Hello everyone,
I’ve been very occasionally posting but mostly lurking on these boards since November 2016. Since then I’ve lost 28kgs. Not a huge amount by some standards but, to me, hugely satisfying. And my journey isn’t over; I still have around 12 kgs to go to get into the normal BMI range.
I check into these boards everyday morning and evening. It’s always fascinating to read other people’s stories as we’re all in this together. One of the things I do miss on these forums/fora, though, is the first thread that sets out various mostly unchanging, information about the topic (a sticky thread?): in this case BSD. And there’s so much wisdom and experience here that it seems a shame that it gets lost in all the posts. When I started there were masses of helpful tips that helped me so I thought it might be useful to have a thread where we post what we’ve learned so others can benefit.
Does this sound stupid? Has it been done before? I had a quick look but couldn’t find anything….doesn’t mean it’s not there though 😉

For example I have various strategies for dealing with the desire to eat (not hunger. I’m very rarely hungry): Daytime..find something else to do preferably mind occupying and away from food. I usually go outside or go for a walk or call a friend (I’d never eat on the phone!) In the evening usually round 10.30pm I go to bed. I wouldn’t eat there either!
The urge to eat is fleeting, around a minute I think so it will pass very quickly.
Good luck to everyone new starters, maintainers and people coasting along like me.

This is a good idea Daisy Daisy. I have learned this week not to keep chocolate in the house – however restrained I think I’m being I will eventually cave in and eat it all.
Planning, measuring and portioning out my food has also helped me – I prepare my food at least 3 days in advance – more if I have the time – it helps me to know what I’m going to be eating that day, and having the calories and carbs already counted. Planning beforehand means I can make changes, eg not enough protein or too many carbs, before I start cooking so I only cook/prepare what I need and put it into Tupperware boxes in the fridge. Simple things which have now become routine.

Good hydration is my contribution. I have found under hydrating definitely adversely affects weight loss and equally now in maintenance I notice if I under hydrate, the reading on the scales the next day is likely to bounce up. So hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Hello – good idea this thread.
I think making sure you have an array of plastic containers in varying sizes from tiny to large lunch box style is useful. Also, I keep a few small condiment jars which are useful for adding measured amounts of mayo, cream etc, rather than carry the full jar/tub with you into work or wherever you are going.

Gattina, SunnyB I totally relate to both of these. I don’t have anything sweet in the house at all and I notice my weight does drop when I am well hydrated and it does seem weird. Recently I read an article by a neurologist who claimed we all perform better intellectually if we’re well hydrated, another plus for hydration.

KazzUK, what a great idea!