Weight Loss - Feeling Despondent

[35Dayslater]

I am a 61 year old male, retired, and overweight. I wanted to both lose weight and improve my fitness at the same time, especially as my weekly badminton sessions ended due to Covid. I started the 12 week diet and fitness plan. My average daily intake is 1,575 calories. I do a 30 minute fitness session each day, mostly cardio and aerobic, but also some abs work two or three times a week, followed by a one hour walk or two hour bike ride. Despite this, after five weeks I find that I have actually put on an extra four pounds in weight. I don't snack or drink alcohol, and have stuck strictly to this regime. I always walk whenever I can, rarely use the car, and never use public transport. I don't let the weather put me off. As I am half way through I expected to see some improvement. While I feel my general fitness has improved, I am disappointed that my weight has gone the other way. Anyone else experienced this, and will this go the right way if I stick it out, or should I reduce the calories further.

[lucigret]

Hello and welcome 35Dayslater,

I don't think you are eating enough! I would suggest that you use the NHS BMI calculator to calculate your own personal range of calories and start at the top end. I would be interested to know what they suggest. What ever you do, please don't lower your calories.

This link may be of interest to you,

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

If you haven't already, please take the time to read the Welcome Newbie post, this will help you to navigate the forum, which is best done using the full website and not the app.

Please also take a look at all of the Challenges, Clubs and Events that we have, to help to keep you motivated and engaged with the forum.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

The above link will take you to all the information you need. Participation is key to success and I would recommend that you at least join the Daily Diary and a Weigh In day of your choice. You will also find a post called 'when weight loss is a struggle', this might inspire you to try something different

As a peer to peer support group, we all benefit from encouragement and support from one another, so look forward to seeing you join in around the forum

Wishing you the best of luck on your weight loss journey

[35Dayslater in reply to lucigret]

Thank you for that, there is plenty of interesting things there. Before I started the 12 week nhs plan, I assessed my daily intake as being an average of 1,992, so I thought a reduction would help. I wondered whether maybe the increased exercise regime is somehow counteracting the calorie reduction. I should add I have never had breakfast, and still don't even though I now have the time. I guess my motivation initially came from the coronavirus, and the fear of what it might do if I caught it. That and not being able to keep up with my grand children!!

[lucigret in reply to 35Dayslater]

Two very good reasons to want to loose weight and ones that resonate with me

It's fine to miss out breakfast, many of us follow intermittent fasting 16/8, eating in an 8 hour window only

[BigRedDBA]

Hi there. As you browse the forum you will find that many of us gave up on calorie counting and moved to LCHF (low carb high fat). There are many variations on that such as Keto, Atkins, Primal, Caveman, whatever floats your boat.

Just try avoiding potatoes, rice, bread as a starter and obviously avoid sugars, be cautious with fruit. Embrace full fat Greek yoghurt, bacon, eggs, cheese, all meats that aren't heavily processed. Only eat if you feel hungry, don't obsess with portion sizes (do NOT count calories).

Remember that exercise makes you feel better but has a very minor impact on weight unless you are an elite athlete in full training.

I found the weight started dropping off and that I've generally settled into one meal a day with sometimes a light bite in the evening if I feel hungry. I have no problems following this and never spend the day feeling hungry, this is a lifestyle change.

Some people manage on calorie controlled diets, just search you tube for "fat to fit", others go low carb, search for "Mark's Daily Apple"