Almost there...

[antsmallerpants]

Over the past 18 months, I have lost just over 4 stone (25kg) and I'm almost at my target weight of 11 stone (69kg). I have lost the weight through 1) 16 hour intermittent fasting 2) a 500 calorie per day calorie deficit and brisk walking 10-15k steps per day whilst wearing a 10kg weighted vest. I didn't cut anything out and even during my consistent period, I still had days where it wasn't possible to be in a deficit or my body/mind just needed to not be careful. But they were days rather than periods.

I'm not into the gym life but walking fits in my life and I enjoy it.

People say 'You must feel great!' and I guess I do to a degree but mainly I don't feel so bad!

I still have a 'belly' even after losing the weight and I'm not sure how much the last stone will improve this?!

I'm not daunted by moving onto maintenance calories once I've reached my goal weight as I'm so used to the deficit that the 700+ extra calories per day will be an absolute treat!

I've resigned to the fact that I will monitor my calorie intake going forward but at 42 years old, I kinda see it as just something I need to do (like people monitoring blood pressure or blood sugar) and again, I'm just quite used to logging my food (as well as being quite well-versed in what kind of calories are in the foods I eat.

I'm keen to hear from anyone who is in the final stages of their weight loss journey to reach their goal weight or those who have transitioned to maintainence. How is it for you?

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone]

Hello and welcome, antsmallerpants

You've made wonderful progress: you must be very pleased with yourself, and rightly so.

We have a Maintainers Club here and you'd be welcome to chat to members there about what works for them. There's also out weekly weigh in, Daily Diary (planning food and exercise) Fit is Fun club and other regular posts you might find useful. You'll find them all by following this link healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

Onwards and downwards

[Southeastgirl 2024 November]

How often do you fast? Once a week/once a month And what is a 500 calorie deficit? You eat 500 calories less than usual?

Interested to know 😊

[antsmallerpants in reply to Southeastgirl]

Hey! I try to fast for 16 hours after the last thing I eat in the evening and the first thing I eat the next day. I use the Zero app to track the time.

I’m terms of the calorie deficit, I worked out my TDEE (there are lots of free, reliable calculators available). So based on my height, current weight and activity, I know how many calories I output per day (it’s currently 2200-2400 calories) and so I aim to eat 1500 - 1800 calories per day, tracking my food with MyFitnessPal. I never try to consume as few calories as possible, I aim for the 15-1800.

I prioritise dinner, as I eat with my family and eat a normal, non-‘diet’ dinner, and so I base my breakfast/lunch on how many calories I have left!

[Southeastgirl 2024 November in reply to antsmallerpants]

Thanks for that....very useful and the apps are good to know. So you do this 16 hour fasting everyday?

[antsmallerpants in reply to Southeastgirl]

I try to - it’s much easier in the week but trickier on the weekend. Same with the steps - I definitely don’t make 10k steps on the weekend. I prioritise sticking to the deficit over the fast. Again, harder to stick to on the weekend. But I didn’t think it’s made a big negative impact - my weight loss has been steady and I’ve not ended up with loose skin from losing it too quickly.

[Southeastgirl 2024 November]

Ideal thanks for that...nice to know it's achievable without doing a proper diet. I need to loose 2/3/4 stone. Good job on your achievement, well done 😊

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Southeastgirl]

Hi, why not give yourself 15 mins a day to drop in to the forum and join in with regular posts - Daily Diary, Weigh in etc? For a positive look at food and meals, see this month's Springers Specials - for the love of food.

You'll find them all here healthunlocked.com/weight-l...