Anyone else looking to get in better shape for the summer?

[Chocolatecoffeecup]

I'm in my 40s and have a big family wedding in July I'd like to get in better shape for. I'm trying to cut down on the sugary snacks and exercise more. Anyone else interested in a support and motivation thread.

I'm thinking of it as a STS 😂

I looked at Renpho but I don’t think I can spend £65 on scales, although they do look amazing!

They have lots of options but I think ours are these £34.99 ones

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RENPHO-Bluetooth-Precision-Composition-300x300mm/dp/B09LV8NN61/ref=sr_1_30?adgrpid=190083253847&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fksA-FluJ9mI88bYwL7CYswjeTqi0BG7TozHxAIxGyAKbiae13K6C4IvQl3KUjpUMeGvHAkrbw549ZAHCNWu9daj0Lca_mASnVx2sdoTJ-kHMvLk6aX5B5Yvf95kweunj0gLCgzl-INuc304BJgrWiuwUzgQ6WRp5MBIdwvseC6dwLz4KK0cpdUVds8h6Xddth2gjYRK9s0mWc4nvfvczXd1Z-0r7_Ru9wwKGoFM637IS-4wr-VgpapZmASWuXUpF2foA9KqZAgZlqAihCFKyNuBag1D80tu1Qo7tjy3hD4.yqSjec3VW9wkrVr7MloqBvODE7DpQuDjdzPvu71-g0A&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779282667538&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9191165&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14676672762554470217--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14676672762554470217&hvtargid=kwd-298552766360&hydadcr=5723_2343827_414672&keywords=renpho+scales&mcid=47d7fc5cd8b53a41996d0523ccc53599&qid=1781856051&sr=8-30

The only down side is that you need to have your phone with you when you weigh and go into the app and select go to measure. You can still see your weight without doing that, but it won’t log onto the (very good app). DH keeps talking about buying the very expensive ones but I don’t really see the need when these are very good.

@Chocolatecoffeecup with bloating and hormones that sounds like a good weigh in!

Have a look at the Euphy scales from Argos they are cheaper and look good

@thenewaveragebear1983 I have these renpho scales. Currently under £20 with the prime day sales. I've had them six years and they're still going strong 🤞🏼 They show you your weight on the scales display and then everything else updated on an app on your phone

https://amzn.eu/d/01PSkQMW

Thanks @CarelessWimper

As of today I have lost exactly 21lbs since mid-march! I am now down to 9st0.3lbs. Absolutely chuffed to bits. I wore a summer dress the other day and I was almost skipping with happiness.

I still have probably 10-14 pounds to go before my holy grail goal weight (I am only 5ft2 on a good day) but I am feeling remarkably happier with how I look now.
I have actually started moisturising my body, especially anywhere with stretch marks… It probably wont make much difference but if it even helps my skin retain its elasticity by 1% then it will be worth it. If my skin starts to look or feel a bit loose, I intend to bail out of weight-loss mode and attempt to maintain at whatever weight I am at.

Thanks to all on those on this thread. I don’t participate much but I have been reading all of your triumphs and it has really helped me keep my foot on the pedal.

Also on the scales talk, I have a Withings scale. Its great (don’t bother with the Withings+ subscription stuff… no need!). It uploads all stats to the app automatically. You can set multiple profiles and it is usually correct at knowing who is on the scales. It syncs data to Apple Watch and MyFitnessPal (and others but can’t vouch for them).

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Thanks @Chocolatecoffeecup, that’s a bit more my budget!

I ran our local half marathon today, oh boy it was torturous. 6 laps, no shade, not a breath of wind. The first 10k I did well, actually 52.40 which is very fast for me. Then my headphones died at 10k and the second half was an indescribable torture 😢
at least I burned a few calories though

I’ve now got 7 weeks until I go on holiday. I have been doing the Zoe plan for a month now, I like it but i miss the food database on nutracheck and the Zoe app is incredibly inaccurate and clunky. I like the principles of the program though so I am going to try to incorporate it into my normal calorie allowance and see if I get results. I don’t think overall in the month I have lost any noticeable weight, maybe 2-3lbs. However, I have felt good, less tired, less swollen and generally healthier so I’d like to keep that.

tonight, despite the heat, I am making a thing I saw on a reel, it’s a roast chicken but done in a cast iron casserole, with smoked bacon, leeks, onions all cooked underneath the chicken, then orzo put in to make a really rustic, hearty feast. Looked immense. I’m not sure about the chicken fat so I am going to cook the chicken for an hour first, drain the oil, then put it on top of the veggies and orzo for the last 30 and add stock 😋

@thenewaveragebear1983 Well done! That sounds really tough but that's a great time. I haven't eaten well as we had the party yesterday (although I actually probably didn't eat much) and today I've eaten rubbish really and then I'm going to see my parents as it's Father's Day and they're getting pizza but I probably won't have much...

The weather is lovely and I'll try to get back on salads next week!

Happy to report back that my chicken orzo was flipping incredible. 😋 and then I had a billionaire magnum which was also incredible. Neither were particularly diet friendly

It doesn't sound that bad @thenewaveragebear1983 and you deserve it after that run!

I've just done an hour of cardio at home to make myself feel better about what I've eaten and to get my steps up

I'm 1lb up today which isn't a huge surprise. Friday is my usual weigh day and I usually weigh on Fridays so I'm somewhat optimistic about doing ok for the rest of the week 🤞🏼

It's also about four weeks to the wedding now...

Haven't posted since Monday but I am back down 1lb since Monday which is nice!

I didn't eat amazingly yesterday but did a good workout and today I haven't really eaten any rubbish yet so planning a salad for dinner and probably an ice cream!

How are you all doing in the heat?

I’ve found the heat has reduced my appetite, my weight loss has slowed down a bit but it’s still going down just slower. I seem to have had a lot of things on at work over the last few weeks and although I’ve tried to make good choices it’s not always easy depending on what’s on offer. Always a lot of bread which I’m trying to limit. However the more weight I lose the worse my stomach looks, I’ve been whacking vitamin e oil on but not seeing a difference. I was thinking of starting collagen but it’s a minefield with so many products.

@ApricotRow My appetite has reduced as well. Do you have loose skin? I have some and it hasn't got worse thankfully but that's probably because I haven't lost loads of weight!

I bought some firming cream and I've started taking collagen (can see a difference in my facial skin) but not sure how much of a difference it makes.

I'm down to 9 stone 3.8 this morning from 9 stone 4 the day before probably mainly because I just had a packet of crisps and a drink for dinner as I felt quite unwell with the heat!

Sorry I have been AWOL been away for work, no scales and so busy but home tomorrow. With the heat and changes it’s been a hard week. I have been keeping up a very early morning walk and just about getting my 10k steps in.

Its so hard being away with people and being on a diet and then adding vegan to the mix and picking the least worst option for dinner, refusing dessert, skipping breakfast but I still had my Huel for lunches 😂 better than than either the pre packaged sandwich selection choice of nothing or the buffet with just a crisp option for me. Good job I packed lots.

@Chocolatecoffeecup thats interesting about the collagen, I don’t take it but have been wondering if I should. My stomach is pretty flat now and there is a little amount of loose skin.

@ApricotRow Hopefully the oil will help I think you are better to find something that has been third party tested if possible when spending so much on a product

@Chocolatecoffeecup Yeah I've notified a difference in my skin (face) more than anything with the collagen but I know people who say it's helped with their digestion and stuff.

i haven't been doing any exercise in an evening due to the heat but I just checked and I've done over 11K which is more than I thought

I'm down a bit to 9 stone 3.4 today and I've got quite a busy day so should do lots of steps!

How are you all doing?

I notice when I use collagen as well, in my face. I think it gives me a nice pinky glow, it’s really hard to explain but I definitely notice it.

my plans up be in better shape took a nosedive last week, just the heat and the holiday vibes got to me! This morning it’s a bit cooler, I’m going to try to stick to my diet plan today and go for a run. And not drink tonight (which will be hard as there is definitely half an open bottle in the fridge)

Morning

I weighed in at 9st 1 lb this morning which I’m happy about. So close to being in the 8s I suspect it’s loss of blood due to being eaten alive by insects. I will look for some collagen it sounds like it’s worth it.

@thenewaveragebear1983 i can’t imagine running in this heat! My exercise has gone to pot apart from steps as having been away and the heat. I would probably go the other way if I was going to a gym
with aircon

@Chocolatecoffeecup congrats on the small loss

@CarelessWimper I did 9km, it was very hot, but for the first time in my life I ran in just my sports bra and shorts 🙀

i have ordered some collagen and will look for some firming cream when I pop into town today.

I haven’t felt very well the last few days, combination of heat and period I think I’m possibly a bit dehydrated too, have avoided the scales as feel quite bloated.

well done to everyone, am always impressed by anyone that runs!

Thanks @CarelessWimper I'm really pleased with my progress as I feel healthier, I look slimmer and in better shape and I feel like I've done it in a way that's sustainable as I'm just eating less sugary stuff and eating more salad and veg but not actually overly restricting myself.

@ApricotRow I got like that the other day. Water and salty crisps helped!