Obesity Discussion Forums

[ribenagirl13]

Hi there, I'm 22, from the UK and I'm quite obviously a newbie.

Just thought I'd say hi and introduce myself. I've been over weight as long as I can remember, although its got massively worse in the last 3 or 4 years. I now stand at 27 stone 9 lbs and am mortified. However, even though I hate myself for letting myself get in to this state, I find it so hard to do anything about it. I've been going to Slimming World off and on for years, but after the first few months where I usually lose a couple of stone and feel really proud, I just stop dieting and put it all back on again.

Thats where I am at the moment, The biggest I've ever been to be honest. I keep trying to turn over a new leaf but never seem to make much of a go of it. One of my main problems is that I go to university in the day and work evenings. Not only does this mean that I'm sitting down all the time (as I work in a call centre) but that I dont eat my evening meal til midnight/1 am. I'm sure this is not good for me.

Excercise is ofcourse (as in many other cases) my biggest down fall. I do literally NO exercise. I get taxi's to and from work (which is about a 30 min walk) because I get out of breath so easily and end up being knackered by the time I get to work if I walk. I actually bought a bicycle last month, hoping to ride to work and back which would save money and help with the exercise. But I'm too scared to ride it...I know it sounds really stupid but its true. My boyfriend Dan (who is ace and very supportive...if not a nag) thinks I'm really silly for not using it but what is it going to look like? A really fat chick, teetering on a tiny bicycle... Also I'm really worried about the Bike breaking, the guy at the shop assured me that it would take my weight..(how embarressing is that?? 'Oh hi, yeah, I'd like to buy a bike. I'm just a bit worried that its going to fall to pieces as soon as i get on it.....') but I still have my doubts.

But yes...I'm rambling, I do appologise. I just kinda thought it would be nice to talk to some people who have some idea of my problems. I mean at my slimming class, the lady with the most weight to lose other than me wants to loose like 3 stone, I need to loose closer to 18 stone...I just feel that I'm alone I guess. My boyfriend as I said is very supportive but never having been over weight in his life doesn't quite understand.

I've been sruggling with depression too, for the last 18 months which was brought on by my mum being diagnosed with terminal cancer, but I know that I'm not getting better cause I'm so down on myself all the time for being so fat....and what do I do? Comfort eat lol its a never ending vicious circle I swear.

But yeah sorry rambling again....
Thanks for listening,
Good night xxx

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by ribenagirl13

Hi there, I'm 22, from the UK and I'm quite obviously a newbie.

Just thought I'd say hi and introduce myself. I've been over weight as long as I can remember, although its got massively worse in the last 3 or 4 years. I now stand at 27 stone 9 lbs and am mortified. However, even though I hate myself for letting myself get in to this state, I find it so hard to do anything about it. I've been going to Slimming World off and on for years, but after the first few months where I usually lose a couple of stone and feel really proud, I just stop dieting and put it all back on again.

Thats where I am at the moment, The biggest I've ever been to be honest. I keep trying to turn over a new leaf but never seem to make much of a go of it. One of my main problems is that I go to university in the day and work evenings. Not only does this mean that I'm sitting down all the time (as I work in a call centre) but that I dont eat my evening meal til midnight/1 am. I'm sure this is not good for me.

Excercise is ofcourse (as in many other cases) my biggest down fall. I do literally NO exercise. I get taxi's to and from work (which is about a 30 min walk) because I get out of breath so easily and end up being knackered by the time I get to work if I walk. I actually bought a bicycle last month, hoping to ride to work and back which would save money and help with the exercise. But I'm too scared to ride it...I know it sounds really stupid but its true. My boyfriend Dan (who is ace and very supportive...if not a nag) thinks I'm really silly for not using it but what is it going to look like? A really fat chick, teetering on a tiny bicycle... Also I'm really worried about the Bike breaking, the guy at the shop assured me that it would take my weight..(how embarressing is that?? 'Oh hi, yeah, I'd like to buy a bike. I'm just a bit worried that its going to fall to pieces as soon as i get on it.....') but I still have my doubts.

But yes...I'm rambling, I do appologise. I just kinda thought it would be nice to talk to some people who have some idea of my problems. I mean at my slimming class, the lady with the most weight to lose other than me wants to loose like 3 stone, I need to loose closer to 18 stone...I just feel that I'm alone I guess. My boyfriend as I said is very supportive but never having been over weight in his life doesn't quite understand.

I've been sruggling with depression too, for the last 18 months which was brought on by my mum being diagnosed with terminal cancer, but I know that I'm not getting better cause I'm so down on myself all the time for being so fat....and what do I do? Comfort eat lol its a never ending vicious circle I swear.

But yeah sorry rambling again....
Thanks for listening,
Good night xxx

Good morning to you and welcome! Honestly, whether or not you sit all day or eat only late at nights isn't really the biggest issue, it really is how many calories you consume each day versus how much your body burns each day. It is feasible to lose weight even when sitting on your butt and eating late; it just requires a bit of discipline. At the same time that is where exercise comes into play, as it helps you create an even larger calorie deficit, which will help you lose more weight more quickly.

Who cares what people think of you when you're on your bike, you're doing this for you, not them....and you're doing it not just for the way you look, but for your health and happiness. Besides, ride your bike enough and it'll help you no longer look as overweight, which is where you're trying to go anyway.

If you burn 300 calories on your bike 5 days a week, that's at least one extra stone of weight you'll lose in a year.

You're lucky to have a supporting loved one, and now a supporting community to help you along your way, and you should utilize both to help you achieve your goals.

If you're actually willing to count your calories each day, the weight loss will be a snap. We can tell you exactly how much you need to eat on a given day in order to achieve your weight loss goal.

[Audrey]

Welcome to the forums!

I agree with everything OD said! Even if you don't have time to exercise, if you control your calorie intake, you will loose weight. Counting calories isn't as hard as it sounds (and people make it out to be), and there's tons of yummy low-calorie stuff out there to eat.

That's awesome that you have a supportive boyfriend behind you. I know my fiance has been an integral part of my weightloss. Poor guy puts up with so much sometimes.

I'm 22 as well, and I've always worked while going to school (except this semester ) so I know how hard it is to find time for anything other than work and school.

I always yo-yoed on diets when I would try them, but I've found new dedication this time (this forum has really helped!), and feel so much better for it. Dedicate yourself to calorie counting, keep a journal, empty your place of all the bad foods, and watch the weight leave!

Just let us know when you need motivation!!

[sass63]

Welcome to the boards we are glad to have you here.

[shesmilesnwinks]

Hi and Welcome! I agree with OD and Audrey they have good advice.

[ribenagirl13]

Hey thanks guys, I think I'm gonna like it here. Now to actually get back to the 'dieting'. I do slimming class on wednesdays and know I've put on this week cause I've been a bit down on myself, but I'm gonna have a go again. So yep, I'll be bothering you again I should imagine. Thanks again

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by ribenagirl13

Hey thanks guys, I think I'm gonna like it here. Now to actually get back to the 'dieting'. I do slimming class on wednesdays and know I've put on this week cause I've been a bit down on myself, but I'm gonna have a go again. So yep, I'll be bothering you again I should imagine. Thanks again

What do you do at a slimming class? I've never heard of one before.

[ribenagirl13]

Oh its just slimming world...like weight watchers but with a different 'diet' (except you musn't call it a diet....its food optimising *rolls eyes*). I've been going off and on for years, and it IS a really good thing, I mean its relatively easy as long as you stick to it, I just lack movitation. I always have done, I lose a bit then get bored...But needs must and all...*pulls resolved face*

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by ribenagirl13

Oh its just slimming world...like weight watchers but with a different 'diet' (except you musn't call it a diet....its food optimising *rolls eyes*). I've been going off and on for years, and it IS a really good thing, I mean its relatively easy as long as you stick to it, I just lack movitation. I always have done, I lose a bit then get bored...But needs must and all...*pulls resolved face*

So what do they have you do that's different exactly? Reduction in calories? Different types of food?

[ribenagirl13]

Lol I'm sure that they have slimming world in America. The general concept is that you have Red days and Green days...which consist of Free foods, Healthy extra a and b choices and syns. Healthy extra A choices are mostly dairy and b choices are mostly fibre you must have 2 b's and 1 or 2 a's a day. Free food differs from green to red days. On a red day all meat is free as long as it is lean and on a green day pasta and rice are free. Universal free foods are nearly all veg (barring potatos and sweetcorn on a red day) and fruit and a few other things. And all other things are syns, which you have a list of. And you can have a certain number of syns a day....

I'm really not that good at explaining it lol , now that I re-read that it sounds way more complicated than it is. If you go to Slimming World - discover the amazing you it explains it all.

[Merle]

Originally Posted by ribenagirl13

Lol I'm sure that they have slimming world in America. The general concept is that you have Red days and Green days...which consist of Free foods, Healthy extra a and b choices and syns. Healthy extra A choices are mostly dairy and b choices are mostly fibre you must have 2 b's and 1 or 2 a's a day. Free food differs from green to red days. On a red day all meat is free as long as it is lean and on a green day pasta and rice are free. Universal free foods are nearly all veg (barring potatos and sweetcorn on a red day) and fruit and a few other things. And all other things are syns, which you have a list of. And you can have a certain number of syns a day....

I'm really not that good at explaining it lol , now that I re-read that it sounds way more complicated than it is. If you go to Slimming World - discover the amazing you it explains it all.

Interesting concept, I had never heard of it before, thank you for sharing! Welcome to the group!

[Irving]

that looks interesting thank you for sharing and welcome to our place!

[hattie]

Hi, I am also new here and haven't posted yet, but after reading your post I hope you don't mind if I reply (by the way Ican ramble a bit, so please bare with me!)

I am from the uk and have tried many diet plans and can honestly say s/w is the only one that has worked for me, so stick with it kid, it does work. But the first thing you MUST do is get your head in the right place. The only times my weight loss has been successful is when I was in the right frame of mind, it is really important. First stop blaming yourself, it serves no purpose what so ever. I know thats not easy, I do exactly the same, but it is so self destructive. You are as worthy as any other person, no matter what size you are. If you decided never to lose weight again, you are still a worthy person. You need to lose weight for the right reasons, the main one being health. I know having been 21.5 stone at my heaviest, and 18.5 stone now it is not a good thing. So forget diet and think healthy eating.

The most important thing you need to do with s/w is plan. Planning is the key without a doubt. You need to set time a side to plan your week. I know you are going to say you are busy and can't find the time, but you MUST. Its amazing we can always find time for others but never for ourselves. You are the most important person at this moment in time and you have to give yourself time. Plan ahead, have the ingredients to make meals ready or even better pre-prepare them. Always have plenty of free food, I like to make free soups, they are quick, easy to prepare, easy to reheat and are very comforting.

Also keep a food diary. I know you need one for class, but keep one for yourself and be totally honest, write everything down. Then look back at it at the end of the week and quite often you can see where your weaker moments are and maybe it will help you plan ahead for them. Just carry a small pad of paper with you and jot things down, it really does help.

I know you find exercise difficult, but it really is so important. Just do small amounts at the moment and build up. Find 10 minutes everyday to go for a walk and build it up over time. Its hard at first, I know, but it really does get easier.

One more really important thing is set yourself small goals. I know what its like when I was 21.5 stone it felt like I was stood at the bottom of Everest and reaching the summit was totally impossible, but you know what, base camp isn't that far away!! So take small baby steps, a good one to start with is aiming to lose 10%, this is achievable and has good health benefits.

Honey, I know its not easy and it is a times soul destroying, but you are important and very special and you CAN do this, no you WILL do this. Life is just starting for you and if you grab it now, it will pay dividends in the future.

Keep your chin up, MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF, and go for it. You know if you have a positive attitude it helps so much and having a supportive other half is great, you don't get many of them.

Well told you I'd ramble, I hope my strange mutterings haven 't sent you to sleep, but if I can help in anyway, I am only too happy to do so.

Keep going, the view from the top is fantastic!!!!!!!

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by hattie

Hi, I am also new here and haven't posted yet, but after reading your post I hope you don't mind if I reply (by the way Ican ramble a bit, so please bare with me!)

I am from the uk and have tried many diet plans and can honestly say s/w is the only one that has worked for me, so stick with it kid, it does work. But the first thing you MUST do is get your head in the right place. The only times my weight loss has been successful is when I was in the right frame of mind, it is really important. First stop blaming yourself, it serves no purpose what so ever. I know thats not easy, I do exactly the same, but it is so self destructive. You are as worthy as any other person, no matter what size you are. If you decided never to lose weight again, you are still a worthy person. You need to lose weight for the right reasons, the main one being health. I know having been 21.5 stone at my heaviest, and 18.5 stone now it is not a good thing. So forget diet and think healthy eating.

The most important thing you need to do with s/w is plan. Planning is the key without a doubt. You need to set time a side to plan your week. I know you are going to say you are busy and can't find the time, but you MUST. Its amazing we can always find time for others but never for ourselves. You are the most important person at this moment in time and you have to give yourself time. Plan ahead, have the ingredients to make meals ready or even better pre-prepare them. Always have plenty of free food, I like to make free soups, they are quick, easy to prepare, easy to reheat and are very comforting.

Also keep a food diary. I know you need one for class, but keep one for yourself and be totally honest, write everything down. Then look back at it at the end of the week and quite often you can see where your weaker moments are and maybe it will help you plan ahead for them. Just carry a small pad of paper with you and jot things down, it really does help.

I know you find exercise difficult, but it really is so important. Just do small amounts at the moment and build up. Find 10 minutes everyday to go for a walk and build it up over time. Its hard at first, I know, but it really does get easier.

One more really important thing is set yourself small goals. I know what its like when I was 21.5 stone it felt like I was stood at the bottom of Everest and reaching the summit was totally impossible, but you know what, base camp isn't that far away!! So take small baby steps, a good one to start with is aiming to lose 10%, this is achievable and has good health benefits.

Honey, I know its not easy and it is a times soul destroying, but you are important and very special and you CAN do this, no you WILL do this. Life is just starting for you and if you grab it now, it will pay dividends in the future.

Keep your chin up, MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF, and go for it. You know if you have a positive attitude it helps so much and having a supportive other half is great, you don't get many of them.

Well told you I'd ramble, I hope my strange mutterings haven 't sent you to sleep, but if I can help in anyway, I am only too happy to do so.

Keep going, the view from the top is fantastic!!!!!!!

Welcome Hattie and great advice! I could not agree more; we encourage many of those same principals here! Great motivation! Are you currently using S/W right now?

[William Wallace]

Oh no it's a newbie!!! Hide!!!

[chazzyb31]

Hey RibenaGirl,

I too go to Slimming World. OD doesn't seem to like the concept (the man is obsessed with calories), but the plan works, as long as you stick to it. I love the fact that you can stuff your face with potatoes, pasta and rice and still lose weight (I'm a huge carb fan). I call it the "Greedy B*stards Diet".

FYI,they don't have SW in the USA - my group leader told me this when I went to Memphis on hols this year. They've never heard of it, even though it's been around for nearly 40 years. They're always a bit behind the times in the States, lol. I'm sure it'll catch on eventually.

This week I have had all red days 'cos I really wanted bacon for breakfast. I've had a bacon and egg toastie every morning, which fills me up a lot better than Weetabix, I can tell you. I've also been eating lots of grilled pork loin steaks (no fat) and oven-baked chicken breasts with slow-cooked onions, peppers and mushrooms - mmmm...

Sorry, getting off my point here. I haven't had breakfast yet, so I'm a bit peckish, lol.

I'm wondering what you weaknesses are? Mine are chocolate, chocolate and, oh yeah, chocolate(!) I'm also a big fan of bread - all types of bread, especially a lovely soft white loaf spread with unsalted Lurpak and strawberry jam, mmmm.... Sorry, there I go again. Must eat breakfast soon!

I must congratulate you on buying a bike. I haven't been on a bike since I was 12 yo and I nearly ended up as road kill, so I won't be buying one anytime soon. If you don't feel confident about getting out there on it, what about walking? It really is the best and cheapest exercise there is. Of course, you might not be able to go very far right now, but anything is better than nothing. I can't do much walking myself because of mechanical problems with my feet, but I do what I can. I got a pedometer and have tried to get up to 10,000 steps. The most I've managed so far is 6,900, as I sit on my bum in front of a computer all day, but it's better than the 1,500 I was doing to begin with.

I'd love to hear more about you. Of course, you might have posted elsewhere and I just haven't found it yet. I'll have a look and see. But if you feel the need for some mid-week support, or just fancy a blether, get in touch. I check my e-mails every day.

'Bye for now,

Chaz