where to start?

[Tess-minoz]

hi everyone,

so i want to loose weight and start a diet and start exercising as well.

but i just don't know where to start...

[GoogleMe]

The NHS Weight Loss programme is a good place to start - although if you are really looking to start a 'diet' (ie more of a hobby/self-flagellation than a route to being healthier long term) it may not be for you.

[gingernut49]

You certainly don't need to join any of the slimming clubs to lose weight: they just want your money. I lost the three stone I needed to on the 5:2 Diet after watching Michael Mosley's excellent Horizon programme in 2012, "Eat, Fast and Live Longer" (vimeo.com/54089463) and went from a size 16 to a size 10 by eating 500 calories two non-consecutive days a week. I've been maintaining my weight loss since May by just fasting one day a week - in the past I piled the weight back on as soon as I finished 'dieting'.

I'd heartily recommend you read Kate Harrison's book, "The 5:2 Diet" (tinyurl.com/qe6mz4u) - it really does work and it will save you a fortune (towards your smaller clothes!).

As far as exercising is concerned, the NHS Couch to 5K programme is fantastic. I'm 63 and started running for the first time since hating it at school in January this year using the C25K podcasts. All you need to start are some trainers, an mp3 player (I use my phone) and headphones that don't fall out. Download the free podcasts on nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/... and away you go!

[Hidden]

Lost my weight by calorie counting using Nutracheck and exercising - it changed my life. Good luck!

[imswan]

I've got the exact same goal but I've been struggling with the dieting part, however, I've been incredibly successful with the C25K podcasts and have just completed week 5 of the 9 week programme. I've found that as I've got into the running I've become fitter and dropped a few pounds too so now I'm more able to make healthier choices. I use the NHS weight loss programme log-sheets to keep an eye on my intake, and, surprisingly, without consciously dieting my weekly calorie intake has decreased week by week.

Personally, I need the exercise to make me believe that the diet is worthwhile

Good luck!

[Hidden]

Avoid the word diet..think healthy eating....find like minded people....cut down on low fat margarine, oils for frying, grill instead or use a light spray.....eat fresh food, fish, veg etc

Join a club if it works for you.....if you only have a few pounds to lose. If, like me you need a weekly meeting to give you support and you can afford it....join a local group. I've lost 2 stone and more importantly kept it off longer than when I've tried before.

Best of luck....