Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Please give me your weight loss hacks

45 replies

GrossToe · 22/02/2023 23:22

I’ve got a stone (ish) to lose. Doing My Fitness Pal, tracking calories in/out and trying to limit carbs and be more activity.

But, PLEASE, what are the little hacks that make this easier or more pleasant?

e.g. does drinking a load of water really do anything? What foods fill you up without being too calorific? How do I avoid getting stuck into the kids’ treats when I’m working from home?

Please help me not fail this time…

OP posts:
Notjustabrunette · 22/02/2023 23:36

Eating breakfast later rather than when I first get up. I have fruit with yogurt and seeds at 9.30. I also prepare healthy snacks like nuts or carrots with hummus so I’m not tempted to eat crisps and chocolate

XenoBitch · 22/02/2023 23:42

Intermittent fasting. Have an 8 hour eating window.

namechanged221 · 22/02/2023 23:44

Give up wine... save it for special occasions

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Weight management
declutteringmymind · 22/02/2023 23:46

Sleep instead of eat.

surreygirl1987 · 22/02/2023 23:54

If you're a habit eater, (eg evening in front of tv on sofa with crisps) find a different habit to replace it with. I have long baths in the evening for instance!

Outandover · 23/02/2023 07:12

Have a look at the basic principles of The Fast 800 by Michael Mosley -

Intermittent fasting
Eat in an 8 hour window
High protein / low carb / high good fats
Water 2-3 litres
Cut out all the processed food and drink including bread, pasta, rice, snacks etc

MaireadMcSweeney · 23/02/2023 07:13

Skip breakfast
Don't buy snacks or only buy snacks you don't like much
drink a glass of water before every meal

Timeforachangeisitnot · 23/02/2023 07:15

put a cocktail stick in your mouth and gently ‘chew’ it when preparing food, or when you feel like hitting the sweets. Your mouth will be busy , but you won’t eat. Simple trick I got at a weight loss class.

ladygindiva · 23/02/2023 07:26

Porridge for breakfast. Filling , cheap , and low calorie.

DinosApple · 23/02/2023 07:28

Less bread. Less salt.
Go to bed earlier and read a good book.
Cut out snacks, my only sweet treat is an ice lolly, 39 cals.
Buy snacks I don't like, but they do, for the rest of the family

HaroldTheStallion · 23/02/2023 07:29

Keto. Don't know how healthy it is but it works and is relatively easy (as in not much willpower needed).

Mumof1andacat · 23/02/2023 07:29

Look out for hidden sugars. Read packets. Up your protein.

Smarshian · 23/02/2023 07:30

My best hack is meal prepping everything for weekdays at the weekend.
It takes the decision making away, just grab the food that you have already prepared and measured out. Snack on fruit only in between if hungry.

OxanaVorontsova · 23/02/2023 07:33

Brush your teeth straight after eating your evening meal to remove the temptation to snack.

Reinventinganna · 23/02/2023 07:47

To stop snacking while at home make a packed lunch and only eat that (as you would when going out to work).

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 23/02/2023 08:22

Only buy food which you don't like, that way you won't be tempted to eat it.

Makemeover3 · 23/02/2023 08:24

High protein and high fibre foods will fill you up for longer. Cut out any alcohol.

Skethylita · 23/02/2023 08:42

Peppermint tea or green tea. Both suppress appetite and help with weight loss.

Radiohorror · 23/02/2023 08:48

I skip breakfast - I'm trying to stick to 1200 calories at the moment & skipping breakfast gives me a couple of hundred calories to have elsewhere.
I agree that nuts are a good snack but they are VERY calorific.

TallulahBetty · 23/02/2023 08:50

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 23/02/2023 08:22

Only buy food which you don't like, that way you won't be tempted to eat it.

pahaha, this reminded me of Little Britain.

Anyone? Anyone? DUST

Moonicorn · 23/02/2023 08:54

Make your meals then halve them. Accompany with a black coffee.

FoxtrotOscarFoxtrotOscar · 23/02/2023 09:04
  1. Don't buy the bad stuff in the first place.
  2. Cut out bread. This means you'll also be cutting out butter, mayo, jam, spreads, etc.
  3. No booze
  4. No processed food
  5. Don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.

It sounds grim and unpleasant but when you start to see and feel the benefits, you'll want to keep it up.

Teachingteacher · 23/02/2023 09:11

surreygirl1987 · 22/02/2023 23:54

If you're a habit eater, (eg evening in front of tv on sofa with crisps) find a different habit to replace it with. I have long baths in the evening for instance!

This is key for me too. I can be the worst nighttime snacker.
What works for me is, once the kitchen is tidy, dishwasher is on and the kids are down in bed, I’m only allowed to drink tea, not eat anything. I have the world’s biggest collection of tea and tisane! Lots of fancy teapots, strainers and cups. It makes the ritual special. Then, like you, I have a long bath, read a book, do yoga etc. I have a very early bedtime due to young DC waking up early.
Changing my evenings has been the key to keeping the weight off.

The exception is Friday night when I eat microwave popcorn and drink a kombucha while I watch a film with my DH. We don’t drink alcohol.

BreviloquentBastard · 23/02/2023 09:12

I watch Nikocado Avocado, Amberlynn Reid and Foodie Beauty on YouTube. Nothing like a bit of super morbid obesity to remind me why I'm doing this. Amberlynn in particular because she's been trying to lose weight for nearly a decade now and has instead gained over 200lbs. Probably makes me a horrible person but seeing what could be puts the fear of God in me and makes it much easier to put down the peanut butter.

MagpiePi · 23/02/2023 09:14

Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners, and processed foods in general.
If you are feeling hungry in your mouth then you are probably thirsty. Only eat if you feel hungry in your stomach.
If you are prone to snacking in the evenings find a hobby that occupies your hands and your mind - eg knitting/crochet/cross-stitch.
Get into the mindset that your kids’ snacks are not yours. You wouldn’t eat your colleagues’ snacks if you were in the office. Also, what are you teaching your kids about what is a healthy snack?!