Newbie needing reassurance...

[Jessanaut]

Hi everyone

I'm hoping to lose a stone before my holiday in April. Been trying to lose weight for a while but never made much commitment to it. I've recently been going to a slimming group, and although I have lost half a stone, the use of sweetners (which I've been advised to limit) and the "umlimted portions" don't sit well with me.

I hoping that by planning what I eat, paying attention to the calories I'm consuming and becoming a little more active, I should be able to lose weight without resorting to missing out on my favourite foods (in moderation 😉).

I've found there is so much conflicting advice and so many different diets out there that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start but this seemed a sensible option.

Can I ask how well this diet works? Are you happy with your progress?

Many thanks

[suzybenj]

check out the nhs weigh loss website - it offers lots of advice- and i have found the healthy eating plate a good visual of what to eat in what proportions.

Read through some posts here - check out Tailsmo posted a few days ago- 12 weeks and the progress she has made- 32 pounds lost.

Look at Hidden post today....

There will be something that catches your interest and feels 'you'.

Good luck

[MummyPhus]

There's a great app (they also have a website) called MyFitnessPal - you can input foods (there is a barcode reader) and weight of that food consumed and it works out the calories. It also works out a recommended daily calorie intake based on your height, weight, activity level and weight loss goal. It's REALLY good! Not least because if you're being honest with yourself, it does make you stop and think "do I really want to consume this?". It takes the faff out of calorie counting IMO.

Walking is a great way to get started with exercise, as long as you walk fast enough to get your heart rate up.

Good luck

[WinWeight]

I don't count my calories. But I found the NHS 12 week very helpful. I loose 1-2 pounds every week. But I am more active and I feel way better than with my previous plan. I use all the activity, other guidelines and advice of NHS choices.

[jopo]

Such sound advice above.

I try to keep a food diary it helps me.

Keep posting here, it will most definitely help.

Jopo xx

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome Jessanaut

Go to the Pinned Posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile) and take a look at the Welcome Newbie thread. If you have any questions, look at the Topics below, to see if they'll help you out, or ask on the forum. Join any, or all of our challenges

We run daily weigh-in sessions and you would be very welcome to join, on any day, except Sunday. The thread can be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page, bottom if using a mobile.

Many people have had great success with the 12 week plan, so here's hoping that you do too. Don't forget to take initial measurements and photos, as it's a great way of seeing just how far you've come, especially when the scales aren't co-operating fully

Wishing you all the very best with your weight loss journey

[MadBMad]

I am new to this game so I am going to stick with the calorie count plan and see how that goes.

[Jessanaut]

Thanks to all for the comments and advice, feel quite enthusiastic and am going to plan my meals for the next so I don't make lazy choices. Good luck to everyone else too!