Up until this summer I was on the depo for 10 years and my gp this year did say the couple of stone I gained may be down to the long term use of it. Bone density is an issue but the other scary which I never was told about is that it reduces your healthy cholesterol levels (massive deal for me as I have had a heart attack and 2 surgeries now and I'm just 31!) So June I decided the finally come off it for good and on the mini pill (but double dose and so far no bleeding). Yes Depo gives ease but not worth the side effects I decided
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I’m currently on my second attempt at the Cambridge diet. I have 2 stone to lose. I’m about to hit my first after about 4/5 weeks, which includes a week off and some treats.
I’m doing step 3 which means I can have a 400 calorie meal as well and 2 products and technically a 200 cal breakfast but that’s too much food for me in a day. I’m not a fan of these diets but the structure and having a consultant seems to help me. This second stone is going to be hell to lose
I’m doing step 3 which means I can have a 400 calorie meal as well and 2 products and technically a 200 cal breakfast but that’s too much food for me in a day. I’m not a fan of these diets but the structure and having a consultant seems to help me. This second stone is going to be hell to lose
Honestly the simplest answer is just to be in a calorie deficit - eating less than your body burns. I followed WW for years but was always up and down with weight, never got to goal. I’ve been calorie counting instead now since May, and have lost 2st 6lbs so far. I use My Fitness Pal to track daily calories and exercise - once you’ve got used to checking calories and weighing portions it’s really easy - no made up ‘Syns’ or ‘Points’ to try and get your head round, no foods to avoid.
I don't track calories but I try to be mindful of what I'm eating, and follow the 80% rule (eat till I feel 80% full, and put down the fork). I also try to not eat after 8pm, and I do intermittent fasting once a week.
This was hard but cutting out processed sugar and most dairy has been life changing for me! I actually do eat a fair amount of carbs but I try to have some variation here rather than just bread. So I'll have bread maybe twice a week, some pasta, rice, millet, quinoa (technically a protein but I eat it in place of carbs), etc. I find if I don't have carbs, I get very grouchy and start looking older/develop more wrinkles for some reason.
It helps to learn some recipes you like and enjoy cooking, because food is such an important and fun part of life. If you hate what you're eating because you're trying to lose weight, it's not going to be very sustainable and you will be miserable and eventually binge out of frustration.
This was hard but cutting out processed sugar and most dairy has been life changing for me! I actually do eat a fair amount of carbs but I try to have some variation here rather than just bread. So I'll have bread maybe twice a week, some pasta, rice, millet, quinoa (technically a protein but I eat it in place of carbs), etc. I find if I don't have carbs, I get very grouchy and start looking older/develop more wrinkles for some reason.
It helps to learn some recipes you like and enjoy cooking, because food is such an important and fun part of life. If you hate what you're eating because you're trying to lose weight, it's not going to be very sustainable and you will be miserable and eventually binge out of frustration.
honestly. Just get yourself in a calorie deficit. You don’t have to cut out any food groups to lose weight contrary to what the diet industry likes to makes us think. No “diet” will make you lose more weight than others or faster tbh. With a calorie deficit you can eat what you want as long as you maintain the calorie limit
Glad I found this thread. Interesting reading. I am an impatient dieter.. I want to wink at a lettuce leaf and end up teleported straight to that magic target number. I've been there twice. Twice I gained it all back.. once was calorie counting, the other was slimming world. Now I am back to wish winking at lettuce... oh the impatience!!!
So I posted in July about losing 2 stone unfortunately put 9lbs on as immediately after posting I went on the pill which made me Hungry and got into bad habits getting takeaways
Today’s the day I finally could bare to weigh myself and hopefully I will get myself into gear (not literally although that would work) and try and shift this weight. I currently weigh 9st 9 which may seem a very small amount but my BMI is overweight & I’m very short. My goal weight is 8st 10 as I doubt I would get any lower than this without a very restrictive long term diet.
Day 1: im I’ll at the moment so not hungry
Had cups of tea throughout the day with cows milk
Had a whole pack of soothers which is 140 calories lol
Having a fajita and homemade chips for dinner
Will try update everyday as it will keep me motivated! I don’t usually skip 2 meals a day I’m just ill atm
Today’s the day I finally could bare to weigh myself and hopefully I will get myself into gear (not literally although that would work) and try and shift this weight. I currently weigh 9st 9 which may seem a very small amount but my BMI is overweight & I’m very short. My goal weight is 8st 10 as I doubt I would get any lower than this without a very restrictive long term diet.
Day 1: im I’ll at the moment so not hungry
Had cups of tea throughout the day with cows milk
Had a whole pack of soothers which is 140 calories lol
Having a fajita and homemade chips for dinner
Will try update everyday as it will keep me motivated! I don’t usually skip 2 meals a day I’m just ill atm
Calorie deficit- use My Fitness Pal or the like.
Water, water water.
Move more
I use the 80/20 but in relation to good eating and not so good eating.
Water, water water.
Move more
I use the 80/20 but in relation to good eating and not so good eating.
I lost 7 stone, I’ve regained almost 1 back since my mum died (comfort eating but it’s coming off again) the things that helped me were...
Getting really honest with myself once and for all and accepting that it was going to take me time, I just had to accept that and that it was better to spend 2 years losing weight slowly than 2 years remaining the same or gaining
Realising that I can have it all but only in moderation...meaning I can still eat things that I like but not only those things and lots of them...and that I will always have to exercise but that’s a good thing because it’s good for my mental health and keeps me healthy. To maintain a healthy weight I need to have balance and that is ok.
Not obsessing about losing weight. It used to be my complete and utter focus in the past when trying to lose, once I got started properly I tried to make it a background thing, eat well, exercise, let it happen by itself and try to forget about what I’m doing. I don’t know if that makes sense but honestly for me obsessing about it was depressing and took up a lot of energy (not the type that burns calories!)
No faddy diets! No skinny teas. No over complicating things. Eat less move more. I track my calories in my fitness pal and have done for the past 3 years. I know it’s not for everyone but I don’t find it a hassle and I’m happy to do it for the rest of my life if I have to, I accept that I find it very easy to overeat and underestimate calories so this keeps me on the straight and narrow!
Taking care of my body in other ways such as daily body brushing and moisturising. Little things that make my body feel nicer.
Not depriving myself if I really want it. It really is true that one takeaway or one missed workout won’t ruin your progress, it’s what you do most of the time that effects your results. If I’m too strict I end up bingeing so I do allow myself meals out, takeaways, and chocolate but I just try to balance it throughout the week.
Sorry if all this sounds preachy. I spent years battling my weight but I feel I’ve cracked it for life now by being honest with myself and doing it sensibly. The stone I’ve gained since my mum died still keeps me in my healthy weight range but just means I’m carrying a bit more around my hips and thighs than I’d like. I knew full well what I was doing as I gained that weight and I decided I needed that comfort and knew I would get back to where I needed to be when I was ready. I know that if I don’t exercise and eat rubbish the weight will go back on, it sucks but that’s just a fact I can’t avoid. I do have to work to stay in shape but I realised I wasn’t born under an unlucky star, a lot of people also have to work at it too. The key really is honesty and consistency xx
Getting really honest with myself once and for all and accepting that it was going to take me time, I just had to accept that and that it was better to spend 2 years losing weight slowly than 2 years remaining the same or gaining
Realising that I can have it all but only in moderation...meaning I can still eat things that I like but not only those things and lots of them...and that I will always have to exercise but that’s a good thing because it’s good for my mental health and keeps me healthy. To maintain a healthy weight I need to have balance and that is ok.
Not obsessing about losing weight. It used to be my complete and utter focus in the past when trying to lose, once I got started properly I tried to make it a background thing, eat well, exercise, let it happen by itself and try to forget about what I’m doing. I don’t know if that makes sense but honestly for me obsessing about it was depressing and took up a lot of energy (not the type that burns calories!)
No faddy diets! No skinny teas. No over complicating things. Eat less move more. I track my calories in my fitness pal and have done for the past 3 years. I know it’s not for everyone but I don’t find it a hassle and I’m happy to do it for the rest of my life if I have to, I accept that I find it very easy to overeat and underestimate calories so this keeps me on the straight and narrow!
Taking care of my body in other ways such as daily body brushing and moisturising. Little things that make my body feel nicer.
Not depriving myself if I really want it. It really is true that one takeaway or one missed workout won’t ruin your progress, it’s what you do most of the time that effects your results. If I’m too strict I end up bingeing so I do allow myself meals out, takeaways, and chocolate but I just try to balance it throughout the week.
Sorry if all this sounds preachy. I spent years battling my weight but I feel I’ve cracked it for life now by being honest with myself and doing it sensibly. The stone I’ve gained since my mum died still keeps me in my healthy weight range but just means I’m carrying a bit more around my hips and thighs than I’d like. I knew full well what I was doing as I gained that weight and I decided I needed that comfort and knew I would get back to where I needed to be when I was ready. I know that if I don’t exercise and eat rubbish the weight will go back on, it sucks but that’s just a fact I can’t avoid. I do have to work to stay in shape but I realised I wasn’t born under an unlucky star, a lot of people also have to work at it too. The key really is honesty and consistency xx
Does anyone have advice for an absolute beginner starting exercise? I couldn’t even be bothered doing pe at school. I did about 3 weeks of couch to 5k and enjoyed it but life got in the way as a single parent, I was bored running round my living room...
I enjoy walking unless it’s uphill but scared of walking alone as a female
I like dance
I enjoy walking unless it’s uphill but scared of walking alone as a female
I like dance
Now the weather is changing I will be back on Leslie Sansone Walking at Home you tubes. There are quite a few on there from 1 mile to 5 and a beginners 1 mile one.
Thanks so much I’ll take a look. I tried Joe wicks beginners exercise but it was a bit too beginner. It’s hard finding a balance
Her 1 mile fast is my favourite one - takes about 15 mins including warm up and down.
My advice would be to go on a walk everyday, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. If you can run, do that. Running and walking is a great form of exercise, it doesn’t require an expensive gym membership, and it allows you to get some fresh air and get your blood pumping. You could even do this with a family member or friend for company 
In terms of diet, a big part of weight is what you’re putting into your body. Don’t take the attitude of ‘I need to restrict myself of this many calories’ because you will end up binge eating after restricting yourself so much. Plus, it’s not a sustainable long term diet. The second you start eating normal again, the weight will pile back on. As discussed in this thread, diets like this can promote eating disorders too. Just focus on eating things your body will thrive on. Avocado, fruit, eggs, vegetables, chicken, fish. Cut out sugary drinks, cut out the sugars in your coffee. Cut back on alcohol if you’re a drinker. Alcoholic drinks are unnecessary calories. Drink more water. Water is the best thing you can put in your body. Simple things like this will help massively. These are things which will not only benefit your weight loss but promote a healthier lifestyle in general. Check out a few healthy recipes online. Whenever I crave Indian I have a healthy version of a chicken madras that I like to make. It eases my cravings. (And it’s just as nice!) I also have a healthy recipe for a pizza. It’s so easy when you get the hang of things and you don’t need these schemes like SW or WW.
Once you’re eating the right things during meal times you won’t feel the need to snack constantly. If you want to snack, you still can. Do not feel guilty for snacking. It’s just snacking on the right things. I snack on packets of fridge raiders, packs of chicken (like ready cooked chicken from the super market), yogurts, fruit, and hula hoop pufts are good if you really fancy a nice crunchy bag of crisps.
I hope this helps, just make sure you’re eating enough of the right things!
In terms of diet, a big part of weight is what you’re putting into your body. Don’t take the attitude of ‘I need to restrict myself of this many calories’ because you will end up binge eating after restricting yourself so much. Plus, it’s not a sustainable long term diet. The second you start eating normal again, the weight will pile back on. As discussed in this thread, diets like this can promote eating disorders too. Just focus on eating things your body will thrive on. Avocado, fruit, eggs, vegetables, chicken, fish. Cut out sugary drinks, cut out the sugars in your coffee. Cut back on alcohol if you’re a drinker. Alcoholic drinks are unnecessary calories. Drink more water. Water is the best thing you can put in your body. Simple things like this will help massively. These are things which will not only benefit your weight loss but promote a healthier lifestyle in general. Check out a few healthy recipes online. Whenever I crave Indian I have a healthy version of a chicken madras that I like to make. It eases my cravings. (And it’s just as nice!) I also have a healthy recipe for a pizza. It’s so easy when you get the hang of things and you don’t need these schemes like SW or WW.Once you’re eating the right things during meal times you won’t feel the need to snack constantly. If you want to snack, you still can. Do not feel guilty for snacking. It’s just snacking on the right things. I snack on packets of fridge raiders, packs of chicken (like ready cooked chicken from the super market), yogurts, fruit, and hula hoop pufts are good if you really fancy a nice crunchy bag of crisps.
I hope this helps, just make sure you’re eating enough of the right things!
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I’ve recently started with a PT and lifting weights (always been a cardio girl beforehand and never went anywhere near the weight section!). I’m really enjoying it but struggling with the diet side - my PT said that I wasn’t eating enough and should be on roughly 1700 calories a day. I’m trying to stick to the 80/20 method but seem to having more bad days than good days. I don’t have a lot of weight to lose - currently 142lbs and want to be between 130-135lbs, my body large is 21% and ideally I’d like to get down to 18%. I know the scales increase a little when you start building muscle but I feel absolutely massive, large and flabby 
aside from my arms and shoulders looking a bit more toned I’m not seeing much difference but it’s still early days. Does any weight lifters have any advice? I’m determined to keep going with it but it’s giving me horrible anxiety!
aside from my arms and shoulders looking a bit more toned I’m not seeing much difference but it’s still early days. Does any weight lifters have any advice? I’m determined to keep going with it but it’s giving me horrible anxiety!What was your relationship like with food before this?What is it that you’re struggling to eat? Is it protein? I lift weights and in all honesty (before I went vegan-long story) I sometimes would literally leave the gym and eat McDonald’s chicken nuggets. They say you can’t out train a bad diet and that is true but eating food especially protein heavy food is better than nothing. My understanding is that muscles rip when you lift weights so they need to repair themselves.I’ve recently started with a PT and lifting weights (always been a cardio girl beforehand and never went anywhere near the weight section!). I’m really enjoying it but struggling with the diet side - my PT said that I wasn’t eating enough and should be on roughly 1700 calories a day. I’m trying to stick to the 80/20 method but seem to having more bad days than good days. I don’t have a lot of weight to lose - currently 142lbs and want to be between 130-135lbs, my body large is 21% and ideally I’d like to get down to 18%. I know the scales increase a little when you start building muscle but I feel absolutely massive, large and flabby
my other question is it a mental thing rather than physical? It does take awhile to see a difference when it comes to weights vs losing weight. I’m only now starting to tone my stomach to see some semblance of abs after almost 2 years of weights and only weights.
I had a PT once and he said that when people start lifting weight and gain muscle you obviously are growing, your muscles get bigger right? But if youre not yet losing large you will feel a bit bigger but it will even out after a while. Maybe you want results too soon? Might take a little bit longer as you dont have that much to lose. Stick to it and try to enjoy the progress, youll get there!
SORRY meant to qoute the person you qouted, my bad!
i totally agree with you, when I first started weights my thighs felt massive and it made me feel disgusting but they’ve toned up overtime and I feel a lot better about them now. Lifting weights makes your muscles feel heavier as well (aching etc) so that doesn’t help
Day 2:
Breakfast was Aldi’s version of krave with Semi skimmed milk (220 cals)
lunch was Starbucks skinny latte with no added sugar and a pack of mentos (224)
dinner: katsu chicken curry (couldn’t eat the chicken as I’m not a fan) homemade chips made with olive oil and a salad, tomato sauce (500)
Just under 1000 calories but not counting the 3 cups of tea I’ve had plus endless amounts of chewing gum, I’ll probably have some watermelon or other fruit later. I was very hungry at lunch but had limited options either boots (lowest wrap had at least530 calories) or kfc
Breakfast was Aldi’s version of krave with Semi skimmed milk (220 cals)
lunch was Starbucks skinny latte with no added sugar and a pack of mentos (224)
dinner: katsu chicken curry (couldn’t eat the chicken as I’m not a fan) homemade chips made with olive oil and a salad, tomato sauce (500)
Just under 1000 calories but not counting the 3 cups of tea I’ve had plus endless amounts of chewing gum, I’ll probably have some watermelon or other fruit later. I was very hungry at lunch but had limited options either boots (lowest wrap had at least530 calories) or kfc
My biggest bug bear when trying to lose weights is going on a diet, especially with WW or slimming world. As people have commented they are a business and rely on failure to get people 'back on track'. What they don't take into account is the nutritional value of the food and tend to be very carb heavy.
My piece of advice is to eat real foods (cut down on convenience foods and snacks) eat good type of fats (more filling and nutritious than other types of foods) and to avoid eating lots of white carbohydrates. When you eat carbs, it forces your body to release insulin to break the glucose down. Now insulin is actually a large storage hormone, so when you eat carbs to excess it forces your body to store the large instead of use it for energy, hense people putting on weight or struggling to lose weight. This is why the low carb diet tend to work well as they force your body to burn the large that's already stored, as insulin isn't released. Low carb diets are hard to stick to long term, so I would recommend having one meal a day with no carbs and not snacking in-between meals. It's a small change but one that can have a massive difference long term
and doing some form of exercise daily too, even if it's a little walk or up and down the stairs a few times! X
My piece of advice is to eat real foods (cut down on convenience foods and snacks) eat good type of fats (more filling and nutritious than other types of foods) and to avoid eating lots of white carbohydrates. When you eat carbs, it forces your body to release insulin to break the glucose down. Now insulin is actually a large storage hormone, so when you eat carbs to excess it forces your body to store the large instead of use it for energy, hense people putting on weight or struggling to lose weight. This is why the low carb diet tend to work well as they force your body to burn the large that's already stored, as insulin isn't released. Low carb diets are hard to stick to long term, so I would recommend having one meal a day with no carbs and not snacking in-between meals. It's a small change but one that can have a massive difference long term
and doing some form of exercise daily too, even if it's a little walk or up and down the stairs a few times! X