Advice please :) x

[Underactiveveganb12]

So, I'm largely following the NHS plan (starting at 1550 cals)

However, I'm having issues with counting calories of vegetables and its annoying me. Fruit too.

I've decided to count calories on everything except fruit and veg (for reference, its the 'speed' foods from SW I wont be counting) so still counting bananas and potatoes which are bit more calorie dense. (along with all other foods)

Just wanted some advice on what to drop the calorie counting limit to. I could do 1400 because in reality I wont be having more than 200 calories from these lower calories fruits and veg (lemons limes spinach to name a few) and by not counting f or v it makes it easier for me to follow

any thoughts appreciated, just trying to get to something I can run with

good luck to anyone weighing as well

thanks

x

[Underactiveveganb12]

I'm 5'3 11st9.5 at last WI. NHS range was about 1500-1900

[Hidden]

My advice would be to count them. Count and weigh them for a month at least. Then if you are having the same fruit and veg regularly you will learn by look and past recordings what the calories are and what portion size is almost right.

It may be a bit of a faff to start but in the long run you can teach yourself. If it's a long term lifestyle change as well doing this over a long period of time becomes normal.

Because i never weighed anything before i started this, what i thought was a normal portion of rice / pasta was probably 3 portions. Now i have learnt what is actually 1 portion and can do this by judgement because i weighed every time for a month and taught myself

[Underactiveveganb12 in reply to Hidden]

thank you for your reply. very helpful

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

I agree with Hidden , it's a bit of a business when you're starting off but you'll soon have a good idea of your regular foods. You can't really guestimate with any accuracy at this stage.

Most people use apps, some create spreadsheets which are both far more efficient than my notebook. Have a look around and find something that will work for you. Fruit and veg are food, so if calorie counting is your approach, you need to include them

[Underactiveveganb12]

Thanks for replying, I use MFP

[Tiggerr]

I think what you're doing makes sense. When I first started I used to weigh the life out of everything but not any more. As you've pointed out, you already have a good idea of the number of cals you're going to have.

[Hidden]

Hi you have been given lots of advice, please can I remind you to read this healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

I count them using Myfitnesspal as I can scan barcodes with it too...and its a free app. Don't forget you can minus exercise off it too but I still try and keep to my basic calories if I do a shortish 1 hour stroll . This app is a good guide to what is actually in the food you are eating and over time I have learnt to tweak my diet so I can have quality food such as homemade soups - filling and loaded with veg then have more cals left for a tasty but sensible evening meal .This site will also give you loads of recipes and advice . Taken seriously it really does work .

[elliebath Maintainer in reply to focused1]

MFP is over generous on its exercise calories so my advice would be that unless you do really high calorie burn exercise, don't "eat them back", just see exercise as a bonus for health and tone .

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg in reply to elliebath]

I thought that too . No way do I burn so many cals doing any class . I may have a low cal hot drink when I return after an evening class but I would definitely drive past the chip shop.

[elliebath Maintainer in reply to focused1]

That's good but still make sure you're eating enough, do eat the recommended calories for your personal Bmi. Eating too little will actually prevent a successful loss.

[Underactiveveganb12 in reply to elliebath]

I don't actually track exercise for this reason x

[Underactiveveganb12]

Thanks to you all. Decided to measure for the time being, and once Ive had four weeks of losses I'll review it.

I do use mfp- v helpful

[Hidden]

I must be a bit of a weirdo with too much time on my hands because I love weighing every little thing

[Silentninja]

There are some really good calorie calculators online that take into account your height, current weight, target weight and how active you are. Also I have an app on my Samsung phone that calculates calories when you type the food in. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I use Nutracheck (the same one as the NHS site but with a few extras). its a paid-for app but it is UK based and lists UK products x