Hi @Sailorontheseasea , I'm no expert in a professional sense but I can empathise with a lot of what you've written and can recognise a lot of what I used to think / feel / do in your posts. I'd really recommend looking at Intuitive Eating, as I think the principles would help with some of the dieting behaviours, and help you to get more in touch with what your body wants and needs over the longer-term. Have a look at this book and perhaps follow the authors and other IE practitioners on social media?
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I am an emotional eater who has struggled with my weight most of my life. I am on an anti-depressant that didn’t work alone so I take prescribed Lithium too. As with so many of us I’m sure, lockdown compounded by depression and I’ve been eating worse than ever. I eventually psyched myself up to go back to the gym and used My Fitness Pal to track my calories. Disappointingly, over an 8-week period, I stated exactly the same.
I have a lot of weight to lose so had hoped to have had a great start. The PT had heard that Lithium can affect the weight-loss process and the worst thing about that is, I don’t even feel great mentally with being on this combination - if I was feeling stable to happy rather than miserable, it would be easier to take.
I spoke to my Doctor and she (couldn’t really be bothered with me but still) prescribed Olistat. I’m scared to take them, because of the side effects. I know I have to have a really low large diet and if I stick to that, I shouldn’t get side effects. But it’s daunting. My want to lose weight is great but the thought of my crutch (food) being taken away is also great. I’m speaking to the Psychiatrist who oversees my medication etc tomorrow and I’ll see what she says.
Does anyone have any experience of Orilstat they’d be willing to share? ETA I haven’t read the whole thread yet so apologies if this has been discussed previously.
I have a lot of weight to lose so had hoped to have had a great start. The PT had heard that Lithium can affect the weight-loss process and the worst thing about that is, I don’t even feel great mentally with being on this combination - if I was feeling stable to happy rather than miserable, it would be easier to take.
I spoke to my Doctor and she (couldn’t really be bothered with me but still) prescribed Olistat. I’m scared to take them, because of the side effects. I know I have to have a really low large diet and if I stick to that, I shouldn’t get side effects. But it’s daunting. My want to lose weight is great but the thought of my crutch (food) being taken away is also great. I’m speaking to the Psychiatrist who oversees my medication etc tomorrow and I’ll see what she says.
Does anyone have any experience of Orilstat they’d be willing to share? ETA I haven’t read the whole thread yet so apologies if this has been discussed previously.
Hi Lenny. From what you’ve described my experience sounds quite similar. I convinced my doctor to prescribe me Orlistat but didn’t end up taking it precisely for the reasons you’ve said. I don’t really have anything useful to offer in way of weight loss advice but can empathise with the fear of giving up certain foods (usually fatty!) that provide the emotional crutch. The only thing I can think of is although it doesn’t solve your weight loss desire immediately, perhaps working on finding other ways of coping so the need for certain foods isn’t so great before focussing on the weight loss?
Today I hit my lowest weight I’ve ever been! really pleased to have shifted the weight that I’d put on. Trying to stay on track till Christmas so I can have some treats.
ideally would like to lose another half a stone but I’m well within healthy weight for my height so not so much pressure now
ideally would like to lose another half a stone but I’m well within healthy weight for my height so not so much pressure now
how did you do it? Please spare NO details... the good the bad and the weird.. really struggling withgaining weight in lockdown
nothing special just your average calorie deficit. I still have chocolate and crisps and treats along with healthier foods. I drink about 3 litres of water a day and aim for 10k steps every day. That’s really it tbh.
Totally understand how hard it is I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager! At my heaviest I was 17 stone Once you start to see changes that’s when it becomes easier. The first couple of weeks are hard but it’s motivating once your clothes begin to fit differently. The key is not to restrict. Work out a calorie deficit and factor in the things you love!
For those interested to learn more about time restricted eating/fasting in the safe and proper way, please look into Dr Jason Fung, he is a nephrologist and author of The Obesity Code. He explains the hormonal science behind weight gain and debunks what we have always been told about calories in vs calories out. I was skeptical at first too. Lots of videos on YouTube, podcasts with Megan Ramos. There’s also a FB group “the fasting method network” with people who are generally very supportive and knowledgeable.
I would also recommend “Just Eat It” by Laura Thomas. Most diets fail because we restrict and our brains literally think there is a food shortage, so make up for it by binging. This book really helped me to see that and it’s really practical and full of advice and tips as to how to learn to see food as fuel and eat intuitively.
What are peoples thoughts on weight watchers?
I spent a while on WW this year, my partner is still doing it while I’ve swapped to cal counting. I found it an ok plan, however it didn’t give me enough food at all and also, I really hated that because they try to put you off some foods and steer you towards others, some stuff has unreasonably high points. Like chocolate even small bars, could be 126 calories and 7 points when you only get 30 points a day! I find it a healthier mindset now I’m on calories, everything is equal so I crave junk food a lot less. My partner (male and has a lot to lose) has done really well on it though.
I much prefer WW to SW. No food is really out of bounds And it teaches you more about portion control and I think more sustainable long term. I was doing really well with it a cpl years back but then was in a car accident and fell right off the wagon. Only recently have I had the focus to concentrate on my weight loss again but going it alone and just doing a calorie deficit and eating sensibly. So far so good.
Good luck
How does everyone get their steps in when it’s dark all the time 
I’m really struggling and it completely makes the calorie cutting worthless as I’m not moving enough to create a defecit! I do a long walk at the weekend plus a run and do workouts in the evenings during the week but I struggle to get more than 3000 steps some days. I work from home, live in a bungalow and can’t really leave my desk during the day. I really hate walking on my own at night after I was assaulted last year when I was out on my own (on public transport at midnight but still) and my partner isn’t always that enthusiastic about walking in the cold and dark with me! Which I can’t blame him for really.
I’m really struggling and it completely makes the calorie cutting worthless as I’m not moving enough to create a defecit! I do a long walk at the weekend plus a run and do workouts in the evenings during the week but I struggle to get more than 3000 steps some days. I work from home, live in a bungalow and can’t really leave my desk during the day. I really hate walking on my own at night after I was assaulted last year when I was out on my own (on public transport at midnight but still) and my partner isn’t always that enthusiastic about walking in the cold and dark with me! Which I can’t blame him for really.
I try (some days!) to do 2-3 minutes of walking on the spot or around the house every hour and that soon racks up. There‘s also indoor walking videos on youtube for when it’s too miserable to get outsideHow does everyone get their steps in when it’s dark all the time
I find it hard getting steps in as well as it gets dark so early, all I can suggest is getting up earlier to do it or on your lunch break doing some. You should be taking breaks from your work computer anyways and even if it’s 15 minutes x 2 you’d be surprised the distance you can coverHow does everyone get their steps in when it’s dark all the time
I am about 12.9 stone and it really is getting me down, doesn't help that its at the time of year where you just want to eat, drink and be merry! Have no idea where to start. If i could lose 2 stone I would be happy. The only exercise I really get now is walking to and from work which really isn't that far, about 10 mins and over two foot bridges. If I could cut out the snacks then i would be flying but I think i eat of being bored! I have no confidence really so I hate the thought of going to the gum, out for walks etc as i worry people would look at me... I have bought an exercise bike but i get so out of breath to the point its uncomfortable after 10mins. Just need a huge kick up the a. Think being in a content and happy relationship hasn't helped lol maybe he should break up with me for a month so my large a can get skinny again!! Nothing quite like a break up diet haha. Just hate looking in the mirror, hate looking at old pictures etc.
Just popping on the thread to say:
PLEASE don't do any diets that mean you're only eating one meal a day!! It will mess up your digestive system because your body gets used to not digesting food. I had anorexia and did this and now I have IBS as a result.
I think the best weight loss strategy is honestly a lifestyle change with an everything in moderation attitude. If you deny yourself something you're going to desperately want it. Either have a small bit, substitute it for something (for example, if you really like chocolate bars, try having a chocolate and nut cereal bar. It's not the same thing but it will satisfy the sweet craving and it is healthier) or cut down to once a day or tell yourself that you're only going to have it on weekends. (this works well with fizzy drinks and ice cream imo - nothing better than a Saturday night in with treats). It takes 21 days to break a habit so it really is going to be trial and error for what works for you.
Work with what you are as a person. Some people do not like breakfast, if you don't that's fine. Don't force it. I hate eating breakfast and I tried for ages to eat a healthy one at breakfast time. Now I normally have chocolate milkshake or nothing until around an hour and half later and then try some fruit or a cereal bar, or a healthy wrap. I still eat my healthy breakfast but I eat it as an evening snack. Still got the nutrition but not at the time where I hate it. If you force it you're just going to miserable. -also I find that if I eat breakfast 1. I'm hungrier throughout my day and 2. I can only have a few mouthfuls before I start to feel sick which is just pointless.
Don't look at the number on the scale, especially if you're weight lifting. I'm actually the heaviest I've ever been but I'm also the smallest and most toned. Measure inches if you want to but what's most important is how you feel (and to a degree how your clothes fit)
also on comfort eating, I can't remember the poster who said it but you absolutely can seek help for comfort eating. There's a reason that we eat for comfort and it's probably not your fault. Think about it, when you were a kid and you got an injection/went to hospital/had to have something done in the dentist, afterwards they give you a lollipop, or you'd be bought sweets etc. It's ingrained in you that food is a comfort. It comes with so much shame as well which is just so unhelpful. Remember that if you are comfort eating, then you do need the comfort so don't be nasty to yourself about it because you need it and that is the time you deserve the most love and care.
I'll be really honest about my own experiences with comfort eating. I ate McDonald's a lot (I'm talking almost every day, even if it was just some chips or whatever. I still struggle with this but it's a bit better now). Even at the worst of my anorexia I still ate McDonalds so, during a therapy session I went mental cause I'd had enough of feeling like I was addicted and having no control over it. We established that the reason I eat it so much is because when I was kid no one spent any time with me, food was just sort of thrown my way and it was always something that could just be chucked in the oven or the microwave. We never ate together. We didn't even own a dining table. I don't remember ever seeing my parents eat. They certainly never made healthy family meals.
After my parents split, once a week when my dad would pick me up from school and we'd go to McDonald's. It was the only time anyone ever sat with me and actually spent any time with me. It's really no wonder why it's such a comfort to me as an adult. Sounds airy-fairy but after I realised this, I really did just let it go and forgave myself for it. It's just what I need while I work on other things and it'll fall into place when I've sorted out the other stuff.
I didn't mean for this to be so long but it properly breaks my heart to see everyone on here beating themselves up. once again, don't want to sound like an airy fairy twit but please try and be kinder to yourselves and remember that you're not bad for eating food. There's no such thing as bad foods. There's just food with less value than other foods. Forgive yourself for not eating perfectly, it's okay. Just pick yourself up and try again for the next meal/snack
PLEASE don't do any diets that mean you're only eating one meal a day!! It will mess up your digestive system because your body gets used to not digesting food. I had anorexia and did this and now I have IBS as a result.
I think the best weight loss strategy is honestly a lifestyle change with an everything in moderation attitude. If you deny yourself something you're going to desperately want it. Either have a small bit, substitute it for something (for example, if you really like chocolate bars, try having a chocolate and nut cereal bar. It's not the same thing but it will satisfy the sweet craving and it is healthier) or cut down to once a day or tell yourself that you're only going to have it on weekends. (this works well with fizzy drinks and ice cream imo - nothing better than a Saturday night in with treats). It takes 21 days to break a habit so it really is going to be trial and error for what works for you.
Work with what you are as a person. Some people do not like breakfast, if you don't that's fine. Don't force it. I hate eating breakfast and I tried for ages to eat a healthy one at breakfast time. Now I normally have chocolate milkshake or nothing until around an hour and half later and then try some fruit or a cereal bar, or a healthy wrap. I still eat my healthy breakfast but I eat it as an evening snack. Still got the nutrition but not at the time where I hate it. If you force it you're just going to miserable. -also I find that if I eat breakfast 1. I'm hungrier throughout my day and 2. I can only have a few mouthfuls before I start to feel sick which is just pointless.
Don't look at the number on the scale, especially if you're weight lifting. I'm actually the heaviest I've ever been but I'm also the smallest and most toned. Measure inches if you want to but what's most important is how you feel (and to a degree how your clothes fit)
also on comfort eating, I can't remember the poster who said it but you absolutely can seek help for comfort eating. There's a reason that we eat for comfort and it's probably not your fault. Think about it, when you were a kid and you got an injection/went to hospital/had to have something done in the dentist, afterwards they give you a lollipop, or you'd be bought sweets etc. It's ingrained in you that food is a comfort. It comes with so much shame as well which is just so unhelpful. Remember that if you are comfort eating, then you do need the comfort so don't be nasty to yourself about it because you need it and that is the time you deserve the most love and care.
I'll be really honest about my own experiences with comfort eating. I ate McDonald's a lot (I'm talking almost every day, even if it was just some chips or whatever. I still struggle with this but it's a bit better now). Even at the worst of my anorexia I still ate McDonalds so, during a therapy session I went mental cause I'd had enough of feeling like I was addicted and having no control over it. We established that the reason I eat it so much is because when I was kid no one spent any time with me, food was just sort of thrown my way and it was always something that could just be chucked in the oven or the microwave. We never ate together. We didn't even own a dining table. I don't remember ever seeing my parents eat. They certainly never made healthy family meals.
After my parents split, once a week when my dad would pick me up from school and we'd go to McDonald's. It was the only time anyone ever sat with me and actually spent any time with me. It's really no wonder why it's such a comfort to me as an adult. Sounds airy-fairy but after I realised this, I really did just let it go and forgave myself for it. It's just what I need while I work on other things and it'll fall into place when I've sorted out the other stuff.
I didn't mean for this to be so long but it properly breaks my heart to see everyone on here beating themselves up. once again, don't want to sound like an airy fairy twit but please try and be kinder to yourselves and remember that you're not bad for eating food. There's no such thing as bad foods. There's just food with less value than other foods. Forgive yourself for not eating perfectly, it's okay. Just pick yourself up and try again for the next meal/snack
Off the wagon. I have officially gone into ‘duck it, it’s Christmas’ mode. Eating whatever I want and I don’t feel bad about it because this has been a tit year.
Once I have some real optimism for 2021 (which I’m hoping there will be soon), in January I’m gonna work on eating healthier again but until that point it’s gonna be a food free for all and I’m not sorry
Once I have some real optimism for 2021 (which I’m hoping there will be soon), in January I’m gonna work on eating healthier again but until that point it’s gonna be a food free for all and I’m not sorry
I am too, I’m feeling really bad about it thoughOff the wagon. I have officially gone into ‘duck it, it’s Christmas’ mode. Eating whatever I want and I don’t feel bad about it because this has been a tit year.
Once I have some real optimism for 2021 (which I’m hoping there will be soon), in January I’m gonna work on eating healthier again but until that point it’s gonna be a food free for all and I’m not sorry
I’m too scared to weigh myself but all my clothes (and pyjamas 
) are feeling much tighter. I gain so easily! I feel horrible, I wish I could just relax and enjoy it 
Please don’t feel bad, we all have so much on our plates at the moment. We all deserve to enjoy ourselves a bit where we can.I am too, I’m feeling really bad about it though
You are always so kind and compassionate to others in your comments on here as other threads, save some of that kindness for yourself