Let's lose a bit of weight

[smallblueplanet]

I'm always wary of trying to go on a diet (past experiences/issues with eating disorders), however, I'd like to lose at least a stone.

My issue is always portion size! The meal can be as healthy as anything, but if you eat enough for 2 people, it's not good!

Since we make almost every single thing we eat from scratch (no packets, jars etc), my mission is to eat proper portion sizes of things. I've started weighing out pasta etc and was shocked and horrified at how much we usually eat, compared to how much the recommended portion size is!

I'm totally with you on this one OWG. Last year I lost nearly 2 stone just by eating less (like you checking a single portion) and drinking less. For me there is no point in believeing I will chnage my eating habits nor do I want to as they are relatively healthy - we eat very little processed food and assiduously watch our salt intake (as well as being bad for you sodium retains water in the body and you are therefore heavier. If you're fat you feel the need to eat more, etc...).

Stick with the portion size and eating sensibly OWG.

[Jeanied]

Watching a proggie last night it is all about our leptin and the receptors in our hypothalamus. * glazes over rapidly.
What to do? Eat less, exercise more.

[Two_Sheds]

Just had mince pie with my mum.

I'd have one, but throw some or all of the pastry away to the birds. It's just fat and sugar

[BarleySugar]

I think being cold and snowy doesn't help the mindset. I'm sure there must be some evolutionary charecteristic that makes you want to eat more when it's cold, and for it to be calorie dense food at that. It would makes sense, but I'm not bothered enough to find research to prove or disprove it. I have found I feel the cold more this winter anyway, I suppose losing 2 stone of 'insulation' must make a difference.

Yesterday my saviour was a big pan of spicy pumpkin soup, 0 points for WW out there. Everytime I felt like snacking I had a cup of hot soup. It was thin enough to drink, but thick enough to be satisfying. I've just made another batch, not as chilli hot as last time because OH complained. ( even more for me). Sadly son No2 wants a pumpkin pie from the rest. I won't be trying it, the recipie calls for 10fl oz cream

Fatless Sugarless Cake.

I've just made this, it's been a firm favourite with my family since the original recipie was given to me by my mum. I think it originated from wartime when butter and sugar were in short supply. There are probably plenty of similar recipies out there, but this is our tried and tested one.

[Glutton4...]

... would makes sense, but I'm not bothered enough to find research to prove or disprove it. I have found I feel the cold more this winter anyway, I suppose losing 2 stone of 'insulation' must make a difference ...

I read somewhere that we can mistake 'I'm thirsty' signals for 'I'm hungry' so we eat, when we should drink - and I know I'm guilty of that, which is why I get dehydrated sometimes. I love your 'not bothered' comment though, that is sooo me!

When I went on the Atkins and lost a couple of stone, I was freezing all winter - and I'm usually a hot-body, so the insulation theory is accurate, I reckon.

[jojo2910]

I'm with you all. I lost 2.5 stone on Slimming World 2 years ago, kept it off for a year but have put it all back on since meeting the OH. We both have weight to lose for the wedding later in the year, at least 1.5 stone for me and at least the same for him.

We're doing it on our own, though I was tempted to join SW again, its the cost that puts me off mostly. We're buying an exercise bike to cycle whilst watching TV and hoping that will help.

I've lost 4lb in the last week, fingers cross I can keep it up. Good luck everyone.

[binley100]

For all those who need incentives:-

http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/...shion-fail.jpg

[Marthaclematis]

I would like to loose about 2stone. I have a healthy diet generally and last year joined a gym. Sadly I got real lazy when the dark nights came and have lapsed somewhat. Also, over Christmas I drank more than usual - and added Baileys to the mix which is very high in calories
So, yes please, I would love to join in. I agree with whoever said that there is no point in going on a 'slimming diet'. You have to change your way of eating - otherwise once you stop the 'diet' you will go back to the way you used to eat and undo all your good work.
I find it particularly hard because my diet IS very healthy - I get much more than my 'five a day' and eat 'clean', by which I mean the amount of processed foods I have are at a minimum (I count tinned kidney beans as processed). I don't eat cakes or biscuits. My downfall is olive oil (42calories a teaspoon), wholemeal bread (we make our own) and the dreaded red wine.... I've had two bottles over the weekend, mmmm.. maybe my diet isn't as healthy as I think, but there's no way I could be tea total. Anyway I have pledged that as soon as MIL is out of hospital I'll be back at the gym after work (at the moment its hospital every night). I am going to drink ONLY at weekends and I am going to continue to write down everything I eat. I have also joined an online resource Weight Loss Resources - this site adds up your calories for you, tells you what proportion of fat/fibre/fruit and veg you're eating etc..... you can also enter your own recipies and it works out the calories and other proportions for you. There is a free 24hr trial after which you have to pay but its cheaper than those other Clubs.

I have been very good today - smoothie (homemade of course), cereal and toast and then two different homemade soups for lunch and dinner. I have a lot of paying back to do for the wine I had.

Good luck everyone.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Has anyone tried the Special K 2 week diet? I know its not healthy eating (Ive got a degree in eating properly). I just wondered......................

[Marthaclematis]

No, I haven't tried it but I'm sure its fairly healthy (short-term) and a person would deffinately loose weight because it restricts your calories. Good for loosing a few pounds to squeeze into a pair of trousers for a special occasion. BUT.. not for the long term, not for life. To maintain a healthy and steady weight you have to eat healthily ALL THE TIME, and excersize to keep fit and to be supple. Some people - like my sister (who is 67 and swims 30 lenghts every day, does yoga etc and is fit as a fiddle) find it easier than others... i.e Me!
Its the only way though, there are no short and easy fixes.

[annacruachan]

Joining you all too. Is anyone else doing Atkins? This usually works well for me as I love fat of all kinds, but five days in and it's getting a bit slow. I have 2st to lose so it's the long haul for me!

[janeyo]

I'm doing ok today

I don't do atkins as being a veggie who doesn't eat eggs very often there would be nothing left to eat lol. OH lost a stone on it a few years back but stank!

[Glutton4...]

Joining you all too. Is anyone else doing Atkins? This usually works well for me as I love fat of all kinds, but five days in and it's getting a bit slow. I have 2st to lose so it's the long haul for me!

Yes, I'm planning on going the Atkins route, as it's worked for me in the past. Just trying to rid the cupboards of all the stuff I shouldn't have, as my willpower is not very strong

[smallblueplanet]

Yes, I'm planning on going the Atkins route, as it's worked for me in the past. Just trying to rid the cupboards of all the stuff I shouldn't have, as my willpower is not very strong

Errr, shouldn't this tell you something? A diet isn't something you should do every six months...

[OverWyreGrower]

I haven't done too bad so far. Have been weighing out pasta portions etc and being strict about it!

Made some chicken and sweetcorn soup for this week's lunch, and am planning on some spicy squash soup too.

Am struggling this afternoon with wanting chocolate though. Don't know whether I should go and get a small bar, or try and ignore the urge completely!