i am going to

[rozia]

drop 3 stone this year, i would love some tips and motivation please.

[rozia]

Also has anyone tried the zumba fit on wii, whats it like?

[boxtops]

First - aim small. Half a stone a month is a realistic target - if you lose more than 2 lbs per week, you won't keep it off. If you tick off small targets, you'll find it achievable, but you do have to strict, and don't beat yourself up if you fall off the diet every now and again.

There is an Onwards and Downwards thread in the weight loss topic under the Body and Soul topic - have a look there, it's very supportive!

[maggiebee]

Bought the zumba fit for my grandaughter. She's brilliant at it, great co-ordination but then she's just 7. Still jealous though, I'm an old stiffie.

[grasscarp]

I went to a 5 day boot camp in October in Lancashire. Lost half a stone and amazingly kept it off. They gave plenty of tips, recipes, exercises etc. Would recommend something like this if you have the time and finances to do it. Mine was not that expensive as the first year of the particular location.

[boxtops]

Here's the December one http://www.theanswerb.../Question1081200.html

[owdhamer]

keep repeating your last tesco bill

[Eve]

Joining a programme like Weightwatchers could give you tips and motivation throughout.

3 stone is a big target - maybe smaller goals over smaller time periods might give you a more life adapting way of changing your lifestyle (food, exercise, the way you think about food etc...) for better changes generally rather than, as can happen with large targets which can lead to more drastic changes which are often more likely not to last.

Programmes like though are good for learning about all kinds of issues relating to weightloss and being healthier generally.

[Eve]

Find something active you enjoy doing too, it doesn't have to mean the gym, could be dancing, walking, ice skating, all sorts of things. Maybe do taster classes, try something new and see how you find it. The more you enjoy it the more likely you are to keep doing it.

[VHG]

As has been said, dont look for a quick weight loss.

It can take years to put on weight so dont think you can lose it quickly. Think about it in long term rather than losing it in a few week or months.

Also remember that we are ALL on diets, just some of us are on bad ones (ie we eat the wrong food).

So dont talk about "going on a diet" talk about "changing your diet".

Change your diet for the long term (or for the rest of your life) not just to lose the weight.

Cut out "obvious" bad things - chips, creamy curries, fried food, crisps, pork pies, sausage rolls, biscuits, cakes etc - anything high in fat or with pastry. Dont even have them in the house.

Many "packaged" items in supermakets like biscuits or pre cooked meals are often high in fat and suger and made with cheap fats so steer clear of them.

Have plenty of fruit and vegetables in the house. If hungry chew on a carrot or have an apple.

Do some moderate exercise. Dont go mad and join a gym, you wont keep it up. Just walk round the block each day, maybe walking further and further as you get fitter.

It CAN be done, but dont expect to lose 5 or 6 pounds a week, if you lose 1 pound a week, but every week, then eventually the weight will come off.

And dont get depressed if one week you dont lose any weight. As long as you stick to the "right" diet the weight will come off.

[Eve]

Buy a tape measure too to show you are losing inches as well as weight - good for when weightloss slows down after an initial burst and levels a bit.

I find simpler things can be easier sometimes too. Rather than trying to look at different numbers and values on labels I found when going on a low fat diet as I have recently with gallstones that it's been quite a revelation just checking the fat content in things and I've been quite horrified by some, especially things like ready meals (even the "lighter" versions) and things like cheese.

Even without the medical side of it for me it puts me off food when I think how much fat is in things. Your body needs some but it has helped me make much better choices and sure it will even after the gallstones are sorted.

My guide was 3g fat which is low but just having a wander around a small supermarket checking fat content of things was a pretty big shock!

[Bambiagain]

Only you can decide whether to join Weightwatchers or one of the other clubs - if you need other people to motivate you, then it helps. But the only person who can really make you lose weight is you. Dieting is about psychology as much as anything else. Having the determination is the best and only way you can do it. As other people say, don't try to lose too much weight at once. But (as I have discovered over the years) don't cut out everything you enjoy, because that way leads to failure when you become desparate! I lost about 3 stone several years ago after many years of trying and failing. I did it by giving myself one day in the week when I could eat what I wanted (ok, without going totally mad). I found that easier than allowing one treat a day, for example, as after one treat I always want another. If you really have a bad week and either don't lose weight or put some back on, don't despair. It's only a small set-back. And if you find yourself in a shop looking at a chocolate bar, pck of biscuits, crisps, whatever your poison happens to be, then stop. Think about it. Do I really want to eat it? How will I feel if I do? And if the answer is yes, you do really want it, then buy the smallest possible size.

When the clothes start feeling too loose, then it's a great feeling!

Good luck. I hope you reach your goal.

[craft1948]

I got rid of 14 stone of useless fat in 1975...........

[auntiebertie]

Have you heard of Pig to Twig? Essentially no carbs but written in a really sensible way by two large ladies.......Google it - you buy a little book which gives you motivation and receipes and there is also another receipe book. Offficial name is 'idiot proof diet' I lost 1 1/2 stone last year before my wedding.