Best diet plan and exercise for beginners

[Emilyplays84]

I’m mid 30s and have 3 kids under 6. I lost most of my baby weight while breastfeeding but having finished a year ago I’ve been putting weight on, especially around the belly/hips. I’ve been a size 12 since I was a teenager and never really exercised or followed a diet. I’ve gone up to a 16 now and would really like to get healthier for myself and my children.

What diet plan would people recommend? And a good exercise programme to follow? I’m going to start a Pilates class with a friend but that’s only once a week. I’d like to fit something in daily. I always pull muscles carrying the kids so strengthening too. I’m just a bit clueless on what would be best for me. TIA

My only suggestion would be to slowly replace snacks - biscuits, crisps etc - with fruit and veg - raw carrots, celery. If you have them ready prepared, it's easier to stick with.

Try My Fitness Pal app. It's a bit time consuming to start, with adding the foods, but it helped me a lot.

With children in the house, sweets etc are difficult to avoid. Just take your time.

I don't want to suggest exercise classes as I guess you are already busy with family activities! Maybe there are "bite sized" exercises you could do, while waiting for the kettle to boil or when watching the children play.