motivation/lifestyle problems

[GabiLeRoux]

So I'm new to this, I'm really keen on losing weight as I hate my body shape, can't wear nice things & I won't buy new clothes. Over the past 3 years I've gone from being overweight, to anorexic, to big (very nearly overweight) again. I would like to find a healthy balance that allows me to stay fit & slim whilst not obsessing over diet, calories & exercise. My main issues now come from over-eating, big portions, and having miserable un-active days.

I don't really want a to go on a diet that focuses on calorie counting as my experience with it so far has been horrible & I've only really recently managed to stop compulsively calorie counting.

need help

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, GabiLeRoux

We normally direct people to the NHS 12 week plan, but if you don't want to count calories, then it's not really for you! I would suggest going for low carb, as you naturally tend to eat less anyway, but there are other plans, such as the 5:2, which has little counting, or the British Heart Foundation portion control.

We're really pleased that you've chosen to join us today and would be interested to know how you found out about Health Unlocked and this forum.

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

We run daily weigh-in's and you'd be very welcome to join us. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the HOME page, bottom on a mobile.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too.

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[becks0904]

Hey Gabi

Calorie counting can be pretty soul destroying! We had sausages and mash the other night for dinner, and I was shocked at how little mash I could have for the calories allowed - I would usually have had around double!! BUT I know that portion size is a huge part of my problem, so having smaller servings is the way to go for me.

If you're not wanting to calorie count, why don't you create a list of "safe foods"? I know on WW and SW they have lists of certain points / syn free foods which you can have without needing to weigh or count. Mostly fruits and veggies, but you could extend it slightly to tailor to your daily needs, by including portions of dairy / protein / fat as needed.

That way you know you're only eating good stuff without needing to constantly monitor how much. Just an idea! Good luck with your weight loss

[DRS54]

Hi, and welcome. There is a cynical German response to most dieters that goes "just eat half of what you normally eat" - obviously in German and less polite in its phrasing. Now, if you don't want to count calories, you could just try and look at your normal portions and see whether halving these is feasible. Otherwise, I guess, a pre-packed dieting regime may work, but they tend to be quite expensive and get boring quite quickly. Best of luck, just try and find out what works for you! After all, sticking to whatever it is is the real battle. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Hi, welcome. I too have been in the same position as you Over the years going down to 7 stone up to 12 and have come to the conclusion its a complete lifestyle change and to put out of our head the word diet. I'm now on my way back down following a healthy eating plan and exercise and think finally i just may have got my head round the problem. Good luck and i hope you too can achieve what you want in life .