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Shocked by calories

153 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:
HeidiLite · 03/06/2026 19:37

also agree @movinghomeadvice . Same here, I used to think the more crazy cardio the better, also did half marathons and such. I still love a good HIIT class, but the difference heavy weights has made is incredible.

Mementodishwasher · 03/06/2026 20:06

likelysuspect · 03/06/2026 17:38

Forgot to say well done you for being able to walk at 5 miles an hour, thats quite unusual. I do an hour a day but thats 3 miles. 6k steps

Good luck to you.

Mementodishwasher · 03/06/2026 21:50

movinghomeadvice · 03/06/2026 18:53

Agree 100% on the strength training. I used to do boot camp, HIIT, cycling, running half marathons etc….

I’m the leanest and fittest I’ve ever been right now and all I’m doing is strength training/weights twice a week, and Pilates twice a week + 10000 steps a day. So much easier and far more sustainable and pleasant for a full-time working mum of 3 young DC.

And it helps with lugging around said young DC! I hope to always be able to pick up my kids, even when they're in their thirties

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