Hello, New Member Here

[SanJane]

Hello All, glad to be a part of this support group. I am finally ready to shed these 35 pounds that have plagued me for years. I have always worked out and even like to run often, while this has helped me be more fit it has never caused me to lose these excess pounds. I have never really stuck longer-term to a diet. I eat healthy but too much each day to be calorie deficient long term in order to lose fat. I welcome any tips and support. I really want to set small goals and be realistic about this attempt. To be realistic I suspect it will take me about 4 months to lose the weight. Thank you all for your help and support.

Currently I weigh 199 pounds and stand 5 foot 6. I think I carry this extra weight well because people are shocked that I weigh this much. I hate the way it feels to have this extra weight. To be honest the best meal program I have ever followed was keto but then I have heard really bad things about that program and so I stopped it. Any suggestions? I think I can have about 1300 calories per day and still lose weight.

Again thanks for any support and help.

[springersrule Moderator 76kg]

Hi SanJane and welcome to this amazing forum. I suggest you spend some time clicking about to find your way around. It's easier if you have a lap-top as there are several threads. If you’re using another device I strongly suggest that you use the web page as opposed to the app at least until you know your way around.

If you look up a BMI calculator it will give you the calories you need to consume to achieve a healthy weight loss to get to your goal. Here's a link to one we use here in the UK nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-we...

If trying Keto again worries you, how about trying low carb/Healthy fats instead. It's not as strict as keto but has personally worked well for me. I agree with setting small goals, achieving goals often really helps with the motivation to keep going.

Have a good read of the pinned post “Welcome Newbies” and follow every thread.

Here’s the link to the pinned posts, healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

I strongly suggest you read and contribute to the Daily Diary and participate in a Weekly Weigh in.. Pick a day that suits you and jump right in. The daily weigh in is open at 9pm UK time the night before and is open for replies for 24 hours. You will find there's loads of tips about better eating, from other members. There are a variety of eating plans followed which will help you decide on a way forward that works for you. Also, sharing your daily menu not only helps you stay committed, it can help other members too.

Good luck I hope to "see " you around. xx

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

Hello . Great to hear you have made a start. If you are doing this on a calorie eating plan please ensure you eat enough and balance your food . I started on 1250 cals but found I lost more weight on 1450 as I had more motivation to exercise when I had 3 decent meals a day . I have porridge mixed with water ,then a dollop of full fat Greek yogurt- so maybe a mixture of an orange , few grapes or a banana or a handful of mixed berries . I have a Dolce Gusto coffee then sip fruit tea till lunch which is usually a large mixed salad with either cottage cheese , lean ham , chicken , turkey bits or tinned fish mainly in brine. These 2 meals are based on 400 cals eachEvening meal = 600 cals so can have better choice. I have a jacket potato with loads of other veg , grilled meat , a handful of pasta , omelettes . I don't eat hard cheese or much red meat , Sugar rushes are solved with a low cal jelly or sipping a low cal hot choc drink . Pea snacks and lower fat crisps , rice cakes etc .

I hate the word DIET . To keep weight off this is a for life eating plan that becomes less of a ritual . If it isn't in the cupboard you can't eat it . Try and get out for a walk . Make it fun by stopping for a coffee - I tend to do this at weekends . I love Zumba . You Tube has loads of footage . Don't give up any social life or any restaurant meals. I eat and drink what I want then back on track the next day with planned exercise .As long as you are not out every weekend but if I meet up mid week I drive and have tonic water with ice/ lemon or meet for a cup of tea. I couldn't live on powered shakes and restrictions but this has kept the weight off me since Jan 2018.

[SanJane in reply to focused1]

Thank you so much for these tips. You are so right, it has to be a life style change. It is truly amazing how easy it is to overeat and not really notice in normal settings. The actual appropriate portions are so much smaller than is typically served, especially here in America where I live.

The BMI calculator says I can eat about 1700 per day but I am going to shoot for 1400 mainly because I feel I can have three meal a day and stay in this range. I too love Zumba, so fun. I am going to buy some nice tea options, I only have green tea and it is good but I would like some variety. A glass of tea is very satisfying between meals and also can be very beneficial.

How do you handle alcohol? I bought some Grey Goose Vodka, I figure it is better than my usual choice which is red wine.

Thank you again, day two and I feel great !