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’ve managed to drop almost 1stone since Christmas but my mum tum is still hanging on for dear life!! I need to up exercise but struggling to find the time!

I've never tried cauliflower rice @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain Did you roast it? I did air fryer cauliflower recently and that was nice. It was covered in flour or potato starch so not sure how healthy but it was a tasty way to have veg.

I'm struggling with my mum tum too @Farmwifefarmlife I have some ab separation. Could it be that? Well done on losing a stone. That's really good!

Not done it yet. Sainsburys used to sell it but stopped. Iceland sell it but wasn’t there when I looked.

I will try it air fried when I get a new air fryer as mine just died.

In my experience the best way to do cauliflower rice is to grate it or use a food processor. Lightly fry until soft. I quite like it actually.

re: Patreon diet group @Chocolatecoffeecup, 🤔 I guess it depends on your group. I’m in Victoria’s team, I find her annoying. And there’s 3 or 4 in my group on mounjaro and I find them annoying too (but I’m sure they’re probably perfectly nice people) - but I still pay it because I like the weekly weigh in and the extra episodes

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain Oh no hope you manage to replace it soon. We use our air fryer most days!

@thenewaveragebear1983 I might have to give cauliflower rice a go! I remember when courgetti first became a think and we used to have that a lot but we haven't made it for years. I might go back to that as well as we have a bolognese every ten days or so...

I may give the Patreon a go too as I do like their episodes too and I wonder if it will give me more motivation to have to do the weigh ins but I suppose it does depend on the group you're in! I've been thinking about it for a while so I'm tempted but just seen it's actually £12 with VAT which seems less reasonable than £10!

In fairness this is quite a nice, supportive group so maybe I don't need another! 🤗

Sainsbury’s do a broccoli and cauliflower rice, it’s 60% of one and 40% of the other: very clean ingredients and super low calorie plus half a pack contributes to your one a day. I’ve just recently discovered it and stocked up on it on my recent shop there.

I tried the cauliflower rice thing once and left it at that.

@Farmwifefarmlife congratulations a stone is a great loss! I know what you mean about time to exercise. I have been thinking about getting some weights for my ankles or wrists for when I am waking the dog.

I took the scales with us to visit the in laws, they would not be impressed so I’m having to stealth weigh in 😂 Frustratingly, despite my effort to include them, I STS on every measurement my scales do. Despite the long drive I still managed 15k steps so very pleased with that.

Whilst we were packing, we both tried on a few bits in our wardrobe and surprisingly everything fitted and it’s become obvious that we both keep all our biggest clothes as a just in case safety net. These need to go, so when we get back, it’s time for a clear out and working out what we need to replace them. I have 4 hoodies that are very old with holes and god knows how many old t shirts and jumpers that need to be recycled as well. I am still hoping to loose more so I don’t want to be spending a fortune but hopefully by having better fitting clothing without holes I will feel better in myself.

Morning all, happy bank holiday. I have really really really got to be on track now for the next few weeks until I go away. I have nothing in the diary and I really need to just stop dithering around and do it!!

I’m hungover after drinking wine in the sun yesterday, and eating pub food (although I did run a half marathon, and actually didn’t eat that much, had 4 glasses of wine though. But I did also have soda water 🤷‍♀️ it’s probably just bloat / Doms- my legs are really aching today) Today I am going to slowly do jobs and gardening. I am supposed to have bootcamp this afternoon but I may not go.

food- I quite fancy eggs and we have loads so I will walk the dog then do some scrambled eggs I think as brunch. Tonight I think we have some chicken but not exactly sure what I’m doing yet.

I'll look out for that @Theotterside

@CarelessWimper I love the image of you weighing in secret at your in laws 😁

@thenewaveragebear1983 I don't think you've done too badly at all especially considering you'll have burned some fuel with the run!

We took the dc to a local zoo this afternoon so I had scrambled eggs on toast with homemade hash browns as a brunch so I wouldn't want to buy crap expensive food there which worked. I did have an ice cream but I don't feel too badly about that. DH bought a burger there so I've just had a burger with cheese and onion and some honour which isn't great but isn't too bad. I do want something sweet now!

I also need to get back on it now. I'm probably less strict on a weekend

BTW @thenewaveragebear1983 I joined the Patreon last night as we were talking about it. I'm in one of Jo's groups but there are only 3 other people in it and none of them have even read the message I put on at about 2pm. Jo said she'll move me if no one responds by tomorrow!

I had gained at weigh in this morning but I am stiff as a board with doms so probably a lot of water retention. I am absolutely determined to have a really good few weeks, lots of water, veg, protein, keep up my exercise, get better sleep and no alcohol.

@Chocolatecoffeecup I think some of the groups are quite quiet. Ours was merged with another group that was also quiet, but there’s still only 6 who contribute. Victoria posts every day to be fair but usually a food picture and the same message on every thread I’d imagine. She doesn’t often comment on the members contributions. <i realise no one on this thread has a clue what I am talking about 🤣 > but it does give me somewhere to post my weigh ins for a bit of accountability and I do like the extra content on the pods.

Morning all,

@thenewaveragebear1983 I hope the DOMs are gone today and a half marathon is a fantastic achievement!

It is hard when you aren’t at home. We had sandwiches for lunch yesterday and dinner was with oven chips so loads of carbs. I don’t really feel like I can take over too much and to be fair, DH was doing plumbing jobs for them in the kitchen so it was hard. Better options than a takeaway though.

The scales have rewarded me for their holiday and I have had a small drop from 9st 12.8lb to 9st 12.4lb so I am happy for that. I did 13.5k steps and spent most of the day helping or on Vinted.

Oh that rice sounds good @Theottersidei will check that out. I mean obvs not as good as a nice bork of egg fried but needs must!
I wondered about ankle weights for work @CarelessWimper. Do they make lots of difference do we think?
well done in your half marathon @thenewaveragebear1983I can’t even run round the corner so I’m always in awe of people that can run a long way.
I had a cheat afternoon on Sunday where I had a few drinks (Hugo spritz), a bowl of ice cream and a fish finger sandwich. Better yesterday until DH bought meca fancy cake back from a food fair which I had after dinner. Was at work all day and walked a lot so probably over defecit but not by much. Back to it today properly-have two eggs for breakfast, salmon salad for lunch, chicken and grilled veg for tea and satsumas for snacks. Work (with a very active co farmer to look after-I’m an outdoor therapist on a care farm-we will easily do 15 k steps) and then reformer Pilates (which I will walk to and back-another 2 miles round trip). So if I stick to that it will be a decent day. I’m in the progesterone two weeks of my HRT which makes me retain weight or water like no one’s business so next week when that’s over I’m hoping to see some results.
have a good day all

Morning all

Huge congratulations to all our runners - I am not a natural runner so am always impressed by those who have the endurance.

Some consistent losses too - well done all.

I haven't done so well over the bank holiday but despite that have braved the scales this morning and my starting weight is 10st 6.3lb. Goal is 9st 10lb so just over 10lbs to go. Crossing my fingers there will be some water weight from the sugar and alcohol to come off in the next day or two to give me an initial boost...

Plan is baby steps rather than hardcore so going to start using my Nutracheck diary to record everything foodwise and swap one dog walk every other day for a Heather Robertson resistance workout.

Like @thenewaveragebear1983 I still have DOMS from a couple of days ago so have decided every other day is the way to go for the moment.

Contemplating dropping alcohol for a bit but I have a number of social things this month so am a bit undecided...I don't usually drink during the week (unless out) so might just stop the weekend alcohol at home to begin with then see how I go. I was a bit shocked when a PP mentioned that a couple of bottles of wine over the weekend was a day's worth of diet calories - quite a sobering thought, literally.

Hoping I can stick to some cleaner eating for the first time this year 😊

Morning all, I typed a reply yesterday and clearly haven't sent it.

Hope everyone's ok on this Tuesday with a Monday feel!

I weighed myself this morning and weight 0.2 of a lb less than I did on Friday. I'd be happy with losing a lb this week so let's see. I've got a work event today so not sure what I'll be doing food and drink wise so that's not ideal.

I was feeling determined yesterday but after a poor night's sleep and knowing I have long day today I am already craving a sugary breakfast. Send help.

@Chocolatecoffeecup Getting through the weekend with a loss is a massive achievement - you are doing great.

Lack of sleep is bad news for dieting, stay strong and think of how much better you'll feel at the end of the day if you've not deviated too far from plan. You should be able to get a small sugary treat in somewhere without breaking the calorie bank too do you think?

You've got this 🙂

@bigdecisionstomake Thank you for the positivity! I was thinking of it more as a STS because it's so marginal but I do need to get on track now. It's not even the sweet treats. I'm thinking about a calorific lunch because I have an event later and have no idea if food will be provided or when I will next eat.

As I'm doing a step challenge I may try to walk up and down the stairs a few times (I'm in the office). I used to do this when I wanted to up my steps... Clutching at straws...

Have you decided whether to drop the alcohol? I drink so little it wouldn't make a big difference for me. If only I could drop sugar...

Hello! Can I join? I’m 43 and 5’1 and I’ve been at it since the first week of March

I’m about 9st 6 at the moment down from 9st 11 or 12 but refusing to weigh in until my period is out of the way as it’s always a heavier week!

No loss. Need to cook the cauliflower and I found some quinoa. Pity the quinoa isn’t that nice. Had salad with potato salad and boiled eggs for lunch and dates for snack.

@thislittlebird welcome! Being the nosy person that I am, do you have a goal weight and want to share it?

@piscofrisco i haven’t taken my own advice about the hand weights yet but I should. I tend to take a rucksack with a water bottle instead. I think it helps my core and will burn a few extra calories but carrying around more weight will burn more calories but I don’t know about effort and uncomfortableness Vs reward.

@bigdecisionstomake i hope you get a good loss today. If you don’t want to give up the booze entirely could you have clear spirits and diet mixers? I do find giving it up makes a big difference, particularly as I’m terrible at just one so then there is the food that the drunk judgement lets you eat. Being sober, means I stay disciplined and stick to saying no, or carrot sticks. Alcohol also messes with your sleep. God I sound fun!

@Chocolatecoffeecup i hope you did ok being sleep deprived and the food was ok at your event. Having no control over food options is so hard especially if you are picking the least worst option that you don’t even like to be polite and it’s not even worth the calories. DH goes to works buffets every now and then in different work places and whomever hosts, organises the buffet and most of them are what he calls beige buffets with no hint of even lettuce or brown bread so he refuses to eat them. I know we can’t all do that.

I had a very good result on the scales 9st 11.2lb so I’m super happy today and have lost 1.2lb 🥳

I did 15k steps yesterday and did a leg day work out featuring some 5kg weights I snuck in and a Lottie Murphy Pilates workout for inner thighs. I saw her workouts recommended on here somewhere. I had a bad nights sleep which is never great. I also ordered two new items off Vinted.

Morning all

@Chocolatecoffeecup In my book 0.2lb is a loss and over a bank holiday weekend especially is to be celebrated as I would almost certainly have a gain 😳Hope the rest of your day yesterday went well. I am undecided on the alcohol front - my resolve was strong yesterday but I got a message last night to remind me I'm out with two friends at the pub tonight (had totally forgotten with everything going on) and our routine is to share a bottle of wine between the three of us. On the flip side it is DFIL's funeral tomorrow so I don't need to have any sort of wine fog going on so that's a good reason to abstain.

Alcohol has become my nemesis over the last few months. We've had a lot going on and I've gone from drinking a bottle of wine split over three nights at the weekend to easily drinking two bottles a week which I know is too much. It has been my escape from stress but also I suspect the cause of several of the excess pounds I'm carrying.

I know I need to get a grip on it and @CarelessWimper suggested stopping for a month to give me a kick start with my weight loss on a previous thread and it really helped. Whilst I don't want to give up altogether I do think a period of abstention would be good from a health and weight point of view.

I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow...

I was mostly good yesterday, apart from a small marshmallow snackcident. The result is a loss of half a pound to take me to 10st 5.8lb this morning. My rational head knows this is just water from no alcohol and sugar but my irrational head is spurred on by this 😆

Great progress so far @thislittlebird - well done!

I find quinoa difficult to make flavoursome too @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain but I have a vegan friend who makes it delicious so it can be done.

@CarelessWimper whoop whoop for continuing the downward trend, you're doing amazingly well. I'm a wine drinker at heart so I think I may go for abstention for a bit rather than switch to spirits. You're also so right about the affects on sleep. I think I'm going to give abstention a go for a bit but watch this space as I may fall straight off the wagon tonight 😫

Have good days all.

Hi @thislittlebird and welcome

I'm a similar weight to you - 9 stone 7 - and looking to get to around 9.

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain Sounds pretty nutritious

@CarelessWimper Well done on your loss!

I didn't make the most healthy choices yesterday but I didn't eat much overall. I had a pain au chocolate for breakfast which is a bit of a comfort food and I used to have them every day which is not good. I knew it would be a long day so treated myself. For lunch I had my favourite Thai chicken and noodles which is under 600 cals (thought it would be more!) and then at the event there wasn't really any food and I didn't get home until after 9.30. I had some salted honey nuts in my bag so ate those at about 4pm (40g) and then on the train home I had a hot chocolate. Not the most healthy choices but I don't think I ate much volume or calories wise.

@bigdecisionstomakeI absolutely know I should give up booze. I don’t drink in the week at all, but I absolutely love a few drinks at the weekend. I would miss it terribly. It increasingly makes me feel awful afterwards however and I’m very sure it’s what stops me losing consistently. It seems so bloody unfair!

Excellent result @CarelessWimper. I carried a bucket of stones (long story) for about 2 miles yesterday at work and was noticeably more tired than when I do the same walk without stones, so I think there might be something in weights whilst walking. Maybe not so extreme as a bucket full of rocks however! I felt like a contestant in worlds strongest man by the end.

I had a better day on the food yesterday and in fact wasn’t even that hungry, plus work (18 000 steps and a walk to reformer Pilates and back).
Woken up starving this morning however.

noticed our Sausage Dog is looking a bit chubby last night (the thing is like a gannet and eats everything he can find). So he is getting a long walk this morning (my day off) and as a result so am I!
have a good day all :)

I didn't sleep well again as my youngest dc (4) got into my bed when I got home and I realised at about midnight he'd wet the bed. I think DH didn't take him to the loo as he doesn't do that so I had to get up and take the sheets off.. I don't drink coffee so being tired makes me want sugar...