Desperate to lose weight!

Oooo what good timing for me to join!! I am a female bodybuilder, and for those of you that don't know much about the sport -besides the bit you see on stage of us posing around In not very much ha!- Behind the scenes, its all about mindset, goal setting, your relationship with food and learning to exercise control over your food decisions and optimising every aspect of your life! Its truly fascinating! I have been doing this for years and it enables me to fluctuate my body composition with control depending on my goals. So when I'm in off season I hold a bit more body fat and I'm able to be a little more relaxed with my nutrition, and when I am in preparation for stage, I am locked in and bring body fat right down to single digits to show case my physique! The best advise I can give you in the simplest way, is this: Starving yourself doesn't work, your body will adjust and shut down systems to compensate for the lack of nutrition and actually work against you in terms of losing body fat. Your metabolism is like a fire, it needs constant feeding to keep it alive and burning. Imagine watching a roaring fire, eventually when the fuel runs out it will fizzle down to embers where as a fire that is roaring away will burn more wood. The wood is the food you put into your body. Eating little and often, every 2-3 hours approx. will enable your metabolism to work at its best! Aim for 20g protein each time you eat too and you are on the right track! My Fiancé and I actually do this for a living - for anyone interested - let me know! We provide nutrition and exercise plans to clients and provide them with 1-1 round the clock support with everything from hormone optimisation ( yes they can work against you when it comes to losing body fat!) and sleep hygiene ( poor sleep increases cortisol in the body and will make it more difficult for you to reduce body fat!) time management, and anything else that clients need in order to achieve their goals :)

Just came on here to quickly share information about Lipedema. It's just that it's unfair to women who struggle with weight and apparently already has the Lipedema disease so "losing it" really isn't as simple as dieting/working out. You'll have to do manual lymphatic drainage, use compression garments or if it's on a significant stage you'll have to undergo surgery. Doctors would misdiagnose it as just "obesity" or simple weight gain, but if the fat is causing pain and is stubborn and won't go away- chances are it's Lipedema. I have joined support groups for Lipedema here in Dubai to spread more awareness for this disease and hopefully are able to reach the right people

I have just started a meal delivery with Health Factory. It is expensive at 3,000 AED but I have tried everything over the past two years, no carbs, lots of exercise and was getting no where. I would loose a few kg then relax for a few weeks and it would pile back on. I am told I don't eat enough which is why I don't loose weight easily and add it back quickly. So far I have not been on the scales and can only vouch that the food is really delicious. I am a very fussy vegetarian and was really worried after spending 3k I would get a daily delivery of airplane style food. I am very pleased with the taste and quality of the food so far. I now don't need to think about food/calorie counting/plan diet food for myself I am just opening a hamper. They assure me if I don't cheat this WILL work and I have to say for 3K a month, I won't be cheating myself. I am continuing with the gym 3-5 times a week, so let's see what happens. They reckon I will loose 4KG a month and I am on this until Christmas...I would recommend this as an easy way to diet without thinking about it. There is no need to drive yourself mad in the supermarket or plan low calories meals. You just open a box. Simple.

Boil water in the morning with lemon pieces and let in cool, add honey, natural honey would be better though difficult to find in UAE and drink first thing in the morning, later take carrot pieces and cucamber, worked for me and now am used to that everyday with little exercise.

I use the app My Fitness Pal and in the last 2 weeks have lost 8lbs! It is fab for tracking your food and I find it hard to reach the daily 1200 calories Couple this with exercise it will come off! Good Luck

Exercise is great for your all round health and I would encourage everyone to get at least 20 minutes of quality cardio (heart pumping, sweating - not a leisurely walk) every day. You can do this climbing stairs, walking briskly, jogging, fitness dvd whatever you can fit in. If you have more time there are lots of great classes you could join HOWEVER If you want to lose weight - 80% of it is in the food planning!! You cannot out train a bad diet. Food is key. Rather than diet I would suggest a lifestyle change and aim for "clean" eating. This will lead to a gradual steady weight loss which you can maintain. Regular exercise will help to speed it up. What works for me is: Breakfast - Bran flakes or oats with fruit or eggs and wholemeal toast Snack - piece of fruit - apple or berries are best as less sugar Lunch - lean protein and veg - so chicken salad or tuna salad. Even a sandwich on wholemeal bread is good if you dont have dressing. Other options could be a healthy homemade soup like lentil. Okay to have some carbs if brown - pasta or rice etc- at lunch time if you are exercising and need energy. But small portions... Snack - handful of almonds or fruit or low fat yoghurt Dinner - lean protein and veg - grilled salmon and broccolli, chicken taouk and salad (no olive oil), baked chicken casserole with veg etc. No carbs at dinner as wont get used up. Clean eating is basically: No processed foods Lean proteins Fresh fruit and veg Quality carbs - brown bread rice and pasta, quinoa, pulses Quality fats - avocado, nuts etc No junk. Natural sugar only from fruit and limit to 2 pieces a day I promise you - this works and you will feel full and not as if you are on a diet!

If one cannot go to gym . or get bored exercising . Join Outdoor activities like swimming or any sports . U will shed fat and u wont even realise ...

Exercise is the best and food diets. Count the number of calories your taking.

u can hit the gym- mary is a fabulous trainer who works in fitness first in safeer mall sharjah. or else go for hypno weight loss session with rachel foy in holistic institute. or try weight loss with rashi choudhary. hope this helps

Seems I am in the same boat as a lot of you ladies...somehow gained 3 stone since moving to Dubai, the majority in the last 9 months or so. I was dieting and sticking to it, tho not seeing much results. Then I managed to get a throat infection and kind of gave up. Planning to start again in the next couple of weeks. Desperate to lose some weight and get closer to my original shape...and got a wedding in 11 months!

Hey, Tigerente! There’s this amazing new club in Dubai Marina called Tribefit and it blew me away! Right off the bat, the ambiance will get you in the mood TO SWEAT! They have a wide range of classes from yoga to zumba to bootcamp. With 80 classes on the timetable running at over 90% capacity TribeFit has very quickly become the destination for group exercise in Dubai. And since we all know that the process is 70% diet and 30% sweat, they give you a weekly recipe which you can download on their website or facebook page for free! The best part is you will not stop going because it’s not all work, you get to play too! They have events every week which go from pool parties, movie nights, or yoga in the beach. And if you’re looking for that intense focused workout, they this new program called “Look better naked.” They hook you up with a trainer who will work with you and they GUARANTEE results! I’ll see you around the club! Best of luck! My friends go here and rave about it :-)

Tigerente, what I love about CF is that it is very inclusive. Nobody will judge you or care how big you are or how unfit you are - it is not a posers sort of place. There are people there of all shapes and sizes and fitness levels. Next week would be a great time to try it as there will be many new people in exactly the same position as you. The exercise is quite intensive but you do it at your own pace. You are only competing against yourself - not anyone else in the class. Stop when you need. Have a breath and a drink and then keep at it. Slowly you improve..... In the beginning I struggled - stopped for breaks a lot. When it came to running, I walked half the way and jogged a little. Gradually you walk less and jog more, then run etc. Same with the exercises - I was initially not that agile or strong but you build it up very slowly over time and week after week you pleasantly surprise yourself with the improvements..... The best thing about CF is the trainers who are super supportive - will take time to support you, email you, talk to people individually and guide them. The rest of the people who attend are also really friendly and supportive in person and on the FB group The diet is downloadable on the website - you will definitely lose with that even if you cant make it to the class - 80% is diet and 20% exercise. But give it a try.....if you can go to a class this week to try it (first class always free) you will have an idea of what is involved and can lose your stiffness and then you could sign up for the 4 week challenge starting next Sunday. Maybe i will see you there?? The final thing I would say I learned is that becoming healthy is a journey. You will have good days and bad days with exercise and diet. But you keep at it, keep trying and slowly but surely you will see great results. Good luck ! x <em>edited by kitten67 on 11/11/2013</em>

Kitten, I have colleagues who have attended CF and they look amazing. I would need to lose 10 kg and struggle, I have lost already 10 kg with healthy eatng. I have never liked sport and I am more then unfit that i am ashamed of it. taking staircase for one floor up is already a challenge and I am short of breath. Do you think starting CF would be good with this level of (non) fitness or shall I start first to get fitter <em>edited by Tigerente on 11/11/2013</em>

2 words - Circuit Factory They guarantee you 4 kg in 4 weeks if you attend the exercise classes and follow the healthy eating plan. The next challenge starts next Sunday and you can get the first week for free! Check the FB page or the website for more info. I am highly devoted to CF for the last 12 months - it has made a huge difference to my health and fitness. Recommended!

Here is my advice... 1. Never eat bread, not in any kind. 2. When feeling hungry drink a glass of water and the see if you are still hungry. 3. Try eating smaller portions then usual, make them smaller and smaller every time and you will find that you can be full by eating less. 4. Eat 3 times a day, even if you are not as hungry try to stick to this, it really helps. 5. Exercise is not efficient for all people, what is efficient is a quick drop of calories by going on a cycle at the gym and going as quick as you can for around 1 minute, putting all your energy into it, it will tire you out as if you have done an hour of exercise. Doing this daily has proven to actually burn fat. Hope this helps.. :)

Hey Ladies... Did you tried [i'>[b'>warm water with lemon[/b'>[/i'>...? ;) Every morning before taking your breakfast, drink a glass of warm water with the juice of a half of lemon. If u do this every morning, with healthy food and moderate physical activity, you can loose 1 to 2 kg / week. (hey this is 4 to 8 kg / month ;) I tried it, and I can tell you : [b'>IT DOES WORK[/b'> :) <em>edited by Mirou on 20/05/2013</em>

Im on 4hoursbody lifestyle and swear by it! Lost15 pounds in 2 months and feel great. But, is a LIFESTYLE, NOT a diet! Google it, you-ll find forums and the book. Not everybody is happy with it, but you can't please all.

HI Ladies, Loosing weight can definitely be a daunting challenge, but as long as you keep 3 things in mind you are set up for success. 1. A healthy/slim body is made in the KITCHEN. You can not out run your fork. Start implementing simple healthy eating habits to your day to day instead of dieting (NO one has ever said to me "I've been on a diet for the past 30 years and i love it") Make it a lifestyle. 2. MOVEMENT, a key component to the recipe. You dont have to exercise if you dont want to, just move your body, go out for a mindful walk, take dance classes, or learn a martial art, practice yoga, or do whatever makes you smile. 3. You are not alone!!! having a SUPPORT system is integral to keeping on track. Talk to your other half, your kids, your best friend, or a health coach. Having someone to hold you accountable will facilitate your goals becoming a reality. I hope you find this helpful. Best of luck!!! <em>edited by KellyMontoya on 23/04/2013</em>

They always say find some form of exercise that you enjoy so that you're not forcing yourself to do it. I totally believe that now! When I was doing a weight loss programme with my hypnotherapist she loaned me a bike and came out cycling with me for support and I loved it. I hadn't cycled since I was a kid. Got a second hand bike on dubizzle and haven't looked back. I find it so relaxing so it benefits me mentally as well as physically. And now there are cycling tracks in Dubai it's safe to do. Can't recommend it enough!

Hiya Ladies, I'm with you all on this too... I had my little girl 7 months ago was adamant on breastfeeding for two reasons, 1. because its meant to be the best thing for her and 3. you're meant to be burning 300-500kals each time, how could I say no... I still have atleast 10kg to lose and its very depressing now, I don't go out or do anything as I am not comfortable in my own skin. So now I am adamant to lose it all, atleast within the next 5 months, as thats when we're heading back to London to see the family and I wouldn't want any cheeky remarks from anyone. I downloaded an app by Jullian Michales, she has a few circuits you could do at home, I've been told theres a really good one on you tube too...its easy as I have a child too (Think i've only done it once though :() I go for a 3km walk in the morning (Track on the palm is great), I have also started to have dinners early, by 6 o'clock, my husband comes back from work at 7 or 8 and I leave my daughter with him and head to the gym downstairs...I'm there for an hour tops and it seems to be helping. I lost 1kg very quickly, but then came my hubbys b'day week...plan ruined...need to start up again. Would be great to have a buddy though :)

I like the My Fitness Pal app, it's great for beginners or those who are advanced and used to calorie counting. I used to keep a daily log the old way--journal--but since I have gotten an iPad mini, it's brilliantly convenient. I have 2 beefs with this app. For one, it doesn't calculate how many calories you burn from weight training, only the cardio. Disclaimer: I am not a techie, so possibly there is a way to adjust this, and I just need to catch on! What is a REAL eye opener is if you actually log everything you eat and drink. I have heard the whole "Oh, I only drink white wine, or clear liquor, no carbs, etc..." or "I only eat pizza once a week, no biggie..." Right...log that into the app one night and check the totals on dinner out with drinks....yowsa! Which brings me to beef #2. It doesn't account for what certain calories actually do to your metabolism and fat burning capabilities. Even if you only had 200 calories of sugar cookies and were under your daily minimum, the app won't account for the fact that you spiked your insulin with those cookies then stored the calories from the subsequent meal instead of burning through them. Same thing with alcohol; it doesn't account for what alcohol does to your fat burning capabilities, it just simply tabulates them as a caloric number, not the impact. those things being said, it is an easy app to use and can really get you accountable and on the right track :)

JRA do you have an Ipad? if so, download myfitnesspal. Entering calorie intake and excercise into this user friendly app is really motivating me and I've already lost 2 pounds! Believe me I've tried everything to lose weight and this seems to be helping me. Good luck to you.

Ladies did this thread ever take off? I would be interested in joining in for motivation, I do exercise - but find it very easy not to! So anything that might help me keep focused and on track would be great.

Hi Ladies I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose (about 7lbs) but I do need motivation to go to the gym. There was a thread on here about a 30plan I think it was 30min of any form of exercise (walking /Gym ect) for 30 days. every day the ladies updated the thread with what they were doing. Would any of you be up for that. 30 day shred??

Hi Ladies I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose (about 7lbs) but I do need motivation to go to the gym. There was a thread on here about a 30plan I think it was 30min of any form of exercise (walking /Gym ect) for 30 days. every day the ladies updated the thread with what they were doing. Would any of you be up for that. Oh yes that sounds good - I'm in :-)

Hi Ladies I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose (about 7lbs) but I do need motivation to go to the gym. There was a thread on here about a 30plan I think it was 30min of any form of exercise (walking /Gym ect) for 30 days. every day the ladies updated the thread with what they were doing. Would any of you be up for that.

Just waiting for somebody to come on here and say that they want to join too and have 4kg to lose....lol Oh yea that's me - 4kilos and beyond :(

Why don't we meet up at a coffee morning and take it from there. We can get to know each other, our locations, timings and make a start by running or some other group activity. Zumba is fun - anyone else fancy a wiggle? ;-)

So how will we keep this thread running and how can we motivate each other ladies...?I have gained 4 kilos in the short time I have been in the Middle East by simply having to taste and eat everything new to me...I'M DONE NOW!...will not buy any clothes to fit my strange 'new body' and want to get to my old self again....any suggestions?!!