Last year I started the 12 week NHS diet, lost half a stone in a month but then moved in with my partner and all my bad habits slowly crept back as did my weight, in fact I sadly now weigh more than I did when I started the first time. This week after getting tired and fed up of none of clothes fitting me properly I have started back on it. I don't want to loose lots of weight quickly I want to slowly change all my habits and make healthy eating and exercising a habit not a diet. I have cut out sugary drinks and snacks and started drinking more water and also I pile my plate to high so I have cut down portion sizes. My biggest problem is I am not a huge fan of veg - it is my least favorite part of a meal and I really don't like the texture of fruit (and homemade smoothies aren't a quick option) and I love pasta, bread etc! I have read lots of you are cutting out carbs. Can I cut down on them (eg wholemeal pasta) or ideally should I cut them out completely which if I am being honest I know I will struggle with. It's finding that balance of making it achievable for myself but also not convincing myself I am doing my best when I should be doing more.
If anyone has any ideas, suggestions please pass them my way!
Anyway apologies for the long post, looking through everyone's posts is really motivating me and hopefully will help keep me on track.
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kimbubbly86
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Welcome back to the group, life has a habit of getting in the way and its always our health we let suffer. I personally think moderation is key to everything, i havent cut foods out exactly just cut back dramatically on the bad stuff and eat more of the good stuff. I wasnt overly keen on lots of veg when i first started this, i now have a set few i love like onions, peppers, cucumber, etc but i do try to incorporate more like cauliflower can be blitzed down before cooking so its rice sized and is a great low cal side even works well with broccoli in it too. Its all about trial and error and finding what works for you, do you like soup? That could be a good way to up your veg intake, easy to make fresh yourself too. I wish you all the best
Thank you that's really encouraging. The cauliflower idea is great, going to try that one thank you. I do quite like soup, hadn't even thought of using it as a way of getting more veggies in me - might try making some for work to have for lunch. Thank you so much for your ideas x
Just to say I did the cauliflower thing and really liked it so thank you might have even contributed to my 4lb weight loss this week wahoo!!! Thanks again and keep up the good work x
If you like the cauliflower rice, perhaps try the courgette spaghetti too? Peel the courgettes, and then slice long thin strips. We use a veg peeler but you can buy a spiraliser than will do it for you. Steam them to have with bolognase sauce.
I often use frozen veges. Boiled them first (2 or 3 minutes) then if you fry yourself a steak, just add on the veges for a couple of seconds. It will be delicious.
I think if you downsize you meals, it will be a good start.
I have wholemeal pasta (small portion) with a zuchini and a tomato salsa once a week for lunch. That same day I will have a vege soup at night. Same with potatoes. One small one once or twice a week. Wholemeal bread : two slices a week. I have cruskit everyday the rest of the time. If you don't like veges or fruits, start slowly. Have just a bite one day, two bites the next day......
Good luck. By wanting to do something about it, you are half way there.
That's a relief, I thought you would all tell me to cut out carbs! What you have just said sounds completely achievable but much better than my old habits so thank you. I shall try your idea of just introducing an extra bite of fruit a day, it can't hurt! Thank you so much for your support x
I have just cut out all surgry drinks, junk food, take always, if you count calories you will be surprised what you can eat and still be healthy, and still not be hungry, most of all don't have to cut out carbs!
Reduce your carb portion size, it's no good cutting out carbs because once you Reach your target weight and start eating them again you will put weight back on. Fill your plate with veg, even if you only like 3 or 4 vegetables there better than carbs.
And overall recuduse your portion size, not all at once because you will be hungry, and pig out! (Well I do) over a week or two just have a little less every night. Before long you will reilise you can't eat as much as you used to. The ideal portion size is a microwave meal.
Thank you I think that's why I always end up putting weight back on, I deprive myself of a certain food then when I reach my goal I crave it so much I give in and there I am back again with a few extra inches!
Yes I have done it so many times. Cut out carbs, cut out sugar, cut out fat, it's all no good. If you cut out all the bad calories and watch what you eat with the right a mouth of exercise anyone can do it. You can eat anything you want (within moderation ie calories and sugar and fat) and still loose weight. I use my fitness pal app to count my calories, some days I go over but I still try to keep on track weekly.
Hey, and welcome back! Sounds like you know what you're doing! I think you answered your own question. If you try and cut stuff you love out completely then you won't be able to keep it up, if you can't go without pasta, maybe just have it once/twice a week? And limit your bread to one slice a day/every other day. Sticking to wholemeal stuff is also better. I've reduced carbs but I didnt eat bread anyway and I can take or leave pasta so wasn't much of a change for me! Has to be sustainable or you'll give up☺
Have you tried different ways of cooking veg? Boiled gets v boring. One of my faves is roasted veg, onion, peppers, sweet potato, baby corn, courgette, mushroom, just add a tablespoon of oil and some herbs, yummy! It also lasts I'm the fridge or freezes so could portion it. Could also throw a load of different veg (along with the meat) in a slow cooker with some stock and make a casserole type dish? Gives them all a bit more flavour and doesn't taste so strongly of the veg.
Best of luck and I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on 🌸
Thank you so Much Anna for your ideas and encouragement. I didn't realise roasted veg kept well in the fridge. That makes it much better for me as I work such long hours I don't always have much time - hence eating pasta a lot! I shall let you know how I get on
Welcome, I hope you find what you need in this community. You'll find many motivational posts here! Start by dowloading an app on your phone to keep track of calories (Fat Secret, My Fitness Pal...), it's a great aid! Good luck!
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