Counting Calories

[echokilo]

After trying various diet methods, I have now settled on counting calories and taking more exercise as the way forward as it seems to work ..... what success have other people out there had with this? How much were you planning to lose and how long did it take? Were there any pitfalls?

[Naomicorlett]

The only drawback I found was ,by writing every thing down ,I became slightly fixated on food. Having said that I lost 20lbs over 4 months and have mostly kept it off. Remember if calories taken in are less than calories expended then weight loss will happen. Good food + good exercise = weight loss. Simple maths.

[echokilo]

Thanks Naomi ... well done you .... I have lost about 16lb in the first 5 weeks or so, which seems quick but U have dramatically increased my exercise (from zero to lots!!) so I am happy with it being quicker than usual.

[Naomicorlett]

I do pilates twice a week as well. Not so good at pounding away in gym but try to get to a cardio class once a week. Now the mornings are lighter I will get OH to drop me off on his way to work and walk the 5 miles home ( along the coast ) can be home by 9 ready to start MIL duty. Hey ho keeps me sane (ish). Am trying power plate at weekend to see what that is like.

[squidgster]

I never really contemplated going on any particular diet when I finally decided to get off my bum and lose weight. I knew that I wouldn't be able to stick to anything too strict, and as I enjoy food, I didn't want to have to cut anything out altogether. So.....I just made a big effort to eat what I considered to be reasonably healthy, cut down on portion sizes a bit, and the biggest change for me - do some proper, regular exercise. The weight loss was slow (averaged 1-2lb per week, which I was more than happy with), but it did work and I lost 9st over 2 years. I've just reached the point where it's become blimmin' difficult to keep losing! I have a normal bmi now though, so that'll do me :o)

With a little determination I found it surprisingly easy to stick to the health-eating and exercise, so didn't really have any problems along the way. I know it's not that easy for everyone as people have different issues (particularly with food), but whether you have a little or a lot to lose, I am a firm believer that a change to a healthier lifestyle can work well!

[echokilo]

Squidgster!!! 9 Stone!!!! Here's be getting excited over a few pounds!! What a fantastic achievement .... I have SUCH a long way to go!! Well done you!

[NoMercy]

2 meals per day usually works for me. Carbs mid morning and protein and veg in the evening.

We shouldn't eat carbs and protein at the same time (apparently) as one requires acid, the other alkaline to metabolise them, and our bodies cannot produce two different digestive enzymes at the same time. Consequently, a lot of the carbs get stored as surplus.

[echokilo]

Thanks for all your replies - really interesting.