Hi all

I have got over 5 stone to lose but seem to have reached a time in my life when I feel "ready to face my demons" reading Janes letter was like reading something I could have written myself and I am fed up with it but I always seem to turn to booze and food when I'm bored,stressed,upset,angry etc etc any excuse, but have been taking a good honest look at myself and have finally realised its time to stop hiding I'm not a bad person I'm as good as anyone else and deserve to look after myself.

So lets go for it

Maria

Ok

I'm going to be honest here. I haven't got 4 stone to lose - I actually need to lose 9 - that's very scarey. Scarey in how much??????!!!!! and Scarey in how the hell did I let it get to be so bad. I need to break this down and do a stone at a time. Its going to take time (wish it took just as long to put it on!! ) Ok, I'm into day 3 of my diet and doing ok thanks - refused the biscuits when they were passed around today been sticking to water for drinks - had one coffee - avoiding it as I need sugar in it. I'm feeling ok and not really feeling hungry - but have taken 4 pieces of fruit in with me to work - they didn't do much work so I ate them!!!!

How is everyone else getting on?

Sam xxx

Today I'd been looking forward to my new hearing aid. It was going to make life so much better When it arrived, I couldn't get it to work

I was so disappointed, I could easily have gone to the pub and drowned my sorrows. Then tomorrow I'd have been fed up with myself (and felt rotten) - and I'd have gone to the pub again. The day after, I'd have felt even worse. And so on.

But I didn't go. And I got my hearing aid to work. And you've all helped.

Thanks

Mike

hi again..

reading some of your posts...makes me want to cry..or at the very least ...EMOTIONAL!.(ALMOST MAKES ME DIVE FOR THE CHOCOLATE!..JUST KIDDING!)..and heart warming to know there are people out there who are in the same boat..and also that you are supportive and encouraging each other..we're all starngers but connected..?!. facing the same doubts and fears..fears about our ability to succeed..daunted by how much weight it seems to be..we just have to keep focused on our goals..and not be to harsh on ourselves if we falter...i think the main thing is to remember is.. THE MORE YOU STICK TO A HEALTHY DIET AND LIFESTYLE THE EASIER IT WILL GET>>remember its early days!!...ONCE YOU ARE IN GOOD BLOOD SUGAR (in my case going for the low glycaemic index choices..)AND EATING HEALTHYLY THE EASIER IT WILL GET TO MAKE THE HEALTHIER CHOICE..I KNOW BECAUSE I'VE DONE IT B4!!.when i'm eating healthily..and exercising i feel calmer and more positive...and more optimistic....each time we stick to our guns the more we'll feel better about ourselves..so keep going sam..just remember other people have done it so can you...remember michelle mcmanus who won pop idol.?..she lost 9 stone!!...using the elimination diet...by dax moy...(her personal trainer(google it)...the thing is never give up trying...and well done mike ... its like the ad...just say no!!...

any ideas yet for a name of a group anyone?

Hi,

I have 4 stsone to lose as well and it really scares me, I tend to be very lazy. I am hoping to lose it at least by the summer so I think any motivation, help and supoort I can get or provide will be quite useful.

Yes we can do this.

Sha

Hi everyone have just read all the posts and am so grateful this thread has been started as it is me. I want to lose 4 stone. Have set myself the initial target of 2 stone by September, to be honest I will be really pleased to do that and then keep going. Jane`s first post could have been written by me. Thank you for your honesty.

Being honest with oneself is vital. Getting support from people around you is too.

I am taking it a day at a time, no point in setting ourselves up to fail and then feeling guilty. Walking for 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week. Am finding the tracking graphs a help I like to be able to see how I am doing.

Good luck to us all..........we can get there

Hi, just read a few of the messages. I've also been struggling with my weight for some time and am ashamed to say that I now need to loose almost 10 stone so can really relate to you Sam. I've just finished the last of the Christmas rubbish (how stupid am I!!!) but now starting today - look forward to talking to you all

Pat

I finished off the xmas stuff before i started too. Just not to throw it out and to know there is nothing lurking in the cupboard that will tempt me. Work is the hardest though with biscuits constantly on offer and there is a big birthday next week when there will be cakes - I've actually asked if they would get me some fruit - as its my boss (her 50th) she has agreed! Phew. Glad someone is similar to me Pat - stay in touch lets try and do this together?

Sam x

Have we had a good day today?

I had cereal for breakfast, a sandwich and carrotts for lunch, and soup for my evening meal. I have just run a Scout meeting, including joining in the games, and I must have burned off a few calories there too.

I don't feel hungry right now, and I've really got the bit between my teeth. I want 1 1/2 stone off by Easter, then I am aiming for 1 lb per week on average, to keep me dropping till Christmas when I want to have reached somewhere near my target weight.

Keep telling us your days, your triumphs, hell even tell us your guilty moments, because we'll all have them - its easier when you know someone else has them too, but was able to get back on the 'wagon'.

Thanks for sharing folks, its going to make it easier for us all if we work together!

Paul.

Hey I want to lose about 2stone by June, but I'm finding it really hard to stay motivated and being a student have a really hectic and random timetable so end up eating at wierd times, any advice to stay motivated?
Thanks to Jane for starting this post-very honest and inspiring.

Thanks for such an honest posting, Jane. Along with others on this posting, it echoes my own thoughts and feelings exactly - I've just been finding it difficult to be quite so honest with myself, let alone others.

I started my diet last Saturday, so have managed an entire week (miraculous for me!) and have five and a half stone to lose. My diet was kickstarted by a new doctor at my surgery. I have high blood pressure and had to see the doctor to get another repeat prescription. He decided I needed a 'motivational chat!' 35 minutes later, I found myself sitting back in my car sobbing. Whilst I hated him at the time, I should really be thanking him for holding a mirror up to my predicament and getting me going.

I have found reading all the comments on here so touching and inspiring and I am determined to succeed. Good luck everybody. Deb

Hi all, just read the latest threads n have a suggestion for a group name. I agree that it should be a positive name n since we want a group so we can offer support n seek support from others I thought what about ...

The Motivators

As we will be motivating each other n also as a reference to Mr Motivitor!

Any way just a suggestion

Hi Jane
I have more than 4 stones to lose, but I don't think I'll ever look good in a bikini (very few men do:wink. I'd like to echo what Paul said- thanks for starting this thread, I wasn't sure if the club woulkd be full of wannabe Twiggies trying to lose a couple of ounces.

Hi everyone

Really nice to see there are other people needing to lose the chub !

We started a 'Fat Club' at work this week and all had a very scary weigh-in. Despite the scales tipping the 'obese' category, I am very motivated and have a top tip. It involves maths so I hope you're concentrating !

To burn the most fat while exercising you need to keep your heart rate between 50-60% of its maximum.
So, minus your age from 220, then halve it, that's 50%.
If you go over this rate you'll still burn fat, but not as much as between the 50-60% rule. good eh !? Polar heart rate monitors are good and accurate.
My boyfriend met a man recently who lost 13.5 stone in a year following this rule, doing 5 hours exercise a week. Sounds a lot but REALLY worth it !

I have walked for 45 minutes on 5 days this week and definitely feel different, next weigh-in Wednesday so we'll see how it goes ! Judging by the gadget on here that has burned 265 calories a go. the good thing about being chubby is you burn calories faster than the skinny minnies !

Off to find some fruit now, good luck everyone

Sarah
x

Paul

How do you know you wouldn't look good in a bikini lol!!!!

Everyone seems very motivated. I did a sneaky weigh in this morning and it appears I've lost 8lb so far - official weigh in is tuesday so fingers crossed for then

Sam xx

Hi, Well done all of you (and me!) for getting on here and getting started.
I have over 4 stone to lose but like Lorna I'm targetting myself with a goal which feels more realistic to me personally (3.5 stone). I haven't dieted for over 10 years and so just to get out of the seriously obese bracket will give me a boost.
It will also be nice for me to wear a pretty dress on my 40th birthday rather than a large piece of material do it's damndest to wear me!

You do all seem very motivated - and so was I until last night...

I had an Indian take away last night it was wonderful!

Yeah NOW I realise why I got to this weight!

It's habit I have to change.

I'm eating and exercising enough to stabilise my weight but not to reduce it.

And I need support to achieve it.

I'm in the same boat; I want to lose 5 stone. I almost cry when I remember that I used to be a cross country champion and good squash player.

I've got discipline in every area of my life except food; working shifts and having a three year old disrupts my body and I'm avoiding the Dr who's determined to give me blood tests.

With a history of diabetes in the family I'm terrified of the results.

The life insurance brokers refused me cover due to my high blood pressure but I've fluctuated in weight but not kept it off constantly. I read about the craving comfort eaters suffer which perpetuates the cycle; you're miserable so you eat but eating just makes matters worse.

However, I'm now so sick of feeling miserable, of shirt collars being too tight, ill-fitting suits, no clothes my size in the sale, airplane seats not fitting comfortably that I'm taking up running again.

I bought a great book called Running made easy by Susie Whalley and it is very motivational, even for a 19 stone lard arse like me.

The one thing I have discovered is to set small, achievable goals; even the purchasing of running shoes and a stopwatch is good.

The running starts this week; I hope you all join me, mentally not physically.

Hi, just joined and I too have at least 4 stone to lose.
I'm 14 stone right now and 10 would be nice.....9 stone even better, but keeping my goals realistic. An underactive thyroid doesn't help either
Nice forum and lots of good talk up there ^

Hi Maz
I have an underactive thyroid too, isn't it frustrating ? Are you on a stable medication ? Mine has been steady for about 4 months, still get knackered days but generally ok if I get loads of sleep !
You can do it, I have 4 stone to lose too and this time I'm determined - too many clothes I can't get into.
Good luck !

Dear Jane Up and everyone else!

This is the first thread I have read, what lovely support you are all offering and Jane Up - step forward Miss wise and encouraging!

I think everyone finds what works for them and when you do find that bit of magic it will transform you, my turning point came from watching Oprah Winfrey! One of the guests said - You should be the example to the world of how you should be loved, because if you don't love yourself why should anyone else. So when the thought of going to the gym beckons andI feel too tired or I'm tempted to pour another glass of wine I remember this and try to be my own encouraging best friend! Well ok sometimes the wine wins!!

Good luck everyone!

Toria xx

Hi Jane and everyone else with 4 stone or more to lose. I know what it's like to always battle with weight, and to use food and especially alcohol as an emotional crutch. I have been known to cram chocolate biscuits down sitting on the loo so my family didn't see me. Or eat until I felt sick and then eat some more. Then we drink cos we're upset about being a lard arse then get the munchies and eat some more! TIME TO STOP! It's a viscious circle. We eat because we're unhappy then get more unhappy because we're fat. I always buzz when I'm exercising and losing weight so why oh why can't I stick to it once and for all? I'm 46 and hate to think of myself as obese. Hopefully with all this great support we can do it properly this year. i'm following the weight watchers core plan and using the ww forum.

HI I havent read all the posts as suffering from onset of flu!
I have got 3 stone 10 to lose so......its just getting my mind around it.
I know I will feel so chuffed when I have done it, its the doing it!........
Nice to have support thouggh

Hi everyone.
I am one of those people who stand on the outside and watch wishing they could join in. I am going to be brave and get involved.
So much of what everyone has said is true for me. I thought I was the only person who thought that way and who could self destruct so successfully.
It is great to read all your messages and hear all the support.
I lost about 3 stone a while a go but have never managed to get rid of the last 2. This year Iwill. Ihave stayed the same weight for 2 years, which is a novelty as I usually go up and up and....
I also take thyroxine I had my thyroid removed years ago.
I am 40 and figure if life begins at 40 then mine needs a kick up the ....
Here's to the new me talking on the web and finally achieving my aims.
Would love to hear your news good and perhaps the odd slip up after all it might happen

Hello to everyone on this forum. My story is so similar to many of you.

I have just turned 50 and have been on more diets than I care to mention. The only ones that have worked for me have been Slimming World and Weighwatchers, but as soon as I stop attending classes the weght goes back on again.

I have set my initial target at 3 stone but I really want to lose 4 stone.

I am sick of feeling unworthy all the time and that I don't count or matter.

I am sick of having a wardrobe of clothes most of which don't fit. Sometimes I buy clothes too small in the hope I'll slim into them but I never do, but I also don't feel comfortable with my real size.

I hope with the support of this forum I can finally make 2008 the year I finally feel comfortable with myself.

I have just joined, Jane, and your thread is the one that really appeals to me. Thanks for starting it. I also want to lose at four stone and appreciate the support I can get here.

My reasons for finally getting going are simple - I don't want to develop diabetes or heart disease, and I want to go swimming with my 4 yr old granddaughter.

I am hoping that when my husband sees the changes in me, he will start on his own weight loss programme.

Morning all

Lyndsay - I like your name for the group - The Motivators - what does anyone else think?

Gosh we seem to have the most posts - which is brilliant - what is so fantastic you begin to realise it isn't just you - that there are others who feel just like you - having people who understand what you are going through is a huge help. I have a friend who has always been slim - who when I last tried to diet told me if I lost weight I will start to look old and haggard - gee thanks!!!!! I don't think she meant to be unkind but it didn't help lol.

My new jeans are already starting to feel a little looser on me so I'm looking forward to jumping on the scales on tuesday.

We did have a chinese last night but I opted to have a soup as a starter and then had beef with ginger and spring onions with vegetable rice - as much as I would of loved the duck pancakes - I know just one of those is a big no no. And one is not enough!

Dieting doesn't mean a big no to foods we like but it is recognising trigger foods - ones we know if we have one we have to have it all - or finding a lower fat alternative - some low fat alternatives can taste just as good. Unless you only have 7lbs to lose, then this really does need to be a life long change to how we view food and exercise.

Some of us will succeed in this and some will fail - let's be the ones who succeed! Make 2008 your year!

Sam xxx ;)

Definitely think we should form a group as we all seem to coming form a similar place. Would be great to support each other. I too have 4 stine to lose and have battled with the emotional issues linked to food for as long as I can remember.
Can anyone suggest a good name? I agree with Jane, it needs to be positive as it's too easy to think of negatives - guess that's because of our poor self image!

Sorry about crap spelling folks

Hi
I am another one with much more than 4 stone to lose , but it is so encouraging to hear from people in the same situation - so often people featured in diet artices etc are already at a weight I dream of achieving, and I get discouraged before I start.
I live on my own and am a classic comfort eater, so I am hoping that this forum will help me keep disciplined.