Ah, Tom, what a story. I am inspired, trying to get a grip. I'm nearly 78, lost 3 stone in seven months by going low carb in 2017. It's creeping back: the odd slice of bread, a choc biscuit or two when friends come for coffee, savoury biscuits with my cheese. Back to meat, fish, eggs, greens, yogurt and berries for me. Satisfying food and I know it makes sense. I want to get to 80! Or 90! And some exercise - not good at making myself go out.
Oh dear, I know the problem and although I am not in the public eye, an adult son's critical one feels on a par with it. Three years ago I lost 21kg then life in the form of cancer and other unpleasant distractions got in the way. Now I am facing a goal of losing the unnecessary 10kg that had crept up. It is hard, I am much older than you. However that adds a modicum of incentive after all one wants to get older still and be in reasonable shape to enjoy life.
All best wishes, you’ve got this! Your previous weight loss and book was a huge inspiration to so many (especially me!) but do it now for you! My son has lost ten stone in the last year so I know it’s not easy but it is possible - as you know. Rooting for you 💪
Fingers crossed that the cancer has gone and the next set of tests are all positive. Good to hear you are back losing weight, was hugely inspired by your previous efforts and I’m sure I will be again.
You are very brave to share this, Tom and I'm so sorry you've been through such tough times. I'm sure this will encourage and inspire quite a few people. Very best of luck with it all.
Thanks Kevin, I mean I'm not sure whether to be disappointed with Andy for saying the last Labour government was part of a 40 year stretch of neoliberalism or Tony for being to of touch with the current suffering of the working poor.
That's such an honest post Tom. I hope you are well, that's an enormous amount of stress and worry to contend with.
You have done this before and you can again. As you say, for different reasons.
Similarly, I lost 3st on Ozempic and almost immediately put it back on. Currently on the journey myself of trying to get a handle on what for me is binge eating. Off the pen though as I was constantly throwing up and felt like a flattened version of myself.
Your kids are right re getting a pooch. Just ensure you've got someone trustworthy and reliable to take care of them when you're away, or even out for long hours. A retired neighbour can be brilliant for this. Pay them, of course 🤣.
Keep going, you've got this and you're such a lovely and relatable man. These posts inspire others. Getting older sure presents with some challenges, says me at 51 xx
Thanks for sharing your story, Tom. I'm very familiar with the lose/gain cycle myself and you're inspiring me to return focus to the 'lose' element and, more importantly, prioritising health. Again.
Having a dog does, indeed, get you out of a house first thing but do not underestimate the tie to your home and the effort that can be required in training them to fit into your routine (I would not be without my boy - but I can't deny that I miss the spontaneity of my life 12 years ago). It does sound like you have a good support network though - nurture the relationships with any potential dogsitters *very* carefully!
Looking forward to hearing more about your progress.
Thank you for sharing so much of your personal health struggles. You’ve devoted so much of your life to the good of others but there comes a time in the aging process when we have to put our own health needs first. I wish you every success, in part because selfishly I want to go on enjoying your great newsletter!
Chapeau
Ah, Tom, what a story. I am inspired, trying to get a grip. I'm nearly 78, lost 3 stone in seven months by going low carb in 2017. It's creeping back: the odd slice of bread, a choc biscuit or two when friends come for coffee, savoury biscuits with my cheese. Back to meat, fish, eggs, greens, yogurt and berries for me. Satisfying food and I know it makes sense. I want to get to 80! Or 90! And some exercise - not good at making myself go out.
The cheese biscuits are killers aren't they. Good luck with the reset and thanks for your kind thoughts.
Oh dear, I know the problem and although I am not in the public eye, an adult son's critical one feels on a par with it. Three years ago I lost 21kg then life in the form of cancer and other unpleasant distractions got in the way. Now I am facing a goal of losing the unnecessary 10kg that had crept up. It is hard, I am much older than you. However that adds a modicum of incentive after all one wants to get older still and be in reasonable shape to enjoy life.
However, we have got this!
So, good luck to both of us!
Hey, that's great. Let's keep in touch and keep each other going!
Nice idea, you are my younger brothers age.
Definitely get a dog. Even when you don't feel like it, you see their little face and get your coat on.
All best wishes, you’ve got this! Your previous weight loss and book was a huge inspiration to so many (especially me!) but do it now for you! My son has lost ten stone in the last year so I know it’s not easy but it is possible - as you know. Rooting for you 💪
Thanks Wendy, that's very kind of you to say. Please congratulate your son.
Fingers crossed that the cancer has gone and the next set of tests are all positive. Good to hear you are back losing weight, was hugely inspired by your previous efforts and I’m sure I will be again.
Wishing you all the best, Jim
A lot to recognise here for me. Sending love and strength. X
You are very brave to share this, Tom and I'm so sorry you've been through such tough times. I'm sure this will encourage and inspire quite a few people. Very best of luck with it all.
Good luck Tom - wishing you all the best.
Wishing you well Tom and hoping you have the all clear from the big C soon. PS great response to the Blair essay.
Thanks Kevin, I mean I'm not sure whether to be disappointed with Andy for saying the last Labour government was part of a 40 year stretch of neoliberalism or Tony for being to of touch with the current suffering of the working poor.
That's such an honest post Tom. I hope you are well, that's an enormous amount of stress and worry to contend with.
You have done this before and you can again. As you say, for different reasons.
Similarly, I lost 3st on Ozempic and almost immediately put it back on. Currently on the journey myself of trying to get a handle on what for me is binge eating. Off the pen though as I was constantly throwing up and felt like a flattened version of myself.
Your kids are right re getting a pooch. Just ensure you've got someone trustworthy and reliable to take care of them when you're away, or even out for long hours. A retired neighbour can be brilliant for this. Pay them, of course 🤣.
Keep going, you've got this and you're such a lovely and relatable man. These posts inspire others. Getting older sure presents with some challenges, says me at 51 xx
Thanks Caroline and good luck with your journey.
Hey Tom, really sorry you’ve been ill again, I read your books, admired your determination, wish I had your ability to say no to food. I wish you well
Hi Anne, My problem is that I can't say no to Nutella. In fact all I can say to it is 'hello'.
Definitely get a dog!
Thanks for sharing your story, Tom. I'm very familiar with the lose/gain cycle myself and you're inspiring me to return focus to the 'lose' element and, more importantly, prioritising health. Again.
Having a dog does, indeed, get you out of a house first thing but do not underestimate the tie to your home and the effort that can be required in training them to fit into your routine (I would not be without my boy - but I can't deny that I miss the spontaneity of my life 12 years ago). It does sound like you have a good support network though - nurture the relationships with any potential dogsitters *very* carefully!
Looking forward to hearing more about your progress.
Thank you for sharing so much of your personal health struggles. You’ve devoted so much of your life to the good of others but there comes a time in the aging process when we have to put our own health needs first. I wish you every success, in part because selfishly I want to go on enjoying your great newsletter!
Wishing you all the best and the strength to make it happen again. Have every faith.