Gransnet forums

Dieting & exercise

I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 3 - Wow!

(1001 Posts)
NanKate Mon 13-Dec-21 10:02:47

3 years 7 months ago on 08 May 2018 I started this thread for those who wanted to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle. Many people have joined up and many pounds lost and a few gained.

We now have a small band of ‘regulars’ called Pears who have joined our ranks and they have brought new ideas and support. Many thanks girls what would I do without you all. I am so grateful you have stayed so loyal and been such good friends to us all.

Do join us the rules are simple.

Choose your own style of diet plan.

Check in regularly with a report of the highs and lows of the diet.

Have an occasional binge but get back on the wagon ASAP.
Pass on any useful diet tips.

So for example I started calorie counting with the NHS Diet Plan. I now eat what I like but make portion control my way of life.

You have nothing to lose, other than weight, on this thread.

Our new mantra is - Eat Less for Life.

So Onward and Downward Pears ??

fourormore Sun 12-Jun-22 09:23:58

After a 'heavy' week in more ways than one I am totally not surprised to have put on three pounds sad
It was entirely my own fault but we had a couple of nights away with dinner, bed and breakfast and I did indulge. blush
We all need to spoil ourselves occasionally and I will be strict next week so hopefully it will go as quick as as it came! I used to let it get to me but life is too short and as long as I am fit enough to lead a 'sensible' life, if I can get a few pounds off - great, but it's being sensible that is most important.
Have a good week everyone!

Dorsetcupcake61 Sun 12-Jun-22 11:52:17

Good morning everyone.?. Lovely to catch up on everyone's news. ! Well I'm back! Interesting couple of months weight wise. I mainly stayed the same,which of course ideal if at weight happy with but not so good if four stone to lose!
A couple of weeks ago I put on 2lb ,enough to take me over a magic stone barrier. I had also reached the stage where didn't feel as comfortable in clothes. It's strange really,a few pounds shouldn't make a big difference but they can. ! It was quite funny a few weeks ago . I wanted some trousers to go with a top. Digging in my wardrobe I found a pair of denim jeggings that were perfect. I did wonder why I hadn't worn them,but hey stretchy so very pleased. They were for a work day. I hadn't got an alternative,and they were a bit of a struggle,if they had a zip it would have been lying on bed with a coat hanger job?. After a day of being very aware of them(fortunately top not fitted) looked at label and 4 sizes smaller than usual size! They were Primark to so probably nearer 5 sizes!
I think often things come together when the time is right. Eyeing up a fair amount of clothes that just don't quite fit,realising ones that do on way to joining them if don't take action I'm back!
I'm pleased that a fair while of making wiser choices hasn't resulted in a large weight gain,but it's not enough.! So back to calorie counting,and being consistent. Also back here,probably the most effective weight loss method!
Have a good week everyone!

Whiff Sun 12-Jun-22 13:07:08

Dorset cupcake welcome back. To inspire me to keep on the straight and narrow and get rid of the last stone and bit. I have a photo of the old 19+ st me. I never want to be her again.

You know you are amongst friends here . At least the pears doesn't charge fees or tell you are a naughty girl. Had that said to me at a weight watchers in the 1980's. Didn't go again.

Look forward to you journey with us fruits. ?

Whiff Sun 12-Jun-22 13:08:50

Four at least you had a good time away and recharged your batteries. Hope you have the sunshine today. ?

Sarahmob Sun 12-Jun-22 15:04:43

Hi everyone, and welcome back Dorset - we’ve missed you. I’ve had another decent couple of weeks and am maintaining at just below target. My 80/20 approach seems to be working well and I hover around where I want to be. Yesterday I surprised myself, I was out at a course where we were given a buffet lunch. The old me would have gone mad with the yummy cakes on offer for pudding, but I chose fruit knowing that I wanted to have a treat with my husband today. I think it’s the mental changes that are keeping the weight steady - the knowing if I really want to eat something I can, but then choices need to be adjusted at other meals in the next few days. Long May this continue!

CocoPops Sun 12-Jun-22 18:04:14

Hello everyone. Good that you've returned to the fold Dorset.
I'm back home in Canada after a super holiday in England reconnecting with my son after 3 1/2 years. My flight from Heathrow was delayed 6 hours, then an hour and a half wait for baggage and then I was randomly selected for a Covid test. I finally arrived home at 3 am and am now shaking off the dreaded jet-lag.
I gained 2lbs above target (just a blip as Whiff says).Have a good week Pears

Whiff Mon 13-Jun-22 09:48:58

Sarah you are so right about mental changes . I still see the obese woman I was when I look at myself. I know how much weight I have lost and inches . But getting my mind around it is odd. One good thing I no longer reach for the bigger sizes anymore. The times I have been clothes shopping with my daughter and I have picked up a size 20 and my daughter has said are you kidding and swaps it for a 16. But it's hard after decades of being a 32 to not see yourself as others see us. Plus my body while still flabby has toned up with the exercise . I walk quicker and feel more confident.

Losing weight is all about mentally changing habits of a life time not just food wise but how we see ourselves.

Cocopops glad you had a brilliant time with your son. Sorry about your delayed flights. Bet you couldn't stop hugging him. Get plenty of rest while your body gets back to Canadian time.

kissngate Mon 13-Jun-22 12:00:14

Morning Apples and Pears. After a week of keeping strictly to my diet and doing regular gentle exercise I have lost 1lb. A bit disappointed as I was expecting at least 2. Still its a loss just not sure I can cut down anymore. I definitely couldnt fast for two days as recommended by Michael Mosley. Stick with it everyone.

Whiff Mon 13-Jun-22 12:44:21

kissngate a pound is a lot. Just look at a pound of sugar or spread. Don't cut down stick to what you are doing. I well remember the 800 cal diet. I never did it . Ones who did lost weight at first but our bodies need a certain amount of calories every day to function. Eating to little and our bodies think they are starving and they start talking cals from our organs . Just look how many who have been anorexic and have got serious health problems . Do you remember Karen Carpenter and Lena can't remember her surname she won opportunity knocks both died young . I know these are extreme examples. But did you know there are websites they tell you girls and women how to be anorexic and bulimic.

So remember it's a marathon not a sprint . I realised my body had to had to get used to having less calories . I remember after losing 4 st I felt hungry at first didn't realise what the feeling was. Nuts I know but decades of being obese I hadn't felt real hunger.

What you are doing is working it's like NanKate says it's eating less for life. Keep up the good work and if you have a blip it's not the end of the world. I have lots . But the main thing is not to give up . You will win in the end. ??

SachaMac Mon 13-Jun-22 13:30:32

Hi all, it sounds like we are all keeping going & not getting too despondent even if we haven’t had such a good week. I’ve had a gain of 1/2 lb, not surprisingly. Why does socialising always seem to revolve around food so much nowadays. Ive been to craft group this morning and there were delicious cakes & biscuits on the table but today I managed to draw on my willpower & resisted temptation.

It was Zena Lavaroni I think Whiff, more recently there was the girl off Big Brother, Nikki Graham, it’s very sad, a truly terrible illness & yes kids are being encouraged by websites, You Tubers, Tik Tok influencers etc.

Have a good week everyone ?

Whiff Mon 13-Jun-22 19:11:55

SachaMac thanks that was the girl she was very young when she became famous .

There were cakes a craft group on Thursday as it one of our groups birthday . I had a ? ish chocolate cupcake. With a large chocolate shard on top. It was heaven. But I only had one . After exercise class I allow myself a chocolate biscuit or 2 plain ones. I bake biscuits every couple of weeks to take to both classes so I can have one at home you have to test them and one at class. Everyone likes it when I take them.

I liked it when Costa started to put the calories on each cake or biscuit that way I didn't feel tempted when I saw how high they where.

Well done resisting temptation.

VioletSky Mon 13-Jun-22 23:59:52

Glad you are all still taking steps and hope you are all well.

I gave up for a while just not in the right state of mind. Well, I havent weighed for a while after a few weeks ups and downs.. Then thought tonight, lets just see, and ive done it! I've hit my goal... 2 weeks late but so so pleased. No longer "overweight" according to my bmi.

Time to get going with a good exercise plan
(baring in mind bad joints) if anyone recommends anything.

Shirleyw Tue 14-Jun-22 06:14:01

Morning all…down 3/4 of a lb….I hope next week their will be pounds lost.
Looks like summer is here at long last.

Glad you had a good time cocoapops , hope you’ve recovered from your jet lag….2lbs on is pretty good having being away.

whif , I agree with you about Costa putting the calories on their cakes etc. such a good idea, I often go in Costa and it does encourage me to just stick to my usual skinny Cortado. 1 muffin is like just a bit more than a quarter of my calorie allowance ?.

Whiff Tue 14-Jun-22 06:42:32

Shirley well done . I always feel every bit counts. It's hard to lose but so easy to put on.

It was lovely and sunny yesterday so did all the touch up painting in my home. I dropped my stick the other week in the hall and knocked some paint off my skirting board. Walls in the living room ,hall and kitchen had some marks so painted over those. I am a bit slap dash with the paint but looks ok. Monday I am having a friend come to stay for 4 nights luckily she is trying to lose a few pounds so is happy to eat my calorie counted meals. Apart from Tuesday afternoon when I am taking her to afternoon tea as part of her birthday present. So will be eating naughty cakes and sandwiches at least what we don't eat there we can bring home. So will have my whatever soup for dinner with the left over cakes. But exercise class next day which I am taking her to. And put plenty of effort into to make up for all the extra cal's the day before.

Looks like summer has finally arrived hopefully it's here to stay.

fourormore Tue 14-Jun-22 09:53:10

Well done Violetsky - it's great you came back and didn't give up for good. I have had several periods in my world when I just couldn't be bothered and even, at times, didn't care. Sometimes it is best to ignore everything for a few days/weeks/months and then restart and it seems that worked for you.

As far as exercise is concerned I find a gentle pleasant walk each day easier to keep to than a fixed class or gym etc. but I'm lucky in having pleasant walks all around me.

I am thinking about a regular class though to give me a 'commitment' each week an I am also thinking about re-joining a motorised exercise place. I have enjoyed that in the past and each machine works different muscles. However, I am still very cautious of covid and moving from one machine to the next means holding handles etc. after other people who may not be so cautious?
I will wait a bit longer.

I hope whatever caused you to not be in the right state of mind has now passed. We have all been there but by always supporting each other we will all continue to 'slowly but surely' achieve.
It's good to see you back too Dorset I had missed your lovely posts. I hope everything is ok again for you too.
Keep on upwards and downwards folks!

SachaMac Tue 14-Jun-22 12:00:03

We’ll done Violetsky it can be done, I look forward to being at target weight even if it takes a while.
I’d agree with fourormore gentle walks are good, (I try to take my dog out twice a day) but the best thing I found is Aqua Aeribucs, I joined a day time class at the local leisure centre after feeling the benefits of some Hydrotherapy provided by the Physio. I found exercising in the water very beneficial, it supports your joints but also provides resistance to work your muscles. Well worth a try.

cornergran Tue 14-Jun-22 12:20:21

Quick visit to say a huge well done to everyone for keeping positive. violetsky you must be delighted. I’ve a way to go for a normal BMI but am really pleased that a weekend away has me static weight-wise. No idea how that happened though ?. Wishing you all well.

VioletSky Tue 14-Jun-22 16:22:59

Thank you!

I have been considering a new target, maybe somewhere in the middle of healthy BMI but that does seem a bit one size fits all....

I think having a break from it really helped because the closer i got to target the more pressure i was putting on myself which just had me stress eating because the scales weren't being kind anyway....

I do want to be nice to my joints though and lose a few more wobbly bits lol

I walk quite a bit but maybe can add a a few different routes to work and back to get the steps up. Swimming is a brilliant idea too, I haven't been for too long with lockdown etc and forgot it existed

Whiff Wed 15-Jun-22 10:31:59

Four don't be frightened of joining an exercise class. All our instructors up here have been vaccinated and the halls and rooms used are well ventilated. Also the ones who attend have also been vaccinated. Going to class every week gives me something to look forward and made friends there and at my craft group.

As I have said before my class is called active ageing. The first 12 weeks it was free and sit fit . We sat for some exercises and held on to the back for others plus we had walking exercises which I used my stick. But since January being in maintainance class I don't use my stick . Only few sit down exercises. Rest are none stop when we start.

Age UK ,councils and lot of church halls have exercise classes just Google over 60's sit fit groups. My friend does the ones using machines but that's not teaching you to exercise at home and think my way you get fitter. Aqua aerobics are good if you have very bad arthritis as the water supports your weight and pushing against the water gives you a workout. Walking while good doesn't work all your muscles . But like losing weight we all have different ways of exercising.

But don't let fear of Covid stop you living your life and doing what you want. I still wear my mask on buses and in shops. But don't in exercise or craft group.

Each to their own. Enjoy the sunshine .

fourormore Fri 17-Jun-22 09:48:10

Thanks Whiff for your info - it's not the exercise classes that I was concerned about as I'm sure they would be ok.
The ones I was referring to were the 'motorised' machines.

Years ago I went to one place where you moved from one machine to the next doing 2 (or 3?) minutes on each. I'm sure if that's still the case there would be sanitiser between each one as I don't fancy pushing 'the person before me' s sweaty handles up and down!!!

Later I went to another place where each machine had a set programme so each person stayed on the same machine.
I will investigate the local one at some stage and decide then.

This week has gone well - I have walked a lot and it appears that I have lost the 3lb that I put on over our couple of days away and a bit more?

I have weighed each morning this week but I don't record the results until my weekly Sunday weigh-in so I'm not getting over-excited - fingers crossed but what will be will be!

Dorsetcupcake61 Sun 19-Jun-22 10:11:33

Good morning fellow pears?. I'm happy to report a loss of 2 and quarter pounds. Of course it's so important to be in the right mood set but once you get into the habit of noting down calories it's as though never been away. ! Of course hot weather helps and summer fruits,which I love. Hope you are all having a positive week. Quiet one here as daughter is cat sitting for a friend so only myself to please!

Whiff Sun 19-Jun-22 10:20:34

Four my friend in Midlands goes to a wellness centre and uses those machines. Don't see the point myself unless you are unable to move your limbs yourself then they come into there own by working limbs that wouldn't move otherwise. She is coming tomorrow until Friday. I am taking her to my class on Wednesday she can't take part as it's a GP referral class. But she will see what we do and hopefully realise that you don't need machines. Us oldies all have multiple health problems but we give it every we have got and have a laugh at the same time plus socialise over a cuppa and biscuit afterwards. She doesn't talk to anyone at her class. So I don't see the point.

Well lost half a pound this week. But luckily my friend is happy to eat what I do as she is trying to lose a stone. Made a fat less tea bread as a treat. And made 5lb of blueberry jam yesterday. But Tuesday cal counting is going out of the window. It was her birthday beginning of June sent a gift but the other half of her present is afternoon tea at a lovely hotel in Southport. My daughter and grandson took me for my 60th. He was a baby then hard to believe he is 4 and starting school in September.

At least what we don't eat we will bring back with us. So it will be soup and leftovers for dinner.

Well have a good week pears better get my bungalow spick and span . ☺️

Whiff Sun 19-Jun-22 10:21:37

We crossed posts Dorset well done with the loss. ?

fourormore Sun 19-Jun-22 10:27:28

Morning all!
Well done Dorset - I'm also happy to report a loss of 1.4lbs which I would have liked to be higher as I had put on 3lbs last week, but every loss is a loss so I'm happy!

It's amazing how variable weighing is! I normally only weigh and record my weight at the same time and same day each week. This week just out of curiosity I weighed each day and on Friday I had lost the 3lbs and more!?!? That only lasted one day though sad so it just shows how we vary from almost hour to hour!!!

From now on I will stick to my Sunday morning weigh in and my Sunday treats on 'Sinday' (today!!!!!!!)
Good luck everyone as we all plod on together!
Have a good week whatever you are up to xxx

Dorsetcupcake61 Sun 19-Jun-22 11:36:00

Thank you both?. Whiff,was the fat free teabread the one you mentioned last year? If so I remember making it and it was lovely! When you have a moment would you be able to share the recipe? Have a lovely time with your friend?.
Fourormore I can totally relate to different weights on different days! I tend to weigh in on Fridays so have time to work off any socialising and or incorporate treats at weekend!

This discussion thread has reached a 1000 message limit, and so cannot accept new messages.
Start a new discussion