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Original poster

To feel eating like this is weird

36 replies

CrowsInMyGarden · 22/02/2026 13:27

I don't have an eating disorder, at least I don't think I do. I have been vegan for 50 years (for ethical reasons) so I would have assumed I'd be slim and healthy but I am the opposite. I put on weight in my 40s and am just into the obese category. I would like to lose 2 stone. I joined Slimming World years ago. Lost a bit, put a lot more on then stayed the same for years, all whilst vaguely following their plans. I ate a lot of carbs thinking rice, potatoes and pasta were the way to go. I drank lots of diet coke. I still drank alcohol which is probably why I never lost weight. My last blood test showed high cholesterol, high triglycerides and high MCH. I also have pain under my right rib a lot. Gallstones ruled out but I do have a fatty liver. Liver blood tests ok.

I have now decided enough is enough. Something has to change. So firstly no more booze. I have been watching a lot of Zoe podcasts and bought a few Tim Spector books and How to Eat 30 Plants a Week by Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. I am happy to give up the fake meat and vegan cheese and have been cooking lots of meals using pulses and wholegrains. I've never been into cakes, biscuits, sweets but I did eat a lot of crisps.

I am getting interested in fermenting stuff too and have made my own Kimchi and Kombucha as read that helps.

The thing that just feels wrong to me is eating nuts, seeds, avocados and especially olive oil. I am doing it as that is what I am reading is good for me but it doesn't feel right. I have just made HFW's 7 plant pesto using Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds and 300ml of olive oil (along with spinach, parsley and garlic). It makes a lot of pesto which I will share with others, portion up and freeze but it still gives me a "I shouldn't be eating this feeling". Oh it sounds like an eating disorder but I still don't think it is. I think it is years of Slimming World getting into my head.

Do most people that eat healthily happily pour Extra Virgin Olive Oil on their salads, roast veg etc without a worry and eat nuts/sees every day without putting on more weight?

I'm concentrating on getting the high triglycerides and hopefully cholesterol down and letting my liver heal. Losing weight would be wonderful but I want to sort those first.

OP posts:
Idontspeakgermansorry · 22/02/2026 14:03

Your whole diet could be olive oil and nuts and you wouldn't gain weight, if you were still eating at or below maintenance calories.

Healthy fats can make you feel fuller for longer, especially when combined with protein, but you do need to watch the portions if you're worried about weight gain.

mel78y5 · 22/02/2026 14:02

I’ve tried to focus on not feeling guilty for eating natural, whole foods. I’m trying to focus hitting protein and fibre goals, even if that were to increase calories. So I will add Greek yoghurt and seeds to whatever I can as it makes a meal nutritionally dense.

I even don’t blink at cake and biscuits if I’ve made them myself, especially if I’ve added fruit and seeds/nuts!

I find if I am focussing on whole foods I’m not going far wrong and get the outcome I want.

It all fills you up, so less likely to reach for the crap!

Librarina · 22/02/2026 14:00

I had to unlearn years of diet culture thanks for Slimming World. I have enjoyed reading books by Mindy Pelz and Davina Taylor (It's Not A Diet is the book that changed eating for me). I've only recently learnt to the difference between dieting and fuelling my body. Whilst I have a moderately large body (16 in clothes) I am very active and can lift over 100kg and, most importantly to me, at 48 I feel full of energy when I eat this way. Good luck, it's a fun journey.

Nevergotdivorced · 22/02/2026 13:56

I have a keen interest in this too.

The key is to feel nourished and ignore everything you thought you knew about food and diets.

Quality food and lots of fibre is key, I make lots of dhal, roasted veg, etc and only eat homemade sourdough.

MyNextDoorNeighbourVotesReform · 22/02/2026 13:55

Do most people that eat healthily happily pour Extra Virgin Olive Oil on their salads, roast veg etc without a worry and eat nuts/sees every day without putting on more weight

Yes

Healthy people do

GreyTS · 22/02/2026 13:51

Yep, 8 stone here, I drink tablespoons of EVO oil daily, use plain olive oil to cook with. Would never limit how much nuts seeds or avocados I eat, they are so filling they limit themselves

hazelnutvanillalatte · 22/02/2026 13:50

Healthy fat is good for you and aids weight loss when incorporated into the diet. Too many simple carbs aren't good for weight loss

DragonsAndDaffs · 22/02/2026 13:49

Forget all you have been told by slimming world!

Olive oil and nuts are healthy wholefoods....but if your focus is weight loss then just be mindful of portion size.

Snorlaxo · 22/02/2026 13:48

Meditteranean diets are considered amongst the healthiest.

saltandvinegarpringles · 22/02/2026 13:45

I think you have very poor food knowledge and would benefit on reading up about healthy fats, protein and slow release carbs.

Thundertoast · 22/02/2026 13:43

I think you might benefit from doing some research on these foods from a 'common food myths' and 'why slimming world doesnt always teach you the right things' angle, for reassurance?