New Country = NEW WEIGHT Gain lol

Welcome Paige!

Good luck on your goals, one of the biggest things for me was simply to start tracking what I ate (don't change anything for the first week) after looking at the raw excess I was able to very quickly lose the first 15, and simply tracking my meals, and cutting the portions of the unhealthiest things I have lost almost 50 lbs over the last 8 months (a large part of it being in the last 3).

Good luck!

Hiya Paige,

I too am an American living abroad for 9 years now (in NW England). I understand what you're saying about the lovely breads, pastries, etc...over here in Europe. Much richer and 'real' than in the States and very fattening if you don't watch it! I've balooned up to 40 lbs before (more than I was my lightest back in the States), but older yes, so I do have to accept that part. I'm looking forward to losing those last 25 lbs that have dogged me for the past 11 years.

My (English) husband and I are now working together as a team in eating better. For years he's told me that; "I'm fine with my weight" and "your muscley and you're near your natural weight for a middle aged woman" and here's the best one....."just because you're on a diet doesnt' mean the rest of us are"... YOU WHAT?!!

But now it's come back to bite him on the '*kitten*'... he's thinking he's now developed a wheat intolerance (like his sister). He's changed his tune and is now on my bandwagon of cutting out the breads, pasta and pastries....all white forms of it. I can still have my healthier versions of breads but I've seriously cut down the 'man made' carbs roller coaster. I think I must only have 1-2 slices of wholemeal/week or 2 biccys a week with my cuppa tea.

In the past month of cutting down on amount of food we eat and, more importantly, the white processed breads, etc... he's lost about 12 lbs + and I've lost a good 7 lbs. He says he feels so much more, 'alive, agile and alert', since he's cut out the white stuff. We eat beef once a week maybe but it's mostly white meats and fish along with some potatoes, good quality rice and tons of fruit and veg. We've also cut out the gravy we once slathered over our meat dishes....

Good luck and the good thing about being over here in Europe is that people are more physically active; biking, walking (dogs), jogging, etc....

Take care and add me as a mate if you want...xx

I hear ya! I'm up to 180 from four years ago since my move overseas. Good on you for taking charge - it's hard when you're in a new place and surrounded by new things. Hopefully, with the support of our new community, we can both take charge and unpack those extra pounds!

Welcome Paige!

Good luck on your goals, one of the biggest things for me was simply to start tracking what I ate (don't change anything for the first week) after looking at the raw excess I was able to very quickly lose the first 15, and simply tracking my meals, and cutting the portions of the unhealthiest things I have lost almost 50 lbs over the last 8 months (a large part of it being in the last 3).

Good luck!

To track without change for a week is good advice. This will give you the ability to make small changes that can produce big effects. Sometimes people oversell themselves and jump into some boot camp, x this or pro that and get discouraged. Adopt good habits without turning your life up side down and gradually take on new goals each time you conquer one.

The thing that really did it for me was the beer. Realizing how many empty calories I was having drinking my delicious IPA. I'm not the healthiest of eaters, but I control my portion sizes if I am eating unhealthy and I've added healthy alternatives in some places. I now take a couple of apples and bananas to work instead of a cereal bar or a candy bar for a snack. Little changes have led to massive results for me. Feel free to add me as a friend if you're looking for help.