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hey Spangly - catch up with my news over on my thread. Sounds like things are going great for you right now. You have done brilliantly - almost 20 pounds in a month, Wow! I am back doing low carbing - high fatting! if you read my thread you will see why things went off-piste for a while! But...

Back again - it has been a roller coaster couple of weeks, in more ways than one! I did two good weeks back on lighter life, then decided to drop back to Lite. All well and good, except I went right off the rails put weight on and then immediately came down with what I thought was a throat...

For me it is crocheting (my latest passion), old Cary Grant films, Mad Men boxset and this wonderful new Tea Shop in my town. it is a retro-feel, kind of 1950s/60s vibe with a wonderful and huge array of tea. it is served in a proper china teapot with dainty tea cups and saucers. they do...

Hi hannah - i think you know what the right choice is. it isn't an easy one but it has to be done. the fact is that the party/dinner will be so busy, lots of people lots of drinking and you will find that no one will be watching what you are eating or drinking. You are there for your friend and...

I have started the day as I mean to go on. Work is creeping along slowly - but I am showered, kitchen is clean, bread is almost made and I haven't eaten yet. was in two minds about how I wuld do today just a few minutes ago. Then I weighed myself and discovered that I have actually managed to...

Oh dear - how is it I did 16 weeks totally 100% the first time around and this time I managed just a few days...I unfortunately had a slip up yesterday. I keep saying slip up when what i mean is I intentionally went to the fridge and chose to eat something which I shouldn't have. Carbs basically...

Amazing first week's loss - wow! just don't be disheartened if next week is very much lower. Our body works in mysterious ways...

Spangly -I love the idea of a rush of insulin because of WATCHING cakes being made! I also sat down and watched the Bake Off. I mentally squirrelled away the things I want to eat for when I am off the diet. I used to do this a lot. tell myself that IU can eat that when I am finished. Strangely...

Thanks hannah - I am feeling much better. I blame carb withdrawal actually. it can make you feel really rubbish. I am feeling much more in control although struggling with staying on track right now... I totally agree with a maintenance book idea. even just an e-book. there really is very...

Yep, i have discovered that stopping going to maintenance meetings really caused me to backtrack. the fact is we can't do this on our own. everyone needs support and there is no shame in that. this time you will do it right and get to exactly where you want to be both physically and mentally.

good luck for the weigh in tomorrow spangly! you'll do fine. I take it you are weighing in at home? Can you get someone to be your "sponsor" to write down your weight and help you to keep on track? hannah - it sounds like you are going great. I had a little mishap yesterday (see my diary) but...

First weigh in and I lost 5 pounds - this is despite a "slip up" yesterday. I ate a slice of bread (homemade bread...). the thing is that within 30 mins of eating it I felt dead tired, like all the life had been sucked out of me. Then by the evening, I was bloated, uncomfortable and feeling...

Well done on your loss hannah - brilliant! there can be all kinds of reasons for not losing the same as last time - you are a different person, you drank more or less water, you ate a different type or combination of packs....need I go on? I found during my time on LL that I just had to go...

Morning spangly - up early like me (5.45am today...) supposed to be working, but it isn't happening yet. Bit too distracted by celebrity gossip and LL forum. Pleased that you had a good weekend. I also manmaged to stick perfectly to the right foods, but didn't really drink enough water. I think...

Hi Spangly! Absolutely. I agree that there is a real lack of information out there for keeping weight off. Lighter Life probably do the best job of all the weight loss places I have been (and there have been many!). There have been a few studies done which show that there are a few key rules...

I am currently on day three of a Lighter Life top up. I am around a stone heavier than my goal weight (give or take) and as a management client, I decided to do total for a few weeks to get it taken care of once and for all. In fact since my LL journey began I have maintained easily for a year...

aaah Mum's. Mine died a few years ago and she was still commenting on my weight (and hers) from her literal death bed... I realised it was just hangups from the way society expects us to look. I couldn't blame her - it was no worse than I said to myself. Women in that age bracket simply don't...

Adrian - agree with you partially. Pasta is nice - but only with the sauce, potatoes are nice but only with butter. We wouldn't necessarily eat so many carbs if we didn't add the sweetness and fatty sauces to them. We need to think about how foods are presented to us in nature. You would never...

You are a similar weight to me (BMI). I am also losing a few pounds for an event. This a great short term way to do that. however I note that you hoped for BMI is under 19. this seems way too low and you should rethink it - especially as you struggle to get past your current weight. I...

I did Lighter Life as well. Why do you think you put the weight back on. While you are losing this time around it might be a great idea to have a plan of action for keeping the weight off. I have kept 50 pounds off for nearly a year by eating low carb (strictly) and using slim and save as a back...

it sounds like you had the same cold as me. three weeks later I am still coughing. it really is a nasty one. because i use slim and save to lose a little bit of weight just for special occasions, when i have put on a little (I am at my target weight) it was easy for me to say "I will just eat...

Good point. However, i have to say that the bars make me crave carbs. it might be the higher levels of artificial sweeteners in them or something else. But there is also the fact that other packs have the added benefit of extra water. I didn't realise they have lower carb levels than LL - I...

We stopped buying cereals months ago and breakfast tends to be toast or something like a croissant.daughter now likes an egg and bacon. Some days they prefer not to eat (they are a little older). In my opinion, you shouldn't eat breakfast unless you are hungry. I believe in eating when your body...

I believe that soya products are related to hormonal issues especially for men. They contain female hormones. In addition most soya products are highly processed - which is never a great idea. it is used as a cheap filler in loads of foods.

tricky one - try dropping bars if you are having them. otherwise just stick with it and don't give up. You will never know if you could have got there if you give up now.

I originally did Lighter Life, then went low carb straight after. i never reintroduced carbs as I knew that would lead to weight gain for me. I have kept the weight off for nearly a year by staying carb free. henry - these are not really good low carb options :) Most of us avoid bread, popcorn...

What about making a soup with your protein and veg options. then take it to work in a flask.

make sure your peanut butter is sugar free. There is only one variety in Uk supermarkets which is totally sugar free (whole earth) - so read labels. Meridien from Holland and Barrett is also a good option. But take care. peanuts are around 10-15 carbs per 100g. that is alot and easy to eat. I...

protein shakes are a great backstop. but can't beat the fat which comes with natural meat. I have them most mornings because of the coveinience, but i don't know if they are primal. I consider myself low carb anyways - so it isn't a big issue for me.

I think chickens are meant to eat bugs and some grasses. I am not sure if they are meant to eat any grains and particularly not corn. Chickens who have never been outside (they are reared from chicks indoors even when described as free range) will rarely venture outside as they have no idea...

I came across this article over on the Jimmy Moore website too. it is a good one. but i would also add the soy beans one - they are way bad for you! I teach my daughter these rules about nutrition and her teacher tells her the opposite. i feel like I can't win! thing is that I am living proof...

I might be a lone wolf when I say this - but I have read extensively on this and I can find no evidence which indicates that you need to come out of ketosis at all. Why would you want to? ketosis offers you a reduced hunger, even blood sugar levels and no regain of weight. if I do eat carbs (I...

They use a lot of fillers in those types of processed meat products - not just horse (!), but breadcrumbs, sugars, wheat and more. i would steer clear and use your time on S&S to re-educate your palate to like things which are much better for you. Unprocesssed, real food.

Your job sounds fab! You should be very proud to have such a high level of responsibility. I was also interested in getting into publishing at one time. (still am to an extent). As a copywriter, i thought it would be interesting to see the other side. Plus there are few opportunities for people...

Spangly - I think I missed something. Are you in the US now? if so, then yes of course you will be feeling a little rough. Different environment, weird sleeping patterns, different food and being on your own. I can't offer any advice about missing your family - i know how that feels. it is just...

if you have a membership make sure you use it. Just take care. the best time to exercise is in the morning before you eat but you must be aware that you may get very hungry if you overdo it. Try lifting weights to keep your muscle while you lose. I would avoid too much aerobic activity - but try...

ground flaxseed is a good low carb source of fibre. All you need is a tablespoon in a shake once a day. it does contain about 1 grams of carbs per tablespoon so take care.

My advice is not to add back those types of foods at all. there is no nutritional need for carbohydrates in the body (other than those provided from vegetables). I lost 50 pounds last year and kept it off by staying low carb. this means no wheat, bread, pasta, potatoes. It is much easier to...

of course you can say UGH! I would say it too. it was office politics which sent me running for the hills and the confines of my home office. However having said that - as lovely as working alone sounds, there is the inevitable loneliness and i am sure you would miss the hustle and bustle of the...

What would we have learned in LL about this? At the end of the day it is just food, just a way to give our bodies energy and little more. We don't have an emotional need for food. Buy something which you know you want (and which you can't get here) and take it home with you. Give yourself...

Hi spangly. You seem to be doing well. I think that it will all fall into place once you are on your trip. Right now you are worrying about how it will be, but once you are on your way it will just be a nbormal eating week. I have come down with a nasty cold and have been coughing constantly...

i thought slim and save were just bringing out new packaging to show all the info on them, but that the product is the same. i didn't know they were a different manufacturer. I sometimes mix and match Lighter Life and slim and save and it works well. just make sure your protein, carbs and...

it is so hard to be motivated when the scales aren't saying what you want them to. All you can do is stick with it because what is the alternative? You could go back to eating what you did before, put on the weight you lost and end up back where you started. You could try a different diet - but...

I think so. The more you weigh the more you are likely to lose. it also depends on what your diet was before you start. the more carbs you had before, the more you will see a huge loss. When i started LL, I already had cut back on carbs so i lost only 4 pounds or so. Still good though. All you...

Hey Spangly, I have sent you a private message just to say hello. But wanted to congratulate you on getting back on track in such a spectacular fashion! you are doing so well. I hope your trip to the states is manageable. I think that you need to make a plan and stick with it. If you think you...

Use SMART goals. Specific: know exactly what you goal is - Measureable: take your measurements/weight and check them often - Attainable: make sure your goal is acheiveable - Relevant: is it a goal worth having? - Timely: set a time limit on your goal The last motivates me most. Knowing this is...

It is important to make sure that your shake is low in sugars (obviously) but you also need to be aware that too much protein can cause weight gain. it is recommended that you have around 30gms per meal (90gms in total). As a woman you wouldn't want to go over this. Excess protein will convert...

Wow Weasey, it is the first time i have seen photos of your journey - despite us both being here for months!! Amazing transformation. Well done. Those extra 12 pounds really don't show!

Are you sure you are following it absolutely to the letter? ON the number of calories it is pretty difficult not to lose weight. However, 11 pounds in three weeks is actually pretty good and not losing this week could be due to hormones or anything. At more than 3 pounds a week, this is more...

Eggs - any which way!

Christmas...it is a painful day if you are on LL - but the payoff is amazing. I asked my husband for lots a presents to make up for it. I wanted things to do, books to read, knitting kits. Anything which would keep me occupied. Plus a new outfit to wear on the day. By that time I was wearing a...

The Slim and Save website also gives you loads of information. Just follow the rules 100% and you can't go wrong. it is often trial and error when it comes to making up the packs. they can be hit and m iss regarding the amount of water to add and how long to cook them. but otherwise it is easy.

Isn't it funny how we have become programmed to look at fat and find it disgusting...I don't want to take anything away from your way of inspiring yourself (i realise that you are using the fat as a way of showing the size and mass of each pound lost - which is a great motivation) - sometimes i...

When I was 50 pounds heavier I had cellulite which went from my bum to my knees. Now it is just on patches on the backs of my thighs. It diminished significantly - but not altogether. This is despite me now being at a BMI of 22. I am a natural pear shape and have always carried most of my fat on...

I am the same.since I lost the weight I am constantly surprising myself.I see myself in the mirror and have to stop and look closer...is it really me? But I am now so used to being a size 10 that putting on a few pounds can make me feel uncomfortable at a weight which would have been a dream...

I don't like tetras because of the unnecessary packaging. they can't be recycled. I sometimes make up the shakes with less water and have them as a dessert anyway. They will go all creamy and thick if you heat them too.

Totally agree with the above post. At a BMI of 19 you should not be dieting at all. But it doesn't mean you can't eat healthily. In my opinion it is wise to watch carbs and to eat more protein, especially if you are wanting to build some muscle. if you are exercising you will be putting on some...

Yes, the christmas shop....Since I lost weight and have been maintaining with what some might call a strict diet, I have found myself pretty much disgusted with what i see other people buy. Much more so at this time of the year. I just want to put my arms around them and tell them that all that...

You need salt!! Cramps are a really good indication. You need to have two cups a day of buillon in hot water - especially before doing any exercise. You body excretes salt along with all the water you will be losing. You could consider having an iron test or using a supplement. But to be fair -...

I had labyrinthitis once too. it was awful. It arrived after an ear infection. I felt very sick most of the time and couldn't really do anything much. the doctor can prescribe anti-sickness medication to help with the symptoms, but the virus will go on its own. I would give it a few more days...

I used to make sure i had mostly liquidy meals which really helps the water intake. Learning to start your day with some water is helpful too. At this time of the year i tend to drink lots of tea (I have a massive tea cup which must hold about half a litre). I have my water flavoured and...

I lost a bale of hay. But I prefer to think of it this way - I lost one of my children....in the nicest possible way!

Yep, that's the dopamine effect. Carbs supply you with dopamine which improve your seratonin levels. This leaves you feeling all warm and cozy.....and sleepy (remember those mid afternoon naps you used to need?) Carbs are a known anti-depressant which is why they are so addictive. Your lack of...

I am using S&S to lose a little extra before christmas and my BMI is only 23 ish. But I am doing a modified version. I have 4-5 packs a day and veges. On the day I have four packs, I have a protein based meal. I also use milk in some of my packs to bulk them up a little. This has meant that i am...

Just goes to show what losing the carbs and some weight can do!

Are you having quorn because you are a vege? if not, try swapping your protein for red meat. you also need the fat in meat for satiation and quorn is a no fat (and no taste!) product. If you are vege but eat eggs - try those instead.

They did change this recently and now you are supposed to pay. However, my counsellor has one meeting each week for management clients and she still does it for free. I recently started going again for a boost and it has really helped me when i was starting to struggle a little. I was five...

All you have to do is take a look at my weight losses to see that it goes up and down. I had a couple of weeks over Christmas last year where i only lost a pounds even though I was 100%. This really got me down as i felt i missed out on christmas for nothing. But looking back on it now, I am so...

The sweet one is by far the nicest. I add a little shake mix to the original to sweeten it up

With regards to the toilet thing...don't worry too much. remember that going every day is what happens when there is enough food in your system to push it all along. You have very little food in there and most of it is liquid. Basically what is left in your colon is the equivalent of the dried...

Kellmo, my typical day (when maintaining and not trying to lose a little) is to have a coffee shake for breakfast with about 100ml of cream added with vanilla protein powder. I eat a two egg omelet for lunch with bacon and vegetables and evening meal is meat and veg with a creamy sauce. A snack...

Just judge it by the weight loss and the appetite suppression. These are the most positives outcomes and really - if there are no ill effects and the diet is working, why does it matter if you are in ketosis? That said - it is almost impossible to not be in ketosis if you are eating fewer than...

How fab to reach your goal - I also remember that day and it really was one of the best - although slightly scary too. What are your stats - how tall, starting weight etc? When it comes to buying new underwear, i would bear in mind that after a few months of maintaining, the fat left on your...

Rock climbing - go girl!! I am also doing all kinds of things I would never have considered before - went ice skating, Go ape (tree climbing and rope swinging), water slides and dry slope skiing so far. I am usually a naturally fit person, but some things were just out of my reach. There is no...

Tetra packs are terrible for the environment as they can't currently be recycled. That might be a decent reason to ditch them :)

yep, it is a blood pressure thing. Our bodies do everything they can to protect our brains and if it detects that our blood pressure is so low that there may be problems getting blood to the head it will react in a very violent way. Our body will force us to lie down to get our heads to a lower...

Some bars will be ideal. I know it isn't supposed to be done, but you could make up a pack in advance and store it in a thermos. Maybe soup. It might deplete the nutrients, but will keep you on track. While travelling you can stop and get a coffee and ask for a cup of hot water as well. You can...

Skinny - I love to bake too and was able to bake during my Lighter Life journey. However when I was maintaining I found it much harder. I ended up (on just one occasion) eating some oft he goodies I made. This was despite me promising myself I would never eat sugar again. When you are "in the...

I think your counsellor was trying to ensure that the lady who "cheated" would continue to come back. If you are told off, you are likely to walk and the door and never return. That said - I am a 100%er and beleive that you can't do LL without taking it seriously and being fully committed. That...

You should be fine losing that amount if you are 100% and drink loads of water. Will you go off plan while you are away. if so, take care - it can be really hard to get back on track after a day or two off.

Skinny, get drinking water and see if that helps. it might just be hormonal and will come off next week with a big whoosh!

Wow - Pen - you have lost so much weight. What a star you are!! 100% almost the entire time too. that is certainly impressive, well done. I have noticed so many great things being slimmer ordering clothes online without worrying they won't fit Not feeling guilty or shameful when eating in...

I am currently reading "Wheat Belly". Gives good insight into why we should avoid grains. He has a more relaxed attitude to sugars and fruit, but makes it really clear about why grain is a big no no. You should also visit the Jimmy Moore websites. he does really interesting podcasts with experts...

I was also a vegetarian when I started LL and realised during maintenance that I needed to start eating meat. All of my research surrounding diet and health led me to that conclusion. I simply couldn't get the required protein any other way. What I accepted and admitted was that i went vege...

Yep, brilliant book. Highly recommended. In fact anything Gary taubes does is brilliant. he questions questions questions. Just as any good journalist should do. thankfully he does it on our behalf and gets to the answers which no one else is willing or able to face. I read The Diet delusion and...

In the states you can get blood ketone meters. These work in a similar way to diabetes blood sugar meters. These are truly the only reliable way to measure ketones in your body.However they are very expensive and hard to get here. the dip sticks might be an OK indication in the first few weeks...

Sorry to disagree Weasey, but too much protein can actually lead to a process called glucogenesis. This means that it can be used by the body as a form of glucose when no other source is available.I believe it is turned into glucose by the liver. It is therefore suggested that you keep protein...

Hey Tilly, I noticed you posted on my diary after reading it all. I am impressed. I don't half go on a bit!! I have returned to LL after a few months where i have managed to maintain my weight within just a few pounds. I am attending maintenance meetings and just getting my head in a good place...

I have come back ready for Christmas too. Thankfully I kept the weight off all this year (just 4 pounds has gone on) but it was a struggle at times. You need to make lasting long term changes. For me that was never ever eating sugar or wheat again. It has become easy in time and it has done the...

I don't think you can lose from one area specifically. If you are sweating you are losing water and this will be replaced as soon as you drink anything. You will lose weight all over your body, but some parts might seem like they are taking longer than others. You body can't tell the difference...

Hi all, some of you may remember me from a while back. I did lighter life total from last December and reached goal in March. I have been at my goal weight ever since - within 3-4 pounds. I am now looking forward to Christmas and have decided to lose a few more pounds to see me through the...

YOU may find that no one else will even notice if you are eating. If you really feel weird about not having a plate of food. Get it, but slip some on to other peoples plates (people who know what you are doing). Or mess it around, hide it under lettuce or whatever. if it is a buffet, you can...

This isn't unusual within the first couple of weeks. Just get back on track and start again. You body probably does want salt. Have some of the broth instead. Remember that you can always eat a pack if you are hungry. In fact, I used to just say to myself "I will eat a pack and then if I still...

Yes and possibly. I have maintained for about 3 months so far and have even lost some more. it is possible but you must change your diet. Going back to how you are eating before is not an option. But believe me, changing after having been on LL is easier than ever,. All of your addictions will...

You might find it comes back into print. I would love to read it too - but I have also be unable to find it. let me know how you get on. I know how you feel about feeding kids sugar. I was chatting to my daughter on the way home today, telling her about the programme. She understand that sugar...

I have just watched The men who made us fat - it was brilliant. basically Gary Taubes condensed into an hour. Have you seen it yet? How much longer can the low fat messgae be pushed down our throats? it seems to me that the tide is turning. Please let it be the case. then i can finally be less...

I think that weighing yourself might be a good idea. I am often surprised at how much I weigh even on "fat" days. Somehow i still manage not to have put on weight. But make sure you are in a good place when you do it and that whatever the result you know you will stick with things. See the...

Oh weasey - perceptive as usual! Yep - its a game alright. I don't want to play any more. Just noticed you have reached your goal - congratulations!! I hope you feel really proud of yourself. You have done so well. Such an amazing weight loss and in less than a year. I bet it was so worth...

The meeting went fine. I talked too much as usual, which is typical of me. But I think I came across as intelligent sounding and I certainly know about the business of writing. The two clients are both happy for me to do work for them and that was the main hoped for outcome. So two new clients...

Oh dear. I think you are being too hard on yourself. You have every right to be sad about this situation. Anyone would and if you didn't feel bad about it, I would consider you to be very strange. Nothing is worse than someone questioning you, being negative about your work or your personality...

I went to the local shop with my friend this morning on the way home from school. I bough two cartons of double cream. She was amazed I was eating that and still not putting on weight. people just don't get it do they? I find it really frustrating! No, i am not going to die of a heart attack and...

Yep, intermittent fasting was one of my "fads" for a while. I followed Fast Five which was basically that you gave yourself a window of five hours each day to eat whatever you like. I took that literally and ate loads of sugary and carby rubbish. So didn't work. But the concept makes sense. your...

How annoying. Have to have a subscription to read this...any other sources?

I am off to a client meeting today...this makes me feel very anxious. The thing is that i deal with all of my clients either over the phone or via email. It keeps things simple and easy 0 besides they are usually in other parts of the country. However, my client is visiting another client (who...

it certainly is hard to go against the grain (so to speak :D ). I just know my body well enough to know what my trigger foods are. I also know how I feel after eating certain foods. I have done enough research to know that my diet is healthy and if others don't agree, I can't help that. My MIL...

I keep my carbs at about 30 - 50 grams a day and my fat intake is very high sometimes at more than 100 grams. protein is usually around 100 grams. I imagine this means I am in ketosis, but I am not sure. In any case - I am rarely, if ever hungry. The only way to avoid having increased carbs -...

YOur diet sounds very low carb - which is what I am doing too. perfect for building muscle. I am also losing fat and building muscle and all I am doing is walking for around an hour or two each day. High protein is great for keeping your weight off. I think we are proving that point! well done!

Hey Andy - well done. Tell us about your maintenance diet. Are you sticking to a calorie controlled or a carb controlled regime - or maybe it doesn't matter if you exercise so much. I have a small amount of loose skin (mostly from having children but some due to weight loss) and i hope that it...

Spangly - you sound just like me! I also hate the phone and never talk to my friends on it if I can help it. I totally agree about it being hard to make friends. I moved to the UK three years after university which was in NZ. So the friends i made there and at school are all on the other side of...

Thanks Rhyannasmum! what a lovely thing to say. I wish i could apply makeup - I am useless. I had to get my husband to put my fake eyelashes on for me on the weekend. I don't exactly have a steady hand. I also have a lazy eye and can't see very well to do my right eye. I am lucky to be able to...

Hi guys - I have finally sorted out a couple of before and after shots. One is my signature and the other is my avatar. I wanted to keep the before photo as my avatar as a reminder. I hope you can see the difference - I certainly can!

It sounds like you are in the zone at the moment and now is the time to make the most of it. Don't forget the emotional stuff as well. A big part of LL is the support from others and the learning about yourself. That helped me stay on track. Don't worry about the milk in your tea. Last week when...

it is a couple of days after my weekend away and I am still holding on to the weight loss I achieved before I left. I actually think that i could have gone away and not even lost weight before i went and still managed to stay the same. This is the power of a low carb diet. Today I have eaten an...

Absolutely you will get there. Have a lovely week off. Our kids are OK with spending most of the week at home doing practically nothing. it is just the way it is. Both parents are self employed - so we don't get paid for taking days off and so we have to work on bank hols and during school...

Route to maintenance - these days it is just called management and is an eight stage program to get you back to eating normal foods.

Thanks Zombie. My tummy woes eased over the weekend and I am feeling better now. I have weighed myself this morning to see what the weekend away did for me. I was at 10st 2 and my body fat had dropped to 30%. We did lots of walking and i was careful about what i ate. never felt like I was...

For me it took about three weeks for my appetite to kick in again. then my weight levelled off and stayed the same most weeks. I lost 4 pounds over the first three weeks then nothing from then on

Today is the start of my weekend away and i made it to my goal of getting to 10stone. Saw the 9 st 13.5 come up on the scales but it quickly flicked up to 10 st - oh well. But it is bitter sweet because my body fat has shot up from 29% to 32%. This means that what I have lost this week is pretty...

The first few weeks on LL is such a great feeling and even ongoing weightloss can be a great motivator. There are still months of the summer left and by the end you will be transformed - those boots will be perfect for the Autumn! Think about the fabulous things which will change for you...no...

I will be sticking as low carb as possible over the weekend. No desserts or obvious carbs. But it is hard to know what is put into the food you are served in a restaurant. Plenty of wine is likely to be consumed though! I would be surprised if I went out of ketosis during maintenance as I have...

it is amazing how many people who are vegetarian are actually very unhealthy. it is a shame. getting your diet right when not eating meat is very tricky. Other carnivores don't feel guilt about eating other animals. the fact is we were designed to eat meat. If we choose not to for various...

am sop pleased to hear it spangly. I told you the rubbish feeling would pass. Must have been hormonal. I feel that I am also in ketosis - but not sure that I ever went out. I haven't had a headache at all, but am feeling a bit hungry. I am only doing this until friday though. So not hard to put...

Spangly - my rules are like this: Nothing processed - this includes processed meats for the most part. Any vegetable grown above the ground Nothing with wheat/flour Nothing low fat Less than 1 carb per 100gms - eat freely Between 1-5 carbs per 100 grams - eat in moderation (check portions)...

hey Weasey - I was a vege. I quickly realised that maintenance was going to be very hard indeed without eating meat. So I have returned to it. Unfortunately and i am ashamed to say it - looking good was more important to me!!

Had my weigh in yesterday and bought enough packs to last for a few days. it was surprisingly easy to stick to my four packs yesterday. I felt slightly hungry, but it felt more like I was returning to an old friend. It was a familiar routine, familiar flavours and it felt like something I could...

Oh dear. I had/have a similar problem and find that it takes 2-3 days of taking a laxative for the blockage to be passed. Some people take a fibre supplement when doing LL just to give them a little more bulk. Ask your LLC about which is the best to use. I find the position you sit whilst on the...

I have a weekend away this coming weekend and will be trying to lose 2-3 pounds before I go. I have actually been trying for the last two weeks, but my body seems a little too happy at my current weight. I haven't done anything drastic, but cutting carbs and calories by a small amount wasn't...

Yes, that is true. My goal weight was 10 stone 7. But i have maintained 10 stone 3 for the past 8 weeks and really want to stay at that or below. I have gotten used to it now! So I need to prepare myself for the weekend away so I don't come back and feeling bad about enjoying myself. I think it...

Hi Spangly, I am looking at having a few days back on LL because i have a big weekend away planned with my husband. I want to feel slim and slinky and losing just a pound or two should help with that. I am sure i could do it by eating less carbs at home, but my body seems determined to hang on...

it is funny how that happens. I think you end up feeling so stuffed that you eat less overall. Either that or you change the balance of carbs and calories which affects weight loss. it won't last, i am afraid, but it is a great feeling and shows how our metabolisms aren't affected by weeks of...

I think we have had a conversation about diet drink before on this forum and the camp seems to be split between those who think it is OK and those who think it is definitely a no no. I am in the second camp. I beleive that if you are doing LL you need to do it by the book. Otherwise how else...

So - chuck to white jeans in the back of the closet and put on your favourite outfit (which fits you perfectly now) and get out in the sun. Get some of that vitamin D as it will cheer you up. Also force yourself to take a walk. if you are feeling rough - don't push the exercise. I get down on...

I found out yesterday that my counsellor is one of the nice ones who isn't going to charge for maintenance people to attend meetings. So, panic over. I can go as often as I like. Which I think will be weekly for the time being.

Thanks JJ for starting a a maintenance diary. i think people really worry about what it is going to be like and having someone elses story to follow can really help. I have just finished week 8 and from this week I have no more packs... it is a little scary. But i have learnt so much about what...

Weasey, I just noticed - you and I are the same height and weight right now. You have done so well and are an inspiration. Not only that but you are full of great advice, bother here and over on the LL site. many thanks. Just 3 pounds to go until you reach your goal. You might even be there by...

Thanks Weasey - you are always the voice of reason. You are right they were certainly crooked thoughts and simply an excuse I was making. Getting to class has always been an issue for me. I don't drive and either walk (1 hour and 20 mins) each way or I take the bus. it is OK but I am self...

Tomorrow i am off to my class again. I am in two minds about whether to even bother going. I won't be buying any packs and I feel like it is a bit of a waste of my morning. I am actually coping quite well on my own. I have my diet sorted, I seem to be able to say no to all the foods I know I...

I was super excited too - but when the time came I found myself feeling really full really quickly. it was actually a struggle to get all the food down. By the end of the week, I was desperate for something different to eat. The crunch of the lettuce was nice though.

Yep they do. but you need to check the branch as not all branches will do it. £5

Having a goal in sight really helps you to stay the course. I had a goal as well, but when I reached it I relaised how easy it would be to just keep going. So I gave it another month and lost another half a stone. Since then i have lost even more. The fact is that your three month time limit...

I doubt a few grams would make any difference at all :) Before you know it you will be able to eyeball the right portion for your proteins.

I always used the uncooked weight - I felt it was was better to start on the lower end of the scale and build up. it might seem like a small portion - but believe me, it will feel like loads of food! before you know it you can have almost unlimited quantities of protein. One thing (a word of...

Great news. It is amazing how we worry so much about things and then it all comes together. You need a bit of anxiety and adrenaline sometimes to get through a difficult task. But now you can really relax. But not with a drink or some chocolate!!

So pleased to hear you stuck with it. These days will come and go, but you did the right thing and got through it. Next time it will be even easier.

You will be fine....you are delivering a speech to a bunch of Americans who will think that your accent is "just darling!" and that you are so little and petite (compared to their concept of small) and they will assume you are related to the queen or at least to Simon Cowell. Make sure you have...

Mini_me - just copy and paste the most recent list and add your details I am still staying the same each week and have lost the grand total of NOTHING this month. But this is what I am supposed to do - so not concerned! Zombiegirl 7lb target (3.5lbs lost, 3.5lbs to go) nzmegs - 4lbs (0lbs...

Had my meeting today and I have stayed the same - again! This is despite a wobble over the weekend where I gain 2 pounds. I didn't exactly eat off-plan, I just ate a bit too much and especially nuts. They are high in carbs (around 10%) and I failed to stick to my portion. Obviously they are a...

Ok - funny how making the right types of changes does the trick...had my weigh in today and I am back to my usual 10st 3.That two pounds (yes it increased by another pound on Sunday) disappeared by me increasing my water intake, cutting my carbs by about 20 grams and cutting back on calories by...

Nice one! Wear the tight jeans for a day or so and they will "give" a little. I hate washing my tight jeans because I always struggle with them for the first day or so. I prefer my jeans looser (and stinkier!)

Oh and I use this rule when i go to the supermarket. If it is less than 1 gram of carbs per 100 grams of product - I eat it freely. eg meat, most cheese, fats If it is less than 5 grams of carbs per 100 grams I will eat it but I stick to the correct portion size and count the carb grams...

Oh Emzy - what a nightmare for you. So sorry to hear about your job. Please read my maintenance thread. Each week I detail the types of foods I am eating and the number of packs. I can tell you the changes i made to their reintroduction to food as well - simply because it worked better for me. I...

LL is low fat. I would think that the shakes would be a good option for you. I expect you will have less trouble with the laxative because you will have lower volumes of food in your system anyway. After the laxative make sure you rehydrate as quick as you can and take it easy for a day or two...

Thanks guys - I am sure it is a temporary thing. But it is easy to worry. I had a strict day yesterday and feel better today. I have photos of myself pinned up here in my office which amaze me daily.I can't believe i was as big as that. I can see the photos for what they are now. I am still very...

OK, it is just a pound, but in the past few days I have felt a bit more "fat" than usual. I admit it is TOM and that I have been eating more due to being extra hungry - but I fear that i won't be able to lose it and it is the start of a slippery slope. I have dropped my carbs a bit and kept an...

That must have really knocked your confidence as you grew up. But i remember when i was a child deciding that being clever was more important than good looks and that i wanted to be clever. Noone had told me i was unattractive or anything and I actually think I am a bit of a looker :D- but i...

You will need to ask your counsellor - they will be able to tell you about the closest Superdrug which will do it. Thye need to have a lighter life trained person there, so not all superdrugs do it. You can get started with them, but only if you are not on any medications and your blood pressure...

I really hate being reminded too. Thing is that they are just being helpful, but our inner child sees it as a command. I found it best to get on with the workout before he had the chance to poke his nose in and ask if I was going to do it. Pre-empt them...

You are right weasey - of course. I guess I meant there are no "added sugars". I am guessing it must have a very small amount of milk powder in it. I am doing the sums at the moment to see if it will work out cheaper than buying vanilla shakes. But if i don't buy shakes, I might not go back to...

Have you received a call or email yet? If not, don't panic yet. But it does sound like your counsellor has done something wrong and has gotten the sack...Perhaps you can get together with other people in your group and arrange a lift to the next closest group. It is pretty poor of the LL...

On week 5, I think I was having 3 packs. But remember that you can stay in any stage as long as you like. So you may have cut down to 2 by then. You will be eating a good range of foods, but nearly all will be in the low carb range - plus some fruits.

Oh, thankyou! We all need someone to offer us that extra little bit of motivation. I used to do pilates as well. I had one of those machines - but i sold it before I lost the weight becuase i wasn't using it as often as I should have. Now I am wishing I kept it as t would really help with the...

I went into one of those stores which sells sports supplements and asked the guy behind the counter. he pointed it out to me on the shelf, but I didn't buy it yet. So, I have no idea what it is called. It is £30 for a big tub and the writing on it was red and black...the next time i am in town I...

Zombie - it is a great idea to think ahead and do some research on what will work best. I have read loads, looked at a million blogs and settled on a sugar free, low carb diet which I can stick to in the long term. I am not saying I will always be perfect, but I feel confident that it it is easy...

This is really common. it is a bit like a bereavement - you start to feel like you miss those old foods. but you need to remember that it is mental - not physical. Your body does not need those foods, but your mind is telling you that you want them. Thee are so many associations we place on...

I did try to add a comment yesterday - but your commenting system won't allow me to sign in using my own name or my own blog (it is on my own server - not Wordpress/Blogger or any of the others). perhaps a different commenting system would be better.or maybe I am just doing something wrong?

Hi Zombie. At the moment I am still having two LL packs a day. So my menu is like this: Vanilla shake made with extra peanut butter, chicken pieces or eggs for lunch, greek yoghurt (full fat) with another vanilla pack mixed in as a mid afternoon snack, dinner is lamb curry, chicken thai curry or...

I am amazed - even after a weekend of eating loads and not counting calories, my weight has remained the same. In fact i have been around the same weight for the last three weeks. All I can put it down to is eating less than 50-60grams of carbs a day. I estimate my calories to be close to 2000...

Looks fab to me!. I haven't got the time to read it all the way through just yet, but will do very soon. I am happy to send you links to anything i come across. I would lo0ve to write some stuff for you at some point. In the mean time - put Fathead on your blogroll. I can't get enough of his...

You could lose 3-5 pounds easily. Count your carbs and cut down to less than 20 grams a day. that will shift it in no time!

Wow, you really have had an impressive couple of days - you must be feeling like a weight (literally and figuratively!) has been lifted!. Money is a big problem in relationships. we also have a mound of debt, which results from using credit cards for helping to set up my husbands business and...

How was your weigh in??

Spangly, a blog is a great idea! I have a blog as well, but i am so lazy about writing it. it seemed like a great idea when I started it, but the act that about 20 people were reading it got a bit tiresome. As you know I am a writer, so writing something which i wasn't being paid for was hard...

With the new management plan you decide when you want to introduce alcohol - they don't tell you to (but they don't tell you not to). What they suggest though is that alcohol will knock you out of ketosis, so don't start drinking while you are in ketosis still. By week five you will be having...

I started having wine after about three weeks on management. the book says that they don't recommend it if you are still in ketosis. but after the third week I was out anyway. But I had not problems. I saw it as a once a week thing and i strictly limited how much i had. I also refused to have...

yep, those bars can be a bit dodgy for some people. they contain a type of sweetener which can cause the problems you experienced. In my case it was just a bloated tummy. if you are also havig the flavourings for water you could have done a double dose...the inulin in those can be trouble for...

Had my class today. Stayed the same and am still going to be eating the same foods. What I really want to talk about is the assertiveness module we started today. We looked at different personalities and how they interact and the best ways to deal with things. it turns out that I am pretty much...

Spangly, I bet your munchy day the other day was because of your workout. it made you hungry - that is normal. Just make sure it is the right (protein based) foods you are snacking on... I agree about the fee. At the moment, I am still buying packs as part of management, but I don't know what...

You are allowed to set your goal at any weight you feel comfortable (unless it is at a BMI of lower than 21 - I think). So if you choose to start management early it is entirely up to you. But make sure you think through your reasons very carefully first. My original target was to reach a...

At least i didn't deal with it through food which i would have done six months ago. But I think that might explain why I felt so anxious - I had no method to lose that feeling. So I had to deal with the issues which is much harder. The weather is getting me down too. I hate the rain. I need to...

Zombie - I have put your details in. Hope they are correct. Even though I weigh in tomorrow, I reached last months goal already, so this will be a new goal. 4lbs for the month. I am still wanting to slowly drop in a downwards direction, but i am expecting to plateau very soon. We shall see...

start fresh for May - that way you will get to your May target with four weigh-ins instead of three. I weigh in on a Tuesday too.

Feeling much better this morning - still mildly anxious though and cannot put my finger on why. Husband was surprised by the gift, but didn't really pass comment. I suspect it will be a case of wearing said item when he isn't with me! I also got up very early this morning and re-coloured my...

Feeling really stressed out and don't want to eat. Really busy day and lots of things have happened which have made me feel stressed and actually quite sick... Fistly one of my clients is being a real pain and keeps sending back work to be rewritten. It is a problem because she doesn't explain...

Absolutely - you can have all shakes if you want to. Maybe focus on them for now and just try one new thing each day to see what else you might like. Another nice combination is a chocolate shake made up with cold peppermint tea. It is really yummy! I find the banana shakes a little strange, but...

My MIL tried the DUKAN diet too. She couldn't cope with it as she said she felt ill. But i have heard that it is really good and will help you shift that stone in no time. Then you will shift the next one and be able to tick off your next set of goals!

Please don't give up. We have heard this time and time again - people hate the food at first and then after a few days they settle down. Just like magic, your tastebuds learn to accept the difference and your hunger magically disappears. Right now your body is craving carbs and sugar and doesn't...

Another week has gone past. I lost a pound this weigh in. So I am now 4 pounds under my goal. Not worried about that at all. I am starting week five management. This means I now have just two packs a day. My basic routine (at least today) was a shake for breakfast, 150grams of yoghurt with one...

Lost a pound today - so reached my goal of 4 pounds for the month of April. Still maintaining! Leesy 18lbs (14lbs lost 4lbs to go) Tuesday weigh in Emzy- 9lb (6 lost, 2lb to go) Tuesday weigh in 8541boo 14lbs (0lbs lost - 14lbs to go) Monday WI xx sharnjit - 20lbs (13lbs lost 7 lbs to...

Spangly - exercise is key to staying focused and stress free. I am the same. I currently walk my daughter to and from school and have a long walk at least 3-4 times a week. Even though my daughter is old enough to walk on her own - I won't let her. I just need those 20 mins on my way home to...

Thanks for the blog link. I love these types of blogs too. Bit obsessed at the mo actually! Try this one: Fat Head - Blog site for the comedy-documentary Fat Head - very funny as well as being informative. I am working my way from the beginning which is taking some time as it is a few years old.

Stayed the same this week. Although to be fair - I weighed in wearing jeans for the first time and I had a big cup of tea about 30 mins before. Both things I would not have done usually. Although having said all of that, I have noticed a definite trend towards eating more this week. I have been...

I got into the power of attraction recently too. I read Steve Pavlina's blog and forum - look it up...well worth a read. Anyway - he believes that if you allow good things to happen to you, they will. This is especially true when it comes to money. I spent a couple of weeks just thinking about...

OMG - the world is crazy. Go back and show how much you have lost and what your BP is in a month and you will be able to rub it in their faces...

the counselling taught me about "game playing". this is where people start a conversation with you in such a way that they have the opportunity to make excuses for themselves. the aim is that eventually you will just agree with them and they will feel like they won. it goes like this "I wish I...

I would say that the starch content won't be ideal either. try to think of what might be causing your heartburn. Caffiene can be a big cause - especially if you are now drinking tea or coffee black. Also lots of water can dilute your stomach acids making heart burn more likely. Tyr cutting out...

I am off to my meeting this morning - pity about the rain... it will be the first time in two weeks that I will be able to stay due to the school hols. I am not really looking forward to it. I am sure it will be fine - but I suppose the whole thing about not losing weight (or just little bits)...

welcome - it is always nice to have someone who is starting their journey. All I can say is that in the first week you should take care of yourself. Don't be surprised if you feel a little rough or think that you can't stay the course. Just push through it and within days you will be feeling...

Take a look at my maintenance diary. I have listed the types of foods I am having each week. I am about to start week four. Although it isn't a set number of weeks anymore. They call it "stages" and you can go at any pace you like. You can even miss certain stages f you want to. I have continued...

it is amazing how one little can of water, artificial sugar and caffeine can make us so addicted. I was the same as you. I had a Pepsi Max everyday - sometimes more than that. But I am now 5 months without any at all. It was hard - but actually once you get over the first few days it becomes...

You are right - it is a little harsh - sorry. Quite often companies which are new or want to get their name known will pay people to post on forums about the product. it gets the name out there, gives it a Google presence and lend credibility to the product. This just came across in that way to...

Sorry, but is this a sponsored post...I am very surprised you would have gained so much and lost so little while on LL for 6 months. Moreover you seem to have learnt very little - which makes 6 months of counselling kind of pointless. I am sorry to offend - but your post comes across as kind of...

Stage 3: This is the start of my week with meat...cue the scary music. Actually i am looking forward to it. I went shopping yesterday and bought some beef and some chicken. I bought cheap cuts as i plan to make up some warming stews in the slow cooker. No added fat needed (although more on that...

I suppose it is all about gratification delay. Even if your food stays in the box for 30 mins - it gives you the chance to have a think about it. In my case i thought about it and struggled with it for 17 weeks. But in your case it might just be the 1 biscuit you want with your tea. Decide to...

Some lovely weight losses this week. Well done to everyone. This Lighter Life thing really does work! Thanks for the lovely comments too. To be honest coming to this forum everyday is what motivates me. I really like to hear how everyone is getting on and to offer advice and support - because...

I dealt with christmas and other celebrations by being really open about it. I explained the situation and everyone was really supportive. especially with your wedding coming up they will understand how important it will be to you. You can ask not to have a meal brought to you (why waste good...

Well done spangly! Your carbs point is so true. When I started LL I was given a bag of my favourite sweets from NZ. You know the ones - the sweets from your childhood that you associate with being young and happy and in the sun (NZ is always sunny in my head!). At the time I was given them (by a...

I have lost 2 pounds this week. it looks as though I might go past my 4 pounds for this month. But this does leave room for me to put weight back on at a later stage of management. Management is curious - so I am not surprised to still be losing at this early stage... Leesy 18lbs (8.5lbs lost...

Easter weekend - nothing unusual for me at all apart from a glass on wine on Saturday night. I had walked to the supermarket and home (40 mins) and then cooked dinner so having a nice glass of bubbly was something i was looking forward to. the first drink i have had in 17 weeks. But it was a let...

Sounds like you had a tricky weekend spangly. Exercise is a funny thing. I don't really beleive that you can directly correlate the calories you burn to how many more you can eat because so many more factors come into play. How hard did you work? How cold or hot were you? Did you relax more...

Yep, fat contains lots of water, hormones and other stuff to bloat it out. I can't believe i had 42 pounds of that stuff on my body once...

I think all coffee is fine. As far as i am aware those little cap things just contain a shot of coffee which is mixed with water to get the strength you want. But don't have the cappuccino or latte ones as they will have milk powder added.

What a great post. You have done amazingly well. Blokes have such great results on Lighter Life - us women have to take the slow but steady route. But we all get there in the end. Your tips are fantastic and i hope you keep coming back with more motivational do's and don'ts. Regarding weighing...

Ask your counsellor if you can pop in this week to swap the bars for something else. If not, you will have to eat the rest of them. As someone already said you can split them in half and have them as two snacks.I have a similar reaction to the bars and i found they slowed my weight loss. They...

You seem to be doing pretty well - but watch the breading on your meat - it might seem like a small amount but it can knock you out of ketosis. Also be careful about using things like atkins products. While sugar alcohols are OK for some people - for others they can kick start cravings and...

the thing to remember with low carb is that calories don't really count to the same extent. Your diet appears to be based around a low calorie content, less food and little or not fats. This is not how low carb is meant to work. I would do the following: Breakfast: two eggs cooked in butter or...

Sorry to be blunt but you don't seem to know what low carb is. All sugars, low fat products (if they are made palatable by adding sugars), fruit and starchy vegetables should be avoided. Dairy products should be checked for carb content. other than that - eat to your hearts content. try doing...

Aaah milk week...well done for getting there. I found milk week really challenging as i am not a huge fan of milk in general. I found that I was really bloated and felt quite sick. I managed just 3 days before i had to cut it out again. But the following week i had a really good loss, so it is a...

Thanks guys for your support. I have just come back from a long walk with the kids. We stopped at a local pub on the way where the kids had sandwiches and i had water... met Hubby there (he was working nearby) and the sun was shining - all was well in the world! Now i have plenty of work to be...

Had a big talk with my OH last night. I was discussing the fact that I am still losing weight and what i should do about that. What weight do I really want to be? Should I move through management more quickly to slow the weight loss down? etc. The thing is that according to my scales (I will be...

For the maximum results you should stick to LLT 100% (I really mean this. No diet drinks, no little tastes of this or that...) and drink loads of water. 3-4 litres at least. I also suggest not having the bars. They contain 20grams more carbs each and for some people it can really slow down...

Try reading The Diet Delusion as well. You need your scientific hat on and it can be a slog - but so worth it. I have just finished losing 3 stone on Lighter Life which is ketogenic and now want to maintain my weight. I have long been a believer in low carb and am now moving towards low carb...

I totally agree that calories do count - but isn't so much easier to keep your cals low when you are in ketosis or at least low carb? I think I will be keeping my carbs to less than 70g per day. I tend ot stall at that level (when I eat LL bars on top of the usual packs). the next step is to...

The first two days of stage two management have been pretty good actually. I am still struggling with the volumes of food, but i am enjoying the food much more. The last two days meals have been around the same: Vanilla and coffee shake at 10am Porridge with half a shake pack at 1pm Greek...

It bet it is those extra carbs which crept into your diet which have affected your energy levels. if you want some extra motivation take a look at the latest Peter Attia post. (it is about anabolic steriods - so not that interesting) he has a bit at the beginning with a link to a 60 Minutes...

I am joining in too. Although I have reached my goal - I still want to make sure I do not put on this month and even continue losing a little bit for the first few weeks of maintenance. So my goal is to lose 1 pound a week or 4 pounds this month. Leesy 18lbs (4lbs lost 14 lbs to target) Sunday...

You just do what works for you spangly. Missing the counselling would be a shame though - but you have been through it all before so... Regards thinking about your sister recently. I get like this about my Mum sometimes too. I feel guilt for not being there (in NZ) although I did visit two...

As expected 1 pound has been lost this week. I know that i drank less water than i should have - so it could have been more. But the aim is to maintain, so I need to accept that weight loss isn't my goal. I have been given the details of stage two of the maintenance plan. Basically i can...

Hopefully the weight loss will spur you on. I know it is hard - but try your very best to stick to the plan 100%. Don't listen to what other people say about what they think is OK to have. Knowing you have been 100% will make you even more proud of yourself and the hungry feelings will go in...

I am on the last day of my first week in maintenance. last night was a real washout. I decided to try fish for my dinner - yuk! I just don't like fish (not the way I cooked it anyway). The texture was horrible. So I didn't eat that. the vegetables i had were like eating sawdust (too much...

I agree with Weasey. there is some scientific evidence which shows that any diet of between 400 and 800 cals will result in the same level of weight loss. So if you count your calories carefully and stay under 800 you will lose as much weight as someone on total. Keep your carbs as low as...

Phoenyx, what a great diary - it is so nice when people really open up. it is what LL is all about - coming to terms with what got us fat in the first place. Fear of failure was my reason for giving up in the past too. I felt like there was no point in starting something which i knew i would...

Got to drop the bars...making me absolutely starving...yesterday I went off track and had two bars in one day (very naughty and the first time i have done such a thing). it was partially a timing thing (out of the house) but I could and should have waited until I got home. Anyhow as you can...

I agree. the reason I stuck to it 100% was because I had made a promise to my family that I would do exactly that. We decided that the only way to know if it was working was to do it by the book. In addition, we struggled to pay for it and I knew that scrifices were being made so that i could...

I am 3/4 of my way through day 3 of maintenance.So far, so good. I have had little in the way of cravings or anything. last nights dinner was really nice. i had tofu (again), lettuce, cucumber and radishes with a mustard and vinegar dressing. it was really nice. I actually really enjoyed it all...

Sometimes i envy people who have done what you did - made the decision to eat a meal and then gotten straight back on track. it is a great test for when maintenance comes along. As i was 100% on total for the whole 16 weeks, I never learnt about that feeling of being in control around normal...

I guess we could say that coming on here and telling us about it is a great start. But, it is the getting back onto your packs and attending your meetings which will really get you back on track. YOu need to contact your counsellor and ask for some extra support. There might be a weigh in you...

Thanks ladies - sorry to reply so late. This thread got moved and I couldn't find it! As you will see i am now on week one of maintenance. I am keeping a diary in that section so feel free to read there how it is going. Hopefully it will be a help to others as well.

Like the new photo! I need to update mine too once I actually get around to taking some! Glad to hear you are enjoying life at the moment. Funny how life seems to be nice and calm once P starts...I hate that week leading up to it. it is like a dark cloud descends. men don't know how lucky they are!

hey Hottie, it sounds like you have got the willpower thing sorted! I understand the fact that you are questioning things right now. it is still early days and it is hard to make a long term commitment. But as you get used to it over again you will start to settle down and accept that it takes...

I felt like you half way through as well. I felt a bit like I wasn't me anymore. But actually being overweight isn't you either. the real person is the normal weight, active, happier person who eats in a normal and balanced way. But i pushed past that feeling. Now I know that this is the real...

I thought it might be helpful for anyone who is moving on to maintenance in the coming weeks or months to follow a special diary devoted to my experiences. I found when I was looking around for information that few people seem to have stuck it out long enough to get to this point or they never...

Thankyou ladies! Well done to all of you as well. Rosie - 12 pounds in a month is amazing. I averaged at just 10 pounds a month so you are doing incredibly well. Emzy - four!!! wow!

Well, i have reached my target weight...I feel amazing, but strange. Very strange. I went to the supermarket to buy my food for the week. Just vegetables and some protein (tofu, eggs and cottage cheese for me) but it was odd. I haven't shopped for me for such a long time. I made sure I had a...

Trim T -14lb (10lbs lost, 4lbs to go) Monday WI Problemchild - 10lb (Goal completed! ) Likeafirework = -16lbs (0lbs lost, 16lbs to go) Tuesday WI 8541boo = 14lbs (16.5lbs lost - 0lbs to go) monday WI x NZmegs - 10lbs (10lbs lost - 0lb to go) Final goal reached - now at target! clairepbear...

size 12 red skinny jeans!! believe me - I am a pear shape with chunky thighs so this is a major achievement! I even felt like they looked pretty good. Today I will be wearing....size 10 dress!! Today I will also get to my goal :) and start maintenance.

I have actually found that I am more focussed than ever. I used to get that horrible "after-carbs" thing where all I wanted to do was sleep after a meal. Now I eat and i am up and about. Sometimes, in the first few weeks you can feel a bit ropey first thing in the morning until you have eaten...

If you have your husbands support the chances are you will be OK. But cnsider carefully if you need the counselling. For me it is vital - but if your food issues are not all that hidden like mine were - you might be OK just sorting them out for yourself. For £20 I would stick with LL but only...

She may be having a reaction to some of the ingredients. i would suggest cutting out the bars and flavourings as they can cause bloatedness and tummy probs. She might also have a dairy problem. So maybe avoid the packs with milk added. otherwise - take a constipation tablet for that and see how...

Don't be afraid to have two packs together if you are really struggling. Sometimes I do that if i am pushed for time and it really over-fills me. i end up feeling really stuffed and know that i couldn't eat another things for hours.

The bars and the water flavourings can make you bloated. try going without for a day or two.