Time to change but need help!

Hi everyone. I'm in my late 30s and really quite fat
I've just been feeling worse and worse about myself lately and something happened the other day that just spun me around and I've got up with the will to really do something about my weight.

I haven't been on the scales for months but must weigh around 220 -230lbs judging from the size clothes I'm having to buy (20-22 UK size) and I just feel awful about how I look. Every time there is a social event (that I should be enjoying because I like going out and dancing and being with people), I dread finding something to wear. Or I buy something new and feel great in it until I catch a glimpse of my reflection and think "who am I kidding"...

It's now at the stage where it is affecting my confidence at work and with clients - I've recently moved to a new location and have the opportunity to really make a splash in my career, but I need to be full of confidence to do it.

The problem was every time I felt rubbish, I'd go and eat to feel better. :sigh: Obviously this isn't working for me as a solution! A few years ago I lost 60lbs and got down to 180lbs so I know I can do it and I know I look GREAT when I do but after an injury I couldn't exercise for nearly 2 years and have piled it all back on again. I look with longing at the lovely clothes I wore as a size 14 and how confident I was. For me, the main thing is a) my mindset b) determination/motivation c) support of others.

So what's happened? Well completely out of the blue, I ended up talking at the works Christmas drinks with someone I'd always quite liked from afar and he told me that he thought I had a lovely smile that lights up my face - that he shouldn't say it but he was just going to throw it there and see what happens.

Needless to say I was gobsmacked It's been so long since someone chatted me up or paid me a compliment like that. We were interrupted by others but his parting words were "I have to go before I do something...that smile of yours is killing me" (he's quite a serious guy - not a flirty tease at all). It was the push I needed to get going and make the outside match how I am on the inside - flirty, fun, outgoing, friendly, dancing, sporty, up for a laugh. And then when I'm happy with me, we'll see if it's got me anywhere with him

For the first time in a long time I feel strong enough to do this. I thought - why wait until after Christmas? And all of a sudden food doesn't seem to have the hold over me - I can suddenly take it or leave it. I haven't eaten chocolate or crisps or junky snacks since the "compliment bombshell".

So the plan is to cut down on how much I eat, try not to mix high GI foods/carbs with proteins and get back to running again. I'm going to see if I can build up to running 5k on my treatmill then build up to 5k a couple of times a week and go from there.

I would really really appreciate support and encouragement as it will make all the difference and I'd love to get to know people here on the board and help you on your weight loss journeys as well.

bluehere

hi blue

I TOTALLY get where you are coming from. It was a man that totally spurred me on to lose 3 stone. Literally woke up in March and was like, I want to be slim! The motivation lasted right to now where I've recently had a bit of a wobble but seem to be refocused - well at least for today.

I have to say the first step for me was getting on the scales and dealing with that number, but at least I had a start point. Then getting into a habit with exercise.

It's awesome that you've made a start over Christmas, although I'm sure you'll enjoy Christmas day like the rest of us

Good luck - hopefully you'll be out of the 200s soon x

Thansk Blondcat! And congrats on your awesome weight loss so far. You are right, I need to get on the scales...today will be the day! I've just been mentally avoiding it. I already know its going to be bad given the amount of work suits I've had to pack away as they are too small! (I have a work wardrobe in size 14, 16, 18 and now 20....sigh...). Motivation is everything - even if it doesn't turn out to be anything with this guy, I'm going to take that feeling and turn it into a really positive change

Yesterday was ok foodwise - not the best in terms of WHAT I ate but far less than I normally would have eaten:

flash-griddled steak (no fat, no oil) with one small white roll (600 cals)
2 x M&S teacakes (75 cals each and my only concession to christmas!)
glass of fresh pure pineapple juice (140 cals)
glass of fresh cranberry / apple juice (120 cals)
1/2 of my daughters chicken breast (150 cals?)
M&S good for you flatbread - chicken and pesto (about 300 cals I think)

so around 1500 cals for the day. I know I can massively improve on what I'm chosing to eat (that'll probably come after Christmas to be honest) but that is literally half of what I'd usually eat so will help to keep weight down / coming off until after Christmas when being much stricter will be easier.

On the plus side, it's been a week now since I started and already my jeans are feeling looser. The good thing about being SO overweight is that the lbs do tumble off to start with!!

Oh dear
Worse than I thought - 242lbs on the scales this morning.

Right. Here's the plan and the mini goals:

236 by 5 jan
232 by 19 jan
228 by 2 feb (1 stone down)
224 by 16 feb
218 by 2 March
214 by 16 March(2 stone down)
210 by 30 March
204 by end of April
198 by end of May(3 stone down)
192 by end of June
186 by end of July
180 by end of August - target (for now!)

bluehere said:

Oh dear Worse than I thought - 240lbs on the scales this morning. Right. Here's the plan and the mini goals: 236 by 5 jan 232 by 19 jan 228 by 2 feb 224 by 16 feb (1 stone down) 218 by 2 March 214 by 16 March 210 by 30 March (2 stone down) 204 by end of April 198 by end of May 192 by end of June (3 stone down) 186 by end of July 180 by end of August - target (for now!)

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But at least you know, well done.

I'm sat here eating chocolate FFS!!!

Well done on stepping on the dreaded scale. I was 249lbs :cry:and four months down the road I'm 205 (still a long way to go) It can be done with the right mind set and you sound like the 'switch' has definitely flipped on.

Good luck on your journey.... you can DO it.

Happy Christmas

Tracy

Well done for stepping on the scales.
i wasn't brave enough to do it at home so I joined slimming world and got weighed at group.

its good to have a starting point and it sounds like you have a plan.

go for it!

Thanks guys!!

AnotherTracy - down to 205 in 4 months sounds like a pretty inspirational number to me!! Well done! I'd take 205 in 4 months in a heartbeat!

Mamacamdoit - thanks for your post too! I really like the quote in your signature - it's absolutely right...small steps!

So I'm 241 at the moment which considering it's been Christmas, I'm ok with. It's also that time of the month and I remember last time I was lb counting, I'd go up by 4lb or so every month at this time. I was really good over Christmas - very little chocolate or snacking, only one serving of Christmas dinner. Enough to enjoy the few days but not go over board at all. I'm probably averaging 1000-1200 calories per day at the moment so expect the weight to start falling off me in the next two weeks. I've also been ill with flu so not been able to get running on the treadmill which I've found frustrating but in the next couple of days I should be good to go.

Things I'm looking forward to:
- getting new suits out of the attic (bought when I was a smaller size but never worn)
- fitting into my size 16 motorbike leathers
- asking him from work out to dinner (going to if I lose 3 stone!)
- going back to my old judo club (if I lose 4 stone...)

So im still feeling motivated!

Another Tracy said:

Well done on stepping on the dreaded scale. I was 249lbs :cry:and four months down the road I'm 205 (still a long way to go) It can be done with the right mind set and you sound like the 'switch' has definitely flipped on.

Good luck on your journey.... you can DO it.

Happy Christmas

Tracy

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Tracy that's an excellent effort - WELL DONE!! Nearly in the 100s and not the 200s

Sounds like you're in the zone blue. I got back on the case yesterday and feeling better already. Although absolutely dreading the scales I can tell you!!

Hey guys, hope you all had a great New Years! I had a couple of drinks and a little bit of chocolate but nothing mad - certainly not over 2000 calories so not a blow out!

I'm still in the zone.
On the scales this morning - 238lbs! A 2-3lbs loss which I am happy with ESPECIALLY given the time of year!

I've also got to the point where being hungry isn't the end of the world - I don't immediately think oh my goodness I have to eat something...I can just ignore it and the feeling goes away.

Now my cough is getting better, the next step is to get on the treadmill. Maybe walking today but running tomorrow!

23/12/2014 - started at 241lbs
2/1/2015 - 238lbs (3lbs loss)

woo hoo! sounds like you're in a good place. Well done on the loss that is EXCELLENT!!

Morning!

Thanks Blondcat - your cheering me on means a lot! SO big THANKS!

A good day yesterday - I ate:
toasted bagel for breakfast (230 cals)
chicken and salad sandwich (254 cals)
small piece of roasted chicken (200 cals)
2 slices of cheddar cheese (180 cals)
toasted tea cake (170 cals)

Just over 1000 calories for the day. I'd usually eat more fruit and veg but I also had my teeth whitened so nothing with any colour in it for 24 hours!

All worth it though - with my teeth done and my new haircut / highlights, I feel great!! As well as already having lost a few lbs. Not had any chocolate / crisps since New Year's Eve...

Weighed myself this morning (3rd Jan) and 237lbs so another lb gone! Not far to that half stone mark now... I'm really chuffed with having lost 4lbs over the most tempting days of the year - bodes well for will power going forward! I'm determined to fit in those slimmer suits and look great at work before our next social outing. DETERMINED.

23/12/2014 - started at 241lbs
3/1/2015 - 237lbs (4lbs loss)

So feeling good and looking good!

Some of my next sale order arrived today and the size 22 jumper was WAY too big...the size 20 was baggy...I know it's not representative of all of their clothing lol cos my size 20 suit from Next is still a bit too tight. But, however, it was a nice positive - to try on clothes and not feel dejected that they are too small.. I got to find little victories every day LOL!

Yesterday was a bit more challenging as I went out to dinner - had a bread roll, a grilled chicken breast with a small pot of Bearnaise sauce and it came with chips but I couldn't eat more than a few of them - just didn't feel like it. Then almost ordered pudding but again, could take it or leave it so had a decaf latte instead.

Today back on the straight and narrow though:
toasted bagel (230 cals)
toasted tea cake (170 cals)
1/2 weight watchers crustless quiche and some sliced ham (120 + 315 cals)

835 calories so far and I might have some vegetables tonight before bed. Not feeling like I need to immediately eat a horse either.

Oh and 237lbs on the scales this morning rather than 237.8lbs like yesterday - so I'm guessing I'm going to be on target for 236 tomorrow (I won't have access to a scale until Friday now). I'm also being brave and taking my running gear with me for the week (I work away Mon-Fri)...let's see how much I can get done...
Cheerio for now from me!

hi blue.... Here to sub, well done on your losses xx

THanks Blubex - your stats are really inspiring - I'm 4 months behind you (and 20lb heavier) but jeepers look what you've achieved in 4 months!! So impressed!! I bet you feel fantastic!

so, finished off today with some cauliflower cheese (320 cals) and a packet of plain cooked prawns (130 cals) leaving me at 1285 cals for the day. Again half of what I was eating up until recently so should keep the weight coming off!

First week back at work tomorrow so that will be interesting to see how I keep to things. There is a pretty good salad bar though and I'm right in the centre of the city so spoilt for choice.

Also had a great long phone chat with my bestie who had separately came to the conclusion that she was going to do something about her weight - she's probably around 22 stone so will have a long way to go and need a lot of support but it's nice that we are both in the same frame of mind at the same time.

I've started and failed so many times in the past as I wasn't in the right place to do it. ... This time I've stayed focused and not given up when I've stumbled, you can deffo do it, just remember what your final goal is and keep reminding yourself of that.

This Christmas has been amazing for me, felt great, was able to resist a lot of the naughties but really appreciate the treats that i did have. ... and seeing people I'd not seen for a whole who told me how fantastic I looked was a real boost

I find the weeks when I'm working far easier than weekends. ... Just make a plan and stick to it x

Hey Becky - you are right - it's all in the mindset. I hardly had any chocolate over Christmas - I just didn't fancy it whereas normally I'd be craving it like mad. I can't explain why, I just feel different this time around - it IS going to happen. I don't want to eat any more.


Good day today
Toasted bagel - 230 cals
Carrot soup - 150 cals
Small bread roll - 120 cals
4 slices of beef - 116 cals
Slice of cheese - 110 cals
4 dishes at yo sushi (chicken, salmon sashimi, aubergine salad and guide), left half the chicken as wasn't even hungry - 460 cals (love yo sushis calories on the menu - so useful)
3 cups of tea - 30 cals

1216 cals over all which I am pretty pleased with (especially being at work all day and no snacking!! Drank loads of water though).

I also took back some trousers I bought before Xmas (they're were tight when I bought them) as I don't think they will fit for long given they are not tight any more!

Now going to but a set of scales for my work apartment to keep the motivation up during the week.

Oh and I've also walked 6 km today - walked to a ration further away and then to the shopping centre rather than take a bus. iPhone app says I've burnt like 400 calories but I'm not counting it like I can go eat extra food!

The guy is back from holidays tomorrow at work so I'm going to struggle to concentrate lol!!

Does this sound right? Walked for an hour and thirty mins, 7.5km covered (some up and down hill) and Map My Walk reakons I've burnt over 600 cals...

blubex said:

I've started and failed so many times in the past as I wasn't in the right place to do it. ... This time I've stayed focused and not given up when I've stumbled, you can deffo do it, just remember what your final goal is and keep reminding yourself of that. This Christmas has been amazing for me, felt great, was able to resist a lot of the naughties but really appreciate the treats that i did have. ... and seeing people I'd not seen for a whole who told me how fantastic I looked was a real boost I find the weeks when I'm working far easier than weekends. ... Just make a plan and stick to it x

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I'm exactly the same Bex, I could eat 2 days at 500 calories on mon and tues, weds, thurs, fri at 1000. I'd also exercise 1000 calories per day mon-fri. Then 3500 each on sat and Sunday with zero exercise on either day. Ridiculous behaviour. Most of the time totally driven by sugar binges. Never even enjoyed the food.

So decided to cut out all sugar in January. This past weekend was the first perfect weekend I've ever had. Had some gorgeous food, felt inspired to exercise as knew it wouldn't be undone by rubbish food. This was Saturday and Sunday brunch after my work out