View Full Version : How do I lose weight?
I'm feeling really sorry for myself at the moment. I've always been really slim and had if I'm honest problems putting weight on, or at least until I had anxiety.
When I started with anxiety, two years ago, I lost so much weight and went down to a size 8 or less. I noticed though that within a year I had put my weight back on and was a size 10 again. I didn't have a problem with that at all.
However over the last few months I seem to have put some more weight on and weigh a lot more than I ever have. I never weigh myself so it was a bit of a shock when I did today and it now seems that I'm about 11 pounds over weight and even then at that ideal weight it's more than I've ever weighed.
What could have caused this, I'm wondering if it's the meds that could be partly to blame. I know weight gain was a side effect of amisulpride but I stopped taking that in December. I'm still on the dothiepin though.
Well to cut a long story short, how do I get rid of this, I know I need to start exercising again but just find it so hard when I feel bad all of the time. I have been eating relatively healthily, though now def will be. I've probably been having a few too many glasses of wine too, does that make it gain weight? I just don't understand why my metabolism seems to have suddenly slowed down. I could always eat what I wanted and it had no effect, even if I didn't exercise. Guess it could just be age catching up with me.
Everyone says I don't look fat, but I can tell my stomach and hips are larger than they should be. Any tips on what I can do to get rid of this. I've never dieted in my life, so where do I start. I try to eat low fat anyway but what else can I do.
I guess I'm just worried cos this has hit me like a bit of brick wall
Jules
hi jules,
well i can highly recommend the 'fracture your arm in spectacular style have major problem with GA and then start panic attacks diet'[:o)] it lost me over half a stone in a week:D. no really i wouldn't have done any of that given a rewind.
i know that i am new at this but i would say don't worry about your weight while you are feeling low [i'm not new at depression:(]. the wine won't be doing your system any good i'll bet.
when i feel fat i go and find someone bigger to stand next to :D
and at 10 and a half stone i still weigh half a stone more than i did when i was 9 months pregnant[:I]
so cheer up and try not to worry. sorry i can't be any real help, take care,
love from tess
Hiya Jules,
I believe quite a lot of meds can cause weight gain (I don't know about your in particular). Everyone has a weight that they are happy with and if u aren't happy iwth your I'm sure there are lots of tips to lose it (after all it is easier to lose weight than gain it I've been told).
Do you exercise??
Walk anywhere or are u a car person like me!!!
What are your eating habits (do u breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper?)
I apologise if u have covered exercise etc ina ny other topics but I don't get a good look round the forum nowadays!!!
Lucky
Tess, I love the idea about standing next to someone else. I don't look like I've put a lot of weight on as I'm quite tall, well 5'8".
Lucky I am definitely a go everywhere in the car person. I never used to be but have become really lazy. Also I've been office based for the last 20 months so I'm sure that hasn't helped. I always used to be running backwards and forwards to court etc.
Eating habits are ok, I'm not a breakfast person so usually have a cereal bar and a couple of pieces of fruit when I get to work. Lunch is usually around the same time each day and so is dinner though it all goes out of the window at weekends, when I eat at all different times.
Guess i had better start exercising, though what with trying to do more hours at work, it's hard to a, find the time and b, the motivation.
Can't even take the dog for good long walks locally now as the bloody farmer has put up fences in all of his fields and is walking round with a gun threatening to shoot any dogs on his land. Honestly he has acres of fields and one herd of cows. I don't know what his problem is, none of the other fields have anything in.
I have never been overweight before and it really scares me.
Jules
Jules,
Can I ask what weight you are (you aare the same height as me!)
I think your eating habits aren't your problem (but I am no nutritionist). Can you maybe try swimming a couple of times a week? or an aerobics workout video for home or some kind of class that you can go to and drag a friend with you (so if u can't be bothered they will drag you anyway!!!)
I must admit I am terrible and don't exercise (although i tell myself i will start'next week'It is motivation (and lack of time) but I find if i get into an exercise routine I can usually stick with it
Lucky
lilac kitten
11-05-04, 15:57
Jules,
Your medication may slow your metabolism and cause weight gain - you need to discuss this with your doctor.
As for diet and exercise. I write a menu every week, buy only the ingredients and items I need, lots of fresh fruit and veg to snack on and water. I've cut tea and alcohol intake and in the last few months have lost half a stone and am very happy. I also go to the gym once a week so I have to force myself to venture out, but I also get to see my friend for an hour. I also ensure that I walk a couple of times a week round the block or to Tesco. I also run around after two kids when I'm not working.
My advice to you to start with would be to write up a menu for the week and only buy what you need. I still have crisps and chocolate in the house but limit myself to a packet now and again - if you don't have the willpower don't buy them and don't shop on an empty stomach!!
Then buy yourself a gymball, download the exercises and get gymballing in front of the telly. Then when you feel good and ready add a 20 minute walk into your routine or some cardio vascular exercise on a daily basis. And if you havn't tried it snack on raw veges and cherry tomatoes. If that sounds bland dip them in balsamic vinegar or houmous - which although high in fat is very nutritous and you only need a little just for taste. Also, and just a small tip here. I bought a packet of AfterEights and have two a day - one after lunch and one after tea. That way I don't have pudding, but the aftereight is just that sweet taster I need after a savory meal.
I'm no nutritionalist or fitness expert, and can only tell you what has worked for me and a few others I know.
Good luck,
Ruth
x
hi again jules,
5 foot 8 that's fantastic. i bet you don't look overweight so don't get too hung up on it. a friend's daughter is just recovering from annorexia and nearly missed out on her chance to go to ballet schol because of it. myself i don't have a weight problem - i'm just under height:D.
i need to excercise more [when i get rid of the plaster] so for now are just making sure i walk plenty. i tell you i nearlyjoined a gym before i found out about my high blood pressure and the gp said not to for now.
so only do what you feel happy with :) and think you will enjoy or it is just a pain.
love tess
Lucky, Although I'm embarrassed to say it, I'm 10st,13lbs. I have only really been about 9st, 7 before and usually a lot less than that. At one stage when things were bad, I was less than 8st,6
A class would be good, I am a gym member but was just in the process of downgrading my membership because I don't get to go, haven't really been since feb and then it was sporadic. Since I've felt so bad, i've been too scared to go and I get so bored. My friend does go there sometimes too and does do classes but they are so advanced that the thought of them makes me tired. I could get her to drag me along.
Ruth, there are some great tips there. I'm not too bad with chocolate and stuff usually but I guess I had been eating it when I wanted because I'd never had a problem before. In fact it's usually Dave that I have to hide it from, he has to have the whole packet of biscuits.
Good tip about not shopping on an empty stomach I always spend too much then too. The last few weeks I had just been buying what I needed for the week and sticking too it. But I suppose it takes more than that to make a difference. The wine will be the hard thing as I've been having a glass or two most days.
Anyway thanks again will keep you posted. - and Lucky if you weigh loads less than me, I'm definitely not coming to the meet at Megs, ha,ha
Jules
Jules
10st 13 is absolutely fine for your height. At 5'8 you healthy range is between 9.6 and 11.10 so before you were underweight and you have almost a stone more to go before you are overweight.
If no-one else can notice it then you are probably just feeling a bit sensitive about it due to anxiety.
Emily
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit
Understanding is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad
Thanks for that Emily. Maybe I am being sensitive. It didn't help that the bloody scales in Boots said that I'm 11 lbs overweight.
You can notice it a bit on my tummy. Though my boss has been laughing at me all afternoon cos he says all he can do now is look at my bum and hips. He doesn't think I have anything to worry about and was really shocked when I told him I was overweight (or so I thought).
Oh well it will do me good to exercise anyway, I would rather be at the lower end of the range rather than the mid or upper. I just want my flat tummy back. lol
Julie
'I have never been overweight before and it really scares me.'
What about this really scares you Jules ?
I can understand all the other fears you have when you're sympomatic but cannot see the fear factor here - upset maybe, cross, sensitive but am struggling on the actual fear.
Thanks
Meg
'There can only be true courage when first there is genuine fear'
Dr.David Livingstone
april tones
11-05-04, 20:26
hi, you sound fine to me but if you want good programme to lose weight, try weight watchers, i do it at home as have all books, it really works, take care, dont worry, april
apriltones
Hi Jules,
I have been feeling exactly like you lately as I too have put on some weight and its not helping my self confidence one bit. My weight seems to have increased since lst year when I started taking my migraine tablets. It clearly tells you on the leaflet that it can increase your appetite so to eat healthy snacks. This sounds easy but all I want to eat is 'stodge' or sweets. My friend used to take the same ones as me and she too put 1.5 stones so she stopped them and the weight fell off. I tried to stop taking them at the weekend there and I had a headache all weekend so I started them again on Sunday night. My other option is to take Betablockers for my migraines but Im not sure about this either?
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I have felt the same as you too lately. However, from the information that you have provided, I wouldnt regard you as over weight anyway. Maybe keep a food diary for a week or so just to see if you are eating more than normal and then just make a few small changes if required.
Hope your ok.
sadie
Thanks guys, guess I'm not really scared Meg, suppose that was the wrong word to use. I just feel even more out of control of my body. And of course it crossed my mind that it could be something physical causing it. Have tried to stomp on that one pretty quick though. Guess it's just because I'm not feeling brilliant that it has knocked my confidence more than usual.
thanks for the advice too Sadie
Jules
Hiya Jules,
I agree 10 stone 13 is fine for you height and before 'anxiety' took over i was always between 9 and 9.7 stone and that was a weight I was happy with. I admit that if i hit 10 stone 13 I also wouldn't be happy in myself and i think that is the most important thing - that you are comfortable with yourself. I'm also sure you do not look overweight at all..
LOL - I'm not going to Megs meet as it is a bit far to travel and with kids and stuff a bit of a problem to get away!!!
look into local classes and see if there are any beginners classes you fancy
Lucky
I know Lucky, I can't believe that I weight that much, I nearly fell off the scales. I can't understand where it has all come from. I hope I lose it easily. I got the timetable for classes at the gym last night but most of them are when I'm at work and I'm not sure about going to a full class the way I feel. I feel so awful that I feel like I can hardly walk let alone exercise
I'm feeling really really crappy today, lots of hot flushes, dizziness and I ache from head to foot. Feel like I've been run over by a truck. Plus I have that horrible burning feeling in my mouth and head. Back to lots of scarey thoughts. My head keeps moving so suddenly that sometimes I feel like I will fall off my chair or pass out.
lilac kitten
12-05-04, 12:37
Jules,
Hate to throw this at you because when you're female everybody does, but you're not pregnant or due on are you? If there is any possibility you could be pregnant you need to do a test. If not then I apologise if I cause offence. Only I went to the doctor once with constipation and headaches and he said do a pregnancy test, and I was.
Ruth
x
Ruth
I'm not offended at all. I'm not pregnant, you're not the first person to have suggested this, and I'm not due on either. Guess it might just be the crappy anxiety stuff again.
Jules
Guys. I'm still trying to eat healthily. Have cut down on the bad stuff generally. I've heard that you should only be eating 1000 calories a day if you want to lose weight, does anyone know if this is right. I find it really hard to stick to as it's drinks that seem to bump things up. Even though I'm only drinking the odd cup of tea and have switched to fruit juice, the calories still count with about 50 calories per drink. I'm drinking water too but really do like fruit juice etc.
Jules
Yes, thats about right. All depends on metabolism and energy expenditure .
1/2 water 1/2 juice helps a lot.
Meg
'There can only be true courage when first there is genuine fear'
Dr.David Livingstone
Thanks for that Meg, hadn't thought about that, will give it a try. Am sure my metabolism has just about stopped, ha ha
Jules
Any exercises classes come up yet you fancy Jules?
I think that will make all the difference to self esteem as they will help 'tone you'
Lucky
Still looking into them Lucky. I'm off work for two weeks now so hopefully will find something. Am still trying to sort out my gym membership as it was only a part time one and now I'm doing to many hours at work to benefit out of it. I must admit the thought of classes makes me a bit apprenhensive and I hate going round the gym and swimming. The problem is I bore too easily and if I'm not concentrating then guess what I'm thinking about how I'm feeling.
Jules
Hiya Jules,
How about puttng on shorts and t-shirt, grabbing a walkman (with fav. tape or cd) and going for a power walk or jog??
Lucky
That's a really good idea Lucky. I might do that. I've been saying that I will go running but have used the excuse that Dave ruined my training pants when he washed them and before it was too cold to wear shorts. Now I guess I don't have any excuse, umm wonder if my shorts will still fit.
Just weighed self and have lost 3lbs already, so must be doing something right.
Every one had bacon rolls this morning at work but I didn't even succumb to. It was pretty tough though, why are they just so irrestible?
Jules
nomorepanic
26-05-04, 21:32
Jules
I did WW and Rosemary Conley and WW was much better suited to me.
With RC I was given 1400 cals a day because of my age, height, weight etc so it does vary.
I have put on a stone since last year and can't seem to shift it so I know how you feel.
I feel fat and this makes me grumpy cos all my clothes are tight.
Exercise is great but you need to combine that with a diet too.
Good luck
Nicola
Thanks Nic. I haven't really been exercising much yet, just the odd work so am pleased I've lost something, though I'm sure that it will soon become more difficult. I'd just started eating a load of fruit but have now realised it's packed with sugar so have had to cut back on it, grrr
I'm not really doing any particular plan just low fat and trying to stick to 1000 cals. Am still feeling a bit peckish a lot of the time though.
Jules
Hi Jules
Well done at losing 3lbs. Have you tried making a big pan of vegetable soup and freezing it in portions, when feel peckish defrost one of them. Hardly any calories and really filling. Just a thought hon, helps me.
Sal xxxx
That's a great idea Sal. I must admit that I went out yesterday and bought some fresh soups, having much the same idea. I'm off work after today for a couple of weeks so might get chance to make some soup then.
Everyone keeps telling me that I look fine but I just don't feel comfortable, so I'm going to keep ploughing on. Have a reprieve tonight anyway as I visit my friend every thurs for dinner and wine. She has promised to make something healthy and I'm not going to worry about the wine. And it's the last episode of Friends, so will need something to hold back the tears with, ha ha
Jules
Hi Jules
You enjoy tonight and chill out. You sure will need plenty of wine as its the last episode of friends. I finish work today and will be of for a week. Im going abroad so the diet will definately be out the window because i am not going to go out for meals and ask for salads!!!!! Enjoy your two weeks of, lets hope the weather stays nice. Will be in touch when i get back from hols. Just been to the doctors and got some extra diazepam!!!! LOL
Sal xxxx
Have a fantastic holiday Sad, where are you going? I'm off for two weeks too after today and am hoping to get a late deal somewhere if I can pluck up the courage to go. If not might just wander off to Cornwall or somewhere for a bit.
You're right you can't diet on holiday. But I really don't want to put on the weight I've lost so soon
Right move with the diazepam, lol
Jules
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