Would you rather have an amazing figure by eating a restrictive diet and exercising or be slightly larger (not obese)and not ripped by eating whatever you fancy?

[malificent7]

Like most women i love food but would also like a leaner body. Is the slog of dieting really worth it?

This is a fascinating thread!

Last year I was definitely 'B', by choice - after a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and disordered eating I gave up all diets for the sake of my mental health (have posted previously about it). I started eating what I wanted - family bags of Doritos, pizza the size of a dustbin lid, you name it. Six months in (and lots of lbs added, to be fair) a curious thing happened: I started craving being healthy. Not thin, healthy. Since spring I've started exercising regularly and eating more fresh veg and lean meat and, you know what, I feel SO much better. Less aches and pains, bags more energy, better concentration. I don't think I'll ever totally be 'A', but I finally get the physical benefits of being fitter and slimmer.

I'll never be A. Ever. I've always been fat, even as a child. A couple of years ago I tried to be A and lost over 4 stone.

I barely went down a dress size from a 20 to an 18. What was the point?

I have a range I bounce between. I love being lower tbh... move better, feel lighter, look fantastic in clothes

Definitely A, I love being fit and healthy

Slim, definitely. Clothes look much better too.

A year ago I was a size 10 (5ft8), exercised every day, had small treats whenever I wanted and felt amazing. So much energy, nothing ached. I had a baby 4 months ago and put on so much weight during pregnancy I'm now a size 16. I absolutely hate it. Clothes are much more uncomfortable. I get tired more easily. Very achy. I'm desperate to get back to my previous state. If you are balanced with your approach to diet and exercise you don't have to eat a completely restrictive diet and have no fun !

redbedheadd

start today. Don't go crazy, your body still needs to recover, but don't get upset thinking it's not worth it by that point. Just go slow but start today. It's hard for new mums.

I'd rather live my one life being happy! Food is happiness to me

@MorondelaFrontera

I started straight away believe it or not I've already lost two stone. I had severe PGP and couldn't walk so progress has been slow. I'm back at yoga two times a week and try to do big walks but I'm still in a lot of pelvic pain so it's tough . I'm eating healthily and allowing two treats a week.

Like a PP mentioned, it's a false dichotomy. I eat what I enjoy and what makes me feel good. If I eat rubbish food then that's how I feel. I'm not depriving myself or eating a restricted diet, in fact my diet is more varied than many overweight people I know.

I am happier being skinnier er and being disciplined most of the week but allowing myself to slip at the weekend and on holiday.

^^this

redbedheadd

sounds like you are doing amazing!

I am 5'8" and was 12 stone after baby 2. I turned 35 and woke up with a niggly lower back pain and some stiffness and just resigned myself to it. Then, a few months ago, I decided to consciously log what I eat on MyFitness Pal, drink and eat cakey fatty things only on weekends and exercise 30 mins a day just walking and lifting weights three times a week. I also manage to eat 30g of fibre so lots of beans and salad and fruit during week. I have "only" lost 10 lbs but my arms, legs and midsection are looking totally different and neasurements are much smaller. The main thing is that my back pain is GONE. I swear my posture has improved too. I swear by Popsugar Fitness Youtube and they are actually fun sometimes. Anyway, I guess I am here to say you can have both!

Also now I don't eat what I want every day and save it for treats - they mean more.

When I was having a take away or a meal out most nights, it wasn't a treat anymore.

Now I really enjoy a pizza or burger and chips. And a slice of cake 🍰

I have been obese and hated it. Eating stuff like brownies, tons of ice cream and continual snacking didn't compensate for the way I felt.
A couple of people have mentioned painful knees. I had a knee injury, and in my experience, anything over the healthy weight range (bmi 25) made it far worse.
I'm 59 now, a healthy BMI of 24, and very active. I love being able to swim for an hour or do a 4 mile walk in an hour, being able to wear skinny jeans with a short top instead of leggings with a long top. I love trying a size 10 or 12 dress on, looking in the mirror and thinking 'hey I look good'.
I don't have to restrict my diet much anyway, I hate fatty greasy food like mcdonalds and pizzas, just as long as I don't buy too many biscuits or cakes I'm fine. It's easy to eat a small bar of chocolate, packet of crisps or whatever else you fancy if you walk 10 miles a day.

Yin and yang. Just bought a load of holiday clothes size 6-8’knowing I’ll feel confident wearing them whilst waiting for pizza to cook. Husband and I will share - half each followed by icecream - but get up for 2 gym classes starting at 7.30am tomorrow.

Option A for me all the way!!

@feelingverylazy more power to you 🏆

Some posters seem to think you can't be a 'decent human being' as well as caring about your waist size🙄.I do like to stay slim and care about my weight but am also a very nice kind person!