If you've lost a good chunk of weight and kept it off, what made the difference for you?

[loveyouradvice]

Really just that... and what you think the best advice you've had was...

And congrats! And ps how much did you lose? And how does it feel?

I'm on the way to this but not there yet - the keeping it off that is!!

Understanding healthy portion sizes, being more aware of nutrition (protein, fibre, not having big portions of white carbs), meal planning, exercising (for health, not weight). I wasn’t significantly overweight, but I’ve lost about 3st all in and trying very slowly to lose a final stone.

Basically, making sustainable life changes, not diets or restricting foods etc., eating less (and better), moving more. I couldn’t eat the portion sizes I used to any more. Slow (very very slow sometimes) and steady definitely wins the race for me.

i feel so much better for it - I’ve rediscovered fashion and enjoy buying clothes because I like them rather than because they fit or are the least worse option, and being more active - going out for a good long walk in the country, rather than treating myself to a fry up on a Sunday morning for example, is definitely good for my mental health.

Good luck with your weight loss!

I lost 90lbs over the space of 3 years and have maintained for the past 18 months.

I lost the weight by counting calories and it became a natural lifestyle change. I used to have concepts of ‘being good’ and being quite restrictive with food which led to binge and restrict cycles. Now I still track my food but have no concerns if I want a couple of pieces of cake, or to eat whatever I want on holidays, Christmas etc. I know I’ll just start eating ‘normally’ for me now, and any weight gain will be lost.

i also run 4 times a week, strength train and Pilates twice a week (before I did zero exercise!) which helps me eat a bit more!

oh I also went vegan 2 years ago which means my diet is now more focussed on plants which is good.

What are the high protein ready meals called please?

I gained a good two and a half to three stone over lockdown. Lost it all and more through doing 1200 calories a day with MFP, plus walking daily or as much as possible (half an hour, more at weekends). It took me less time than I thought it would.

I ate better and more mindfully to avoid hunger - lots more veg and fruit, more lean protein, and that had an effect on various health indicators like BP, cholesterol, blood sugar, etc.

I enjoyed the odd slice of cake or other sugary food occasionally and went over the 1200 cals, but not often.

I get the M&S high protein ones or (more affordable) the Gym Kitchen ones. Waitrose also does a nice low fat fish pie and cottage pie. They're expensive but I've completely cut out takeaways since I've started buying them, which offsets the cost.

some amazing stories on here - and huge achievements

So inspiring - thank you! And some great tips...

How long did it take you to lose all the weight if you don’t mind me asking @Bodonka ? I’m in a similar situation.

I lost 5 stone and have kept it off for a couple of years. I still find it a struggle. I do a manual job and have high energy dogs to walk every day so get plenty of exercise. I don’t drink alcohol, very rarely get a takeaway (maybe twice a year), cook from scratch and eat well balanced meals. I do eat chocolate and biscuits every day though! I’m 45 and find it very hard to keep the weight off though.

@MakingPlans2025 how do you do that weigh everything ?