great you got 25% off Nutracheck. Have you started logging yet or are you waiting until after Christmas?!

I was back up to 8st6 this morning, but I have been bouncing around 8st5 for most of the week. My drop to 8st4 1/4 a couple of weeks ago has not returned, but I guess it’s not the easiest time of the year. I’d love to not be any higher than 8st6 on 1st Jan. Do you think that’s a realistic target?!

How’s everyone doing? Has anyone got any strategies for the next couple of weeks?

I think my plan is to be mindful but also to try to relax a bit with food and enjoy something more calorific if I want it. It’s so hard isn’t it to get a balance? I want to enjoy special times but I’m also aware how quickly I can gain a few pounds and then it takes me months to lose them.

Goodvibesonly · 22/12/2025 17:04

Hi all, sorry completely forgot to check in yesterday! I’m back down to 8.1. Glad I lost that extra pound I put on last week but was really hoping that I would end the year at 8 stone lol!

I’ve started my Xmas hols now. Staying with family until Boxing Day and I’m trying to be as mindful as possible with food. I purchased a beautiful 500ml glass to encourage myself to drink as much water as possible. I probably won’t be able to intermittent fast but will try to keep portions small and keep to one snack a day. Praying this strategy works and I don’t come home several pounds heavier!!

@Autumnleaves82I haven’t started logging properly on Nutracheck yet but I will do in the New Year. Wishing u all the best for the Christmas break and hope u have a wonderful time.

Goodvibesonly · 03/01/2026 18:21

Hi all, Happy New Year!

Hope you are all keeping well and have enjoyed the festive period. I came back from visiting family yesterday and am back at work today (yes, sadly I work Saturdays!).

Despite having a lot of good intentions, it all went out of the window during our family get together! I'm actually embarrassed to admit how many takeaways we had / times we went out eat! I did manage to resist all the delightful snacks that were on offer everyday thankfully!

Amazingly enough, I have managed to maintain on 8.1! I have no idea how or why but I won't be pushing it any further and have returned to my normal eating habits as of today.

@Autumnleaves82 how are you coping post Christmas?

MunsteadWood · 03/01/2026 21:48

Happy New Year! It’s been a fun Christmas but taken its toll on the scales and when I weighed myself yesterday I am up to 9st 3lb.

I’m feeling it in my body and in how my clothes fit so am determined to get back to target weight of 8st 7lbs.

I’ve started tracking again today on MFP and aiming for 1300 calories per day, which I know is going to be challenging! Also trying to drink lots more water so keeping pint glasses nearby. Determined to get back on track.

Autumnleaves82 · 04/01/2026 16:53

Happy New Year, everyone!

@Goodvibesonly - that’s amazing that you have managed to maintain on 8st1. Well done!

Amazingly, when I weighed on 1st Jan, I had also managed to still be 8st6 (the weight I was before Christmas). I didn’t track anything on Nutracheck for around 10 days, so I was really pleased with that. Frustratingly I’ve bounced up to 8st8 this morning. I’m not sure whether that is the last 2 weeks catching up with me or whether it might be hormonal.

I’m currently trying to decide how many calories to aim for over the next few weeks. I had a lot of advice on Nutracheck before Christmas to maybe increase my calories to help fuel workouts/build a bit of muscle, which might then help me gradually lose the tummy fat. I’d been reluctant to do this as I know how quickly I can gain weight. But the fact that I must have been eating a lot more calories over Christmas and didn’t gain weight has made me slightly reconsider this. However, I’d love to be around 8st by the summer.

@MunsteadWood Great that you had a fun Christmas! Well done on getting back to tracking.

I’ve lost track of who else is still here on this thread? Hope everyone is doing ok.

Chubbybetty · 05/01/2026 11:45

Hi Pals, long time no post from me. I'm so glad that while I was MIA for much of the latter part of 2025 (dealing with some personal setbacks), this thread has kept going and you have all been motivating eah other and doing well. Predictably I'm back pretty much where I started weight-wise. I don't want to post the scale figure from this morning as I'm horrified by it, but suspect that much of it is water/general Christmas bloat. I have kept up with my workouts so it's just nutrition that I need to get back on track with from today. My plan is back to fairly low carb, high protein and a 'damp' January. I may do totally dry February but we'll see how things go. Back to aiming for at least 10k steps a day, and including some more 'self-care', especially making sure I have a decent outdoor walk every day, as well as staying accountable here and keeping in touch with you guys. I might re-introduce some fasting in a week or two but not straight away. Currently reading 'Atomic Habits'; not specifically about weight/fitness but a great read for anyone who wants to embed good habits. Wishing you all a great 2026.

OP posts:
Autumnleaves82 · 11/01/2026 16:34

Hi @Chubbybetty Welcome back. Sorry to hear about your personal setbacks. How’s this week been for you?

I’m still bouncing around 8st6. My target is still to try to lose some of my tummy fat before spring/summer. I think this will be around 8st, but I’ve been doing a bit of reading around body recomposition and realising more and more that the weight is not necessarily the important thing but losing fat/building muscle (especially at my age -42). Sounds simple, but it’s really not that straight forward is it?

How’s everyone else getting on?

Goodvibesonly · 23/01/2026 11:55

Hi all, I just realised that I’ve been a bit awol on this tread! I feel as though the return to normal life after the crimbo limbo is always difficult and I have been all over the place!

I haven’t really been focused on my diet and exercise (after purchasing the Nutracheck app lol - haven’t logged a single day!) but managing to do my 10k steps wherever possible. Amazingly I managed to stay between 8.0 and 8.2 but over the last few days I have been weighing in at 7.13! I have no idea why (stress perhaps?) as I am definitely not eating clean and can do better.

I’m away for the week now so I’m hoping that I don’t gain! Will try and stay as mindful as possible when choosing my meals!

Hope u all are keeping well!

Autumnleaves82 · 25/01/2026 11:15

Good morning, everyone. It’s gone quiet on here.

@Chubbybetty How has 2026 started for you?

@Goodvibesonly Interesting that you have lost weight while not really trying! Are you at your goal weight now? Hope you have a lovely week away.

I’m still bouncing around 8st6. I’m trying to focus on my body composition and trying not to be too obsessed by the scale weight. I keep thinking I want to get to 8st, but what I really want to do is lose the tummy fat.

Is anyone else still here? I’ve found this thread really helpful (especially as many of us can relate to the struggles of being at a healthy weight/BMI but wanting to lose a few pounds).

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