Thought I'd like to share with you what I have been up to the last 2 weeks.
Christmas was over and I was feeling horrible. The weight was piling on, none of my clothes looked flattering on me and I felt sluggish. I looked in the mirror and was more aware than ever that it was down hill all way now. The face seems to be heading south ( as well as a couple of other items I could mention!) I looked my 52 years.
I knew I needed to go on another diet but they don't seem to work like they used to. The thought was depressing as I knew that I would be miserable and hungry counting calories and fighting cravings to eat chocolates cakes and biscuits.
So two weeks ago I ate everything naughty in the house that was left over from Christmas. Ate fish and chips on the Saturday night and a big blow out Sunday lunch with a yummy pudding for afters.....well I didn't know when I'd be able to eat "forbidden" foods again so I had to make the most of it didn't I!!!! (stupid I know)
Next day the diet was to start so feeling totally cheesed off fat and old I went shopping for "diet food". On one of the shelves I spotted a book " I can make you THIN" by Paul Mckenna and at a reduced price I thought I'd give it a go.
No diet to follow. No forbidden foods just 4 golden rules.
If I'm hungry I must eat. I can eat what I want (as long as I am hungry) I must put my knife and fork down between mouthfuls and prise my fingers off my sandwich whilst I eat my food slowly, enjoying every mouthful. And the final rule: stop eating when I'm full.
Well, I followed the book and played the DVD's that came with it for the next two weeks, eating all sorts of food that I wouldn't dream of eating on a diet. After one week I swore I could feel a difference in my body. I was sure the spare tyre that had recently appeared was going away...but after just one week? No!! Impossible! There was no weighing allowed for 2 weeks, so I would have to wait another week to see. Normally if I lose 1Ib a week I've done well so couldn't see how I was going to see a lot of difference in the scales...after all I had been out for a couple of meals, got drunk one night and had even eaten some chocolate!!
Yesterday was the 2 week mark and I stood on the scales dreading what I would see. My jaw hit the floor ....I had lost 81b!!!!! Not only that but it was easy, I felt wonderfully confident and happy the whole 2 weeks!!
I now look in the mirror and I feel gooood!!
I'm looking forward to carrying on eating normal and never dieting again.
Sorry if I have bored anyone but I really wanted to share this brilliant book with others. Last week it was £7 in WH Smiths so if anyone is like me and needs a real good kick I'd recommend they try it.
Have I been brain washed by Mr Mckenna? You bet!!! I'm looking forward to getting beautiful and slim for my holidays
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 02 February 2010 at 4:57pm - IP Logged
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Well done you!!!!!! I think the concept is a very simple exercise and much better than the dieting palava as ultimately you will always gain the weight - because it's so difficult to maintain the strict eating regime!!! I must admit I have given up on diets and just try to stick to my three meals a day with the eat like a king for breakfast etc etc and try not to snack although If I fancy a naughty treat I have one regardless!!!! I use smaller plates and instead of putting the food in my mouth and swallowing it prior to having a good old munch, I take my time, I walk a mile to work every day and now I am happier and feel healthier than what I have ever felt. I'm sure your weight loss will continue in the right direction and I'm sure you will look just perfect for your holidays.
Michelle x
Message posted by shakespearstar on 02 February 2010 at 5:08pm - IP Logged
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Thanks Michelle. Its so wonderful to feel so positive and not feel "well no I can't eat that its not allowed". Like you I have taken to simple exercise and bought a pedometre to check how much walking I do in a day. As you say it is a simple concept and retraining your brain on how you view food. One of the things that Paul tells you to do is to not eat when you are watching TV or playing on a computer as we dont notice how much we are eating, we then miss the signals the body is giving us therefore not stopping until we are "stuffed"
Helen x
Message posted by daveyh on 02 February 2010 at 5:40pm - IP Logged
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daveyh
Excellent going Helen.
I too am getting in shape for Corfu. I'm walking the Corfu Trail starting 23rd May and was a 53 year old couch potato who was rather overweight and lacking in exercise. I have been walking training 6 days a week 4 to 8 miles a time at a fast pace,(plus some swimming as an alternative) cutting back on beer intake and eating sensibly and already lost 2stone 9 lbs. It could have been more but I was rather flu ridden and also affected by the snow/ice; but I'm back on track now. I reckon that I may have lost as much as 5 stone by the holiday. I haven't used a book to help just set my own goals trainign and eating. The holiday is my motivation as I need to be fit to do it.
It will become a lifestyle change for us both and it seems you like me are feeling and looking much the better for it. The key is to have motivation, enjoy it and you will succeed.
Message posted by marymouse on 02 February 2010 at 5:53pm - IP Logged
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After years of yoyo dieting I discovered a similar system. 'You Can Be Thin' by Marisa Peer is based on the same four guidelines but has a lot of nutritional advice as well. I couldnt get on with Paul McKenna (possibly because I don't like him!) but this has worked amazingly well for me for the past year. Isn't it a relief to get off the diet hamster wheel?!
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 02 February 2010 at 5:55pm - IP Logged
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Wow well done daveyh on your success, I'm sure you are feeling great too as well as healthy and fit, gosh you will be speed walking round Corfu/Sidari but you will still be able to enjoy the odd tipple whilst you are there.
Best of luck to you and keep it up young man.
Michelle x
Message posted by daveyh on 02 February 2010 at 5:59pm - IP Logged
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daveyh
Or 'not so young man'.
Yes I will be having a tipple each day after my walking on Corfu. A beer and ouzo will be a reward with my meal.
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 02 February 2010 at 6:00pm - IP Logged
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It is Mary!!!! - you tend to start to rebel when you are dieting because you become unhappy and fed up after a while as well as bored silly with the minimum calorie/fat intake etc. I did once diet and exercise and hit my target weight, my mum said that although I must have felt well and healthy she said I looked gaunt and older!!!!!!! and to be honest I didn't feel totally happy as I missed all the food I couldn't have!!!!!! and although I am still 1/2 a stone over my "what the scales say I should weigh" weight I still have a moderately healthy BMI (only slightly over 25) which I still need to do some work on - but I am happy and feel healthy inside.
Message posted by kinninviekid on 02 February 2010 at 6:09pm - IP Logged
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If anyone wants to buy the Paul McKenna book there are several on Ebay at the moment from 99p !
Pam....
Message posted by daveyh on 02 February 2010 at 6:18pm - IP Logged
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daveyh
By the way fish and chips are fine just dont cover in salt, sauce or mayo. An average portion is only 510 calories so well within daily allowances and coupled with exercise will not be a problem. So don't exclude them just have them as a treat once a month like I do.
Message posted by maggy on 02 February 2010 at 6:27pm - IP Logged
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Helen, firstly well done!
I think I've got P/Mc course, is it the one where you have to leave something on your plate,even if it's only one baked bean!
Message posted by shakespearstar on 02 February 2010 at 6:32pm - IP Logged
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daveyh you have done really well! Hope I can keep this going too, as Mary says its lovely to get off the hamster wheel ( I like that expression!) Good luck in May...can't think of anything more pleasant at the moment than walking in spring in Greece and then rewarding myself with a cold Amstel! I'm hoping when I'm walking this year up the steep hill that leads out of Lakka in Paxos that some nice English man doesn't stop to offer me a lift because I look so knackered !!
Message posted by Viv D on 02 February 2010 at 6:50pm - IP Logged
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Will look forward to reading how you both progress in the coming months.
Have to admit I have not been swimming for the last couple of months. So have just had to continue with my weights and calanetic excersises, but the lighter mornings are coming and then I will get back down there for 6.30am Dip.
Viv
Message posted by AliceinLaLaLand on 02 February 2010 at 7:01pm - IP Logged
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Yes Maggy I think that it is the one!! Did you give it a go?
Alice, I would like to try something like Race For Life, I think I shall have to find out more about it.
Message posted by matsui on 02 February 2010 at 8:44pm - IP Logged
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I too am a yo-yo dieter,and can put on as much as 2 stone at a time and then lose it,but I know it's not good for me!!!I am not excessively overweight but need to keep that 2 stone off!!!!
Since I was diagnosed with copd it is so much harder to exercise,I cannot walk very far without getting out of breath, Also with the extra 2 stone on me that doesn't help
I started again last week,but this time I am not denying myself any foods!!! This is my plan!!!
I now have 1 slice of toast for breakfast instead of 2/3......buying small loaves so slices are smaller
I allow myself 1 packet of crisps a week.....instead of 1 a day!!
I will have my takeaway once a fortnight....instead of 2 a week!!
And last but not least I will have only one square of chocolate a day....instead of 2 bars!!!
Maybe this time I will lose the weight....and keep it off!!
Dog is happy though....her walks will increase to 3 a day.....when we have no more snow/ice to hinder me!!!
Good luck to everyone!!
Helen, 8lbs is great news!!!(Can remember losing that in a week once, going to a well known slimmers club!!) That shows how bad my diet was before!!
I have lost 3lb in a week,and I have not starved,just tried to eat sensibly!!!...... But when I see food I adore,sense and sensibility flies out of my brain!!
But I will do it.....lets all help each other
Viv, you will soon be back swimming!!!
Davey, Well Done!!! Keep it up!!
Sue x
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 02 February 2010 at 9:00pm - IP Logged
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I too am a yo-yo dieter and have started a thread on this very subject in The Beach most January's LOL...
This year I have taken an unusual step...I have thrown away my scales.!!!!!!! I am a stone (at least) overweight, and have a BMI of 26. I have been exercizing at an intense class two lunchtimes per week, (step/aerobics/body weight), plus lots and lots of walking which has toned me up very well! So although I am GUESSING that I weigh the same, I am actually happier with what I see when I look in the mirror...
I too did PMC regime...didnt lose an ounce LOL
My daughter has asked me to join her in the race for life, although due to my foot problem I am going for the 5k rather than the 10k...
So good luck everyone...whether it be fitness or weight loss you are after...exercize more, eat a bit less...and we will get there xxxxx
Message posted by shakespearstar on 02 February 2010 at 9:03pm - IP Logged
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Sue, good luck I really hope it works for you. I know what you mean though about seeing food you adore and what has helped me is another Paul Mckenna trick. He says that the imagination is stronger than will power.... So image some chocolate (Assuming you like chocolate) image the smell how it tastes when you put it in your mouth. Then ask yourself how much out of 10 do you want that chocolate. Now, image some food that you really hate ( I thought of milk that had gone off and was all lumpy and sour) now image the chocolate mixed in with the food you hate. Do you still want that chocolate how much is your desire now out of ten? Left to will power I would have given in but this trick had me heaving! Hope it helps!
Helen x
Message posted by Hazel (Forum Editor) on 02 February 2010 at 10:58pm - IP Logged
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Well done everyone!
I too am in that 52-ish type bracket (cough!) and have had to come to terms with bits 'travelling south' and being overweight for the very first time in my life. My first effort has been to ditch the sugar in every cuppa and it's making a huge difference already
Message posted by Welshgirl on 02 February 2010 at 11:37pm - IP Logged
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Welshgirl
Well done everyone you have inspired me.
I knew it was time to start getting into shape when I looked in the mirror and saw my grandmother looking back at me! [:o
Did the Race for Life year before last - what a fantastic atmosphere. So now the snow has gone I think it's time to get those running shoes on and get out there sooner rather than later]
Message posted by sooz on 02 February 2010 at 11:43pm - IP Logged
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Well done all of you! Looks like I'm not the only 50-something who had decided enough is enough and time to take drastic action.
I've joined Slimming World (again) and have already lost 3 lbs in the first week. This time I've got to stick to it, not just for vanity's sake but on doctors orders! The diet is so easy based on filling one third of your place with 'superfree' foods. I can honestly say I've not felt hungry at all. Mind you, I've never eaten so many veggies in my life! Still, it will be worth it when I drop down to the next 'tonnage' and when Greenpeace don't need to send out a rescue ship to Corfu this year because I look like a beached whale!!
Sue
Message posted by maggy on 03 February 2010 at 12:31am - IP Logged
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Hi Helen,
Yes I think I've tried it!
The problem I had was when listening to the CD, I knew I was supposed to be getting into a hypnotic state, but used to fall asleep while listening to his suggestions and methods!
The trouble was I was always hungry when I woke up!
I don't think I'm a very good subject, although I enjoyed the mid afternoon siesta
Message posted by maggy on 03 February 2010 at 12:34am - IP Logged
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Hazel,I'm 59 and a bit!
I don't take sugar in tea or coffee, anymore suggestions welcome!
Message posted by daveyh on 03 February 2010 at 9:05am - IP Logged
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daveyh
Maggy,
Years ago I gave up sugar in drinks; in fact I dont use sugar at all (there is enough in foodstuffs anyway). I also don't eat biscuits, cakes, crisps or puddings. That way I can still have things like cheese which I love. I also never have chips more than once a month. Rarely fry; grill your food. Scramble or poach eggs rather than fry. Use olive oil and olive based margarine (never use butter). Eat less red meat and more fruit and veg. Finally have smaller portions and eat slowly. Simples. Then with exercise such as brisk walking or swimming the weight will start to fall off. Only weigh monthly then the weight loss is bigger and you feel more confident. It really works if you keep motivated.
Message posted by Deedee on 03 February 2010 at 10:32am - IP Logged
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Deedee
Have not read the whole thread, just the last page - can 40 somethings join in please?
Quote: Originally posted by maggy on 03 February 2010
Hazel,I'm 59 and a bit!
I don't take sugar in tea or coffee, anymore suggestions welcome!
Do you have milk in your drinks? If you can learn to like them black you can save about 30 calories per drink.
Deedee
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 03 February 2010 at 12:00pm - IP Logged
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I sometimes leave the milk out too Deedee and yes 40 somethings too can join in the conversation!!! or I will have a black tea and add a slice of lemon or a flavoured tea bag - I used to drink my tea black but with 3 sugars!!! Now if I taste sugar in my brew (which my mum usually does when she makes mine!!!) I have to make a fresh one and even with cereals in the morning I am that used to not having any sugar it doesn't bother me any more.
Message posted by BritGreek on 03 February 2010 at 12:10pm - IP Logged
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I got weighed this morning just out of curiosity, low and behold I'd lost a lb!
I think that happened because I've searched the house high and low looking for the Paul McKenna CD!
Message posted by tompow5 on 03 February 2010 at 1:31pm - IP Logged
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Hi everyone, heres another 52 year old looking for a quick fix. This week I joined the local gym, its a women only circuit gym aimed at the more mature woman, and I have to say I came out of my first session feeling great!! Its amazing what a buzz it gives you being the youngest one there and watching other people struggle to get round.I know its wicked but it works for me.
Can't wait to slip into a bikini this summer - its been tankinis for the last ten years!
Message posted by Eileen on 03 February 2010 at 1:51pm - IP Logged
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Well I've finally taken the hint and a big dose of inspiration from everyones posts and tomorrow morning sees me start 3 times per week swimming sessions. I rang the pool office to find out the opening times etc...apparently in the morning it's mainly used by pensioner groups....ha, ha no competition then ...no doubt I'll be in for a big shockeroonie tomorrow when they all whizz past me doing the butterfly stroke
Message posted by Viv D on 03 February 2010 at 2:05pm - IP Logged
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Believe me all you have to be up to date on at the adult only sessions is Eastender, Coronation Street, Brookside, are you getting the picture.
You will spot them they swim along in trio's talking about the Soap's.
I always add an extra length on to what I actually do because of having to swerve around them all I may not drive a car but I can certainly manouver to avoid collision's in Swimming Baths.
Viv
Message posted by Eileen on 03 February 2010 at 2:22pm - IP Logged
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I do not watch the soaps either, last one I saw was when Den gave Angie her divorce papers one Christmas.
Sometimes the swimming baths have music on in the back ground so I just block the people out and hum along to the music while swimming or pretend I am in a swimming pool in Corfu.
Just smile at people and keep swimming that way they will not try to stop you and talk.
Viv
Message posted by shakespearstar on 03 February 2010 at 3:55pm - IP Logged
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Yesterday after hearing about the bargain dresses that Ruth and Maggy bought from BHS I decided to go in and have a browse. Spotted a lovely cardigan reduced from £22 to £6. So I bought it with my " Slim Money" ....for every LB I lose I am saving a £......8 LB lost leaves me £2 still in the pot ready for the next bargain!
Message posted by vivian on 03 February 2010 at 4:01pm - IP Logged
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Hi, Cant swim as am waiting for spinal surgery, hopefully to be done within the next few weeks and certainly no time to slim down before we go on holiday, as wont be able to do any walking or anything (Im going to go mad0 but have just got I can make you slim from e-bay, so will give it a go once I get back and may loss a couple of pounds for the October holiday.
Bet none of you have got an excuse as good as that one. lol. Viv
Message posted by Eileen on 03 February 2010 at 4:58pm - IP Logged
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Well with new found vigour and reading the stories I popped out at lunch time to try on some linen trousers for my jollies!!! Feeling quite cocky and matter of fact I decided to pick up a size 10 "just to see" well the good news is they fastened!!! So just a little extra walking and continue with my healthy eating and maybe next time I try them they will fit perfectly with no overhang!!! One can but try!!! Although it may be wishful thinking on my part
Message posted by maggy on 03 February 2010 at 5:30pm - IP Logged
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Bloomin small maggie!!!!!! LOL believe me I think I was born bigger than a size 10 anyway. Like I said they fastened - that's all - as for the rest of the trousers -well I don't think I could repeat it on here!!!!!
I am what the fashionistas call "apple shaped" so I have a smaller bottom half unfortunately the top half resembles an all in wrestler so finding clothes that fasten let alone fit the top half is real hard work!!! I think I need to take a leaf out of Aunty Gok's book and buy a ton of thick belts so I can even myself out a bit more
Message posted by 2Tonsils on 03 February 2010 at 5:50pm - IP Logged
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Great to hear that you are all so motivated and doing well. Glad I am in such good company, if any of you see me out power walking around Sinarades, or lately striding out fast up Aeroskathos.....give me a wave or a cheery smile as I blitz past....
Preparing to enter a European bodybuilding show for women over 50 this summer.....I will be 55 in September and in the best shape of my life...so something is working well... I love the Paul Makenna hypnosis cd...haven't heard a whole one yet LOL
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 03 February 2010 at 6:55pm - IP Logged
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I am sat here giggling to myself at all the posts!!! Some good tips being bandied around though!
And as for apple and humpty dumpty...well...does anyone remember the Weebles?? They tended not to get up after being knocked down and rolled around a lot??? ...well I would say that is a good description of me at the moment!! They are described as egg shaped
And as for a size 10!!!! I will be happy to reach a size 14!!!
Keep it up everyone!!!
Sue x
Message posted by Eileen on 03 February 2010 at 8:34pm - IP Logged
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Just a little tip wear a pair of Flip Flops or Cloggies from the changing rooms to the pool area.
I am not saying the swimming pool area is dirty but sometimes people do not worry about verrucas etc and just walk about bare footed and in a warm moist place it is easy to pick these things up (I speak from experience)
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Also with the extra 2 stone on me that doesn't help
) and have had to come to terms with bits 'travelling south' and being overweight for the very first time in my life. My first effort has been to ditch the sugar in every cuppa and it's making a huge difference already 
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