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Shocked by calories

128 replies

FasterMichelin · 30/05/2026 21:48

I haven’t felt body confidence for a few years and have decided to make an attempt to lose a dress size, even if short lived. I’ve reinstalled Myfitness pal and am reducing my calorie consumption to 1200cals a day.

Saying I’m shocked by how much I normally eat is an understatement! For context, pre kids I was a size 10 and found it easy to maintain my weight, post kids im a wobbly 12, predominantly on my tummy. I was convinced until recently that it’s just my “mum-bod” and that having two pregnancies has taken its toll and my metabolism must have slowed.

But with my new found insight, I can honestly say that I have been massively overeating. A few biscuits here, toast every morning, slice of cake there, always accepting any offers of food, regardless whether I was hungry or not. I completely lost sight of how many calories I was eating and it’s shocking how quickly it all adds up.

Its made me realise that I can’t be alone. There must be so many of us who consume way too many calories through mindless eating. Especially when juggling a young family.

Do you calorie count? Do you know how many calories you usually eat everyday?

OP posts:
BeardySchnauzer · Today 15:16

One thing that helps is to stop and think ‘am I hungry or am I bored?’ And have a glass of water instead!

Specialneedsnightmare · Today 15:20

BeardySchnauzer · Today 15:16

One thing that helps is to stop and think ‘am I hungry or am I bored?’ And have a glass of water instead!

I second drinking water. It sounds strange but sometimes you just crave something to take in. And often you're more thirsty than hungry anyway.

Also...cleaning your teeth with a nice minty toothpaste after meals can stop the inclination to snack.

I don't find 1200 or so calories a problem but I'm short and sedentary which probably has a lot to do with it.

Eat enough healthy fat and protein or you will constantly feel hungry no matter what calories you have.

GameOfJones · Today 16:06

I agree about sometimes just wanting the feeling of consuming something. I moved to having a cup of peppermint tea in the evenings and that's helped a lot. I will make it once DDs are in bed and I'm sitting down to watch a bit of TV so it has become synonymous for me with resting or time to myself rather than running round after young kids.

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