Please help me choose the right diet

[KeziaCunningham]

OK I've just had a moment. Just went to put my jeans on after 3 weeks of wearing elasticated shorts - and they don't fit! I'm not massively overweight but I'm heading in the wrong direction and I want to address it now.

My background is: I'm 5'6. I weigh 11 st 6 lb. My BMI is just in the overweight category. I'm quite muscly so I easily fit a size 14, and get away with a 12 in some shops. I have gained approx 1.5 stone in the last 2 years since being diagnosed with early menopause (I just turned 39). Also my shape has changed and I'm carrying more weight around my ribs. Another factor is that there is a lot of diabetes in my family, and I definitely struggle with blood sugar crashes and mood swings if I skip a meal or get too hungry.

I run at least once a week (approx 6 miles in an hour) and I also go to a swim circuit class once a week. I sit on my backside for 37 hrs a week in an office (and several hours in the evening on the internet).

I previously lost 1.5 stone baby weight and kept it off for about 6 years by taking up running and cutting out junk.

I'm baffled by all the dieting options there are now, and I'm not sure what would suit me best. How did you all choose which diet to try? Or would I be best avoiding any diet with a trademark and just cutting back?

[formicadinosaur]

What about trying 5:2 fasting? Fast for two non consecutive days with limited calories (400 in my case) then normal eating for 5 days each week. You can work out your TDEE on line. I have lost weight this way and don't feel deprived. I also exercise and although most people seem fine to exercise on fast days, my performance is never quite as good as normal if I run mid or end fast.