This might sound a bit strange and you might not believe me, considering some of the other things I’ve written about, but I think this is going to be the most difficult post I’ve ever written. As of today, Wednesdays at Becca Blogs It Out will be known as Weigh In Wednesday. I’ve shared private details about our IVF journey and my mental health, but being completely open about my weight loss journey is new to me. And much more scary.
I already talked a little bit about my weight issues in How Long Can I Call It “Baby Weight”?, but now it’s time to get serious!
I decided that 2018 would be the year that I lost 5st. I made a pretty good start, too, and lost 1st 10lb fairly quickly, using Exante meal replacement products. I previously lost 3st with Exante, to get my BMI low enough to be referred for fertility treatment, and managed to keep it off until I fell pregnant with the twins. I did that by being careful about how I reintroduced food to my diet and about what food I reintroduced. Losing weight, with any diet, is the easy bit, really. At least, it is when you compare it to the maintenance bit afterwards!
So, I stand by what I said about it being absolutely possible to maintain the weight lost on a very low calorie diet (VLCD) long term. Unfortunately, that’s not what I’ve done this year.
I’m going to get the excuses out of the way now. I’ve struggled a lot with my mental health this year and, when that happens, I eat. When I start to get my mental health under control, I have more control over my relationship with food. Also, the twins keep me really busy. I’m sure any mums reading this will be able to relate to that. Life just got in the way of my weight loss goals. I realised today that I hadn’t weighed myself in over a month. I was kidding myself, letting myself think that I was maintaining the weight I’d already lost. I was not maintaining. I have done nothing but eat for over a month and I’ve gained back 14lb of what I’d lost. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am very disappointed in myself.
So today, I’m officially back on track and I’ll be posting weekly updates to keep me accountable. I’ll also be posting regular updates on Instagram, so I’d love it if you’d follow my journey, to give me some encouragement.
I’ll be weighing myself every Wednesday morning and recording my measurements every 4 weeks. I’m going to share my weight with you (that’s why this post is so scary) and I’ll share my inch-loss, but I’m not brave enough to share my starting measurements with you. I don’t know why it’s more scary to share my measurements than my weight, but it definitely is. Maybe it’s because the number on the scales doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t really mean anything. Two women can be the same height and weight and still be different shapes and sizes. My starting measurements would tell you much more about my size than my weight ever could. To be honest, I know my size shouldn’t matter anyway. I should be writing about body positivity and loving the body I’ve got. But, unfortunately, my size does matter to me and I need to do something about it. For both my self confidence and my health.
Date – 18/7/2018
Weight – 15st 11lb (221lb)
Starting Photos:
Today is day one of week one and I’m ready. I hope you’ll follow my journey and cheer me along! Check back same time next Wednesday!
Thank you for being so open! Funnily enough the measurements don’t scare me, it’s the total weight that I find terrifying! It shows how personal a journey weight loss and body confidence can be. I’m excited to see your progress 🙂
Thank you! I’m excited to see my progress too ? x
Good luck! Well done for starting and recording as you go
Thank you! x
Good luck! Sounds like you have the right mindset to do this – looking forward to seeing how you progress!
Thank you! Day 2 is going well so far!
Ah well done for starting! I find the first few days of a diet the hardest, but once you’re into the routine it gets easier. I was overweight when I fell pregnant with my youngest, and then gained loads during pregnancy, but worked hard, and from July last year to Easter this year, I lost 4 stone. Maintenance is definitely hard as I’ve put a few pounds back on, so trying to be strict again! I find it’s never ending! X x
Yes, you can never really go back to eating the way you did before, can you? I’m determined to get it off and keep it off this time! x
Well done for documenting all this so honestly. Looking forward to seeing your progress and getting some new tips. It really is not easy but it is good to see you so motivated. x
Thank you!
Well done for putting this post out there. Highlighting your insecurities on the internet is never easy! Good luck wit your journey and thank you for sharing it with us! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thank you ?
Great job you are doing here, I wish you all the best. I am sure you have inspired a lot of people to start already.
Nafisah NK
http://www.lifestyle-inspiration.org
Thank you!
Good luck with your journey! And be kind to yourself – that year after having a baby is really hard, let alone when you have twins, and I know I seek comfort in food too. My son is 13 months and I have about a stone I’d like to lose. My best weight los method is exercise – I just need to make time to fit it in!
You’re right, that first year is hard! Thank you xx
My last baby is now two and I am still carrying more weight than I would like and need to loose probably good stone or so. I have started to make an conscious effort to reduce my calorie intake and not reach for the chocolate in moments of stress! I think you are very brave sharing your story and I am sure it will inspire others.
Thank you! Good luck with your weight loss, too xx
Good luck on your journey towards your goal! I hope you achieve all you want.
Thank you ? x
Best of luck on your weight loss journey. I hope you achieve your goal x
Thank you! x
Good luck with your weight loss journey!! You sound really motivated and like you know exactly what you need to do to reach your goal, I look forward to following your progress.xx
Thank you! X