Is it really possible to lose weight without calorie counting or joining any weight loss companies?

[jellybellybeanz]

I originally lost weight on SW but it has messed up my mind. I decided to give up as it was costing way too much money and it took forever to get "syn" out of my head! It backfired slightly and I put on a stone but I have now started exercising again (Lucy Wyndham-Read), doing the 30 day shred. I'm feeling it but I want to feel fit and healthy again.

What I really don't want to do is start weighing and calorie counting. I have a family and don't want to be weighing out my meals and feel deprived.

I'm kind of using my own head and just bulking my meals out with lots of salad and veg instead of the "main" meal and just being aware of nutrition and what kind of food I eat. I cook everything from scratch BTW.

Is that enough to lose weight do you think?
I hope so! I'm aching so much already lol.

[Lost5stone]

Well I lost 5 stone, never counted a calorie or went to a group. But I cut carbs.

I don't see why it wouldn't work with cutting out the crap and keeping an eye on portion sizes. Try it for 6 weeks and see how you go.

[WhoAteMyNuts]

I have lost 5.5kg since end Dec just changing my eating habits and trying to make better choices for meals.

[Aquamarine1029]

So long as you're very aware of the calorie count for the foods you eat, avoid rubbish carbs, and are watching your portion sizes, I think you will do wonderfully!

I HIGHLY recommend that you use a small plate for your meals. It really helps to manage portion sizes. It's simple human nature that if we have a big plate, we want to fill it up.

[jellybellybeanz]

Thanks everyone.

Well so far so good... I am feeling hungry but if I eat anymore I'll be over my calories I'm sure of it.

[GooodMythicalMorning]

being sensible and choosing wisely. its still kind of calorie counting as you still need to be aware of how many calories are in each thing. its difficult.

[SmallFastPenguin]

I think if you want to do it this no counting way then don't weigh yourself either. Go by how your clothes fit and how you feel etc.

[ragingmentalist]

Of course you can do it without joining a company to tell you how to do it. Every diet works on the same principle of you have to eat less than you burn.

But, as harsh as it sounds, do it properly & you will see the rewards. Counting calories is not just about the deficit, its understanding what your putting in your mouth and the effects it has on you. Simply, put a half arsed effort in, you will get a half arsed result.

[beela]

Absolutely you can. I lost 3 stone following no-s, and with the help of a great support thread on here. And it has stayed off.

[bluechameleon]

You absolutely can. I've gone down two sizes (I don't own scales) by eating very few white carbs, smaller portions of wholegrains, and much more veg. I eat porridge made with semi skimmed milk with fruit for breakfast, lunch is usually salad, fruit and a couple of ryvita, then dinner I have all the normal kinds of dinner food without messing around with them like you do on slimming world, but I make sure at least half my plate is vegetables. I limit unhealthy snacks to a couple of times a week.

[JellySlice]

Cut out all carb-heavy foods: sugar, wheat, potatoes etc. Eat as much greens as you can and as much other veg, protein and fat as you fancy. Make sure to eat plenty of fat, as it will stop you getting hungry. Drink a lot of water - enough to keep your wee very pale. Avoid sugar-free foods. Be generous with your seasoning, using herbs and spices to make your food really enjoyable. Eat slowly and mindfully. Eat to your appetite and never feel bad about taking seconds or leaving food on your plate.

This will reduce your overall calorie intake. You will lose weight slowly, but it is easy to maintain, as you will not be hungry. Eventually you may find you meed to restrict your intake a bit, as you get close to target. At this point a smaller plate helps.

[Milliy]

Yes you can. I stopped dieting years ago as it messed with my head too much and when your on a diet there is always the backlash of bingeing and being off diet. I eat mindfully. I follow the eat when really hungry and stop when satisfied. I can't overeat anymore. I just can't. I feel ill if I do. I eat whatever I want but always when hungry and stop when satisfied not full. I eat lovely food salads loads of veg and fruit, protein and chocolate and cakes. Balance.

[JellySlice]

A helpful mindset:

If you're peckish, have a drink. Sometimes we don't recognise our body's thirst-signals, especially if we've been fighting with it over food.

If you're still peckish, have a snack. You may well be genuinely hungry, and you're not out to punish your body.

If you're still peckish after your snack, then you weren't hungry for food in the first place. What is it you actually want? Human interaction? A movement break? A reward? Encouragement? Fresh air? Go ahead and grant it to yourself.