Thanks mate!
I eat SW food for pretty much all of my lunches and dinners, although I will often have bread at lunch if I have a sandwich. My breakfasts are the same as when doing SW although I now have the 'recommended' serving size of whatever cereal/oats/bread i eat, rather than a HEXb...
EB- what fantastic news!!!!! Congratulations- gosh and you are nearly due, too! Gosh, I have missed a lot. Put a right big smile on my face, mate xxxxx
Well, hello!
I used to be a minimins addict many moons ago, but just wanted to pop back to say 'Hi' and hopefully give a little hope and encouragement to anyone on SW.
4.5 years ago I weighed 19 stone, had been morbidly obese my whole life, and was completely sedentary. After a big wake-up...
You're welcome, mate- so glad you are so motivated
1lb loss feels like a lot because it IS a lot. Next time you are in the supermarket pick up 2 packets of butter- that is 1lb
A few weeks down the line, pick up a bag of potatoes- that is 5lb- these are big weights to carry around, and when...
Mate- I don't post a lot these days but just had to reply to this one.
You sound just like me 3 years ago- I decided exactly the same thing for exactly the same reasons, and just want to let you know what happens next....
I lost 112lb (8 stone) having been overweight my entire life. I got to...
Wow- great to see this old thread resurrected and i'm glad it is still of use to others- Even though i have been at target for over a year now, I still use these principles and will do again this Christmas. the secret to LONG TERM success is learning to adapt your life - of course we would all...
Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for breakfast
Dinner: I always bake a ham before christmas, so a nice couple of slices of that, my HEXa of cheese, my HEXb as 'crackers' (3 pagen krisprolls/3 multigrain ryvita/etc) and lots of pickled onions and gherkins
Good for you in planning ahead and...
The best advice I can give is think long term- don't treat this as a temporary diet to drop weight for Christmas, or lose as much as quickly as you can- these are things you have probably tried before and ended up gaining again.
Einsten said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing...
My sister is doing SW and I am having a Halloween party- all food will be free!
Spicy pumpkin soup
lamb tagine, Jacket potatoes/spicy couscous, salad
Sliced blood oranges scattered with pomegranite seeds and chopped mint
Sugar free ginger beer punch with lots of chopped fruit and a dash of...
I synned a protein drink the other day and it was 6.5 syns for a portion of the low fat powder.
Protein powder is just a convenient quick way of intaking protein on the move- instead, just make sure you eat a protein rich snack within 20 minutes of training and it will be fine. I have either a...
I have LOADS, but one that sticks is one I heard on here yonks ago- for those moments when you just feel 'it's not fair!!!'
Losing weight is hard.
Being fat is hard.
Choose your hard
Hiya mate
As an 'oldie' I remember you, and only recently pointed my sister in the direction of your HEXB pizza recipe.
I have done lots of diets over the years, all to no avail until the last time when everything just 'clicked' into place and after that I lost 8 stone, got to target last...
He beat cancer!
For those of you that remember me, I just wanted to pop back to minimins and update you with our fantastic news.
My fit healthy non-smoking 38 year old husband was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his nasal cavity last October. The tumor was huge and went all the way...
Hi Mate
I did it on-line so I don't have the books, but I did download all the food lists which I will happily e-mail to you if you like?
Just PM me your e-mail address and I will whizz them over to you and you can see if they are any good
xxxx
Darling Hev
I am so amazingly pleased for you
You work horrible hours and huge shifts in a stressful job. You go out for drinks/meals/holidays and enjoy 'normal' life. You have been incredibly succsessful through all this and a real testament to hard work, refusing to make excuses yet still...
Mate- that is such a lovely post. Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on losing that stone- i know you were beating yourself up a lot at that time, so am really glad you stopped looking at where you had been and instead started focussing on where you were heading.
Secondly- mate, much as i would love the...
Hello!!!!!
I used to frequent this forum a LOT during my 2 year weight loss journey. For those of you that don't know me, I lost 8 stone over 2years and got to target last August.
This week marks my 1st year anniversary at target and i thought I would just pop back to let all the oldies know...
Livi- firstly, you do not 'have' to do this for your loved one. I am sure they wouldn't want their memory to be something you beat yourself up with. You are doing this for you, knowing you have their love and support with you REGARDLESS of how well you do.
Secondly: I can relate in a slightly...
I started SW in April 2008 at 19 stone. I lost 8 stone over 2+ years and got to target last September. I have maintained this weight loss and completely turned my life around regarding confidence, lifestyle, fitness and general vitality. (Check out my photos for evidence)
SW is not a quick...
I have had this all through my weight loss, my maintenance and now get nasty comments about my exercise (I love it and do a lot)
It's strange how taking control, eating well and exercising suddenly brings out all this 'concern' from 'friends'- lol. No-one ever showed concern for my health when...
Take a big step back mate- you have LOST 17LB!!!!!
That is fantastic- who cares how long it takes as long as it come off.
All my attempts at dieting in the past were 'fast and furious' and I always regained it (not saying this is the case for everyone, but it was for me). This time I made a...
Ok- so today you have identified a real link between getting stressed and craving food.
Take a positive from the day so far and realised that you have learned a little bit more about yourself.
I really hope you feel a bit better now. If you managed to NOT eat, then try and work out what you...
'Reformed' always makes me giggle.
Like the ham used to be bad, but has seen the error of it's way
....or used to be in an 80's pop band and they have just got back together....
......I'll get my coat
Exactly!
I think the same when people say "I am going to start next week".
Everyone on here WANTS to lose weight and believes that this time they really will... but is that enough for all those hundreds of tiny decisions you have to make every single day for a substantial period of the...
Its about YOU having everything YOU need to do this- everyone is different.
Lots of people need the support and comraderie of a class. Some people can just do it off using books and asking on here.
I was somewhere in the middle. I didn't want to go to class (I actually find them...
Good to see you again, mate!
Massive congratulations on your success so far. That must have taken a lot of hard work and determination so I know the rest will come off in time.
Lovely to see you again- I can tell by your new avatar that you are looking GREAT xxx
I have to disagree with the 'fat photo' as motivation. I know lots of people use this, but really think it is damaging behaviour
It is practically impossible to be motivated by negativity- you are basically saying 'look how horrible you look' to try and get yourself to change behaviour- would...
Another runner here.
I started in January after signing up for the Great Manchester Run 10k having never run in my life. I now run over 20 miles a week and my first race is on Sunday
I am utterly hooked. I just love it- it is so liberating to discover what your body can do and just get out...
Honey- so glad it helped. We are all guilty of this, so I know from personal experience how damaging it can feel. It is only ever destructive to make comparisons, even if it is comparing us now withourselves in the past. You have done amazingly well and that 40lb will soon be 30, and knowing you...
The dissapointment on NOT getting your monthly handbag is absolutely certain to lead to a binge, which would then make you skip a weekly WI, which would mean you spent about £172.72 on take-out, dairy milk and pringles- so the handbag is a bargain by comparison
:D
The only advice I can give is 'don't look backwards'. There is absolutely NOTHING to be gained from beating yourself up about what you weighed once- whether that was 14 years or 14 days ago, it is now irrelevant, because you are where you are.
Look forwards mate- you are far too pretty for us...
Even thin people have cellulite, so it won't necessarily go just by losing weight.
Cut down on all processed foods/fizzy pop as cellulite is mainly due to added cr@p in food (there was no such thing as cellulite 100 years ago)
Body brushing, exercise and drinking water will also help lots
xxx
Hi Mate
I just wanted to add my bit to the excellent advice already here.
Based on what you said you seem to be able to stick to it fine but it is the evenings that are the problem?
I used to be exactly the same (and still am now occasionally, if honest) and what helped me immensely was 3...
I used to work away in hotels a lot- all above is excellent advice. I also took alpen lights, fruit and mugshot.
You can also put eggs (in their shell!) inside the kettle and boil it up- leave them for 5 minutes and have freshly boiled eggs too :-)
At the risk of making myself unpopular, I think this is often the case when people embark on weight loss for a specific date. The goal and focus is all centered around one particular moment/day and that is enough for a lot of people to stay goal orientated and on plan..... inevitably once the...
Utterly, utterly brilliant.
Your positivity, dedication and ability to plan are all reasons for your outstanding success. You are inspiring to newbies and oldies alike.
have a fantastic evening (the food sounds amazing) and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Completely agree- World of Flavours is the only SW one I use because the rest of the time I use 'normal' recipe books and just adapt them- that is the beauty of SW and EE isn't it?- practically normal eating with a few 'tweaks' (apart from the puddings sections which I just avoid or make for...
World of Flavours- it is great for when we have people round or fancy a chinese or indian. It has meals, sides and desserts for particular cuisines. The only SW one I use now
Everything has already been said so well above, but I just wanted to give you a huge hug *hugs*
This happens every now and then, and despite knowing all the positive stuff and never giving up it is still GUTTING
Really feel for you mate, but have your moment of wallowing and then get right...
I tend to look on the packet to see what is recommended as a portion- e.g. pasta 80g.
I always promise myself (because I used to eat HUGE portions and sometimes get freaked out by how small a measurement can appear) that if it is free food and the portion isn't enough I can have more later...
Oh Mate- I think you could drive yourself mad if all you think about is the numbers. I get stressed now and then about losing more or putting my target down when I look at my weight compared to a million other things, but when I take a big step back I realise that I am truly happy with how I...
We had some piccies taken yesterday to celebrate my amazing husband's battle with cancer (winning at the mo- final score to be announced in a few months- looking good)
It happened to coincide with my 3 year anniversary of starting SW 3 years ago, so thought I would post a before (3 years ago-...
AND, just to confuse you even more, sizes are different from shop to shop.
I have found Marks & Spencer, Next and Dorothy Perkins are all 'big' for the size (I think they use a 'vanity size' tactic to make us feel good there so we buy more clothes from them!).
Whenever I was inbetween sizes...
Yeah- I am on the bodyoptimise website! (Not sure if that means I am also on the main site- feel free to search 'Claire Pratt' in the stories)
I amswered an online questionairre and they contacted me and asked for more info. I told them I was happy to write it myself and wanted to read over...
DD- so glad you reposted this.
I firmly stand by it- especially considering that 1lb a week added up to 112 and got me to target- and will with so many others
Love it! We should get badges made up!
Oh, mate- this sounds so familiar!
My Mum is super morbidly obese and finds it difficult to walk or even stand for long periods.
Despite knowing that you can never really change someone without them wanting to do it themselves, a couple of years ago I sat her down and told her how worried I...
I think it is so easy once you have done one thing off-plan to just carry on with a "s0d it!" mentality.
I remember a quote on here once that struck a chord- If one flower in a bunch died, you wouldn't chuck the entire bunch out, so don't sabotage an entire week for the sake of one incident...
The caramel square is 9.5 syns- I had one last night as I had the syns spare
If you have the syns spare and want it that much, have it- don't demonise it. Your syns are for this- everything in moderation
At the risk of putting the cat among the pigeons.....
I have on many occasions had a week off SW and done a different diet, just either to get things moving, shake things up or because SW wasn't particularly convenient at that time.
For instance I worked away from home a lot last year and...
Think you answered your own question then, mate. The issue isn't your apparent descent into misery, but their jealousy at your success.
You just be yourself mate- never mind the sniping- it only ever comes from people not worth listening to anyway- keep your (multiple yet shrinking) chins up!! ;-)
Just wanted to say- I was in a bigger hole. When I started i had 8 stone to lose and have now lost that and maintained target for 6 months
You CAN do this! It isn't going to happen overnight (it took me 2 years) but if slow and steady works for you, just go with it- what is the alternative...
Between me and you...... sometimes I pretend to myself that I have never been told and eat it without synning it and plead ignorance (to myself!!!!)
LOL- I am such a saddo cheat!!!!!
Completely in line with MLM, I was always the 'bubbly' one.
My weight never made me hide in a corner- quite the opposite. Maybe because part of me wanted to be noticed or maybe because I felt I had to compensate in some way for my looks with my 'personality'
I certainly haven't lost my sense...
I am embarrassed to admit that I remember when tinned macaroni cheese, corned beef and vacuum packed mackerel were free
The day that sainsbury's be good to yourself egg mayo became synned was the day a little light went out in my heart....
Oh dear- no message on Facebook (some random woman is going to be very confused- lol)
Given what Britmum has said (as they are from SW online) they are rubbish anyway! Maybe stick with her thread as she actually knows the score
:D
Whener i got the urge to binge, i just did it, but on free food and NEVER had to feel guilty
Looks like you just did exactly that- you controlled yourself and still satisfied your head- just brilliant, mate. Massive gold star to you
xxxx
Yeah- don't post on a public forum
I added you to my contacts- don't know if that makes a difference, otherwise try and find me on Facebook (claire pratt, wigan) and send me a message that way?
My advice mirrors LilyB- don't 'run'
Your body needs adjustment time and you would HATE it if you just tried to run as you would feel so unfit. Take it really slowly and with each walk/run gradually decrease the walking time and increase the running
Also the key with beginners at running is...
I was always scared of getting to target because you hear all the scare stories from others- about how maintaining is harder than losing and I was always worrying about gaining weight back once I had got there.
Firstly- I still do have to concentrate pretty hard around food still at target...
No just 2- you get gold after 8 weeks and if you carry on for another 8 weeks you get platinum (basically this shows that you have made long term changes for life)
Good luck x
I never used to feel guilt- I would justify eating ANYTHING- there was always a good reason in my head as to why I deserved something, or it was worth it, or I was entitled to eat it.
I don't feel guilt now- I think I would class it more as being accountable. I have an awareness of what I put...
Hiya Kate
I was a 1lb a week girl- slow and steady so it took me just over 2 years to lose 8 stone. i didn't really start exercising until I had lost 6 stone, basically because I thought I would hate it. I know what you mean about joints- my knees used to crunch when I went up the stairs and...
The hungrier you get, the more likely you are to go for the greasy, fatty choices as this is your body's defence mechanism to starvation (it is thinking "eat at much energy/calories rich food as possible NOW")
You can't fight this- so don't try. Make sure you are never hungry by eating free...
Up until the age of 34 I had never done any real form of exercise (besides walking- usually just to Tesco) I used to really not get that people liked it and laugh and call people 'mad' who went to the gym or ran (while secretly being a little bit in awe that anyone could be that fit or motivated...
Tesco Value gammon rounds are £1 for 2 thick steaks and lovely with eggs.
Make a lovely beef stew with lean stewing steak which is always cheap and have with swede and carrot mash for a lovely comfort dish
crabsticks and cooked mussels are always in the fridge for fairly cheap snacks and...
I always thought in terms of packets of butter- I lost so slow that half a pound really meant something.
Actually go to the dairy section and pick up a packet of butter- that is half a pound of fat- think about losing just one of those at a time....
I couldn't even lift 224 packets of butter...
Your post struck such a chord with me. It describes exactly how I used to feel about food- not just a thing for comfort, but a thing to celebrate with, relax with, cuddle up with, go out shopping with- literally the first thing I did when I booked a holiday was go to the 'what they eat here'...
Most of the food at Wagamama is cooked to order, and they are really good at changing orders or omitting items from a meal. The staff are pretty clued up so will tell you if say, a curry sauce, cannot be changed, but a noodle dish can be cooked without oil or chicken grilled
I felt really...
I always go off the fact that 5g of sugar is 1 teaspoon, so to get the equivalent of 25g sugar, measure out 5 teaspoons splenda
Wouldn't go with 'like for like' - i think this is for volume, not weight
Well, as an on-line member, my service sucks at target!
In 2 weeks the annual membership I signed up for a year ago runs out, and despite being a target member who has paid for 3 years on the trot, my membership and access to the site will be cancelled unless I pay the normal fees again- this...
Having always been overweight and battled with my weight my entire adult life, I decided that I would give up dieting and throw away my scales.....I lived for years telling myself that I was fat but happy and glad I was no longer in the diet world and could just accept who I was...
One day-...
These are the rules on Body Magic:
To achieve your bronze Body Magic award, you’ll need to record 45 minutes of activity each week (over at least 3 days) maintained for 4 weeks. Every activity that you enjoy for 5 minutes or more counts.
To achieve your silver Body Magic award, you’ll need...
Ok- now the fun part.
Write a 'resist list'- put down all the food you would have had if you had gone..... and then work out the syns
This is what you resisted today and is proof of your achievement
Makes your halo EXTRA shiney!
Yeah- it changed about a year ago.
It used to be a big no-no, but I think they realised that everyone did it anyway, so now the official line is you can
I would just use caution on using them all up in one go and then having none left- deprivation leads to mental anguish and binges in my...
Mate- just to add to the excellent advice already here:
Your target is exactly what mine was- to lose 112lb (8 stone)
I did this at less than 1lb a week (a rate that you are upset about)
Do you think I am crying now?
Yes it took over 2 years, but so what? I had to live through those 2...
Hungry or craving? It is so hard to differentiate. The following helps me:
Am I 'hungry' for a particular food?- If the answer is "yes" I am not really hungry (if you are truly hungry, you just want food)
Did the 'hunger' happen suddenly? If the answer is "yes" I am not hungry- hunger takes a...
Great idea!
My only advice is to make sure you fill it with positive things. Pictures that make you happy and feel good- never fat photos as these are just a way of mentally bullying yourself. Put a picture of an outfit you can't wait to fit into, or a picture of a destination you would like...
When I was nearer target, I couldn't have eaten what I ate when i started and still lost weight- I gradually started to focus on portion sizes too.
In the beginning I just got so excited by free food I ate loads, and being the size i was I still lost weight, but the smaller you are the...
Per sachet: Lamb 4.5, chicken 6 and pork 6
If you wanted to save syns you may want to look at the spices listed in the ingredients and just adding them yourself for syn free flavouring (cumin, paprika, garlic salt, ground coriander, dried herbs, chilli, soy, etc are all free)
xxx
Looking forward is the way to go, mate- It's the future (literally!)
Just because past attempts didn't work out for whatever reason doesn't mean you can't do this. It will take hard work, and life will throw rubbish at you along the way, but there is no reason why this time shouldn't be the...
I think you hit the nail on the head- SW is not the quickest weight loss plan out there, and it is tempting to go for the quick fix, but I know I personally I couldn't maintain that long term (plenty do and have great success, just not my cup of tea)
I did green/red/mix to max for 1 year and...
I did exactly what you think of as impossible- I (and many others) are absolute living proof that this is really possible
I lost 8 stone and have maintained my target for 6 months
Yes it took me 2 years, but I had to get through those 2 years anyway- imagine if I had given up? I shudder at...
I boil the eggs, then put them in a bowl and mash 'em up- (with some light mayo if required) and snip up the bacon into it- hot or cold - either way it is ace
And yes, Jaylou rocks my world too
I can pin it down to individual posters!!
e.g. if it wasn't for Jaylou I wouldn't know about Highlights dark chocolate (I still remember the original post saying it was better than Starbucks!) and if it wasn't for StaceyUK (remember her?) I wouldn't know about Pagen rolls with chopped egg and...
Nothing to add to the excellent advice above, just wanted to say I really sympathise with your impatience and frustration
I gained 5lb in a week at Christmas, but usually when I have a quick gain it is very quick to come back off, but this is just so slllloooowww at shifting! I am exercising...
Mate- that is utterly brilliant news.
Well done x 1 million- I hope you have a lovely load of treats planned to reward yourself for winning such a wonderful battle
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I used to have a real problem until someone reminded me that eating food when you are not hungry IS a waste of food, just as much as if you put it in the bin!
Good for you- well done on that first step
Make sure you are warming up/down properly and stretching after exercise as this will help with the ache the next day.
Think of the benefits of this- looking better, feeling fitter, getting leaner.....living longer!!!- a few aches are well worth that
I think half the problem is we are trying to decide what we need to satisfy us before we eat (therefore when we are hungry).
What I try to do now is look on a packet for what it recommends as 1 serving e.g. 80g of pasta. My internal fat voice always screams at this and says "that will never...
The official line used to be that it had to be daily, but they changed it about a year ago to allow us to use them weekly (because I think they realised most people did that anyway! lol)
Happy Birthday for tomorrow, btw!
xxxx
Just be careful not to blow them all and leave yourself with...
Losing weight is an incredibly amazing experience- getting fitter and healthier and getting into clothes that look good and being able to go out and not worry about your size and feeling attractive and living longer
Whats not to get excited about???????
Congratulations on starting your...
Just as an afterthought: Last year I put a flapjack recipe in the recipe section- they are 1 HEB and half a syn each, and really yummy
Just in case you feel the need again xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Well done for getting back on it though, mate
(I posted this a few years ago, but though I would re-post, as it still applies:)
Hi
I see this occasionally on posts and have thought it many times in the past after eating too much high fat, high sugar food.
How many times have we all used this as justification for going off plan?
Without...
Yeah- I wouldn't be as specific as it being before, during or after as all of our bodies are different- some ladies don't retain water at all and don't need to account for it.
You will gradually see a pattern- the important thing is not to get despondant if the scales don't seem 'fair' around...
Well done for posting- that is your virtual 'line' drawn now. Don't beat yourself up- give yourself a hug, tell yourself it's fine and move on.
Only positivity gets you through to the end, so no negative mental bullying about a couple of flapjacks. Concentrate on the thoughts of how wonderful...
Thanks for all your kind words, everyone. It means a lot to me just to know people are wishing us well.
Thanks fillymum- this is exactly what I have learnt due to the fantastic Drs and radiologists at The Christie hospital. Cancer is not what it once was, and there is no reason why many people...
Well- went to see 'Tangled' (new 3D disney about Rapunzel) last night and it was brilliant!
Really funny- great characters. There is another thread on here about manipulative parents and I couldn't help laughing at the wicked stepmother character "I found you because I followed the smell of...
Well done for resisting. This shows real determination- especially when you are feeling cruddy.
You have proved that comfort food doesn't automatically equal junk- you can have a big bowl of mash, a curry, a big hearty stew, a roast dinner, loads of things that are comforting AND...
Oh, Gawd- Marley and Me?:cry::cry::cry:
*snifs and pulls self together*
Come with me tonight, Hev? Pop over to Wigan and we can all go together, looking daft in our x-ray specs :cool:
As some of you know, my beloved husband was diagnosed with having cancer before Christmas (38- never smoked- healthy- fit strong-utterly beatiful and the kindest man in the entire world- absolute shock from nowhere)
Well, I haven't been around much, but things are getting a little bit more...
Mate, you are a legend!!!!!
You know how you always manage to think of the right thing to say after you put the phone down...? Well I am printing this out and keeping for the next incident
Love it!
Chuck it in the bin- best place for em
Eating food is such a sensual amazing experience which should be enjoyed at every possible opportunity. I resolve NEVER to eat anything which makes me miserable- and this comes under that heading.
I hate with a passion 'diet' food- it is so much more...
My initial target was to get to the weight I was when I got married (lowest I had ever been in my life- 13st), and have my wedding ring fit again.
I got there, carried on, lost an extra 2 stone and am now considering having my wedding/engagement rings made smaller
You CAN do this ladies! Be...
Jaybobs- my Mum has switched sides now and constantly scrutinises what I DON'T eat!
When the family go around for tea she always buys seperate food for me and makes a point of saying "I know you are on a DIET so got you these"- to anyone else in the world this would seem thoughtful, but she...
First point- you have to remind yourself that your Mum's behaviour was entirely socially unacceptable. It is not your perception of it that may be slightly off- in anyones book, how she behaved is just like a teenager throwing a strop. Hard as it may be, to her face this behaviour should be...
Thanks doll! I shall don my 3D glasses with pride (and forget trying NOT to look like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)
will let you know about Rapunzel (Tangled? Entangled?)
Wow- sounds like you are doing amazingly well.
Also remind yourself of the impact you are having on your heart- that is also a muscle and you are making it fitter and stronger- with every drop of sweat, you are giving yourself longer on earth- what more motivation does anyone need.
Well...
I guess the key is what WORKS for you
I have weighed myself every day for the last 3 years and never had a problem with it- it doesn't sway how I feel and I don't get upset/excited by it- it is simply one of many observations I make- I also look in the mirror everyday and wear clothes everyday...
Hi
At the gym I use cross trainers, rowing machine, bike, stepper and treadmill and the hardest of all of these is defo the cross trainer.
Guess you have to weigh it up- it is hardest so it is therefore the most effective. I could burn twice the amount of calories on a cross trainer than on...
I saw 'The Kings Speech' twice, I enjoyed it so much.
Last week I saw 'Black Swan' which was very strange- not at all what I imagined and actually quite gruesome and scary. Practically the whole of the audience were older ladies in groups and occasionally during the film I turned around to see...
I have signed up for the Great Manchester Run in May (10k) and am considering the GNR as hopefully I will be at that standard by September- the only problem is the 18th is my wedding anniversary.......... not too sure.
I may look into another 20k in a few months time
Good luck
Rather than "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" I prefer to turn it on it's head:
NO food is worth the misery of being overweight
I also like:
"This is no time for ease and comfort. It is a time to dare and endure"- Winston Churchill
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day...
Mate- I feel your pain
1 week of being absolutely 100%, running 11 miles outside in the cold and mud, gym 3 times for weight training and cardio and the result this morning....................I gain 1lb!
I know all the answers- I give them out myself often enough- it could be bloat, my...
Hi gang
I have recently started running and found this amazing quote that I think also works perfectly for losing weight. It is amazing and makes my heart soar when I read it, so wanted to share- we are amazing because we are all still here, battling away
“When you stand on the Start Line...
Ok- if you are not hungry for free foods, you are not really hungry, so you are experiencing a craving. This is more difficult to deal with but here are some things I have found helped me:
Craving sweet things after a big meal usually meant I ate a lot of refined carbs- try and swap white...
Oh, mate. I know you know all the answers to this, but still feel your pain. We have all been utterly devastated by the results occasionally, especially when you did something heroic like turn down pizza.
I won't say all the stuff you know already about bloat and loss evening itself out and 'a...
Dawn- can I just say what a lovely Mum you are. You are obviously doing everything possible to support your daughter, including doing the plan with her and asking for help on her behalf. That is just so lovely
BTW- I was 19 stone when I started, so the same as your daughter, and I have lost 8...
With you there, mate- It is like a guilty pleasure because my husband goes MAD.
I guess smelling of vinegar isn't much of a turn on, but I love them pickled bad boys!
I found that when I ate a lot of white pasta/rice I would get massive sugar cravings afterwards, regardless of how full I was.
Brown rice/pasta have a much lower GI which means (without going into too much science) you are less likely to crave sugar afterwards.
So, on paper they have the...
I do- and love it, but it isn't for everyone.
If you put 'bodyoptimise' (the old name for it) in the search feature at the top of the page, you will see all historic discussions about this- with lots of 'for' and 'against' opinions
xxx
It is very difficult to build muscle, especially for us girls as we have very little testosterone in our bodies. I do 3 hours weight training a week and am maintaining my weight nicely- like you say, the guys I see in the gym who want to gain real muscle lift massive weights, hammer the gym for...
I have allsorts of charms (some pictures in my albums if you fancy a look) to do with things that remind me of my journey- heart, shuttlecock, apple, cat, xmas tree, cinderella shoe, or just a number '7'
Mine is so heavy now- 16 charms!!!! I got them on-line and never paid more than £10 for...
Motivate yourself with positivity
I HATE it when people metion the 'fat picture' on the fridge- this is like trying to get a kid to do better at school by constantly telling them how thick they are! Instead of fat pictures, put a picture of you looking fabulous and happy on the fridge. Instead...
Hi Mate
If you followed the 'old' plan you would still lose weight, but I would personally recommend you get details of the new plan. 'Extra Easy' has been introduced since and it really is fabulous- you can mix the old red/green days together and it just makes life, planning and eating out...
That's why I joined online- never looked back. The classes always seemed like a hassle because of work and I never really enjoyed the several I went to over the years- I always ended up giving up because of the consultant/other members or hassle of getting to class.
I joined on-line almost 3...
I'm at target now, but just wanted to let you know I lost 8 stone on SW, so it can be done.
It took me just over 2 years but I was a 'slow and steady' loser (1lb a week average). I have maintained for 4 months now and I am living proof that a lifetime of being overweight CAN be overturned. It...
Just to give another view- I loved it and it helped me reach (and still maintain) my target!
It meant I had access to all the information I wanted without having to actually go to a class every week- to me the class/social/leader side was always the painful bit. I was in control myself this...
Sally and Tyrone- ew, that is just WRONG
Almost as wrong as when Dev and Deirdrie got together on Christmas day years ago- still trying to bleach my eyes to get rid of the sight of THAT one- ew ew ew
Mate- this made me laugh. I love your insider knowledge! (would they have allowed a man in that condition to carry on with a wedding ceremony?)
Loved the street last week- even rushed home from a night out on Friday so I could watch it (rock and roll, eh?)
Thought the live episode was...
It's at moments like these I realise how much I feel I know everyone on here. Fern, I have never met you, but can't tell you how much I am beaming from your news. I am so chuffed. It couldn't happen to a lovelier lady
CONGRATULATIONS
I either do spirits and diet mixers at 2.5 syns a pop OR if I really want wine, I alternate between that and diet coke. I takes a bit of will power but you feel SO virtuous if you can manage it, your hangover won't be as bad and you won't get hangover munchies the next day
xxx
This is not at all a 'disaster' thread- it is the thread of a man who has faced his laspe, admitted his fault, got straight back on track and been brave enough to share this. I call that an inspirational thread, mate!
WELL DONE to you- we are all easily capable of falling off the wagon. It is...
My favourites when stuck in a rut are:
4 ryvita (HEXB) topped with 5 laughing cow light (HEXA), sliced tomato and basil
3 pagen crispbreads (HEXB) topped with chopped egg and grilled lean bacon
Fibre plus bar (HEXB) crumbled over greek yogurt and topped with berries
Exactly!
I don't think you are mad- I think you are utterly awesome for seizing the moment - you go girl!
You will be so glad you did when New Year comes around and you are not feeling ILL from overindulgence and feeling horrible when you look in the mirror, and being on SW is great over...
Last Christmas I had never exercised in my life and would never have dreamed of going to a ..........gym!!!!
I have progressed up to 6 gym/exercise sessions a week, I am toned, firm and FIT. I susbscribe to Womens Fitness magazine and just signed up for the Great Manchester Run next year. I...
Body magic awards are given if you do additional exercise to your normal routine for certain periods. Here you go....
Bronze award = To achieve your bronze Body Magic award, you’ll need to record 45 minutes of activity each week (over at least 3 days) maintained for 4 weeks. Every activity that...
My 3 meals a day have hardly changed now I am target- I just allow myself to be a bit more relaxed on the synned stuff (I know i should increase HEX not syns, but I guess we have to all do what works for us). I go to the gym at least 5 times a week and do need the extra energy, so a lot of the...
Well crunches and sit ups will improve the muscle tone underneath the skin, but not the texture of the actual skin itself. Yes, these creams claim to work- as I said in my post, I combined exercise with skincare, eating good oils and slow weight loss and don't have loose skin, but I won't put...
Hi Steve
It is a body moisturiser, so after your shower you rub it in over your skin. It sinks in and supposedly helps the skin retain it's elasticity.
There are a few different 'firming' body lotions about, so I bet Avon do a version, but this one caught my eye because it is specifically...
Laura- I had to giggle at the word 'finally'!!!!
YOU HAVE LOST 10 STONE SINCE MARCH, GIRL!!!!
That is jaw droppingly spectacular- you have also helped lots and lots of people along the way and been a constant inspiration- Mininmins salutes you!
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Made a fit favourite:
Mix 1 sachet white chocolate options with 1 small tub 0% greek yogurt
Put blackberries (or other soft fruit) in bottom of a martini glass, spoon the white chocolate 'mousse' on top then pour over blackberries whizzed up with sweetener and a little lemon juice
mmmmmmmmmmmm
The reason why the majority of 'bought' sushi is so highly synned is because SW are a bit lazy with their syn values on EE.
Basically on the old 'green' days the fish was synned and on an old 'red' day the rice was synned- when EE came out SW told us to take the lower syn value of the two, but...
From the website......xxx
If you are breast-feeding, your body requires extra energy and extra calcium to enable it to produce milk for your baby. Therefore if you are Food Optimising whilst breast-feeding we recommend you increase your daily number of Healthy Extras.
Extra Daily Allowances...
On-line for me!
I guess the answer depends on your requirements. I wanted all the facilities but not having to cope with the commitment of a class/people/public WI, but some people really like that aspect. On-line was perfect for me and worth every penny to finally get slim
xx
Hi all
This will be my 3rd Christmas as a SWer and I thought it may help to give out a little advice that helped me (I have seen a lot of posts about this) as lots of people are talking about 'time off'
1. Time off is dangerous! Each year I saw loads of people say they were having a week off...
I guess my best advice would be to see this as a new way of life, not a quick fix diet. Nothing is off limits and everything in moderation- it is about realistic and susatinable eating habits for life- not just to fit in a certain outfit by Christmas then put it all back on again.
If it takes...
My darling OH starts radiotherapy treatment in a couple of weeks and we are now under instruction to make his diet as high calorie as possible!!
This is just so wierd and completely the opposite to EVERYTHING I have done for the past 2 years. I now have to fill the house full of full fat milk...
I lost 112lb and can honestly say that my stomach is flat with no loose hanging skin. My breasts do look a bit 'deflated' but do not hang or anything. Right at the bottom of my stomach there is a little patch of slightly wrinkled skin, but it is tiny and when I am stood up straight you can't...
How long have you been overweight?
Is it realistic to expect to change the behaviour that ruled you for that long instantly?
That is like asking someone who can't drive to read the highway code, show them the pedals and buttons on a car and then saying "there you go- you can drive now- on...
As a person who was overweight their entire adult life, SW had shown me ME- what I actually look like underneath the layers!
I never realised how big I was because being big had always been my 'normal', it is only now I have lost the weight that I see how large I had become. I have cheekbones...
FIRSTLY: ou friend is coming to see you and will be truly happy with whatever you put in front of her
SECONDLY: I got this on-line- it was the winning menu from a 'Come slim with me' competition for SW
Starter
Smoked salmon pâté in spinach coats
Serves: 4
Syns per serving: Free on Original...
I would record 0.8, 0.9, 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 as a 'round' lb
anything that was 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 I would count as half a lb
so, 10st 2.2 I would record as 10st 2lb
Hope this makes sense- it was harder than I thought to explain myself!!
xx
Yes!
I wrote to SW ages ago about this as I thought that if the alcohol was burned off it would be fewer syns- unfortunately not. You have to count it as if you were drinking it
xxx
Intersting question!
I checked on syns on-line and 'non-branded carrot juice' comes up as 2 syns per 142ml and a branded beetroot juice is 2 syns per 100ml
Sorry, mate- I guess it is the same rule at fruit juice- that it is too easy to consume lots of calories in drink format as you don't...
Amazing post, mate
Your attitude and outlook is a sure sign that those fad days have gone- you have 'got it' that being overweight is just a symptom of a bigger problem. You cannot long term overcome the symptom (lose weight) without tacking the cause of the underlying problem (your emotional...
Good plan, doll- just think of ways around it like you are doing.
You introduced me to Dark chocolate Highlights so we both know they are ace and I find they really fix the chocolate craving (I make them with not too much water so they taste thick and strong and serve it in a really pretty...
It sounds to me like you have developed some habits! Are you eating crackers and cheese at a specific time? Have you got into the routine of buying a supermarket sandwich because you are there anyway?
I am finding that target is harder than I thought, because although you can allow yourself...
Thanks a million, mate- you just made my day!
Hope that it just shows that it really is possible with support and determination - you will be telling your own story very soon
xxxx
It is SO hard not to do the comparison thing. Every week when I would announce my 'another 1lb' with utter joy, it was hard not to then get disheatened by all the "I've lost 5 this week" ones. BUT I've also been on the other side- despite my really slow losses, my sister has gained and lost the...
I was a size 16 bride, and even now I am smaller, I still look at my wedding photos and think I looked lovely and remember what a fantastic day it was.
Set yourself a realistic goal, accept that although you may not be skinny by the day it doesn't make you unattractive, then really work on...
Wow- love the enthusiasm for the plan, but not too sure whether SW should become a dictatorship!! lol
Yes, my tastes have changed- There are certain foods now that I just can't eat as I know they will make me feel very ill afterwards (basically anything with lots of saturated fat- cream cakes...
I bet the pies were good, but I doubt they were worth it, eh?
Keep that thought in mind when you next crave one- no food is worth the awful feelings you have when you are overweight. You are defo on the right track to a fantastic success (I haven't had heartburt for 2.5 years now!)
Good luck...
Hi all
Well, I got to target and then haven't been back since, have I? How ungrateful!!!!!
For all you old cronies- "hiya"- my life went MENTAL for the last 6 weeks, including a holiday, anniversary, birthday, and 3 MAJOR crisis' involving family and work. There have been lots of laughter...
You STAR
I am so ridiculously pleased for you, mate. Hope you have some suitable reward lined up for yourself to celebrate your WONDERFUL achievement
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Good luck Stacey- you have been missed so we hope to see you around more once you are settled- it must be such a stressful time for you.
Good luck with everything
xxx
A new lady joined our gym and we got chatting and she mentioned that "skinny, fit girls in lycra" like me made her feel uncomfortable. I was really upset for her and told her all about my previous size, and what a brave move it is to step though the gym doors, but secretly inside I was bursting...
Hey Jaybob
Every article I ever read about succesful weight loss included reference to constantly keeping things in check and changing the way you do things when it isn't working. Looks like you just nailed both of these, you clever cookie!
Sounds like you have had a real think, you are very...
Well, as you know, I have extensive experience now of being at target (31.5 hours and counting!).........
I do on-line and unfortunately I don't get free membership when at target BUT I have still paid up until the end of the year and I will continue my membership (despite having to pay for...
Oh, Heather. I only just saw this! Bless you.
I didn't think I could get much more overwhelmed by all the support yesterday, but you just raised the bar again!!!
I have a massive lump in my throat and a tear in my eye...again!
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Oh God it was a 6 course gourmet menu!!!! The only consolation is the courses were VERY small, and to be fair not too 'off plan' (apart from dessert!) A really tiny espresso cup of roasted pepper soup, a small piece of smoked haddock with cous cous, a small fillet of hake with chorizo barley...
WOWOWOWOW
Congratulations, mate- that is wonderful news and truly deserved- wish I could rep you but I have to spead the love first
I hope you have a really big treat in store as a reward for your wonderful success?
I am literally sobbing!
I can't really express what all of your comments mean to me. I think the thing I was absolutely most excited about this morning was posting on here and sharing my news with my friends. I honestly posted here before i told anyone else, even my amazing husband.
He is...
Quorn cottage pies are great. They are 4.5 syns each but you get a big plate of comfort food for that- have it with red cabbage (3 for £5 at Tesco)
Asda lamb shanks in gravy are free, so you could get some microwave low fat mash and a tin of peas to go with them
I know mugshots are...
All that hard work paid off- I lost 2.5lb taking me to 1lb UNDER TARGET
I am so utterly overwhelmed- I have thought about this moment so much, now I just feel incredibly emotional. I never dreamed at the start of this that I would get to this point. I knew I was capable of losing the weight...
I know it's stupid, but that extra wee before I step on the scales may be make or break
You will know by 9.31- I am shaking!!!!! The suspense is killing me
LOL Jaybob! How do you think I feel!!!!!
I always WI at 9.30 and it is KILLING me to wait but I am determined to do it right- I have not had a peek am just literally sat here biting my nails (do you think no nails will help me weigh less? How much do nails weigh??)
I feel sick!
Good luck mate- another tip if ypu love pittas, try and get the 'Food Dr' pittas which have lots of added seeds and linseeds for an EXTRA healthy boost
I also like looking at the 'Womens Health' website and it's ,meal planners to get general inspiration- I don't follow them rigidly- I just...
I started doing this a few months ago when I started to work out a lot more- It is lovely to be eating peanut butter again (and I find I don't really miss the chocolate)
Like you, I eat avocado, almonds, sultanas, oil. In addition I also have houmous, peanut butter, milled linseed, guacamole...
Welcome!
My best tip ever is: Don't see this as some quick fix temporary measure. We have all done crash diets and gained back more- if you want to break this cycle, see SW as a way of eating for life- enjoy the variety and health benefits (and treats!) and see this is the new you, not just a...
Besides the obvious, my favourites are:
4 dark rye ryvita with 5 blue cheese laughing cow deli, topped with slices apple (1b and 1a)
3 pagen krispbreads topped with chopped egg and bacon (1b and free on ee/red)
2 slices hexb bread topped with sliced tomatoes, 42g reduced fat cheddar, fresh...
I am living proof that 1lb a week adds up! I have lost almost 8 stone in just over 2 years by plodding along- I worked damn hard for every single ounch and NEVER feel like 1lb is anything less than utterly fantastic!
xxxx
Oh, Heather, Jay and everyone, thank you so much for all your massive support.
I am now back home and feeling really positive about how I handled my time away. I ignored everything except cereal at breakfast and ignored restaurants and went to various supermarkets for lunch/dinner (the client...
Utterly and thoroughly deserved- bottle up how you feel right now and keep it for a low moment. NOTHING tastes as good as your success.
CONGRATULATIONS
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OMG!!!!!!!!!!
That is absolutely wonderful- congratulations on your fantastic achievement- I think you now deserve a fantastic reward
Did you get a photo taken? If so, you must show us
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Hi Guys!
Just letting you all know how I am getting on- still here!
Have been mostly pretty good. Last Thursday was a bad day and I ended up getting fish and chips from room service- I felt ill afterwards and couldn't sleep but I still reckon I had enough syns saved up for the week so hope...
Hi Guys
I am still working away so missing WI this week- just wanted to let you know I am with you all in spirit and really wishing you all the best for WI
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Put chicken meat in a food processor- it is just the same thing! Be VERY careful of buying turkey mince as the normal sort includes meat, skin and fat that has been minced and is quite fatty. Unless you can find a 'healthy options' kind, just make your own out of meat trimmed of all fat and at...
Mate- I just wanted to add to all the tremendous support- WELL DONE on coming here and fessing up.
I would love to know the 'answer' to binges, but I have had them when sad, happy, excited, bored, tired, angry, full and hungry- I have given up in trying to rationalise them but always always...
The only way 'all would be lost' is if you gave up!
You may gain, you may not- the absolutely vital issue is how you deal with your (completely understandable) off-plan evening. Do you draw a line, accept what happened, learn from it and carry on OR do you let the guilt turn into self-loathing...
Emsie
You are not alone! I am constantly having this battle, mainly because I find it very difficult to understand what I actually look like to other people. The unhelpful thing is that friends want to be so nice that all they ever say is I look fine and should stop now and worry about me...
I am addicted to these! Occasionally I have it as it is with a heap of steamed carrots and broccoli or sometimes after microwaving it I crumble in an oxo cube and mix it all up so it ends up like proper potato hash and have it with tons of pickled beetroot/red cabbage
It is perfect comfort...
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
You look utterly amazing- totally different and much younger.
That dress is stunning and so is the gorgeous lady wearing it- you are inspiring
xxx
Just brilliant! Those jeans are more than 'just a bit baggy'- they are practically hanging off you! I think you need a shopping trip, girl.
Congratulations on a fantastic transformation- your silhouette has completely changed
xxx
Yes- occasionally I have done WW for a week/few days and was fine.
When I work away from home sometimes SW is difficult as I am not in control of most of my meals- at lunch sometimes I just want to grab a quick sandwich and not fuss around about the no bread issue. I have done SW long enough...
Hi Mate
No- you get no personal support- I get an e-mail once a week which is a generic reminder to WI. The day I signed up was on a Monday so that is the day I get my reminder, but because I work away a lot I can't always WI on a Monday so just WI whenever I get back - not sure if you can...
I use bodyOptimise but cannot tell you if it is the same as the group members site as I don't have access!
On-line I have a food diary, syns online, syns calculator, recipe search, fit log, fit challenges, all the backdated articles, FAQs and plenty more. I also have a progress page with all...
Just amazing- you look like a new woman in your photo- so much more relaxed and much, much younger.
What an inspiration!!!!!
p.s. Sarah-Jayne- that is utterly disgusting but VERY motivational- you horror!
Utterly brilliant!
Don't ever apologise for feeling proud of yourself! I bet you beat yourself up for every lb you gained so you should cheer from the rooftops about every loss- and 100lb is amazing
xxx
Wow- thanks again for all your fantastic support
Today was a good day. I went to breakfast in the hotel and walked straight past the pastries, bacon, sausages, toast, etc and got myself 2 weetabix, skimmed milk and an apple. At lunch I found a Subway and had a turkey and ham salad bowl with...
Do you know- it is such a comfort knowing that you guys are always here.
I always go through a mad thought process before starting a thread of "but who really is interested in your latest thought/feeling/drama" and I always hesitate, but whenever I do post- whether it be a 'yipee' post or a...
Bless you, cupcake!
I have a bag of greek 0% yogurt (the hotel room has a fridge) lots of punnets of berries, a bag with fibre plus bars, lots of tea bags, cadbury's highlights sachets and mug shots. I have done a scout for nearby supermarkets and there is a Morrisons and ASDA pretty close...
Mate- 'normal' people gain weight on holiday. It is just the way it is. The REALLY important thing is what you do with the rest of the year!!!!
Make sure you put any gain behind you and get straight back on it.
It isn't what you do for that 1 week holiday a year that is important- it's the...