Search results

  1. E

    Ainsley Harriott Thai Cous Cous

    Hi folks, I was wondering if anyone could tell me the syns for the Thai version of this cous cous? Slightly bigger than normal pack at 125g. Many thanks. :)
  2. E

    Extra Easy does anyone have a on going monthly problems that effects weight loss

    I can second this. I'm in menopause and over the last year, my previous 'normal' fluid retention pattern went completely haywire, leaving me weighing around 6lbs heavier than I actually was for most of the month. It would usually dissipate at a particular point in my cycle, if only for a couple...
  3. E

    Why are people so tactless?

    It's truly astonishing the way some people feel perfectly entitled to comment on someone else's weight. Next time someone does it to you, tell them you're solving your weight problem and ask them when they'll be tackling their rudeness problem. ;) Keep up the good work ladies, it's so...
  4. E

    Help with curry!

    Adding some red lentils to a curry at the start of cooking will help to thicken it, as they naturally soak up excess liquid. Makes a nice thick sauce.
  5. E

    Nakd Bars

    Hi everyone, does anyone know the syn value of these delicious vegan oaty-fruity-nutty bars? The ones I have are the Berry Cheeky and Cocoa Loco, they're 230/240 cals respectively so I'm assuming they'll be about 12 syns based on that, but just want to double check. Thanks!
  6. E

    Favourite soup recipes?

    Yes I'm sure you could use chorizo, it would go well with the fajita spice.
  7. E

    Favourite soup recipes?

    Chilli Lentil and Sausage soup: 200g red lentils 1 medium onion 1 carrot 1 red pepper 1 tin kidney beans 2-3 sausages 1/4 pint passata 2 vegetable stock cubes fajita spice to taste pinch of chilli powder Cover the lentils with cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes until...
  8. E

    why???

    A couple of tablespoons of red lentils added at the beginning of cooking will thicken up any curry. They naturally soak up excess water and turn mushy, so making a nice thick sauce.
  9. E

    Minerva's on a mission!!

    If that does turn out to be the case Min, the changes in your hormone levels will have played into your moods and emotions too, so it's definitely worth investigating further. I've gone into (earlyish) menopause and have found the emotional rollercoaster quite bewildering at times. I hadn't...
  10. E

    Green Days Can veggies really lose weight on SW?

    I lost almost 10st in 18 months doing purely Green Days, so it certainly can be done! I went vegetarian at the same time I started the SW plan, so carbs were a regular feature of my eating. However, I will say that I cut out white versions and stuck to wholewheat pasta and brown rice, and I was...
  11. E

    Minerva's on a mission!!

    You're very welcome hon, I'm glad to see you still writing and thinking and working on the things you feel a need to understand. This can be a very painful process, but I suspect you feel, like me, it would be infinitely worse to NOT think and try to articulate and understand. I'm far more...
  12. E

    Minerva's on a mission!!

    Min, I hope you continue to express whatever you feel in your journal without fear of being perceived as negative ... your previous journals have been enormously interesting and instructive to follow, precisely because you were so honest and thoughtful. This is a rare quality, you know, in a...
  13. E

    I think it's time...

    Hey Min! I just posted in your RTM thread a week or so ago, I was wondering how you've been. :) First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on getting a First with Distinction!! OMG! :D You are amazing, young lady, and don't you forget it. Life has thrown a great deal at you, and you've not just survived...
  14. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    Gosh, it's been a long time since I was round these parts, but I was thinking about you the other day Min and wondering how you're doing these days. I hope you're well and happy. Would be lovely to hear how things are going. :)
  15. E

    SW Vegetable Filo Tart?

    Hi ladies, haven't been around these parts for a while but I know you lot are brilliant with recipes! Two years ago when I'd only just started with SW, I made this lovely vegetable filo tart for Christmas Day (and lost 2.5lbs that week!), it was a recipe in the magazine as I recall, but I...
  16. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    Hi Min, fantastic to hear you're almost through that hard studying, you've done so well to cope with it on top of everything else you're dealing with. Well done! And yes, a little celebration will be called for in a few days. :D Completely with you on your experience of needing to keep away...
  17. E

    I DID IT!!! TARGET!!!!!

    Congratulations CP, fantastic news and you look gorgeous - not just because of your lovely figure, but because of the happiness shining out of your face. :) Well done, and I hope you do something special to celebrate - you've come a long way and it hasn't been easy at times, you deserve...
  18. E

    Extra Easy If you love bread and butter

    Butter is one of the few things I've missed since I went vegan, particularly for sandwiches. Recently though I've discovered how much I love humous! It makes a delicious substitute, and I believe the low fat kinds are even included on the Healthy Extra lists?
  19. E

    Vegan anyone?

    Hi hon, I went vegetarian when I started on the plan, and became a vegan 10 months ago. I've found it no problem at all, although I'm firmly a 'green day' girl, never tried doing a red. :D I think as long as you're remembering to fill up on lots of veg rather than relying all the time on rice...
  20. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    I actually identify very much with that Min, and I think it's an admirable quality in some ways - as someone who's suffered with depression myself, I know how alien the world of 'happiness' can seem when you feel locked out of it. I often used to feel like a child standing outside in the cold...
  21. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    Min, this spectrum of 'control' issues with food is a tough thing to resolve, but you've got a head start in the fact that you at least recognise the two sides of the coin - you know that whether you're bingeing or starving, either way you're still using food as a mechanism to deal with the...
  22. E

    Good old slimming world!!

    Oh glad to see you back, your diary was hilarious - will you be starting it up again? How have you been, how's your son? Good luck with the restart! :)
  23. E

    im 100% every day every week...so whats going on???

    Even with a lot of weight to lose, your body will eventually slow down a bit with the losses. You'll hit times when you do everything right and yet don't seem to lose much. Then you'll have a sudden drop down that doesn't seem to make much sense. There is a physiological reason for it, so just...
  24. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    Glad to see you're starting to sort it all out Min, dealing with the physiological aspect (the sugar/carb dependency in your case, with me it was sugar/refined fats) really helps with that - just allows your mind to clear so you can begin to see the real picture and know what you're dealing...
  25. E

    No baby movement 28 weeks

    Great news. I'll pass the midwife's comment on to my daughter, too. :)
  26. E

    On the way down !!!

    You've done extremely well in five months! You can definitely see a difference, and I bet you can feel it too. Well done. :)
  27. E

    No baby movement 28 weeks

    Hope everything is OK, best to put your mind at rest. My daughter is just coming up to 28 weeks and she said exactly the same thing to me on Tuesday, she hadn't felt her normally very active baby move for a day or so. Maybe it's something to do with the fact that they do most of their growing in...
  28. E

    confused

    I'm speaking as a middle-aged woman myself. I see a great deal of quite unnecessary cattiness from middle-aged women towards younger ones, particularly nice-looking ones with great figures, like Fern. I was on the receiving end of it myself when I was a pretty young woman with a great figure...
  29. E

    To everyone going it alone - bathroom scales?

    Yeah, I totally agree. It's the consistency of the scale that matters, ie that you're not getting readings that are all over the place. You need one that accurately calculates what you're losing, and the HoMedics scales are very consistent. :)
  30. E

    confused

    Hmm, I suspect the key phrase here is 'middle aged'. ;) Like I said, just someone trying to make herself feel good at the expense of a pretty young girl. You need to understand that this was nothing at all to do with you Fern, it's down to the insecurity of the person who insulted you...
  31. E

    Those important little realisations...

    I think one of the most important realisations for me is how much more 'myself' I am now that the weight is gone - I hadn't realised before how much of a defensive front I used to put on every single day, just to get me through. It's been interesting to remember who I really am, and reassuring...
  32. E

    confused

    Yep. I posted recently about witnessing an absolutely gorgeous young mum with a great figure being subjected to loud insults about her weight by a group of lads walking behind her. The problem lies with the people making the remarks, hon - they are insecure in their own ways, and threatened by a...
  33. E

    Would you still use chicken that flys have been on?

    Good. :D Sorry if this makes anyone ill, but the first thing flies do when they land on food is vomit on it - the acid breaks the food down and makes it easier for them to digest when they eat it. Ewww.
  34. E

    Please help

    One thing I've learned from my own experience is that you have to be mentally ready to change completely. That's what makes the difference between sticking with it and returning to your old ways. Permanent change is a scary thing. When you've been in a rut for a long time, dependent on certain...
  35. E

    To everyone going it alone - bathroom scales?

    I had to laugh at the last review on that Argos link - 'These scales weighed me at 2st 8lbs more than I know I am!!'. Yeah, I think there might be a bit of denial involved there. :D :D
  36. E

    To everyone going it alone - bathroom scales?

    I can second the recommendation for these - HoMedics scales are the most accurate/consistent ones I've had of all the scales I've owned over the years. I've posted this several times on the board, but it's worth repeating: the way to tell if a scale is accurate/consistent is to get on 20 times...
  37. E

    Childless through choice

    I made the same decision, and I was completely right to do so. I adored my daughter but I knew instinctively I would not cope with more than one child. I did worry about the 'only children are selfish/spoiled etc' thing, but then reasoned that it was down to me to make sure she wasn't! I loved...
  38. E

    comfort eating

    Comfort eating is something that takes time to leave behind, hon - it's not an easy thing to do when you've relied on food to make you feel better for a long time. Just do the best you can, get on with sorting your weight and changing your general eating habits, and in time you'll find you're...
  39. E

    Childless through choice

    Personally I have a lot of respect for people who actually think about whether they want children, are suited to parenthood etc ... that's being responsible and adult, not strange. But not many people actually think about it, most just do it because 'that's what you do, isn't it'. Far better...
  40. E

    Easiyo yoghurt.

    If you do a search there are several threads about Easiyo. It's good stuff. :)
  41. E

    What foods "hold" your weight?

    There's a lot of anecdotal evidence from the board that this is the case for some people. I have to say I've lost 10st eating virtually nothing but carbs! I love bread, pasta and rice, but I have the wholegrain versions rather than the white. I eat lots of potatoes too because they're cheap and...
  42. E

    I'm sad. SW is not going well at all for me

    Some good advice in these replies, but I just wanted to mention a couple of things that can account for staying around the same weight for a while despite following the plan. Firstly, rather than your body having reached a weight it wants to be, you might just be at a 'set point'. Research has...
  43. E

    I'm 12 stone something....

    Well done!! It's such a great feeling when you drop down into a weight bracket you haven't been in for years, I remember I was practically hysterical when I got into the 12s, dancing round the room like a mad thing! :D
  44. E

    Grrrrrrrr - struggling !!

    Jen, this is just a personal observation from my own experience, but I believe there is very much a physiological aspect to why it's difficult to get back on track when you've allowed more sugar and bad fats into your system than you would normally have. I honestly believe that this makes your...
  45. E

    Anyone remember when

    Might possibly be because you were taking in a somewhat higher percentage of fat than you are now .... it's very easy to have too little fat on the Green plan for instance, but surprisingly enough you need a certain amount of fat to burn fat! I wasn't getting a lot of fat for a while after I...
  46. E

    Vitamins and Supplements

    According to the research, supplements aren't anywhere near as helpful for weight loss as eating 3 portions of milk, yogurt or cheese a day. I've certainly lost weight at a good rate and am still doing so now even though I've already reached goal, but I think I just have a very efficient...
  47. E

    Vitamins and Supplements

    I work in a store that sells health foods and we're pretty cynical about the Acai Berry - have had several customers saying it hasn't made a bit of difference. The green tea is supposed to be good, though. I never took anything like that myself, but I do take a high-dose multivitamin and a...
  48. E

    Sharing my milestone :)

    Woohoo!! It's a fantastic achievement, congratulations! I hope you're going to treat yourself to a nice reward? :)
  49. E

    Mmmmm Refreshing!

    Red grapes are absolutely lush straight from the freezer. Had never heard of doing this till I started SW, but I never have them any other way now!
  50. E

    MIL strikes again but not long left with her

    Oh dear, I so sympathise with you in this situation. My daughter is almost 7 months pregnant, and has a not-always peaceful relationship with her partner's mum. She's a very dominant type who likes to try to control things, which drives my daughter mad as she's been brought up to be independent...
  51. E

    I feel helpless.

    Such great advice, you've said everything important. :) Judimac, re the depression - you know the signs to look out for, all of us who've suffered from it know how it can recur in stressful times, so remember to be on the look-out. It can creep up on you as I'm sure you're aware, so remember...
  52. E

    Can't beat SW lasagne!

    I know what you mean - I used to use those jar curry sauces and pasta sauces before SW, can't stand them now. :jelous: I think it's all the fat and additives in them. When you get used to 'real' food your palate really changes.
  53. E

    how much exercise do you all do?

    I hate all forms of ritualised exercise (like the gym etc) and never did any whilst losing weight, but I do walk everywhere and have quite an active job. I walk about 3 miles a day just going to and from work, which is all the exercise I want!
  54. E

    OMG!!!!! Ive got an interview!!!!

    Well done on being shortlisted! I think with any interview the most important thing is to come across as calm, friendly and confident. That can honestly get you picked over other candidates who have more experience/knowledge, but don't have a positive demeanour.
  55. E

    motivational thread... What is your loss in comparisons?

    According to that list I've lost nearly an average size woman. :D And found one, hiding underneath. ;)
  56. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    You needed to gain some of that weight back Min, you said yourself you felt best at around nine and a half stone, which seems like an ideal weight for your height. I'm sure you'll deal with the rest as you start to feel better, you're going through a lot right now so don't be too hard on...
  57. E

    what does your name mean

    Snap! :D I'd no idea Elizabeth was a Hebrew name.
  58. E

    Head Hunger vs Stomach Hunger?

    Yeah, it's very much the philosophy that underpins SW, thinking about your eating habits and trying to bring about positive change. As far as I can see your Consultant is just doing her job, it's good that she was able to raise the point and help you to rethink the habit-eating. Sounds to me...
  59. E

    Head Hunger vs Stomach Hunger?

    I think the Consultant is maybe just trying to reinforce the point about eating to satisfy your hunger, rather than out of habit/boredom or whatever. If you're actually hungry in the evening because you haven't eaten much all day I don't see the problem.
  60. E

    Slight Gain

    Alia, you had that huge 9.5lbs loss recently, so don't be too downhearted! That was an amazing loss in one week so it would have been more surprising if you'd had another loss straight away, your body is just taking a breather for a week. :) Honey, congratulations on your news! Eat what your...
  61. E

    Supermarkets

    I get all my fruit and veg at Sainsbury's, best price and quality I've found. For salad stuff I sometimes go to M+S, you pay a little extra in there but it lasts absolutely ages.
  62. E

    I love SW!!!

    That's exactly how I felt within a few days of starting SW - I just knew I'd found a whole new way of eating that I could stick with for life. It's a fantastic feeling of liberation. :) Glad you're enjoying it so much, keep up the good work.
  63. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    That risotto looks lovely Allie, and the same sort of consistency I get from stirring it on the hob! I'm going to give it a go. :)
  64. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    Oooh! *goes to look*
  65. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    I don't know to be honest, but they do it quite a lot in France and Spain, even in Italy - my daughter's partner is Italian and his mama and nonna do their risottos in the oven. Daughter's BF thinks I'm weird for standing there stirring it! :D
  66. E

    BMI

    Thanks hon, very interesting too about your brother, that sort of confirms my own thoughts about the redundancy of BMI readings in some cases.
  67. E

    BMI

    When I first started SW I used to feel so guilty coming on here and reading about all the exercise people were doing, but it was a very wise lady called Iris, in another section of the board, who put it into perspective for me. She'd lost around 8st without doing any exercise at all, because she...
  68. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    I don't find it a bother to stand over it and stir, I rather enjoy it actually! Have you tried the continental method of baking it in the oven? I'm tempted to give it a go, just to see if not stirring it really makes a difference to the end result.
  69. E

    BMI

    I absolutely *loathe* any form of ritualised exercise, I've never been in a gym in my life and never intend to! I love walking however, I walk everywhere and I'm convinced it's helped a lot as I've lost weight. I don't believe exercise actually helps to get more weight off, but it does help...
  70. E

    BMI

    Thank you! It still feels a bit surreal when I think of the total amount I've lost, but honestly I don't think about it that much! It was such a gradual process of complete change, which I think helps with the 'head' side of it. :)
  71. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    Risotto is such a gorgeous meal, I could eat it every day (but try not to!) My favourite is chilli risotto - fry some onions in olive oil (or Frylight if you use that), add your rice and stir for a couple of minutes. Start adding your stock and let it cook till the rice is nearly ready, then...
  72. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    Cous Cous salad seems to be a popular choice today! Such a nice 'summery' meal. :)
  73. E

    What's on todays Menu then??

    I've not had anything yet but that's quite normal for me, not much of an appetite during the day. I'll have a big cous cous salad in a couple of hours, then my dinner later tonight - I'm fancying a big plate of wholewheat spaghetti with olive oil and porcini mushrooms.
  74. E

    BMI

    Yes, age is another factor to take into consideration, I'm finding exactly the same thing fillymum! At the moment I'm about a stone heavier than I was when I was young, before I put the weight on, but I'm happy with that because I don't want any more wrinkles! :D
  75. E

    Head Hunger vs Stomach Hunger?

    Aww, thanks hon, I'm glad it helps. :) Letting yourself just feel those feelings, acknowledging them and giving yourself permission to feel that way can be such a powerful release of tension. Beating yourself up for them really doesn't help. You're doing something amazing, changing habits...
  76. E

    BMI

    I think BMI is starting to become an obsolete way of thinking about weight, because it doesn't take into account the significant differences in individual frames, levels of fitness etc. Athletes often have BMIs that put them in the 'obese' category, for instance. I'd disregard it, if I was...
  77. E

    Head Hunger vs Stomach Hunger?

    That's so very true, and I'm sure it probably causes many people to give up. Thing is, it happens to everyone, pretty much - it's a normal part of the process of changing your habits. It's so tough but if you can just push through it, you find it all gets much easier. I don't know if...
  78. E

    Big Meets Bigger

    I watched it last week and to be honest, it actually really upset me. It made me remember what it was like to be so big for so many years, trapped in a vicious binge-eating cycle I couldn't get out of. I haven't watched it again because it made me feel so helpless just watching it, the enormity...
  79. E

    Bone Marrow Donor

    Can I ask how you go about signing up, hon?
  80. E

    BB who do you want to evict this week - who do you want to go/stay?

    NATHAN!! Cannot stand men who fiddle with their bits all the time, it's a disgusting habit. And he cooks with those hands! :eek:
  81. E

    I passed!

    Well done, getting through the first year is a really important achievement. You'll have the confidence in yourself now that you can do it! :)
  82. E

    Extrememly happy!

    I'm looking at possibly starting again in February next year, all depends on finances - my first degree was funded totally by the OU because I earn less than £14000 a year, but for a second degree I would have to pay for it myself. I'm thinking I might go for a Diploma first, to help me get...
  83. E

    Extrememly happy!

    Another thing to take into consideration is that your subject area of interest might change - had I gone straight on I would most likely have gone for a specialised degree in Classics as that was my main area of interest in the Humanities, but I've found in the interval that I'm now much more...
  84. E

    Out of proportion! Where on your body are you losing weight from?

    When I was young and skinny, before I put on the weight, I always thought of myself as pear-shaped; tiny waist and top half, big arse, hips and thighs. What's weird though is that now, in middle age and with the weight off again, I seem to be much more in proportion? My top and bottom halves are...
  85. E

    Extrememly happy!

    Absolutely right, you know if you take on a Masters it will consume your life for another while, so have a break first, enjoy what you've achieved so far and then go back to it with a fresh mind. :) I got a 2.1 in Humanities with the OU, I was so tempted to go straight on and do a second...
  86. E

    Extrememly happy!

    Wow, well done! Getting a 2.1 in English Lit is no mean feat, hon! I think you're right to take some time out before heading into your Masters btw, I know it's tempting to go straight on but you'll benefit from the break.
  87. E

    Feeling Pants

    It takes time to change habits, hon. You'll find as you go along that the need to 'pig out' after a successful weigh-in will diminish, you'll start to realise that all you need is a specific treat to celebrate your success that week - it can be a small thing, it doesn't need to be masses of...
  88. E

    feeling down

    Oh yes, I never went out to eat when I was big. Didn't want to deal with strangers making judgements about me. I had no problem eating in front of family, friends etc but not strangers. One of the nice things about losing the weight has been going out to eat again. :)
  89. E

    feeling down

    Exactly. A couple of weeks ago I was walking to work, and a ways in front of me was an extremely pretty girl walking along pushing her baby in a buggy. She was beautifully made up, wearing white jeans that showed off her lovely figure. Very slim, very attractive. A group of lads came up on to...
  90. E

    how do i thank posters?

    If you look in the bottom right corner of the post you want to say thanks for, you'll see the 'thanks' button. :)
  91. E

    what would you like SW to introduce

    But the sugar is already there in the fruit! It's not magically appearing by the process of blending. :D All that FSA info is saying is that the sugar is more likely to coat your teeth in juice form, which is quite true - that's why many people have surface holes in their teeth these days...
  92. E

    what would you like SW to introduce

    Rosie, that info refers to juice extracted from fruit, ie if you put it into a juice extractor which leaves the actual fibre in the fruit behind. When you put it through a blender you're getting all the fruit, not just the juice, just the same way you would if you ate it whole. This thing...
  93. E

    what would you like SW to introduce

    Yeah, I guess some people might abuse it, but then you could say exactly the same thing about all other 'free foods' as well, and SW seem happy for people to decide that for themselves. I find it really odd.
  94. E

    what would you like SW to introduce

    See I don't find that at all Britmum, I only put in my smoothies what I would eat whole - a banana, some strawberries or other berries, maybe a few chunks of papaya or mango. Before I went vegan I would add an Activia fat free yogurt (now I add a bit of pure fruit juice), and I find the...
  95. E

    What are your 3 favourite films?

    It's A Wonderful Life - my favourite Jimmy Stewart film, I love him so much, and a really uplifting, thought-provoking film to watch when you're feeling that life is a bit pointless. Reminds you of something very important, that we all touch other people no matter how insignificant we think we...
  96. E

    feeling down

    I used to get that virtually every day when I was at my biggest. Just going to and from work used to be a real trial. It's horrible, just disgusting. But it says a lot more about the people shouting abuse than it ever will about you, honey. If it's any consolation, morons like that do the...
  97. E

    what would you like SW to introduce

    Totally agree with you Circes, but from a different perspective - for me SW is really about encouraging people to go back to cooking proper meals from scratch with proper ingredients, so I'd see a range of ready meals as contradicting that message. There's already more than enough processed...
  98. E

    Headaches and Bad Dreams

    Yes I've heard that too, I did wonder if it was something to do with the change in my monthly cycle that happened once I started losing the weight. If a dream is waking you up and upsetting you to the extent you've mentioned above, it might be worth taking a look at it and trying to figure out...
  99. E

    Nakd bars?

    Oh my god I didn't know they did a cocoa orange one! I'mma have to see if we can order that in at work! :D I suspect the cals/syns are coming from the dried fruit in the mixture, particularly the dates - I love dates but I have to be so careful with them, they're very high in natural fruit...
  100. E

    is free really free?

    I think it helps to see 'free foods' in the way that SW obviously designed the concept - ie that it's about taking away the feeling of being hungry and deprived that causes most diets to fail, not about encouraging you to eat lots of food you don't actually need. This is why SW say you can eat...
  101. E

    Nakd bars?

    Nakd bars are amazing! They're my little sweet treat now as they're suitable for vegans, on top of being delicious. Yum. The one I buy at work is 240 calories, so if I was still counting syns I'd divide that by 20, to give a value of 12 syns. Seems a lot considering how healthy it is, but...
  102. E

    Over 4 stone gone and I can't see a difference.

    To be honest Alia I think the bigger you are to start off with, the longer it takes to feel a difference. I say that as someone who started off at 19st. You've done brilliantly to lose that 4st, but you still have a ways to go hon and it will take time to see and feel a difference. With me, I...
  103. E

    Feeling sensitive about your weight?

    Hmm, that's an interesting one, Fern. When I was big I never had any problem acknowledging it or talking about it with the people who knew me personally. I didn't see the point in trying to pretend I was 'normal', I was extremely fat and I had no problem saying so! Of course I was subjected...
  104. E

    Photo evidence of the reason for my 2.5lb gain!!

    That would have been a mid-afternoon snack for me in the binge years. :D Seriously though, is it any wonder the US has the worst obesity problem in the world with portions like that? I was watching a programme called 'Big Meets Bigger' last night, where a couple of UK overweight girls went to...
  105. E

    A bit of a debate for a Friday!

    I think you're right about that. It does make sense, EE is a lot less complicated for people to get their heads around.
  106. E

    Finding my head isnt catching up

    I'm finding this too, even with all the weight I've lost - I can see it of course, and definitely feel a huge difference, but when I look in the mirror I still think I'm overweight and need to lose more. Which can't be the case because I'm smack in the middle of the healthy weight range for my...
  107. E

    revenge

    Oh my goodness, props to that woman! It's a bit scary but also hilarious. :D :D Make sure you don't ever get on the wrong side of her, OP. ;)
  108. E

    A bit of a debate for a Friday!

    Quite right too, as far as I'm concerned. I love SW, but I've always found it hugely ironic and a bit ludicrous that processed junk like this is 'free', but put a banana and a couple of strawberries through a blender and it has to be 'syns'! Way to encourage people to snack healthily, SW. :D...
  109. E

    Today will be a FAB day!!

    S'alright, it's nice to start the day off with a giggling fit. Have a good day! :)
  110. E

    Today will be a FAB day!!

    :D :D :D I'm drinking tea here, I don't need it spilling all over the keyboard thank you! The heat has broken here, it's lovely and cool and raining - delicious.
  111. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    You shared my love of pastry then, Ian. :D It absolutely boggles my mind now that I could sometimes eat 3 cornish pasties a day. You know it's occurred to me that, given the amount I used to eat on a daily basis - I'd guess I was probably taking in around 7000-8000 calories a day? - it's...
  112. E

    Pictures from cupcake course as promised.

    What a wonderful and generous gift to give your friend - those cakes look delicious, I hope you both thoroughly enjoyed them!
  113. E

    Zumba! - The truth!

    Thanks for that Fern, my daughter is thinking about taking it up after she's had her baby so I'll pass on the info.
  114. E

    Step in consultant?

    Goodness, how awful. I'm sorry but the least I'd expect from someone doing their paid job is that they wash!! :confused: I bet you're right about those newcomers not returning next week, Fern. What a pity for your regular consultant.
  115. E

    Complete Plonker!!

    Oh my god, that's amazing. :D Well done! Whatever you did this week, keep it up!
  116. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    Hmm, I'm noticing a common denominator here with some of us and crisps - they were absolutely one of my biggest addictions, I could easily eat a six-pack of Walkers cheese and onion in one sitting (and use a couple packets to make sandwiches in the process!) I pretty much had to cut them out...
  117. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    I'd have probably eaten the table too! :D :D Yeah, I find that very interesting, it just goes to show that some basic healthy choices can make such a difference. Hopefully that will inspire anyone who's struggling a bit, or just starting out. :)
  118. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    It did! I used to get my weekly shop as normal, but then could easily spend £10-£15 a day on more. The sheer financial toll was one of the added stresses of it, quite apart from the health issues. Well that's the strange thing, I still feel very much the same person, just without all the...
  119. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    I know, I have to laugh at it now because I'm just so :eek::eek::eek::eek: :D It's wonderful that I CAN laugh in amazement now, when I think how I used to feel in the days I was eating like that. God, how did I go on like that day after day? It seriously astonishes me now.
  120. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    I know, it amazes me too. Nowadays a 500g bag of rice lasts me a week! :D Thank you, I hope it does help to reassure anyone new who thinks that nobody else could possibly have an eating problem as big as that, and change it for the better. I think this thread is also illustrating that...
  121. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    That's a really healthy change! What I find interesting is that the basic pattern of how some of us eat hasn't changed much, ie number of times we eat a day (one big area of change for me, I have to say), but because the choice of food is so much healthier and nourishing we're just as satisfied...
  122. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    Yep, I think that's been one of the most important lessons that SW has taught me - to think of food as nourishment, not entertainment/distraction/stress relief. I love feeling nourished now so much, that nicely energised feeling you get from eating what you need, not too much. Your pre-SW...
  123. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    Wasn't it just! You know how in slimming magazines when they interview successful slimmers, and they give their 'before' food intake, I'd be like - pah! Amateurs!! :D
  124. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    I've always had a conscience problem with eating animal products, although you wouldn't think it to see how I used to eat! When I started SW I loved the Green days, so I took the opportunity to become a vegetarian at that point. Settled into that very happily, then six months ago I decided to...
  125. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    It feels completely natural to me now, it's just my normal day's eating and I'm well satisfied on it. Amazing what the SW plan did for me in terms of completely reforming my whole way of eating. When I look at what I used to eat, I just cannot fathom how I did it. How did I manage to stay on...
  126. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    Yep, that's how I got to 19st. :D :eek: :D 18 months down the line I'm now a vegan, and a typical day's eating goes like this: A banana, some dried apricots and a few Brazil nuts during the day (all excellent and vital nutrition for a vegan). A salad sandwich or small bowl of homemade...
  127. E

    How I used to eat before SW.

    For Jen, re our discussion in another thread here: I used to be someone else before SW. I'll call the old me 'Bingeita'. ;) A typical day would go as follows: Couple of sausage sandwiches in the morning, made with 4-6 beef or pork sausages, on white bread or crusty rolls with lashings of...
  128. E

    I've eaten...

    Ages ago someone actually did that, I think it was Vixxster - OMG it was hysterical, I cried with laughter at it because it was the first time I'd encountered someone else who could put away as much as I could! :D :D
  129. E

    I've eaten...

    Indeed, I feel really passionately about how SW can change your mind as well as your weight, having experienced it myself. One of these days I'm going to make a post listing my 'typical' day's eating before SW, when I was in my binge-eating years. You'd die of shock, I guarantee! Three giant...
  130. E

    I've eaten...

    Absolutely, I hope it's taken in that spirit because the last thing I want is to upset anyone. Sometimes it can really help to get an outside perspective.
  131. E

    I've eaten...

    Yep, that's what I mean Jen - it's not so much *what's* been eaten, that's fine and within plan, it's the *way* it's been eaten. Believe me I totally understand, I struggled with chronic bingeing for 20 years and actually, for someone in that situation who's only just starting out I'd say it's...
  132. E

    I've eaten...

    Whether it's 'on plan' or not hon, it's not great to be eating anything to excess like that from a psychological point of view. I'm sure you'll still lose weight this week, but maybe you need to look at keeping your intake of all foods sensible rather than excessive?
  133. E

    Lower calorie alternatives to mugshots?

    Some of the original Pot Noodles are vegan as well - Beef and Tomato, Bombay Bad Boy and Southern Fried Chicken, strangely enough! I have one every payday, it's my monthly bit of rubbish. :D
  134. E

    What was the final straw that made you start your journey

    That's really sad about your miscarriage Alia, but there's nothing like your kids to bring it home to you how imperative it is to make a change. I had a lot of 'final straws' over the years, but actually what did it in the end was walking out of the job I'd been in for 9 years. I literally...
  135. E

    Here i am! *waves* - Brewin'a'Baby & Staying Slim! 2011 xx

    Fern, don't worry too much about a temporary gain, there's a good reason for it and you know you'll get it off again. This is what maintenance is about! Don't let it detract from enjoying your cupcake course, you thoroughly deserve a treat after all the hard work you've been putting in, and...
  136. E

    Back from holidays - WI tonight!!!

    If you enjoyed it that's the main thing, hon. You know you will get rid of whatever you've gained very soon, but the memories of a great holiday will stay! :D
  137. E

    Blonde Logic's Stream of Consciousness/Diary

    I love the analogy I once heard a psychologist give for the process of grieving - she said it's a bit like a child on a day of sunshine and rain, jumping into every puddle that comes its way. In between the puddles it forgets about them and just enjoys the sun. Eventually it spends more time in...
  138. E

    Want to lose weight? Try sex and shopping

    OMG Kiira you're into the 9s!! Fantastic, well done! :cool:
  139. E

    Really depressed

    I don't know what to tell you hon, you sound like you're just not ready yet to make the changes you need. Do you want to learn to eat healthily? Do you want it more than you want the sausage rolls and whatever else you eat right now? Until your head is in the right space it doesn't matter...
  140. E

    as anyone else had second thoughts?

    OK, the portion thing is down to you, hon - the point of Free Foods is to prevent you from going hungry, not to encourage you to eat big portions you don't actually need. Feeling hungry and deprived is the downfall of many diets, so SW devised the Free Foods concept as a way of tackling that...
  141. E

    My New Yoghurt Maker has just arrived....

    Incidentally, the Easiyo ice-cream mixes are only 6% fat compared to average of 10% for normal ice-cream.
  142. E

    as anyone else had second thoughts?

    Gemma I think maybe you're just grappling with that thing we all face at some point on this journey - wanting the weight to come off as fast as possible. A 'stricter' plan might well do that for you, and if that's your priority then by all means, go for it! You'll need a lot of committment and...
  143. E

    sw and womens health issue-TMI

    Sounds very similar to what happened to me - for years mine were very light and only lasted 3 days, then when the weight started coming off they got much heavier and were lasting 7 days, at one point they were happening every 14 days! Like you I thought I might be going into early menopause (I'm...
  144. E

    I did it! (unknowlingly! lol)

    Well done Fern, what a reward for all your hard work - you're a beautiful girl and you deserve to feel as great as you look!
  145. E

    Extra Easy Cheating on SW? I don't understand it...

    I didn't understand at first why people would go 'off plan' either, but SW really encourages you to change how you eat forever, and that can be scary. It's very easy to rebel against it from time to time, until you've accepted the change. In fact I'd say it's completely natural to do so! It...
  146. E

    Starting today after having a baby!

    Good luck hon, you'll be eating very healthily which is the best possible start for your son. :)
  147. E

    Confession time for all

    Ha, this thread is great. :D When I was following the plan I basically ignored a couple of the things that struck me as particularly silly, the main one being 'synning' the fruit that went into my smoothies. Putting it through a blender does not change the calorie content, so I always counted...
  148. E

    Diet making me feel quite unwell?

    It's probably just the reduction in calories, mate. If you've been used to eating quite a high level of calories your body will be reacting to the reduction in overall energy intake. This happens with most diets when you first start them. Give it a couple of weeks, keep eating healthily and...
  149. E

    Lost my marbles.............

    Seriously! Cheeky sod made off with a haddock fillet, a packet of prawns and a tub of ice cream last time. And left the remains all over the garden. :D
  150. E

    EasiYo

    You'll find them in all Julian Graves, though not half price in all branches atm. We have many customers in my branch who swear by Easiyo, they all say the same thing - they'd never go back to bought yogurt. Easiyo is much better for you because the live cultures are fresh. It keeps for two...
  151. E

    Lost my marbles.............

    You don't have any badgers living near you, do you? Friend of mine has trouble with one who comes in through the cat flap and helps himself to stuff out the freezer. :D
  152. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    Thanks for your kind words BL - I've been thinking about you going through this incredibly difficult experience too. Lots of love to you. :)
  153. E

    Other Body Changes...........

    The main thing I noticed was my skin becoming a lot clearer. And my shoe size going down! Weird.
  154. E

    The nicest compliment you have been paid

    I think the nicest thing recently was a gesture rather than something said - my daughter gave me back the vintage 1983 denim jacket I last wore when I was a teenager! She fetched it out the back of my wardrobe when she was a teenager and has worn it ever since, so it was quite something to get...
  155. E

    Would like to share my wonderful news..xx

    Brilliant stuff Fern, I'm so pleased for you! Putting in the hard work to deal with the demons is really paying off, you should be very proud of yourself. :)
  156. E

    Mountain to climb!!

    It's very daunting starting out with a lot of weight to lose, but just look at some of the posters here who've lost 10st+! As Ian says it CAN be done, yes it will take time but that's good, it means your mind will have a chance to absorb the changes happening to your body. Six months or a...
  157. E

    My Slimming World Journal – 18months (and one week)…

    You look fantastic Ian, what a handsome man if you don't mind me saying! :cool:
  158. E

    'Britain's fattest teenager' regains weight after losing 14st

    I guess it just demonstrates again that losing weight and keeping it off are two separate things; to keep it off you have to make permanent changes in how you eat, forever. I think people have to be ready to acknowledge that before they can achieve it. It's so terribly difficult when you're...
  159. E

    It started with a chocolate brownie

    I think that's your 'perfectionist' side coming out there hon, the part of you that you've already observed in other areas of your life - keeping it all together, getting it all done, not letting anyone down. Ms. Perfectionist is a relative of Ms. Pacman's, I believe. ;) Also, don't forget...
  160. E

    Hunger pain!?

    Indeed. Our energy requirements are not always constant - your metabolism could be revving up a bit, I found this happened from time to time as my weight went down. It could be that you've just used up a bit more energy than usual and your body is sending you the signal to replace it. :)
  161. E

    It started with a chocolate brownie

    Lonestitcher - brilliant post! :D CP - aww mate, you've done so well and you KNOW you have what it takes to sort this little episode, right? Look at it this way, each time something like this happens it's an opportunity to observe your behaviour, what triggered it, what foods you went for, how...
  162. E

    Moving the goalposts.....

    Similar thing at the moment for me - I initially set a goal of 9st 10lbs, which is the top end of the normal weight range for my height. I was more than happy to finally get there, but I've continued losing since and am now close to 9st. I feel good, but I'm also aware of how easy it is to keep...
  163. E

    A journal - covering 18 months

    Ian, thanks for posting that - it struck a lot of chords with me. We've been Food Optimising for the same length of time (I started just 3 weeks before you), and like you I never imagined that 18 months down the line, I'd be less than half the person I used to be. It's completely astonishing...
  164. E

    Is drinking too much water bad for you??

    I once had a warning from my GP about drinking too much water, apparently it can lead to bladder and kidney infections. GP said they were seeing a big increase in those with people who were doing various diets that recommend lots of water.
  165. E

    Here i am! *waves* - Brewin'a'Baby & Staying Slim! 2011 xx

    It's the first time I've gotten all the weight off, yes - I struggled for so many years, periodically doing WW or calorie counting, but the most I lost was a couple of stone before giving up and putting it back on, with interest. I was locked into a chronic bingeing cycle that lasted 20 years...
  166. E

    Here i am! *waves* - Brewin'a'Baby & Staying Slim! 2011 xx

    No I've been around since I started actually, I joined the forum the day after - I was working from some old books/info given to me and this board was a real godsend in terms of advice. I haven't always been a regular poster but I read the forum quite often. Actually I read a few of the boards...
  167. E

    Party Pooper!

    I'll be watching Big Brother. Eviction, yay!! I've got some vegan crisps to celebrate. :D
  168. E

    Considering..

    Ooh, finally another vegan on the board! I love your name by the way. :D :D It's surprising how many people call themselves vegetarian without actually being one ... my daughter for instance has been 'vegetarian' for years, but will happily eat fish if there isn't any veggie food available...
  169. E

    gluten free healthy extras

    Oh what a pity, but well done for having a good attitude about it. Make an appointment when you're several stones down and smile condescendingly at them. :D :D
  170. E

    gluten free healthy extras

    Might it be worth going to see your GP and telling him/her you're doing SW? Some practices even prescribe vouchers for the classes, so you never know.
  171. E

    gluten free healthy extras

    Remember what I said hon, one day at a time and don't think of it as a 'diet' - you've taken the first step to changing your habits forever. It can be done! :)
  172. E

    Here i am! *waves* - Brewin'a'Baby & Staying Slim! 2011 xx

    I think you've got exactly the right idea - the numbers are, after all, a consequence of the eating, not the other way round. Get the demons sorted out and the numbers will take care of themselves. :) Thanks for the kind words, it's funny because every now and again it will suddenly hit me how...
  173. E

    gluten free healthy extras

    Hi Colly, glad to see you on board! I think as long as your bread/rolls are the same weight as the stipulated Hex portions, it shouldn't matter if they're gluten free. Might be worth emailing SW directly though to ask them, I think others on the board have done that with other questions and...
  174. E

    If you can afford one,

    Wish I could afford one! I love my chips.
  175. E

    Losing inches rather than pounds?

    Hi hon, I posted an explanation of the 'lag' in Alia's thread here: http://www.minimins.com/slimming-world/155702-really-possible.html Might help for when it happens again! :)
  176. E

    Here i am! *waves* - Brewin'a'Baby & Staying Slim! 2011 xx

    Great stuff Fern, and there you were worrying that your big 6lb loss wasn't 'real'. Well this proves otherwise! Well done, obviously the efforts you're making are really paying off. *applauds*
  177. E

    Diet Coke - a word of warning!

    I've certainly found I feel healthier since I gave it up, I kind of marvel now at how much of it I used to get through in a day. I was really surprised when my mother told me the advice she'd been given about it, that's when I started to look into it myself and found out about it apparently...
  178. E

    Considering..

    Very true, and I would add that nuts are also a fairly essential source of protein for veggies/vegans. Brazil nuts are the best ones for us to have because they are the only plant source of 'complete' protein. Lots of people avoid them because they think they're high in fat - well, they are...
  179. E

    Considering..

    This is what I found too, I loved eating that way so much I was quite happy to stick with it for good. I also found that, contrary to what many people experience, my metabolism seemed to go into overdrive when I began living on these good carbs. I've lost weight at a good rate from the word...
  180. E

    Having a bad week so far...

    STEP AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATES. And don't beat yourself up too much. ;)
  181. E

    Today ! I retired!

    Ooh you lucky so and so, well done on getting through with the daily grind and have a fabulous retirement! :)
  182. E

    doing this from home but everyone i tlk to says to go to the groups what do you think

    Great, if it's working for you then stick with that approach! This site is brilliant for advice and tips, everyone is really helpful so anything you want to ask, just go ahead. Also check out the recipe section, there's some amazing cooks around here. I'm a very basic cook myself but I love...
  183. E

    Considering..

    Glad to have helped, good luck!
  184. E

    doing this from home but everyone i tlk to says to go to the groups what do you think

    Different approaches work for different people - see how you get on at home, if it's not working for you then try going to group. I did it by myself from home, just using some old books that someone gave me. I'm not a 'group' kind of person, I find I get on better in most things by myself.
  185. E

    Considering..

    Thanks for the kind words. :) I started in November '08 on the plan, so it's been about 18 months from there to here. Along the way I've radically changed my eating, which I think is the key - I stopped looking at the plan as a 'diet' a long time ago, when I realised it was an amazing way of...
  186. E

    I'm struggling

    Research has kind of disproved the old 'if you eat late, you gain weight' myth - it's been proven conclusively that it's the amount of calories you take in over each 24 hour period that determines weight gain or loss, not the times you eat. It's a very persistent myth though. :) People are...
  187. E

    Considering..

    Yes, me! I loved Green days from the word go and decided to go vegetarian, something I'd wanted to do for years for ethical reasons, but couldn't stick with when I was bingeing chaotically on a daily basis. SW really made the difference for me there, and in fact six months ago I went one step...
  188. E

    I'm struggling

    Yep, I find the same. I think some people are just naturally geared to eating later in the day, I've always been like that. I tend to have a bit of fruit in the day, then a small meal like soup or a sandwich around 6pm, and my dinner really late, sometimes 10 or 11pm. This never affected my...
  189. E

    Am I crazy???

    I think it's a very good sign, hon - it shows that what you're learning on SW is becoming a normal part of your everyday life, which is exactly what will get you to goal and keep you there!
  190. E

    I'm struggling

    Do you eat through the evening, hon? If so this could be why you're not wanting breakfast in the morning, it might be worth trying to change your routine a bit for a few days so you don't eat after, say, 6pm and see if this makes you more inclined to eat breakfast. I have to say that I was...
  191. E

    Diet Coke - a word of warning!

    It's surprising what diet fizzy drinks do to your body. There's been some research indicating that they may actually lead to weight gain, apparently they make your body expect sugar and when it doesn't get it, you get cravings to eat more of whatever you're having that day. My mother who has...
  192. E

    Is it really possible???

    This is so true, and there is actually a physiological reason for it, which might help to cheer up anyone who's dealing with this frustration right now. Fat cells are curious little *******. They don't mind losing fat, but they DO hate losing volume. In other words, they will do whatever they...
  193. E

    eckkkk

    Hope things improve soon sweetheart. It's not surprising you don't want to eat if you're terribly upset, that's a pretty normal response I think. Your appetite will come back when you've had time to process the emotional stuff.
  194. E

    There's butter on EVERYTHING

    :D :D I love the French attitude to food and the social/family aspect of it. Sigh. Wish I could live there. :) The problem of kids and fast-food related weight problems is pretty much the same all over the western world I think, and while the food manufacturers/sellers are allowed to make...
  195. E

    Obese women 'need more sex advice than thin women', study says

    Statistics can be made to suggest anything, depending on the motives of the researchers! Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me if people who are overweight have higher sex drives. Appetite for food and appetite for sex are both expressions of the libido. :)
  196. E

    M&S dried apricots!

    Julian Graves does a similar size 'snack pack' for 39p (or 3 for £1) if you have a branch near you. :)
  197. E

    Losing inches rather than pounds?

    I think this is probably what will happen - once you've got the cast off and are more mobile again you'll likely see a significant drop down on the scales that seems 'sudden'.
  198. E

    There's butter on EVERYTHING

    The French do love their fat. :D Curiously, they don't seem to have the problem with obesity that we do. They don't worry about having things like cream and butter and oil in everything, but I suspect the key is they don't eat in anything like the huge portions we do either.
  199. E

    not another poo thread..

    Try having some wholegrain rice. A couple of portions of that a week and you should be fine. :D
  200. E

    gonna be hard to be kind

    I definitely think SW is something you can put in place for life, so if that's what you really want, just commit to it wholeheartedly. As for the portion size issue, well, it's not compulsory to eat big portions if you don't want them. The free foods concept is about taking away the feeling of...
  201. E

    Oh no..

    Some people do find they are hungrier on Red days, just from what I've read on the board .... maybe try a Green day tomorrow, fill up on wholewheat pasta, rice or potatoes and see if that satisfies you more?
  202. E

    Linda McCartney Sausages...taste?

    I did like the Quorn ones and relied on them a lot for the year I followed the plan, but had to give them up when I became a vegan as they're made with egg. The Linda McCartney ones are gorgeous and a lifesaver for me, the only veggie sausage that's suitable for vegans too. I find they're even...
  203. E

    Giving up.

    It might help to look at this as a journey to change your life, rather than a 'diet to fix a weight problem'. The journey can be long and trying at times - nobody gets it all right first time hon, really. People fall down along the way, feel like they're never going to get there etc, but it's...
  204. E

    My story- ONLINE!!!!

    Amazing achievement and fantastic pics hon, you are a star! *applauds*
  205. E

    I took Target tonight :D

    Great stuff mate, you'll have a wonderful time on holiday I'm sure! :)
  206. E

    Giving my mind a treat! Anyone else?

    Years and years ago I bought this beautiful dress to try to inspire me to lose the weight. It hung in my wardrobe for so long. :D It's fantastic to finally be able to wear it!
  207. E

    WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY - please give blood

    This is something I feel really guilty about .... I've been told I should give blood because I'm type O Rhesus Negative, which is apparently the only type that can be given to anyone without causing them harm. I get so sick and faint at the sight of blood though. I dread having to have blood...
  208. E

    Does it annoy you...

    Sometimes by the time you click on a thread, someone else has already said what you wanted to say. :)
  209. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    Oh my goodness hon, that's fantastic!! I'm so delighted for you, I hope it helps you as much as it did me. :) The main bit of advice I would give you starting out is to put all thoughts of 'dieting' out of your head. Look at the plan as what it really is - a brilliant opportunity to change how...
  210. E

    Ok Gotta Ask??

    If you follow the plan sensibly and try as much as possible to cook proper meals from staple ingredients, rather than relying on processed foods too much, you'll automatically be reducing your fat and sugar intake dramatically. This cuts out a lot of unnecessary calories. The other aspect is...
  211. E

    Did anyone else feel like this?

    Thanks hon, if you have a good read of the board you'll find lots of helpful tips and inspiration - check out the diaries and recipe sections. :)
  212. E

    Warning. Rant

    Ha, that is seriously the best way to deal with people who habitually annoy the **** out of you. Love it. :D :D :D
  213. E

    Did anyone else feel like this?

    You might just need to up your water intake given the warm weather. I almost fainted in work last week, came over very dizzy and had to sit down for 10 minutes - apparently it was dehydration. Felt fine once I got plenty of water down me. :)
  214. E

    Stuffed my face and let myself down

    I bet if you counted up the syns it wouldn't be that bad. :) The important thing is to pick yourself up, don't feel guilty about it and just get on with your normal healthy eating tomorrow. That's how you get over these little hiccups. Everyone falls down from time to time - doesn't mean you...
  215. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    Thank you hon, really appreciated. :) Yep, I tried lots of times over the years with different 'diets', WW, calorie counting etc. I don't think I ever managed to lose more than a couple of stone before putting it back on, and more besides. I set out on SW as 'yet another diet', but quite...
  216. E

    Warning. Rant

    Have you been tested for thyroid imbalance, Fern? The tiredness and the dry skin and temperature fluctuations are quite common symptoms with that, but it can cause all kinds of other symptoms because the thyroid regulates your hormones. It can also cause immune system problems. The standard...
  217. E

    Minerva; Confessions of a Food Addict.

    You don't tackle it, hon. You have to just let it happen to you, and eventually you will get through it. It's like a current - you can try to swim against it and exhaust yourself, or you can go with it and let it carry you where it will. Eventually you'll come to shore, with your strength still...
  218. E

    Warning. Rant

    OH my word. I'd have had itchy palms at that, ready to slap him. ;) Is there some reason why OH shouldn't wash up a plate and a saucepan? Sounds like his brother is one of those blokes who thinks all women should be Stepford Wives. Must be fun for the woman/women in his life. :rolleyes...
  219. E

    Warning. Rant

    Apparently that's why there's so many children with asthma now, because of all the disinfectants and stuff we use to keep the house clean. :eek::eek:
  220. E

    Warning. Rant

    Yeah, my father is like that too. He had a neurotically tidy mother.
  221. E

    Warning. Rant

    Is it just me or does anyone else feel there's something weird about blokes who are obsessed with perfect housekeeping? :confused: :D
  222. E

    VERY nearly had a relapse...

    Well done on sticking to plan anyway, at least you can see that will benefit you more than any amount of chocolate. :D
  223. E

    oh my i feel sick :(

    Good idea. :)
  224. E

    oh my i feel sick :(

    Totally get that, hon. Nowadays I get my sweet fix from dried fruit - the sugars in that are natural, and you're also getting a lot of goodness as well. Sun-dried apricots and mango are my lifesavers. :)
  225. E

    Loose skin question

    I've lost almost 10st, but at a reasonable pace - 18 months. I think it really helps to lose slowly so your body gets a chance to adjust. I have some loose skin on the tops of my arms and legs, but I'm really surprised at my stomach - I was convinced it would be awful as I carried a lot of...
  226. E

    Warning. Rant

    I suggest you go round to your OH's brother's house and critique his housekeeping standards. ;)
  227. E

    Addictive Personalities

    There's a thread in off-topic you might be interested in hon, it's about emotional eating - a few of the regular posters in there noticed that they also seem to have 'perfectionist' personalities, as well as being emotional eaters. There might well be a link between the two in that they are both...
  228. E

    To keep or No to keep, that is the question??

    I kept everything I'd got too small for - until I hit target. Then I looked over them all and said 'goodbye forever'. :)
  229. E

    I've just reached target!!!

    Huge congratulations hon, you've done brilliantly! You'll really enjoy your 40th now. :)
  230. E

    oh my i feel sick :(

    I read somewhere recently that refined sugar is actually regarded by the body as a poison. We get acclimatised to it as children when we're given sweets regularly, so we don't notice how it's affecting us. When you cut it out/down drastically for a while then have it again, your body gets sick...
  231. E

    Ho Hum

    You don't know how quickly or otherwise you're going to gain weight yet, you're only 7 weeks. Your consultant was probably quite right about it being fluid gain. If you carry on eating the SW way you will have a healthy pregnancy and won't gain weight you might otherwise put on if you give up.
  232. E

    My shocking admission

    Time of the month probably contributed a bit Mel, plus your body could still be settling down after LL. I've noticed that when people have done VLCDs they seem to have very big fluctuations in weight, up and down, for a while afterward. Enjoy your holiday. :)
  233. E

    ive just had the most yummy tea, all free, but hard to believe i can loose wieght!!!

    Your body will take a little while to settle after doing a VLCD, don't worry and just keep eating healthily. :)
  234. E

    Oh my god. I have to shout it from the roof tops!!

    Fantastic loss Fern, well done! Just goes to show the difference that eating consciously can make. Great stuff. :)
  235. E

    Can anyone help with this?

    Thanks so much for the replies ladies, I think I was panicking a little bit myself so it really helped. She called me back and is much calmer now, I explained that the reason she was told to go to the delivery suite is just because they can do more there to find out what's going on. I think...
  236. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    It would actually be a 'free food' on a green day, meaning you wouldn't even have to weigh it or anything - just have as much as you need to feel satisfied. :) Dairy is included in the 'healthy extras' part of the plan, but there are alternatives for those who can't have it. I don't like soya...
  237. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    I don't have dairy myself hon, I'm a vegan - no animal products at all. I find it quite easy to live on the range of foods I have, lots of vegetables, wholegrains, pulses, pasta and rice. I would think this would be feasible for you, along with lean meat, poultry and fish if you're a carnivore...
  238. E

    My family

    Oh my god how cute is your wee boy in his kilt!! :D Beautiful kids, hon.
  239. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    There's quite a wide range of foods on SW - really it's just old-fashioned sensible eating, cooking with staple ingredients from scratch instead of relying too much on processed food etc. I found it enormously beneficial in that it taught me how to eat healthily as a normal way of life. But you...
  240. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    Thanks hon, I'm just so glad I gathered up what little strength I had and decided to give it all another go. It's been a real journey for my mind as well as my body.
  241. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    I know it seems impossible mate, I remember that feeling so well. If it's any help, I've managed to achieve all this change after being a chronic binge-eater for 20 years. I was honestly suicidal over my eating 18 months ago. I gave SW a go as a last-gasp thing, not expecting it to work, never...
  242. E

    Can anyone help with this?

    OK thanks hon, I've left a message and am waiting for her to ring me back, I'll pass on what you've said. Thanks for your help.
  243. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    Just take it one day at a time hon, don't look too far ahead or put any unnecessary pressure on yourself. Think about long term changes in your habits, rather than 'being on a diet'. Thing is, once you get to goal you have to stay there, and only permanent change in how you eat will accomplish...
  244. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    Started in November '08 on the SW plan, followed that for a year and then felt confident enough to just establish my own way of eating for life, using what I'd learned from SW. I hit my goal very recently but at the moment I'm still losing. I might see if I can settle around 9st. :) It's...
  245. E

    Can anyone help with this?

    Hi ladies, this isn't anything to do with weight etc but I'm browsing the board at the minute so thought I'd ask. I've just had a phonecall from my daughter, who's 21 weeks pregnant. She's had a bit of bleeding today, and rang the doctor for advice. Doc spoke to midwife and told her 'anyone...
  246. E

    Chris Brown

    It does seem rather odd when you consider some of the types who are allowed into the country! :confused: Still, men who hit women disgust me so I'm glad he's not being allowed to just get on with his money-spinning career so easily. Good riddance.
  247. E

    Beating yourself up for getting here in the first place?

    For anyone feeling angry at getting so big, it might help to just take a look around you. There are many, many people in exactly the same boat. Obesity is everywhere, and although we all have a personal responsibility for ourselves, the junk food / food as distraction rather than nourishment...
  248. E

    SW vs. WW, help me decided please

    It really comes down to what you can live with most comfortably, hon. Both plans have their good points - WW is a good reality check in terms of portion size, SW encourages you to completely change how you cook and eat. I tried WW several times but never got anywhere due to feeling overly...
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