Hello

I'm new to this forum.

I'm not gonna lie, I've only just decided TODAY to start dieting.

I've pretty much been overweight all my life but it only really spiralled out of control after I had my first child, 4 years ago. Ever since, it's been going up up UP!!!! So, I abandoned diets for a few years, ignored the weight gain and just got on with things. And ate... a lot! And excersized... never!

Seven weeks ago I had my second child. And now I'm thinking... I don't wanna be like this forever! I'm only young (in my early 20's). Certainly not new to diets, I've done them before and stuck to them and they did actually work. So I know how they work. I KNOW I can do it. But how long will my motivation last?? THAT'S my biggest downfall. And that's where this forum comes in.

So here's to the start of a NEW journey...



My AIM:
To set myself some realistic short-term goals while working towards my target weight (or "long-term" goal). I plan to weigh myself every Friday morning and post it online (truthfully) for everyone to see.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!

(Btw.. as I type this, my other half is at our local Argos store buying a weighing scales lol. So for this week alone, I'll do my weigh-in today - Saturday. I will post the results in a few mins when he gets back!)

Welcome hun!! I wish you luck on your journey, and congrats on your beautiful babies!! That is important...and just take it day by day and meal by meal. One step, is a huge step in the direction you want to go.

Forget about yesterday, and forget about earlier, stay in the moment and life is easier I think!! You are going to be a success and I'm rooting for yoU!!! You can do this!

Thanks so much Alta! It was lovely to log on and read such an encouraging post

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Just a quick post as my OH needs the laptop for work tonight. I did my first weigh-in and I'm 15st5lb. I knew to expect BAD, but didn't expect quite THAT bad. But maybe that's my wake up call?!

Also, since I've only started to diet today, I've no idea what my goals are yet so I'll have a think about that tonight and post what they are when I know myself lol.

So now that hard work starts...

Welcome.

If you haven't already, take some time to read the sticky posts in the various forums, especially the ones in the exercise and nutrition areas. There's lots of good information there to help get you started.

I'll also offer two pieces of advice that have really helped me:

First - I don't believe in diets. As you said, you "do" a diet - and if you stick to it, it works. But when the diet is over ... what happens then? If you're like me, you just gain it all back. I believe the only thing that really works is making a permanent change in your life - in how you view food and exercise. So maybe one of your goals as you think about it can be taking some slow steps to rethinking how you view food and eating and exercise - rather than "going on" a diet.

Second - Motivation is one of those things that I think a lot of people have a problem with (I know I do) and because of that, I've changed my point of view about it. Here's my philosophy: There are things we do every day because we have to, not because we're motivated. I get up every morning and go to work whether I want to or not - because I have no choice. You care for your kids every day, even if you're tired or cranky or whatever - because you have no choice. You can't not care for your kids. I can't not go to work. Motivation has nothing to do with it - it's LIFE. I look at healthy eating and exercise as the same thing - I may not want to do it. I may be cranky. I may have had a bad day. I may have cramps. I may want to lie on the sofa and eat chips. But I don't - not because I"m "motivated" but because that's life. Responsible adults go to work, take care of their kids, and eat healthy when they'd rather gorge on chips and cake.

Maybe looking at things a little differently will help you as you begin your journey!

Hello! Welcome to the forum I myself just started a diary (about a month ago) on this website and have found it to be EXTREMELY helpful. I have not missed a day since of recording in it and have kept up on reading other journals (also very helpful in keeping motivation)! Good idea with the weighing yourself on Friday mornings... that's what I do It is a great way to show yourself how good you did during the week, and what you need to do on the weekend to keep it up!!! You CAN accomplish your goals. Don't sell yourself short! You will find diet and exercise very easy once you get into the groove. Don't make this new lifestyle seem like a "chore".... make it a priority!

Good luck!
~ Sarah

Welcome to the forum!! I hope you find what you need here. The group is really supportive. I started my weight loss journey two months ago. It hasn't been smooth and everyday I learn more about healthy eating, my body. There have been many days when I have given up but whenever I feel like I lack motivation and support I come here. Keeps me going. There are amazing group of people who are going through some of the things you are going through as you start your journey. They understand you, encourage you and I have realised that some of their experience is a good guide for me a well. The stickies also have a wealth of info, so read them along the way.

Really like what Kara says above. That is a really really good way of looking at motivation. You are healthy because you have no choice. I like that.

Good luck, Caroline!!

Hi Everyone!

To Kara, Skkroll & Juni:
Thanks for the warm welcome and useful advice you've all given me so far. It's great to have such a positive team of people to encourage and believe in what I'm trying to do. And I've read each of your comments and taken in what you've said. I will definitely take your words of wisdom on board and I really appreciate you taking the time to try and steer me in the right direction!! So thank you for that

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Last night was extremely hard for me. My OH was at work & the kids were in bed, so I was bored and I really wanted to pig-out – because that's what I'm used to doing. I evaluated it in my head (which I usually never do. I usually eat first, think later!). And I realised that it was about 15% hunger, 85% habit. I had a really small snack (to fill the gap as I hadn't eaten since earlier) and left it at that. I was really proud of myself waking up this morning. I could have easily slipped into old habits but I didn't.

The hardest part for me is the beginning. Once I get into the swing of things, I'm sure it'll start getting easier.

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Oh, just so ya know... I am basing my diet on the weight watchers points plan. It has worked for me before and I like being able to eat a bit of everything, in moderation. If anybody reading this has had success on this plan, please drop me a post! I'd love to hear your story

x x x

Good for you! That's an excellent start.

Sometimes what I do when I'm really craving something is tell myself I can have an apple FIRST. Then if I'm still craving something after the apple, I can have it. Usually by the time I eat the apple, I don't want the other thing any more.

Ok, I'm a bit late posting my results as I never got to log on Friday (I had a really busy wk end!!!). So just a quick update with my results....

Fri 16th Oct 09: 15st 2lb

It means I've lost 3lb.. yayyyyyyy!!!

I'm very happy with that as I wasn't sure what to expect on my first week. Plus it was a short week as I only really started my diet the previous Saturday (in the evening time). SO HAPPY DAYS!!!! Hopefully this will be my motivation to continue. Good to know that it's working.. so far!

Congrats on losing the 3 pounds...that's an excellent start!
Keep up the good work! I know for me, seeing that scale move downward was a big motivator to keep going. Just wait until your clothes start feeling loose...it's a great feeling!

Way to go!
Di