What’s the best diet?

[Megg97]

Hey, I’m new to this and I’m a bit lost. Don’t know where to start with dieting or what exercises I should be doing. I have been researching but there is so much out there. Really unhappy with what I see in the mirror and looking for some advice!

Thankyou

[Weeble2]

I’m trying a Mediterranean diet, and couch to 5k.

[Megg97 in reply to Weeble2]

Thank you for your reply. Is the Mediterranean diet working for you?

[Weeble2 in reply to Megg97]

I’ve only just started, but in most diet comparison TV programmes it is considered the healthiest and most sustainable method of healthy eating. I’ve done crash diets, lose loads, feel ill, and load it all back on again (plus extra).

Fur me it’s a lifestyle change, versus ‘diet’. Eg nothing off limits, but treats in moderation ... if that makes sense.

[Diane2]

Hello Megg97 and welcome to this Forum!

You have come to the right place for support and guidance. Our focus here is on good healthy food choices rather than diets and we offer peer to peer support, we are all on weight-loss journeys. Many members follow the NHS 12 week plan to start with, others calorie count, others follow a Low Carb High Fat approach and some parts of all. Members choose what suits them and their circumstances but paying greater attention to what we eat is key, eating less or no processed foods, avoiding sugary foods and boosting use of vegetables

You will find out recipe and exercise ideas as you explore our site and to help with that please look at the link I am adding for you.

This link takes you to our Pinned Posts section in which you will find a Welcome message and guide to our site plus links to other groups on here

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

.....it can take a bit to master finding one's way so please read the material carefully. There are other links within the Welcome message which show picture guides, info on privacy, FAQs page etc

Please note, don't use the HU App, it is much easier to use the website!

There's a lot there but it's worth taking your time to read, honest!

We recommend that members join a Weekly Weigh-In, on the day of your choice, and also use the Daily Diary, where members share their meal plans and get useful feedback. They are found under Pinned Posts (go back to the link I gave you above)

A special feature of our Forum is the degree of support between members which you will experience (and add to yourself !) as you join in and chat with others.

All the best on your weight-loss journey ! 😊

[wa2un7 Maintainer]

I used simple calorie counting after identifying what range of calories would help me lose weight. It worked for me as long as I recorded everything that passed my lips. It never produced dramatic weekly losses but I wanted it to be slow and steady as I felt that the weight would be be more likely to stay off. I’m now in my third year of maintenance. However you’ll find lots of different ideas here. You just have to find which method suits you. Good luck.😊

[Megg97 in reply to wa2un7]

Thank you! I have started to record what I am eating and trying to cut back on unhealthy foods. What do you use for snacks or did you cut them out? Seen a lot of people that only eat three meals but I prefer to eat smaller amounts more often 😬

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Megg97]

There are reasons why people aim for not eating between meals. There's a good explanation here about the problem with "snacks", both for weight loss and other health factors dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

Here's an extract: "They say snacking makes us even more hungry; it also interferes with the body's ability to burn fat, leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as tooth decay."

[wa2un7 Maintainer in reply to Megg97]

I speak only for myself here. Others would disagree. I always reserved 100-200 calories for little sweet treats. I admit I also snacked but counted every one. Doing that meant I never felt deprived.😊

[Megg97 in reply to wa2un7]

Thank you

[Craftyperson]

Hi and welcome a good place to start is the 12 week NHS plan it introduces you to exercise too. If you do do it and calorie count make sure you calculate your own allowance on NHS BMI calculator and don't just use the generic amount. If you eat towards top end of it then you have wiggle room as loosing and or if stay same. Joining in a weigh day will get you plenty of support too.

Some people like the LCHF diet but that might be best further down line. Good luck.

[KT2345]

I follow the 12 week nhs plan currently and log my food on fitness pal app to count calories. This is good for me as my bad habit was mostly snacking which you can easily forget you’ve eaten and end up putting weight on so easily.

My own experience with exercise is not to start too much too soon. I find when I change my eating habits it can make me tireder than normal for a while and get headaches etc so doing some mad exercise ends up being too much and I give up quicker.

Maybe some yoga? Adrienne on you tube is great. It feels like you’re not doing that much while you’re doing it but you can tell afterwards that it’s helping to stretch your muscles out. Then maybe start exercise after a week or two. Just a tip anyway. Good luck to you. The forum on here is really supportive and the weekly weigh in gives you something to focus on.

[Megg97 in reply to KT2345]

Thank you this is really helpful