If you are short and thin please tell me what you eat?

[Guine]

I am 5 ft 3. Have lost 25 pounds. Have a goal weight of 125 pounds. I should add that I have PCOS which means I put on weight easily.

Just wondering if you can only be that slim if you have a naturally high metabolism/are very active.
I’m on a lot of dieting forums and many people (my height) say it is just not sustainable for them to be below 10 stone.

But having said that you see plenty of slim people who don’t appear to be massively restricting.

I consume 1300 calories to lose weight. Exercise 3/4 x a week.

Just figuring out my goal.

I eat when I have hunger pangs! I don't ignore my body's cues. If I miss a meal, I'll feel it later on and eat cereal at midnight. I don't know how other posters fast most of the day because I just can't do it.

I manage hunger pangs by eating!
I think people who ignore their body asking for food are asking for trouble.

Whilst lots of posters here are slim and eat few calories, you only have to look around the high street to see that the vast majority of people are overweight. I only say that as the average person can't maintain what is on this thread and if you're one of them, then don't feel bad. I too, whilst am a healthy weight, could never eat as little as lots of these ladies. I love food and have no desire to calorie count.

There are many ways to lose a little weight, perhaps you could choose 1 things from this thread and try that.

For me (because I've recently gained some weight) I'm going to try having less breakfasts. Missing 3-4 meals per week will hopefully help me shift a few of the extra pounds!

@EmeraldRoulette I’ll just ask one last question- how do posters manage hunger pangs?

I can’t say I get them. If I’m hungry I eat. I’m a big snacker so if I’m low on energy I have a snack.
Tonight I’m still hungry after my dinner so I’m just about to make a bowl of shreddies with a small chocolate biscuit. I wouldn’t starve until morning because I’ve technically already had dinner.

The “encouragement” is that their path to being slim is not necessarily the same for everyone. So not to despair if you can’t get by with just one or two meals a day or completely cutting out cakes or crisps etc . And that you can ease off a bit when it comes to maintenance if you’re active so you’re not in “cutting” mode forever

And as a couple of other posters have also said it’s very individual, but there are people with decent appetites who eat 3 meals a day with lots of protein and didn’t feel super hungry etc and don’t go below 1300 calories who have lost weight.

I lost weight on about 1500 calories and gym 3 times a week and walking regularly as part of my lifestyle . Didn’t cut out cakes etc at all. Just stopped at a slice instead of the entire thing.

I'm 5.1" and 9stones - pretty toned so not too uncomfortable with the weight. I don't drink anything other than caffeine, green tea and fresh juice. I don't have a sweet tooth for processed things like sweets / chocolate or drink Alc' so don't go down those aisles. But I do occasionally (once every two week) eat a medium sized tub of sorbet.... or 4 cornettos in one sitting. My other bad vice is crisps.... Ill buy a large pack once every week which will vanish in one sitting (kettle chip bag for instance... not a 24 family pack... my skin wouldn't forgive me!).

I get a fair bit of stick from my colleagues because I'm the person that brings in cut up carrot / courgette (love raw veggies).... Ill snack for most of the day on these things and will quite happily forfeit a meal in the evening for a fuddle (picnic in the house).. that consists of sandwich / cheese and toast with healthy snack and fruit... my meals look a bit like in flight meals....I live alone so don't have to contend with another persons need - I generally eat whatever I want when I want.

My family and friends say I eat like a bird, but they don't realise that I've been snacking on fruit etc all day - and will likely keep eating way past 8.pm.... snacking helps my energy but I think it's the main reason why I sometimes look a bit of a tubster (I'm 5.1 so it shows... there's no hiding it...) when I've been inactive (i.e. missed the gym for a month) - I'm usually quite athletic and exercise well and when I do get into my routine after a slob sabbatical my body is quick to adjust. I get this from exercise though, not calorie deficiency. I wouldn't be able to function on a deficit. I tried the 5/2 diet once and it felt like I was in Samuel Beckett story -( 'oh what a lovely day' or maybe the one where they are in the bins).... long and pointless... I'd rather exercise.

I make all my meals - usually veggie based, stir fries, ramen, pasta with heaps of fresh toms. I don't eat meat and coming off fish too... feel so much better just on a brahmin style diet - veggies, lentils etc all the way - big aid for my digestion.

Breakfast, if I am in a good space Ill eat porridge / toast. Sometimes Ill just have two oaty milky coffees and then pack a banana until lunch.

Im usually starved by 4-5 pm and fuddle o'clock starts....

I've tried batch cooking but I end up batch eating.

I'm also not a very decent cook so the idea of labouring over a dish for it to be naff is discouraging. I am a wizz at cheese on toast or a potato salad.

I’ll just ask one last question- how do posters manage hunger pangs? Thanks

And yeah it’s a bit of a fools errand asking people who don’t have much of an appetite how they managed the hunger when they are evidently fine on one meal a day and you’re not. And this thread seems to be full of people like that.

It’s like me who thinks of food as soon as I wake up asking my friends who forget to eat half the time and end up losing weight accidentally how they manage the hunger. They don’t - they’re not hungry! 😂

I’ll say it again- we are all so different.

@Grumblegore so why are you saying not to be discouraged?!

I’ll see myself out.

It’s very simple - there are some short people with decent appetites that can eat 3 meals a day and not cut out entire food groups etc and and still lose weight without being overly restrictive or feeling faint from hunger.

Not everyone who loses weight is like the posters on this thread who can happily eat OMAD. Personally I think that’s good news, maybe you don’t . Whatever.

Ok, all the best.

I'm 5ft 1 and 8 stone after dropping half a stone since my last pregnancy which was 2 years ago but I only started trying to lose it in Jan. I've gone back to how I used to eat before kids:
Usually 2 meals a day. I only have tea and coffee until 11am, then lunch and dinner around 6. Try not to eat again but often have chocolate!
For me, I up my protein and limit highly processed carbs like bread and pasta. I still eat them but lunch might be a slice of sourdough with a lots of salad and tuna. This is because processed carbs give me a sugar high which make me hungrier sooner.
Dinner might be curry or meat and veg or spag bol (with mainly broccoli and a very small portion of pasta). Really upped my veg intake so I blend loads of carrots and courgettes etc into the sauce (kids don't even know it's there!)
I also accept mild hunger. When I'm giving my kids jam on toast at 7am I feel starving, but it passes and I really enjoy my break-fast meal later on. If I take a bite all my willpower goes out the window.
I'm trying to be careful around the kids food which is a weak point. Always reaching for their leftover fish fingers or pizza crust when it just needs to go in the bin! Realised I was eating much more than I thought because of this.
Weight training has completely changed my body and I only do 30 mins 2 or 3 times per week on my lunch break at home.

5’1, just under 8 stone, small bones/frame, high metabolism but I also move around quite a lot although I don’t go to the gym, I walk and do a dance class once a week. I tend to eat a small breakfast, toast usually, a fair sized lunch and a 1 course dinner. If I’m hungry I have more and if I’m not I have less (unusual!). Lunch is usually a sandwich, veggies on the side, crisps and chocolate.
I don’t snack, literally maybe 1 snack every 3/4 weeks. Drink loads of tea and water, a glass of wine every few days.

I'm 5'4" and weigh 120, naturally. I'm 73 and normal activity level.
Since I prepare food for just me now I buy fruits and veggies for a two week period both frozen and raw. I prep proteins and sauces and pre cook grains (quinoa, beans, barley, or rice). I have veggies and fruits as sides or combine with the protein. Everything is a quick cook. I use a wok a lot. I prep more than one meal. Since I am home I have leftovers for lunch. Breakfast is overnight oats. I love popcorn as a snack. I don't know if Boomchickapop Is available in the UK- It's my favorite.

I'd say the best thing to do is not to overstuff yourself at any time. Take it slow and set your calorie intake at what you will need to maintain your ideal weight.

It looks like you need reframing your thinking and a bit of a lifestyle overhaul. I don’t restrict myself, I genuinely love eating the food I eat. The same with moving - I don’t mindlessly pump weights at the gym, I’ve never seen the inside of a gym in my entire 40+ life! I do activities I truly enjoy, I like being outside, I love walking hiking and running, spending time exercising is my me time and the time when I can refocus and relax.

I have a sport watch but the steps are happening naturally they are the result not the goal.

Like I’ve never been on a resort/beach holiday. I would get cabin fever after an hour and the whole idea of idling by a pool sounds like a torture.

Im 5ft and currently 9st which I am not happy with at all. I'm 40 and really struggling to loose weight, I'd rather be 7.5 to 8 stone. I weigh more now than when I was pregnant with my first.

I've just started intermittent fasting and cut out snacks like chocolate and crisps. Really need to get into a mindset that this long term rather than a diet, but I am finding it hard. I'm trying to up to my exercise too but again, I'm finding it hard.

I will aim to up the steps. But after I’ve sorted the kids, dinner, dog and the house im exhausted. Dh is a pilot so I’m on my own a lot. Sweet neighbour’s teen comes and studies here when the kids are in bed whilst I go to the gym two times a week.

Have a peloton but it’s the worlds most expensive towel dryer right now

I'm taller but under 9 stone, I tend to away to salads, corn/rice cakes, hummus, wraps, yoghurt, bagels, soups etc for lunch, dinner I eat whatever I fancy but I don't have a huge portion, usually meat, veg or salad, rice or potatoes etc, if the kids have chips I always have rice or salad as I prefer them.

Yesterday I had low fat yoghurt, granola and fruit for breakfast, corn cakes and hummus for lunch, homemade chicken curry for dinner.

I don't snack much but if I do I have nuts, fruit. My sister, mum family etc are all quite large compared to me so I don't necessarily think it's a genetics thing, just food preferences x

If you can find a way to get your exercise outside it also really helps to improve your mood. Exercise when done right is addictive, so once you start and keep at it you’ll will want to do more.

Are you getting enough sleep and then enough sunlight in the morning? Having your morning coffee outside or at least by the window, helps to regulate sleep in the evening.

I'm 9 stone and 5 foot 3. I eat a lot, but also exercise a lot. 5/6 days a week high intensity cardio. 3 meals a day and a sweet tooth in the evening. 2x teas, 1x coffee. Wine probably Fri, Sat and Sun. I wish I could eat/drink less but I can't, hence having to exercise so much!

54 and 5'4 and stable at around 9st4. Not as active as I used to be.

Today is a fairly typical day and so far I've had granola with lactofree milk, banana and some coconut "yog" all washed down with a large milky coffee.
Egg in gluten free seeded bread with beetroot and a bit of lettuce.
A couple of Nairn's oaties
Chicken, mushroom and pea korma, white basmati (about 40g raw weight) and broccoli.

I will settle down and watch some crap on TV in a bit and probably enjoy a couple of vodka and diet cokes and a bowl of ready salted crisps.

One meal a day, no snacks. No sugar or food high in carbs (keto, which helps control cravings). Hardly any alcohol. Mostly whole foods (I eat the occasional processed meal as long as it’s not carby). Try to keep intake at around 1000 calories a day but I am sedentary. It’s harder the older I get!

But after I’ve sorted the kids, dinner, dog and the house im exhausted
Don’t leave it to the evening then. It’s not about setting a certain amount of steps and walking in laps aimlessly to achieve it right before bed, that’s putting it in the same vein as extreme calorie counting.
Its about a lifestyle shift. Most people will never exercise all that much if they remain extremely sedentary all day except for a small handful of times they go to the gym. You need to include it within your normal life.
Walk rather than drive as much as possible, build it into your routine. Walk to the park with the kids after school. You have a dog so that should be walked twice a day anyway.

God this is hard to read. I’m 4ft 10. I was tiny all my adult life, even after having my children I only weighed about 7 stone.

Thanks to an auto immune condition plus the menopause I’m probably about 10 stone now. I actually don’t eat huge quantities but because I am so short I am basically a round ball.

Don't drive and average 2 meals a day - although those meals will be whatever I want.

I agree. My office is not drivable so from 7-6 I am basically sat on my arse car/desk. Similar even when I wfh. Need to figure this out. Feels unnatural almost to be that sedentary.

So dog actually sucks a lot of time - he is elderly but highly intelligent so whilst we are out for an hour I would say we don’t do much more than 1.5 miles. He just loves to sniff the world and be nosey.

I can't drive and not in london so rely on unreliable buses, trains and walking. Its a massive pain (takes minimum 1h30 to get to work when its a 20 min drive) and people think im a bit eccentric, but think it makes all the difference.