To ask how to diet again?

[ilovefood643]

Like a lot of people I’ve put on weight since March 2020. Probably about a stone. I’m not hugely overweight (11st2 at 5ft6), but just not my ideal weight. I exercise regularly (mainly running because that’s what I enjoy), but I cannot stop eating delicious, but naughty, food! I know I eat way too much sugar and should cut down, but I just have no motivation to do so.

Thing is, I’ve lost weight before with calorie counting and slimming world and both worked really well, but I just can’t get any drive to do that again. Please tell me how you manage to keep motivation? Last night I went to bed thinking how I was going to try and eat better, then my husband (annoyingly very fit and healthy), brought me a sugary snack for elevensies and I didn’t think twice before gobbling it!

Any advice?

Actually, part of the problem is that your DH isn't helping. I'd be having a chat with him about stopping bringing you sugary snacks. I once had a huge argument eurgh a friend who said she'd support me in losing weight and then she turned up at my house one day with a big tub of ice cream. I know it's not technically your DH's job to help you lose weight, but come on, he is shoving it in your face a bit.

I'm not saying for a moment you should follow this plan to the letter or sign up for Second Nature, but I would say this kind of approach (reducing carbs a bit, reducing stress, increasing sleep and movement etc) is the way to lasting weight loss.

www.secondnature.io/guides/nutrition/lose-weight-in-2-months

The problem with Slimming World etc is that you basically have to eat that way for life and it's not flexible enough.

Oh and I'd also say that the thing that's made a big difference to me is, as I'm writing my to-do list for the day, planning what I'm going to eat that day too. Oftentimes I realise I don't have anything in for dinner, but then I can make a healthier choice and buy the ingredients for it rather than getting to 7pm and ordering takeaway or eating random crap from the cupboards.

Finding some kind of exercise you actually ENJOY is essential for health, too (admittedly not essential for weight loss, but it does help). It took me years but eventually I found something that worked for me. Don't be afraid to try different things until you find something you actually look forward to doing.

Visualise the summer and wanting to wear shorts or dresses and not be uncomfortable. That's what keeps me going .

One last thing (sorry for multiple posts). The mindset turning point for me was realising that my overeating was the cause of my misery, rather than providing any genuine comfort. That, and realising that I almost always enjoy healthier options more than takeaway etc. Once I knew that it was 'just' a case of finding ways to be consistent.

Find a form of exercise you enjoy, preferably something with friends who'll keep you on track. Do it three times a week.

Educate yourself on what you're eating. You don't need to "diet", you just need to break your bad habits.
Use MyFitnessPal to log everything. Aim to eat more protein and less fat.

Throw away your bathroom scales. If you are exercising, you'll be putting on muscle at the same time you lose fat. Focus instead on your measurements and how your clothes fit.

Thank you all, really helpful points!