Good morning all

MR2Jay77

Hey all and good morning. How are we all today?

Feels odd doing an intro post but I'm at the start of a fairly long journey and know I'm going to need support along the way from people in the same boat.

It all started last year in April when my little girl turned one. I sat and looked at her, not believing she was there and thinking about what her future holds. It's then I made the decision after asking myself "Do I want her growing up around cigarettes like I did?" The answer was a resounding "No". So, after 25 years with the habit, I switched to vaping in a big way (I run a small vaping company but that's not for here) and gradually dropped the nicotine content to zero before putting it down for good at the end on November. I still take it out if I'm in a situation where I know of I'll be tempted to have a cigarette but just having it is enough, I don't need to use it.

So, with the smokes gone it's time to focus on the second part of the plan, my gut. I scared myself daft in the new year, looking at the scales and realising this has to change. Trouble is, I started being able to taste things properly for the first time in over 2 decades and we all know where that leads.

I've used this programme before and know it does work. Plan is to limit myself to 1750 calories regardless of exercise (I don't do enough of it but I'm trying to work some time into my day and there is always the weekend to go for a swim) and lose 3st to get to 14st 5. Sounds pretty high (according to that daft BMI thing I should be about 12 stone but I'd look like I was a terminal patient) but I am very broad across the chest and shoulders and also fairly tall.

Hopefully some of you will help me on my way. I'm at the start now but I am determined to make a difference, not only for myself and my own self esteem but also so I'm fit enough to enjoy my little girl growing up.

Jay

ErinK09

Welcome! Congrats in quitting!

MR2Jay77

Thanks

Truthfully it's always been one of those things that I wish I had never started as I tried everything (patches, gum, Alan Carr book, Spray, cold turkey) and nothing worked for me. I actually bought my first vape stick as a way to cut down but was off the cigarettes in 3 days!

Truly amazing invention. Shame it encouraged me to eat more as everything tasted so good afterwards eh?

Still, that's why I'm here... I'm not letting it ride, I want to do something about it. The thought that my little girl will be wanting to do God knows what in the next year or so and I want to keep up is a great motivation for me.... That and my self esteem has taken a battering.

Rome wasn't built in a day though. If there is something I can do about it, then I'll be doing it