Not counting calories

[Amynah]

Hi to everyone and season greetings to all, I have been on NHS weight loss app for 5 months and managed to reach my BMI weight and loose stubborn weight around the waist. But I am tired of counting calories. But I am scared of putting on weight if I don't count calories. What can I do not to put on weight and eat normally. And not count calories. Thanks for your help.

[TheAwfulToad]

That right there is the biggest problem with counting calories. You will never be able to "eat normally", because "eating normally" is what made you fat in the first place.

What you need to do is establish a new definition of "normal". Since your diet has worked so far, you're probably not too far off the mark. Two things you need to recognise:

- Human appetites work just fine, if you let them.

- Getting fat is not caused by eating too much, but by eating too many of the wrong things and too few of the right things.

In other words, it's possible to eat-to-appetite, as long as you avoid things that push your metabolism towards gaining fat mass. Broadly speaking that means:

- Start by filling up your plate with vegetables.

- Add meat, eggs, or dairy products according to taste.

- Avoid all low-fat foods, and don't be afraid of cheese, cream, etc. Use butter, olive oil or meat fat in your vegetable recipes.

- Avoid basing every meal around bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and the like.

If you do this you will be able to eat adult-sized, satisfying meals, and the flab will stay gone. You might see a small amount of weight gain (half a kilo or so) as your body starts to understand that it's no longer deprived and can start putting back some muscle mass. But this will quickly stabilize out.

[Amynah in reply to TheAwfulToad]

Thanks a lot I will keep your suggestions in mind.

[Zest]

Hi Amynah

Season's Greetings to you! Also, many Congratulations on achieving your weight loss. Hopefully you'll be able to continue with your existing meals that you've been having - and just see how things to on the weight side of things - you probably don't need to count calories anymore, as you've most likely achieved a good balance and can go forward with greater confidence as time goes on.

Let us know how you get on.

Zest

[Amynah in reply to Zest]

Thanks, I will

[Hidden]

Hi Amynah I don’t count calories so can’t help there but I will tell you that we will cheer you on in losing weight. Healthy eating with adequate exercise is a magic combination for good health as the better nourished we are the easier we can she’s pounds. Because many over weight people have such poor diets they are over fed and undernourished so your choices are very important and I personally chooses a whole food diet.Merry Christmas 🤶to you and good luck losing weight you’re in great company with us.

Jerry. 🎄😊

[Amynah in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, you are right about eating healthy and choosing the right foods. Will keep you all posted