My New Healthy Lifestyle

Am I allowed to join this thread even though I'm actually trying to gain weight as well as get fitter.
I'm 5'9" and until this year weighed 8stone and smoked 15 a day. I gave up the ciggies in Sept after 50 years with the help of Champix. Now weigh 8st 8lbs and walk (crawl) about a mile three times a week with my sister who's also trying to improve fitness and in her case lose some weight.
After all those years of smoking I get very breathless but already am noticing a small improvement.
I'll cheer all of you on if you do the same for me.

Badenkate, I have a similar amount of weight to lose and will be working at it alongside you. I am just looking at the smaller picture of 5kgs at a time. Let's do it.

Well done Kaycee - you seem very determined, what a great start you've made. I have a huge amount to lose too, I haven't dared weigh yet. I need to lose for many health reasons apart from just feeling good. I like the idea of the Leslie Sanson walking DVD. Good luck.

Kacee you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by losing weight......if you get my drift .

Go for it sister!

Thanks mumofmadboys. Walking can be hit and miss as I have COPD losing weight will help that and as for swimming.....even I wouldn't want to see me in a swimsuit let alone inflict that on the public.
I will do this

I'm Type 1 Diabetic and have been told that whatever you fancy eating is fine - all I need to do is adjust my insulin accordingly - the one no no is my breakfast glass of fruit juice, which, since I squeeze my own with a muchine which keeps the fibre content, I sometimes ignore! Ikeep planning to do a long-distance rambling break, hopefully this summer.

That's great Kaycee. I know how difficult it is to tell people how much weight you have to loose - and I'll confess I've never told DH how much I weigh!But it is good to let people on here know and get their friendly support. We'll go on the long journey together. Slow and steady maybe, but we'll do it!

Well done Kacee. 6 lb is a great start. Are you able to increase your exercise with walking or swimming ? Keep us posted. Remember you CAN do it!

Right here goes confession time. I started weight watchers just over 2 weeks ago and weighed in at 19 stone 1lb. How bad is that. I have so far lost 6lbs and next weigh in is Tuesday. I have just been diagnosed with arthritis in my lower back which is a pain but it coukd be worse. I'm not a positive person by nature but I am really trying to change my outlook and think more positive and so far so good. My goal is that by the end of the year I will be able to walk into M&S and buy some jeans and a top that will fit me
Great thread Ruby, I will post my weight loss on Tuesday. Only 8 stone to lose...that''s a whole person

So pleased to see this thread as I need to lose three stone for my health.I am going to start by cutting out cakes and biscuits.In the past I have said to myself "I'll just buy a pkt for when the grandchildren visit", but of course I end up eating most of them.So from now on there will be no cakes and biscuits in the house! Wish me luck, I'll let you know how I get on !

Last summer I started having a glass of water whilst I waited for the kettle to boil for my coffee.
Sounds silly, but sometimes I decided I didn't need the coffee after all. (Didn't stick to it though - story of my life!)

Snack free February such a good idea. Will also start smaller portions with walking a mile a day. Want to lose 3 stone. Remember every journey starts with the first step.

I'm on the 'slow but sure' waggon. If I'm lunching out, I thoroughly enjoy it BUT that's my total consumption for the day. At home I tend to snack little and 'often'. I do try to walk every day. Now, I'm talking brisk to the shops: nothing as virtuous as a marathon. Amazingly I've managed to wean myself off a favourite sugar drink I've regularly consumed since teenage years BUT, there again, I do keep a bottle available in case I ever get the urge. I find prohibition a challenge, sad person! Tried water so often but hated it. However fizzy water has done the trick. My latest conversion is to plain Greek yoghurt. NOT low cal or any adulteration. Wish somebody could explain this to me but I started out by 'making an effort' and now I absolutely love it. Overall I have lost a steady 1&1/2 every month and it's been staying off. Never seemed to cope with fierce deprivation and massive losses. ALWAYS put it back on again. Slowly but surely I'm getting and staying there but I've no illusions that it's an ongoing piece of work until the beneficial practices become my norm (if ever!). I'm fitter, happier and healthier. Nobody ever notices my weight loss nor comments on it because it has been gradual. Interesting........ Anyway good luck to all of us triers It's a never ending challenge. Amen!

I'd love to join too. Trying not to think about how much weight I've to lose, but really want to get fitter and healthier this year before milestone birthday in November. Have treated myself to Fitbit and managing 10,000 steps most days though hard to fit in on days I work and am involved in lots of things in the evenings. Trying to leave the car at home though it's tempting to use it to save time. Will give No Snack Feb a go, great idea Rubylady and well done for getting us all on board!

This couldn't have come at a better time for me. Out of the blue I had an angina attack last weekend. I know that I was feeling stressed so must calm down. I have about 4 lbs to come off and intend to lose it by eating healthily. I had tried the high fat low carb diet for 2 weeks but common sense told me it wasn't good for me. The weight I lost on the hflc was put back on within a few days.
Thank you all for sharing your hopes and ideas.

No it's not yoghurt - it's ice-cream I'm making

I'm in the middle of making some Slimming World toffee-flavoured yoghurt. My aim is to have it with strawberries for a pud this evening. I'll let you know how it goes and whether it's worth the effort!

DH is very supportive, bless him, although he doesn't need to lose any weight. Elder DS is also losing weight, although he finds it easier as he goes running and to the gym, so we do encourage each other. But it is lovely to have this thread. Thanks again Ruby

NanKate - you could always have a low cal hot chocolate drink (eg Options). I find that satisfies my chocolate craving. I, too, am a Slimming World member. I've lost 1 stone 7.5 ponds since last October but still have a long way to go to get to target.

What a great way this is of supporting each other.

Little steps. I'm going to start drinking more water and being more active just around the house - house needs a spring clean that's for sure. This thread is a great inspiration.

Wendy4,
I have an e-cig, all the liquids, all ready to go
The ridiculous thing is, I gave up for 2 years, then went back to smoking.
I too, cough - every time I light up.
I'm planning to start on Monday..

Rubylady, and all the other lovely GNers, thank you so much for your support and encouragement!! Especially when you've got troubles of your own. We can do this!! Let's keep strong and look forward to the Spring....slimmer and non smoking!!!!

Mumofmadboys, Drinking at least 2 litres a day, and am fond of dry dates so will give that a go, raw carrots I love but they tend to give me a bit, sorry a lot, of wind so may not be the way to go. Will get my dates out though. thanks for the good wishes, always much appreciated.x

Great idea, trying to lose half stone. I'm 3 stone heavier than when I married, 51 years ago. I was 7 1/2 stone, that's unrealistic so just to stay in size 14 will do. Size 16 is too big, why don't 'they' make half sizes ? I hope this post will concentrate my mind. My husband can't eat much due to his condition so I tend to have a poor eating pattern, we always ate healthy meals. Thanks Rubylady

Well done Ruby for your weight loss and for starting this thread which I think is about Healthy Lifestyle overall not just weight loss. I on a big push now through probably till Easter to lose the last half stone having shed almost five stone over the last six years - some off, some on but a determined downwards now to save my knees, hips , back etc. I am doing the NHS Choices Healthy Lifestyle plan i.e. 1400 calories a day plus at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. I had my first 18 holes of golf yesterday which was great especially when the sun came out. My big excitement is that I am going back to tennis after not playing for over 20 years. A new group is starting her for the oldies and I'm in - I'll let you know how I get on- not wearing little white skirts though!!

Missdeke. Sorry to hear you are having chemo. Hope all goes well. Try drinking plenty of fluids and try nibbling nuts or dried fruit to get your bowels going again. Do you like raw carrots? They are also good. Wishing you well.x