Does anyone want to lose weight as a snail's pace?

[ginandchocs]

I'd say most people want to lose weight quickly. I certainly do. But it just doesn't work. Or, it does initially, but then it all goes back on and some.

I've decided to try a different method. I'm aiming to lose weight slowly. Maybe a couple of pounds a month. If I achieved that, I would lose almost 2 stones in a year but in a way that would be sustainable.

I'm going to do this using myfitnesspal. I'm setting my calorie goal for the week to be relatively near to what I usually burn without exercise (obviously a little lower otherwise I wouldn't lose anything!). I'm splitting the calories unevenly throughout the week though as I always tend to eat that bit more at the weekend (I end up falling off the wagon and giving up another diet - hopefully by having a greater calorie allowance would allow for this). Any exercise I do would then increase the weight loss (by a tiny amount) and would obviously make me healthier. I will not eat the extra calories.

The calories I've allotted myself may need to be tweaked if they're too high and I'm not losing at all. Time will tell. This may be a bit mad, but if it works then great. I would have to eat around this amount of calories to maintain my weight if I had lost anyway so I'm hoping this brings with it lifelong good habits.

My calories will be:
Monday to Thursday - 1675
Friday - 2000
Saturday and Sunday - 2250

Some days I may be over, others under. I'm not going to eat for the sake of it nor will I say no to something because I don't have the calories left for it. However, I want my weekly calories to be 13,200 or less. As I said, though, these calories may change if the numbers aren't right. It's a bit trial and error.

Anyone else fancy a slow weight loss journey that will hopefully create new habits, and allow me to maintain forever more?

@ginandchocs your food sounds delicious, I've had that pasta sauce before and it was great might add it to my shopping too!

Well done @PotteringAlong there is an amazing sandwich shop up the road and I have so far managed to avoid their delicious baguettes not sure how much longer I can resist though and i have a duty to support small local businesses so might have to go soon 😉

@MrsEHB well done for getting back on it! Sounds like we had a similar weekend blip!

I've had a good start to the week
Breakfast - porridge
Lunch - half a Spanish omelette with salad and a yoghurt
Snack - hula hoops
Tea - prawn stir fry and a ice cream

I went for a walk and hit 10,000 and have just finished hoovering, changing the beds, cleaning the bathroom and tackled the mountain of washing up! Off to bed now, luckily I'm off work tomorrow!!

Ginandchocs, good to see youre changing your habits and trying to control daily intake, it can be really difficult at first so well done!

Are you looking at first to find a calorie level to maintain at before reducing? The only reason i ask is i'd expect eating around the 1800 cal figure to be steady for maintaining but near impossible for losing. especially with thyroid probs.If you've got the will to go at it slowly thats great. For me it'd be a killer if i'd put in so much effort with planning but wasn't seeing any gains and i might be tempted to give in, but im impatient like that!

Have you found calorie counting the best way?
Its something i personally found no good for me as even when you havent eaten your target it almost forces you to go and eat more, just to hit that amount, so you end up eating more. Just a thought.

Keep at it, and if poss get those K's down to around 1200 for noticable losses.

Rubbish weekend here. I ate WAY too much, not even gonna bother weighing in this week. I don’t wanna know!

I could not stop eating. I have no idea what was wrong with me this weekend, but I was absolutely ravenous. I ate a 4 pack of caramel slice at 888 cal after I’d already gone way over my calls for the day.

Back on the bandwagon today and am trying to be good. But hoping I haven’t undone all my hard work!

@DivineTruth I'd find 1200 calories far too restrictive and would end up packing it in, as I have with every other diet out there over the past 15 years or so. I'm trying to find a long term, sustainable way of doing this. I figured that as it's taken so long to try and lose and I'm heavier than ever, then I'm more than happy taking a year or 2 to slowly lose by making small changes.

If I was at Slimming World or following another diet now I would probably lose a lot in the first week. I'd have good losses in weeks 2 and possibly 3 too. At that point I'd have a big gain after a 'bad weekend', I'd lose it the following week, gain it again, and then be up and down week in week out until I gave in and gained it all and more. It has happened every time, and with plenty of reading I can seenit happens so often. It's why slimming groups are so successful. People keep returning as they're gaining. Not many who lose weight through a Slimming group keep it off long term unfortunately. I was fed up of that cycle.

Initially, I did find I was planning my day to eat all my calories but I no longer do that. I then started deciding what I wanted to eat and then logging to see how many calories that was. Many days I'd be under my 'target' but some days I'd be over, and that's absolutely fine. If I found myself creeping over more and more, I'd need to be a bit more careful, but to be honest that hasn't happened. I have more than enough calories to keep me happy most days. I am now eating what I want, but I know that if I'm having a pizza for dinner, then a big lunch probably wouldn't be ideal. I'd choose something lighter most of the time.

I also love food, so cutting out a food group, or only eating during certain hours of the day would absolutely not work for me and it would never be a success for me. I love that I can now eat without guilt, eat whatever I want and enjoy what I'm eating. I'm also on medication for an underactive thyroid which makes weight loss slower, but it's going down slowly so I'm happy. Half a pound a week would mean I'd be almost a stone lighter by Christmas, on top of the 5lbs I've already lost.

If you prefer a different weight loss method, then absolutely go for it and I really hope it works for you. We're all different, and different things work for different people. If you'd like to give this method a go then you are absolutely welcome on this thread. It's a positive place

@lmfaoo it sounds as if you've had a great day and your food sounds lovely! I love a stir fry!!

@eeeeeeeeeek weekends are so much tougher aren't they? It happens to us all sometimes. I hope you've had a great day today though 😊

The weekends are tough guys. As we slide back more towards normal and getting out and about a bit more, restaurants are back open etc it’s going to need more management. Definately for me anyway.

But in other news I weighed 12st, 0lbs and 6oz this morning. So delighted, especially as my weekend was not particularly controlled either. Although I didn’t take note of ounces to start with I was 12st 9lbs and ?oz at the end of May so 9lbs down and I’m thrilled.

Next mini target is 11st 12lbs. I’d like to be there by 10th August.

I need to get walking again. I’ve been doing almost none.

Ooh well done @BasinHaircut that's fantastic

@ginandchocs the stir fry was delicious but I accidentally cooked the prawns with their tails and shells on so had to faf around removing them when they were already cooked and boiling hot and then I burnt my hand on a pan handle. Whilst all this was going on the rest of the stir fry was getting burnt, so It was good but in the end I wished I hadn't bothered lol! I've got some leftover prawns so might try again tonight and do it properly!

@eeeeeeeeeek that's crap but don't be too hard on yourself. That fact that you've come here and told us is a great step. Now let's brush is under the carpet and move on!

I’m having a slightly better day today, but I’ve eaten my calories and it’s only 6pm, so who knows what the rest of the night will bring

Some days I honestly eat fuck all and am not even hungry, and other days I eat everything in sight! I swear my fridge just said “the fuck you want now?!”

@eeeeeeeeeek

@BasinHaircut you're doing really well. We're practically the same weight, I was 12 stone 0.5 lbs when I weighed yesterday.

@lmfaoo I hope tonight's stir fry was a little less eventful 😂

@eeeeeeeeeek I definitely have days when I want to eat a lot more than others. I always try to be flexible with my calories so I'm not depriving myself when I want something, but whilst trying to be sensible at the same time and not eating for the sake of eating. It's not easy!

Today's gone well, I have had:
B: 1 slice of toast and marmalade with cranberry juice
S: 1 slice of buttered toast. (I knew breakfast wouldn't be enough but I was rushing around and had to go out so planned my second half once I got back)
L: jacket potato and butter with chicken, branston and a salad
S: small chocolate caramel biscuit
D: pulled pork roll with homemade chips and a salad
S: a slice of iced madeira cake 🤤

This not drinking is going pretty well too. I had 1 small glass of red on Sunday and that was it for the weekend. A massive improvement.

Back on it today!

B: Museli, banana and skimmed milk
S: Penguin
L: Vegetable crudités, piece of toast, hummus and a few sweet chilli crisps
S: 3x treat size fudge and small bowl of popcorn
D: Roast Mediterranean veg, chickpeas, potatoes and pesto
Pud: Rasberries, Greek yoghurt and meringue
1800 cals

I have even turned down a beer!

Well done everyone else for doing much better than me at the moment!

Morning! Wednesday weigh in here and another 1lb down, so I’m 6lb off in 10 weeks. I can live with that!

I have no idea about inches and stuff like that but I do feel better.

It’s odd though; I lost a bit at the start, I had 5 weeks where I only lost 1lb and then have lost a 1lb a week for 4 weeks. It’s almost like my body has realised it’s losing weight now!

@PotteringAlong that’s amazing progress! I think what you said is very true. I think it takes your body time to adjust to changes. Your patience has paid off!

I think, because I’ve decided that I would rather drink the wine and eat the cake but make sustainable changes than go at it hammer and tongues it doesn’t feel like a hardship at the minute.

Thanks @ginandchocs, well done on your weigh in too!

Today is not going quite as well. Got my period today and felt so sick this morning that I couldn’t face breakfast.

Lunch was 2 toast, 2 eggs and half a tin of beans 500kcals

I’ve also had a caramel wafer bar, a slice of emmental cheese and a handful of pringles whilst I lay here feeling sorry for myself with menstrual cramps. The pain killers have kicked in now though so need to work out how many calories I’ve scoffed and ensure I get the rest of the day on track!

@BasinHaircut that doesn't sound too bad at all, hope the cramps are a bit better if not try and escape for a nice bath! I'm having one now and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Today could have been better. I've been craving chocolate ALL day!!

B - porridge
L - Spanish omelette and salad, yoghurt and granola
S - banana and 2 chocolate digestives
T - sausage casserole, 1 potato waffle and sprinkle of cheese (random freezer food!)
P - ice cream cone
Also had 3 coffees with milk and a swig of cranberry juice

I've brushed my teeth now. There are some delicious salted caramel eggs from hotel chocolate in the cupboard but. I. Will. Resist. At least I hit 10k steps

Feeling super bloated this evening, probably all the fizzy water I've been drinking! Is it bad to drink too much?!

@BasinHaircut that doesn't sound too bad at all, hope the cramps are a bit better if not try and escape for a nice bath! I'm having one now and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Today could have been better. I've been craving chocolate ALL day!!

B - porridge
L - Spanish omelette and salad, yoghurt and granola
S - banana and 2 chocolate digestives
T - sausage casserole, 1 potato waffle and sprinkle of cheese (random freezer food!)
P - ice cream cone
Also had 3 coffees with milk and a swig of cranberry juice

I've brushed my teeth now. There are some delicious salted caramel eggs from hotel chocolate in the cupboard but. I. Will. Resist. At least I hit 10k steps

Feeling super bloated this evening, probably all the fizzy water I've been drinking! Is it bad to drink too much?!

@PotteringAlong that's a fantastic weight loss, well done!

@basinhaircut I hope you're feeling better by this evening.

Today has gone ok I think. As I'm not weighing things or counting calories I could be absolutely blowing it every day and not realising. We'll see next Monday! Today I have had:

B: bagel, 2 scrambled eggs and cranberry juice
L: pulled pork roll (last night's leftovers) and a packet of mini cheddars
D: spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread and carrot/cucumber sticks
S: Aldi brand cornetto

I'm feeling a bit bloated at the moment too, I think I'm overdoing the carbs a bit as my stomach doesn't cope well with too many. I had lots over the weekend so I think it's feeling a bit sensitive. Then add in today's bagel, roll, pasta (mix of white and wholewheat) and garlic bread, and it's not happy. Silly thing is that it doesn't stop me eating them though 🤦‍♀️

I'm delurking - have been following the thread for a while - and am really enjoying your approach to slow, sustainable weight loss.

I am 38 and don't have much to lose but my weight had gradually been creeping up since last summer. I have a regular hospital appointment every 8 weeks where I am weighed and the weight then graphed on the front of the chart....so no hiding from it!

I started at 69kg on 04/06 and am now at 65.8kg...3.2 kg loss so far. My goal weight is 63-ish kg as I am quite tall.

I have been tracking my calories on the Fitbit app and also increasing my exercise - aiming to hit 10k steps daily and also exercise 4-5 times per week. All exercise is at home workouts (Instagram or YouTube), walking and a bit of gentle cycling with the kids.

I am averaging about 1700 - 1800 cals per day so not feeling overly deprived (although definitely peckish at times ) but the act of logging everything makes me think twice about auto-pilot snacking or having seconds.

Todays food is / will be:
B: overnight oats & raisins soaked in apple juice with grated apple, greek yoghurt and nuts added in the morning
S: Joe wicks healthy raspberry flapjack
L: scrambled egg, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes with basil & balsamic. Few grapes
D: pasta amatriciana with about half portion of pasta, bulked out with broccoli and green beans
Also one low fat latte, coffee with splash almond milk

Hi sounds like your doing really well! @Ottiva wow your scrambled eggs sound amazing! Do you just eat them like that without any bread or anything?

I'm having a good day so far

B - porridge
L - tuna salad and yoghurt with blueberries and granola

• 2 coffees with milk

I will probably have some popcorn later and then dinner will be lemon, garlic and rosemary chicken thighs with veg and probably some halo ice cream after dinner. I've just been for a walk and hit 10k steps.

Hope everyone else is having a good day!

They are so tasty lmfaoo! I just gently scramble 3 eggs in a non-stick pan and fold in chopped up mozzarella for the last 30 seconds or so - it makes them really creamy and tasty. serve with the tomatoes, basil & balsamic on the side. In normal times a big chunk of sourdough would be fab on the side

@Ottiva that sounds amazing can't wait to try it!

I'm feeling really proud today. I had the worlds shittest day yesterday and really wanted to fall face first into a huge pile of chocolate and wine but I resist and just had a glass of water and an early night. I woke I up this morning feeling much better. Anyway weigh day today!

I think I'm on week 7 but loosing track now!

Starting weight: 156.25lbs
Current weight: 140.75lbs
Original goal: 140lbs

So I've lost 15.5lbs and have less than 1 lb to go until I hit my goal! This is the lightest weight I have been in my whole adult life! I'm still not quite where I want to be so I think I will set a new target at 133lbs/9.5 stone.

Hope everyone has a good day

@lmfaoo that is an amazing achievement in 7 weeks! And we’ll done for avoiding temptation yesterday. I hope you have a better day today.

I started at 153.6lbs in the new year and today am 141.4lbs. I’d also like to get down to 133lbs. I think I’ll set myself a mini target like @BasinHaircut maybe 138lbs by the end of the month?

Those eggs sounds lovely @Ottiva, I love mozzarella!
Well done @lmfaoo, that's a great weight loss! We have similar starting and goal weights, definitely helping to remind me I can do it!
@Nettersrunboulder86 the mini target sounds like such a good idea, I think I need to implement that myself. I get too obsessed withy goal weight and it seems so far away.
I think I've figured out the reason for my bloating this week, I assumed it was the alcohol at the weekend but it hasn't shifted since I've been back to eating better, drinking water and exercising. Then I remembered I stopped taking my pill just over a week ago (thought I had another pack left but I didn't) so I'm thinking it's a side effect of that! And Dr Google tells me it can take upto 3 months to subside, I'm hoping it isn't going to be anywhere near that long for me though!