Enjoying this new lifestyle choice malarkey...

[Gin-Tonic]

So as day 3 comes to an end I realise just how much I am actually enjoying this new lifestyle choice malarkey ( I'm deliberately not calling it a diet)

After using a certain big brand dieting plan in the past, the weight would always fall off, but NEVER stay off! Never mind "Slimmer of the Week" awards, they should have given away branded Yo-Yo's

However... the penny has finally fallen! And the answer is fairly simple: I need to count calories whilst controlling my portions. I'm actually using a smaller plate! ...Now why hadn't I thought of that before ?

I used to believe that as long as my plate is crammed full of superfoods, whole grains and enough fruit and veg to decimate the greengrocers shop window that I was being "Good" & "Healthy"

When I'd load up my plate with "Good" things I didnt seem to realize that those weren't “free” calories. No matter how healthy the food was for me, those calories still added up!

So I am now counting calories using an app called Noom Coach and I am flabagasted! No wonder the weight flew back on! I was nigh on eating for two.

So, for me, not so many changes to my menus...but rather "normal sized " portions.

And in true Blue Peter style, here's ONE I prepared earlier; Harrisa Lamb Steak Kebab in a wholewheat pitta with 0% Greek yoghurt, fresh chillies and coriander with a mixed salad....before, I would have easily polished off TWO of these and still had room for a pudding, or two

[albinohedgehog]

Yum! you make great looking food, im sure it tastes great too.

Normal sized portions is def a good idea i think. Not 'diet' size or over sized, but just right. Goldilocks portions lol.

Great you are enjoying your new lifestyle, well done.

☺

[Gin-Tonic in reply to albinohedgehog]

Lovin' the "Goldilock's Portions" idea

[Itsbab]

Well done!👍😊 and you are right this isn't a diet but a new healthy lifestyle we have moved onto.

I did the weight loss groups too and whilst they work for some as soon as I missed a couple of weeks the weight came back on again. The only thing I lost for good was £1's ( in money lol)

[Gin-Tonic in reply to Itsbab]

So true about the pounds we lost

And I must say, that's a mighty impressive 3 stone badge you have there: Well done you

[Itsbab in reply to Gin-Tonic]

Thank you, it's taken since May 19th so just over 5months to get this far but still have more to go as I want to loose 41/2 stone first. Hope you are still finding it ok on your first week⭐️ be nice to see what your first weeks loss brings you hope it's a good one👍😊

[Piper1200]

That certainly looks rather delicious. I am alway looking to try new low calorie ideas, as like you I have recently discovered that even foods I thought were healthy could still be loaded with calories. Smaller plate is a good idea, I shall be trying that tomorrow, thanks!

[Gin-Tonic in reply to Piper1200]

Why thank you most kindly; I adore cooking ...and food...a little too much

The small plate is really working for me, so much so that I might treat myself to some really beautiful new small plates to enjoy my smaller portions on.

[Ruby8]

That looks delish!

Great that you are feeling good about your lifestyle changes! It is enjoyable when you get into it, plus you can feel pleased that you are taking good care of your health.

[Gin-Tonic in reply to Ruby8]

I'm simply grinning like a Cheshire Cat at the moment

And you're quite right, this is about so much more than how I look, It's about my long term health, which is so more important.