hoping to lose weight

[sarah2121]

hi everyone my name is sarah hoping to lose weight for the summer. i weigh 17 stone and i am 5 foot 5. have you any ideas to stop craving .

[Hidden]

Hi Sarah! 

We're in the same boat.  I started a few weeks ago an weigh just over 17 stone, also your height.  

I would say it depends what you're craving really?  Personally I craved sugary foods and have found that eating regularly and increasing the amount of starchy foods in my diet have helped this.  Also gradually eating larger meals and less snacks.  I used to try to eat small and low carb meals as I thought it would make me lose weight.  I now realise, a few weeks in, that if at least a third of each of my meals are starches and I eat enough, then I don't crave/snack in between meals much anymore.  I now try to eat 3 x 500 calorie meals and occasionally an afternoon snack if I get hungry.  

Hope this helps somewhat!

Natalie

[sarah2121 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Natalie, for the advice. I'm gonna try that and I haven't got my kids this weekend so trying to motivate myself to go to gym or swimming. I didn't realise how big I was getting until my clothes didn't fit. Also I've got a wedding to go to in Aug. How r u getting on are u starting to lose weight?

Thanks for the advice sarah

[Cockneyblue Restart Jan 2024]

Same weight here too, seems like a long way away doesn't it but I've looked at Natz994 has written and it makes sense to me. 

We can do this even 1-2lb a week is good, I'd be pleased with that.

Good luck it a wonderful feeling even losing a little and feeling fitter.

[sarah2121 in reply to Cockneyblue]

Thanks I haven't lost weight for ages and your right when you lose a 1/2lb a week it makes you feel good. I'm trying to motivate myself to go to the gym lol

Thanks for the advice sarah

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to the Weight Loss NHS community forum.  I think that Hidden  has given you such an excellent response to your question about cravings.  

I'd like to give you a link to our Welcome Newbie post - which moreless  has put together:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Maybe Cockneyblue  might also like to take a look - welcom to you too Cockneyblue!  

It's a friendly and supportive community here, and there are several Challenges going on as well as a Recipe Collation in the Pinned Posts area (look at the top right-hand-side of the homepage) and also there is a weekly weigh-in on Mondays - see the Events section for details of that.  You'd be very welcome to join us if you like the idea of a weigh-in.  But people do also do their own separate weigh-ins as well, depending on their preference, so just do what works best for you.  You might not fancy a weigh-in at all - that is fine too!  

Hope you have a great weekend and wishing you success with your goals.

Lowcal

[Cockneyblue Restart Jan 2024 in reply to Zest]

Thank you Lowcal I'm doing the NHS 12 week am on week 6, I've lost 8lb so far but do fall off the wagon. I read this forum every day and I have to admit but for this I would have given up by now. The people on here are so helpful and I never feel I'm struggling on my own.

Thank you

[Zest Healthy BMI in reply to Cockneyblue]

Congratulations on losing 8 pounds already - you're almost half-way through the 12 week plan - that's really great!  Glad you're finding the forum helpful.  Have a lovely weekend.

Lowcal

[dish70]

Hello, I have found eating more protein at meal times and less carbs has worked for me and  eating at mealtimes with one treat snack of 100 cals , I quite often don't have the snack but allow for it so if im having a wobble day  I can have the treat without hating myself. I found greek yoghurt a good choice for breakfast with nuts and fruit keeps me full till lunch .and cut out bread on weekdays.

[sarah2121 in reply to dish70]

Thanks for your reply, I'm gonna go to the gym tomorrow I haven't done any exercise for weeks so with your advice and some from others it helps motivate me to want to lose weight and eat healthy. 

Thanks sarah

[kantara71]

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to the forum.

I found that starting, and sticking to the nhs 12 week plan is a great way to make sure you are getting enough calories and nutrients to stop your cravings. Make sure you eat enough at meal times and drink plenty of water too.

As you go through these changes you will be able to work out what suits you best.

Keep a food diary and weigh everything and record all that you consume, including drinks and any little treats. Check portion sizes too, as most people over estimate portion sizes by 50%

Good luck, I have now been on the plan for 13 weeks and have lost 34lbs with another 20lbs to go to reach my target of 14stones. I never thought I could get to within touching distance of 14st when I started but I have kept focused and have the members of this forum to thank in keeping me motivated and to give great advice along the way.

You are not alone so come along and enjoy the ride John

[sarah2121 in reply to kantara71]

Thanks John it sounds like good advice

[Seuzan]

I think managing the craving /desire to eat is the main challenge of weight loss. I try not to go into battle with it but try to satisfy it with either a low calorie jelly (9 cals) or by eating something healthy that takes me a while to eat like an apple or carrot. I also use sugar free sweets as they help to satisfy the desire for something sweet. Making a drink (herbal teas or sugar free cordial) also helps. Good luck!!! If you discover any other good ways let us know!

[sarah2121 in reply to Seuzan]

Thanks seuzan 

I m just starting so it's seems a bit hard at first to lose weight, but I'll keep trying and thanks for the advice.

Thanks sarah