I’m a pear ? the sequel!

Thank you Whiff ,your post was so supportive and full of such good advice. It's been quite a long journey for me. About 10 years ago I was 2 stone heavier than I am now. Two years ago I was nearly two stone lighter. Apart from health reasons a main incentive is remembering how confident I felt when lighter and how lovely it was to choose clothes because I liked them rather than what they concealed. I do feel more positive over the past 24 hours. Work is going to be an issue for a while to come. I am very wary of public transport at moment due to diabetes. The feeling of those who are shielding/high risk and of working age is that we are very much at the mercy of our employers. Still I'm luckier than most and now the best thing I can do is reduce the risk.
I love quorn. My eldest daughter has always been vegetarian, never liked the taste of any meat. When she went to Uni my youngest daughter and I went on a bit of a meat feast! The novelty soon wore off for me,I like chicken and fish but dont really enjoy red meat.
So I'm digging out my food diary! I have lots of good recipe books but I do think one of the joys of current technology is the endless recipes and tips as well as nutritional information online. I remember as a teenager in the 1970s my main resource being an increasingly crumpled calorie controlled diet from Womans Own. Oh the excitement when Coca Cola bought out TAB! Limmits and Ayds ,cottage cheese! Of course in the 80s Lean Cuisine arrived followed by the Cambridge Diet! Much easier,cheaper and healthier just to try and balance portions. People often say maintaining weightloss is the hardest part and how true that is. I've only personally known one person who kept the weight off but she was very resolute and if she went over 7lb she went straight back on the diet. Very sensible. That said it's amazing how 2lb creeps,or shoots up to nearly a stone,much quicker than when it comes off!
I do think genetics have a part to play and there is also lots of research into gut bacteria and brain function and peoples recognition of when they are full. It shouldnt be used as an excuse but worth considering. I remember desperately trying to lose weight for a family wedding. They live in the Midlands so mainly see each other at big events. When we arrived it was quite an eye opener. Physically we were like peas in rather large pods! Maybe a genetic tendency,but certainly for my mothers side of the family food was love,a celebration. Interestingly I have a friend who is a size 8, just! She also eats truly enormous meals and enjoys the odd cream cake. Over the years I've realised she may have a speedy metabolism but shes someone who rarely sits still. She NEVER snacks,in fact she tends to have one meal a day usually! If she does have a treat she relishes it and doesnt do it often. If she has her favourite bag of maltesers they are kept in the fridge and she has one a day! She doesnt do this knowingly, it's just who she is!
So,I have lots to occupy my hands with knitting. I also have thousands of photos and keepsakes and letters from my late parents and albums ready to put them in. Time to get busy! Have a lovely weekend everyone. ?

Lovely encouraging post Whiff - Your journey is inspirational to us all not to give in.

That's the wonderful aspect of this thread - encouragement and support, never criticism or spite.

I am waiting to see how much of an influx of visitors we get and how well they and the locals behave before we start to venture out. Once I get a decent regular walk I feel things will happen but we have gone too far to risk setbacks now.

We will all succeed at our own pace and with NanKate at the helm how can we give up

Excellent post Whiff ?

Dorsetcupcake61 sorry your are having problems with your employer's. I don't drive and hadn't been on a bus until Monday since lockdown. Luckily where I live you get a free bus pass at 60 both men and women. It can also be used on the local trains as far as Chester. I needed to go to the bank. Must admit didn't know how it would be. So made sure my mask was in place before I left home. Needn't have worried everything was fine. Only 3 on the bus and everyone had on masks and kept their distance. Didn't have to queue long outside or in the bank. Hand gel was on the counter. They put their app on my phone so can do everything on my phone. All bills are already direct debit. Other shops everything was fine as well. Only took my mask off after I got off the bus for my walk home.

I have found since losing weight my confidence has grown especially since going to the exercise classes. The cafe where I do my sit fit I thought had closed for good but is going to reopen next month. Don't know if they will still hold classes but if not I will find somewhere else. But really hope I don't have to as they are a great group and I'm the youngest in the group not bad at 62 to be the youngest. We are not a group of old crocks. The oldest is 84 and looks 70.

I have found setting myself a target weight helps. But it is not a stupid one. As decades of being fat had left a surplus of skin and my thighs will never slim down . But have lost 8" off my bust, 12" from my waist and 15" off my hips. I didn't start to measure myself until 2, months after I started to lose weight. So have probably lost more inches . Wish I had measured my thighs. Found once I started to excercise after I got up to 30 mins a day I didn't lose weight but inches. Apparently muscle weighs more than fat and I had built up some muscle. Unfortunately due to ill health since October haven't done them at home. Just at class until lockdown. But have been gardening. Just wish it would stop raining so I can get to it.

I found I like Quorn mince, sausages and chicken pieces. So haven't brought meat mince for 2 years. I tried a couple of pork sausages before lockdown but didn't enjoy them.

I'm no Saint and do have the odd binge but get back to it. I don't want to be the old me I love who I am and how I look. My late husband loved me and as I put on weight on it was never an issue between us. When I decided to diet he and the children supported me but when I fell of the wagon never once criticised me. I was lucky I had a wonderful man . Neither of us was perfect both had tempers and were stubborn but I have never wanted anyone else.

What I am trying to say in my long winded way. Is view your weight loss as a marathon not a sprint. Don't be hard on yourself. I haven't stopped eating what I like but don't have foods in the house I can't control. I love baking but give what I make to family. Still have biscuits in but only rich tea fingers 23 cal each so can have 3 once a day. Found the shop own bite size shredded wheat with blueberry in the middle a good snack. 25g = 82 cal. Dry but crunchy with a hot drink.

The main thing is be kind to yourself. As women we do tend to be very critical of ourselves. And expect to be super woman and do everything . Make time for you. Do what you enjoy. I read every day and cross stitch. Can't eat and cross stitch at the same time. Keeps mind and hands busy. I like to do all housework and other jobs in the morning and the rest of the day is mine.

Like I say I ramble on hope this helps in some odd way.

Thank you Nankate and everyone else for all your tips and wisdom. Its certainly a case of what works best for individual and at the moment in time. I read through the current thread since January and I found it inspiring and reassuring. Whiff I recognised so much of myself in you,right down to the weetabix! I too live on my own since my youngest daughter moved out nearly a year ago. I must admit I'm perfectly content doing so. I think diet and emotional wellbeing are so interlinked. My lockdown on the whole is fine. I have lots i can occupy myself with and am fine with my own company. I have frequent contact with friends and daily contact with with family. I'm lucky. At the beginning of lockdown I had lost a stone,now I've put it all back on. I think initially I felt getting access to lots of fresh veg could be problematical, which indeed it was. However seeing as I have a freezer full of frozen veg in all forms not really an excuse! I think baking was therapeutic, the smells and process are a reminder of better times with a treat as a result. I did try and limit damage by cutting into small pieces and putting into a freezer in the garage! That still didnt stop me eating half a tray of flapjack ☹. There have been days when I've had days when I have wobbles as I call them! I'm in a high risk group and havent left house since mid March. I also dont drive which complicates matters. I'm currently in a battle with my employer which is a care home who have lost a third of their residents and are not very transparent in dealings. They refused to let me work from home which long story but was a possibility,delayed furlough until to late and are now refusing to pay SSP although I'm officially signed off by GP. Lots of communication with Union and scuffles ahead. Mixed messages from Boris dont help.Official guidelines are still to stay at home as much as possible,only mix with household and strict social distancing. Doesnt really gel with taking 2 buses and spending 12 hours in a poorly ventilated building in a crowded potentially infectious environment! Work have ignored requests for individual risk assessment etc. Fortunately I have savings which might be able to eke out until next spring,after then diet be out of poverty ?. Meanwhile it's been pass the buttered toast! I may have been a bit off topic so forgive me. Many people do eat their emotions and it's becoming more apparent that millions of people are suffering from stress/anxiety due to pandemic including those who havent before or may not quite realise it,especially if live alone or have been isolating. I do know however that my excess weight makes me feel physically and emotionally yuk and feeling more in control of what I put in my mouth will also impact on my emotional well being. I may even dig out that exercise dvd?

Well you’ve made a good start by joining us Itsnell.

I started to change my eating habits by calorie counting with theNHS eating plan. They said for my age and height that I should start on 1,200 calories a day. I knew I would find that too little so I put it up to 1,400 a day. This worked for me but to be honest I found the first few weeks a struggle but I hung on in there.

I also factored in a 20 minute walk each day and 13 years later I am still doing that same daily walk, in fact yesterday I did it morning and evening.

I have fallen off the wagon a few times but the beauty of this thread is that I will be encouraged to get back on and keep going.

One of my main reasons for keeping my weight off is health. When I was 60 (I’m 73 now) I got tinnitus very badly and I thought if I get diabetes as well I will go totally mad. I now have learned to live with my tinnitus and have my weight under control most of the time.

So keep checking in with us and tell us about your highs and lows. The key thing is DO NOT GIVE UP.

Thanks for the welcome, Nankate and everyone. Wow your story is brilliant and very inspiring, Whiff, thank you for sharing it.

I’m still reading posts on here and on the thread I posted myself and thinking. I want to get this right as I was 69 in May and I thought I don’t want to be 70 and old before my time and unhealthy - I’m particularly conscious of diet and health as my mum has Alzheimer’s as well as Age related macular degeneration

I agree it’s got to be a lifestyle change for me, as this weight has crept up on me gradually over the past 10 years - I’m not sure how it’s happened as I think I eat a fairly healthy diet - I probably eat to much - that’s why I need to learn portion control. I’ve learnt bad habits along the way too - but not lost weight overall.

I’ve been on diets whereby you can eat as much as you want as long as it’s veg or salad or suchlike and I pile my plate high and eat the lot - because I can. The upshot of that approach has been that I got accustomed to having big portions.

Another issue for me is that if I cut out food groups like carbs or fats I soon start to feel restricted and will rebound and eat them - even though normally (whatever that is!) I’m not that bothered about sweets and cakes or bread, I went through a phase A while ago where every time I had a coffee in a cafe I’d got to have a cake - whether I was hungry or not.

I went a walk today for an hour, so that’s a start as I’ve lapsed into apathy and lethargy during lockdown despite my initial good intentions.

I’ve also looked up the calorie content of digestive biscuits and Nairn oatcakes -my go to snacks. I think I will keep an eye on calories as well as trying to keep to a healthy eating plan -

It’s about breaking down my bad habits and finding a plan that I can live with. Watch this space as my new eating plan evolves

You are very welcome Dorset. Yes please read back on this thread and the previous one ‘I’m a Pear’ as there are masses of helpful tips from all our wonderful bunch of losers.

Now here is one from me get yourself some 7 Up Free it’s lemonade with artificial sweeteners. I mix each glass with same amount of water so it isn’t so sweet and I am taking in less artificial sweeteners. It really feeds my sweet tooth and fills me up. I have it with my meals.

Best of luck and please let us know about your ups and downs. We have all been there.

Good morning everyone. Lovely to find this thread. Read itsnell this morning and followed her over. I'm 5ft 2 and this morning 14 stone 10. Over the years have tried most diets with varying degrees of success. I liked the old weightwatchers from mid 90s. Tried slimming world but didnt work for me. Before lock down I was on the Newcastle diet to help type 2 diabetes and lost a stone. I have been isolating since mid march and put it back on! Certainly a case of not only comfort eating and baking but comfort clothes!! Now more than ever is not a good time to be an obese diabetic. I'm quite stressed and down at the moment due to unhelpful employers but that's no excuse. Like itsnell I feel physically uncomfortable,clothes feel awful,even the ones with nice stretchy bits!
The Newcastle diet was very effective. One interesting bonus was that I had been feeling very achy and some joint pain. That rapidly disappeared but has now returned so I definitely have to be super mindful of carbs/sugars.
I do find it useful to keep a food diary.
If it's not in the house you cant eat it definitely works but easier if like me you live alone. So many times I have bought allowed treats such as a mini chocolate bar and eaten weeks supply in a few days,ok a day!
Interestingly when dieting earlier in year had no chocolate/sweets and didnt miss. My daughter treated me to some in beginning of lockdown and I was quite unwell. Not sure if happen again but good form of aversion therapy!
So I will weigh in on a Friday. Always find that a good day as if out at weekend can have a small treat. Not that I'm going anywhere for a while but be nice not to feel like a lump of lard when do?.
I will do the Newcastle diet as a kick start then will continue with calorie counting. Didnt do it for years but when returned to it found it gave the best indication of portion size.
No more baking but creative low calorie recipes!
I do think dieting is a lot about a state of mind. You have to be in the right place,and maybe the wrong trousers?. Look forward to reading past pages on this thread and sharing the journeyxx

Four what a wonderful description ‘some of us are paddling faster than others’. I will remember that one. ?

Whiff thank you for explaining your journey to a slimmer figure. It is inspiring to all our newcomers.

The word that resonated with me from your post is ‘portion’ control. Once I learned to eat what I wanted but in small portions the weight came off. I used calorie counting initially which taught me to control the amount I was eating and drinking.

Onward and downward girls ?

Itsnell and dancinjay welcome. I have found help, support and friendship on this thread. After decades of being obese and after having jaundice and losing 11lb through it and being so ill I couldn't do anything for 5 months but think. I decided what I want out of life. After my mom's death I had no one dependent on me anymore. I decided what I wanted out of life. It boiled down to 3 things lose weight, move house and get fitter. Also realising after decades of yo yo dieting it's a marathon not a sprint. This was in April 2017. I was a size 32 know a 16. Lost over 7st still got a stone and a bit to go too my target weight.

Don't set yourself a time limit to lose the weight by done that always failed. The way I have done it is by weighing and measuring everything I eat and drink and count calories. Even if I only lost quarter pound a week I was pleased. If I have a bad day or week and put a bit on I haven't given up. Not like the old me who would have. Finding this thread has helped me and found wonderful support and friendship.
Christmas I brought my first dress in 40 years. I even own couple pair of trousers. Brought last year after jointing a sit fit group. Last time I wore trousers was 1980/81 when we brought our first house to do the painting in. Only my husband to be ever saw me in them.

I looked hard a what foods I couldn't control if they where in the house. Mine were chocolate,ice cream,cheese and cake. I still have these things but only when I am out and only a small portion. Don't be hard on yourself if you have a bad day took my decades to learn that lesson. A friend of mine calls it having a little wobble. I have got so obsessed with weighing everything even if I go over my allowance I still count the calories . I weigh myself everyday but only count what I weigh on a Sunday morning in the nude.

I started going to a community fitness group run by Age UK when I was 15st7lbs with the idea if I hated it I would stick at it for 2 weeks just to learn a few exercises to do at home. But found I loved it and brought my first ever pair of trainers. I did the exercises in a skirt as then as I felt to big to wear trousers. It ran for 12 weeks once a week and I did the exercises at home. Starting at 10 mins a day and after a month worked up to 30 mins.

You have to find a way that works for you. Think of it as a change of life style not diet. Everyone is different so why would one person's way to lose weight work for everyone. I am now 62 . The 3 things I set myself lose weight done that and still at it. Moved house nearly a year ago. And joined a sit fit group near me and loved it. But with lockdown it had to close . Hopefully will re open. I have had health problems for 32 years which affect my movement and heart problems. I have done all this on my own as I was widowed 16 years ago. I tried weight lose clubs they didn't work for me. Like I said we all have to find our way. But the most important thing I have realised is be kind to yourself. I know I have rambled on but if you have read any of this thread you already know I tend to.

On this thread I found what I needed help support and friendship . No one is judgemental and found kindness. Hope my rambling has helped. And look forward to your posts.

Welcome Itsnell and dancinjay - it's lovely to have you join our little group of losers!

You will both see, if you read back through our posts, that we all have differing ways of approaching the scales. None of us is right and none of us is wrong - we each do whatever is right for our own circumstances, which can easily vary from week to week, but the vital thing in this thread is that we are all totally non-judgmental - it is all about support, support, support!

I have to be diplomatic!!! My DH does the cooking, as in 'normal' times I am doing other things! We are a great team but his idea of healthy eating isn't quite the same as mine

My system is to try my best to be 'good' all week, then treat myself a bit on Sundays which I call SINdays. That way I can say no to biscuits etc. that are being put before me on weekdays by saying I am waiting for Sinday! I do have some chocolate etc. on Sindays or life would be intolerable!

I weigh every Sunday morning in the nuddy (NOT a pretty sight ) and throughout lockdown I have remained static in the 188-190lb bracket. It is still too heavy but I'm happy to remain there until I can resume my walking, swimming etc. We are having to remain shielded sadly.

My fellow strugglers will tell you their methods and you will love being part of our gang! We celebrate successes but understand our blips. If you fall off the wagon - we'll help you climb back on with sympathy and understanding.

NanKate started this thread two years ago and it has been a brilliant success - so much so that we reached the maximum number of posts and she had to start 'The Sequel' You will find that joining us will really help - don't give up, we are all in the same boat - some paddle faster than others but that's life!
Welcome again!

Started running around the beginning of lock down, as I felt I would be spending too much time on my derriere! And have recently started the 16/8 plan. Basically you eat for 8 hrs and fast for 16. I thought I would find it difficult, but no once I got into it it just seemed to make sense. There is no restriction on what or how much you eat. I eat between 9 am and 5pm from then onwards it is just tea or coffee. The first couple of days felt strange, but now I don't even feel hungry. I do need to ensure I don't pick at the raspberries though, and if I do lick the spoon when preparing something for the next day my stomach seems to thing it is going to get fed. The scales don't show much difference, but the tape measure does. 2.5 inches off of my tummy since the middle of June, one of which was in the last fortnight when I started the 16/8. Works for me

Hello - I’ve been sent over here. I did a post asking for help losing weight and people suggested I talk to you nice people. So here’s my post/ plea. Hope you don’t mind me posting here

Help! I can't seem to start a diet or keep to anything for more than a few days. I tell myself that this or that diet plan is going to be the one, but I don't stick to it and end up feeling a failure, someone who can't stick at anything. I try to eat a healthy diet. but I can’t shift my excess weight. I wish it would go by osmosis

I’m 69 and 5ft 7 and weigh 13st 5lb. I used to be about 10 - 11 stone and I have put on two stone in the past year or so and at least a stone during lockdown

I really hate that I'm overweight, I'm fat, matronly, my clothes don't fit and I feel unhealthy and I’m probably reducing my life expectancy.

I have just dropped off a sackful of almost new diet books at our local hospice shop which has just opened its doors to donations today and I’m embarrassed to say I buy diet books, read a bit of it, decide I can’t or won’t follow it then stick in a pile for the charity shop.

I often think I’ll do a diet plan or join a slimming club and be done with it. I did lose weight with Weightwatchers once or twice, but I know I’ll only stick it for a few weeks at worst a few days.

I don’t know whether to cutting out food groups like low carb or low fat or count calories, I can’t do fasting as I have reflux and a hiatus hernia. My preference is good quality proper food than pretend fake foods I don’t know when I’m hungry and I eat too big a portions.

I can’t keep going like this, so I need to work out a plan for myself and find ways of keeping to it. Easier said than done, isn’t It?

I agree Whiff we are a nice bunch of losers on this thread. I am convinced without the support I have here I would be far larger. ?to you all.

Hope you are all well. My brother joined weight watchers about a month before lockdown and has been continuing it online and has lost 3st. Said I inspired him to finally tackle his weight. I told him how helpful and supportive you are all on here.

I read a few of threads on the Coronavirus forum. Some very angry people on their. Glad to been here with nice friends ?.

Well start of July hope the sunshine returns. Started my new eating plan. Only made enough chicken stew for 4 dinners. Then it's 3 veggie ones see if that gets the weight going down. Being at my daughter's for almost 4 weeks while work was being done on my bungalow showed me how much I enjoyed a varied diet. Not giving up meat but cutting down on it.

Hopefully my brother and sister in law can come for a visit soon. Already decided on veggie meal using Quorn in some way. My nephew will be coming to. Where I used to live he visited every Monday after work. We text and talk every week can't wait to see him.

Have a good day everyone.

Beechnut and Shirleyw well done. Any loss or staying the same is an achievement.

NanKate unfortunately if it was easy we all be a size 12 and could eat and drink what we like and never gain an ounce. But human bodies are all different and not one alike.

Evie64 I would just stick to what your scales say and try and weigh yourself the same day and time each week. That should give you a better idea off your weight. I weight myself everyday bad habit but only take what I weigh on a Sunday morning and always in the nude.

Well, I was diagnosed as diabetic 2 weeks ago. I'm 5 foot 7.5 inches tall and the nurse weighed me - 16st 13oz!! Horrified! However, I've cracked on since then and have downloaded a free App called My Fitness Pal. It's brilliant. You enter how much you weigh, height, age, gender and how much you would like to lose in what timescale and it works out how many calories you should be aiming to eat every day. For me its 1500 per day. You then just enter everything you eat and drink by searching e.g. Morrisons low fat crisps, Tea with semi skimmed milk, Aldi 5% fat beef mince etc. It then tells you how many calories you have left for the day and if you press Compete Diary it tells you that if every day was like today in 5 weeks you will weigh..........I have found it really motivational. You can also enter any exercise you have taken and it adds any calories you have burnt off to your total. My problem is that my scales at home and the scales at my daughters both say something completely different. I went to Boots today and paid £1 to get on their scales that tells you BMI etc. It says I'm 16st 1lb. There is no way I've lost 12lbs in 2 weeks so I suppose I'll just have to wait and see what the nurse scales say when I go back in 3 months time.

1 lb off....It is a hard slog nankate. Some days worse than others....it's how we feel each day ...not always the same lol....I am getting bored though.....

I have realised that during the very warm weather we have had recently in the South I have succumbed to a regular small glass of wine a day, which although lovely with my Kindle in my hand, it is just adding more calories to my diet and I can feel the effects around my stomach. So I am going back to the odd tipple at the weekend. Losing and maintaining weight is a bloomin’ hard slog but the benefits are worth it. Confession over.

This morning my weigh in showed me a 1 1/4lb loss which is encouraging.
No naughty type treats for me this week as instead I indulged with a few magazines of things I’m interested in. NO food magazines ??

Cocopops don't be hard on yourself. The times we are living through are making everything so much harder especially losing weight. The whole world has had to change how we live our life's. If there was an end date to when everything would go back to normal it would give us all something to look forward to. But unfortunately there isn't. We all just have to do the best we can and keep ourselves and families safe. Following the hygiene and distance rules is just going to be the norm. I'm doning my mask and off out on the bus first time since lockdown as I need to go to the bank. The winds are high here and heavy rain and will have to take extra care as last time I went out in this weather way back earlier on in the year the wind blew me over. Not because I am as light as a feather but I was mid stride which meant my stick was off the ground and a gust took me from the right side and down I went.

Today is the start of a new week. Be kind to yourself. Take care everyone.

I keep hovering around 134lbs. (130 lbs would bring joy!). Need to motivate myself because I cannot find a magic wand.
Have a great week everyone.

Bit of a blip this week as up 1.2lb but still keeping within the 188-190 range so I'm happy with that.
I have also succumbed to a few several biscuits throughout this week when I shouldn't have any biscuits at all until Sinday!

Sitting for hours working on my photos project, combined with no proper exercise or running around from place to place is bound to affect things.
When we know what we have done, we can cope!

DH and I are remaining in the 'as little contact with the outside world as possible' regime for a bit longer yet as we need to be healthy to support terminally ill family members

Sadly, we have several people around us, determined to mix with others etc. because they 'can'? Having got this far surely we don't want to start again now? Many other threads on GN are saying the same
Good luck everyone this week

Fourormore hope your painter has finished and your home looks lovely. Glad to say lost a pound this week. Got home yesterday lunchtime after nearly 4 weeks with my daughter and family. My shower room is beautiful and a joy to use. My kitchen is painted. My bedroom has been plastered loft hatch fitted and all painted. Also the outside of the bungalow has been painted not much to do as most is uPVC only bit of brickwork needed painting. My home improvements guys put together my large wardrobe which had been in 2 pieces since my move. And put up the curtain pole. My daughter is taking me to Dunelm soon to get curtains then I can move in there. Then the second bedroom will be decorated. Already ordered a double bed , double mattress and king size one for my bed and bedside table for the 2nd bedroom. Hopefully soon my brother and sister in law can come to stay soon.

My home improvements guys are going to put a new garden gate and frame on for me then that should be it for this year.

When to my first shop since lockdown yesterday my daughter showed me the ropes. Must remember to notice one way system and distance markers. Going out on the bus this week already got my masks. Hope everyone has a good week weight wise and in general.