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Calorie-counting

Discuss calorie counting, including tips, challenges and real-life experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Please can you help me demuddle my brain and focus?

12 replies

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:09

URGH, please can I have a bit of support/guidance guys. NC but regular poster, probably across every single one of the diet boards under different names when I fail on day 3 of which ever diet I'm trying, again and again, I just think 'I can't do this something better will work'. Hence the NC, I'm embarrassed that somebody who used to be called a terrier has lost their commitment.

It's been a hard few years, grief, work, illness etc etc. Along the way, I've eaten and drunk my way through it. In a lot of ways I've been luckier than I deserve, I've gained a stone. I've fluctuated over the last year or so doing various exercise, weight watchers, slimming world, 5:2, fasting, body coach blah blah blah. However, I didn't do anything properly, I was too tired, too depressed. I achieved more fitness goals, but secretly comfort ate and drank so never logged 'syns' 'points' 'units' properly. If that makes sense.

Last week, something happened, it wasn't a big thing, but it felt like a huge weight had been lifted, my head felt freer, and I felt more like me. Still tired, and worn down, but not like the whole world is sitting on my shoulders.

I feel like I could actually stick to a bit of a weight loss programme, and ease back in some exercise. But I'm muddled, I've tried so many things 'half assed' that I have no idea what would be right for me.

I think Calorie Counting is probably the best option though I get too bogged down with what I am and aren't allowed on things like SW/WW and very Hangry and Anxious on fasting. But how do I work out how many calories to lose weight? Does macros count as calorie counting or is that something different?

Any advice would be welcome. I'm fed up of being me. I know I'm not going to be super thing with a six pack, but I would like to look in the mirror again and feel like me, and not a stranger.

OP posts:
Valkyrie40 · 25/01/2022 14:11

Have you put your stats into the TDEE calculator?

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:13

What's a TDEE calculator? If I google it will it just show up? x

OP posts:
HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:17

I've just googled, ok, so I need to up my exercise.

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Valkyrie40 · 25/01/2022 14:32

Yes, you put in all your vital statistics and it should show you how many calories you need to consume to lose or maintain weight etc. I think it's the best way of getting a rough idea of how many cals you should aim for each day.

I'm doing slimming world (by myself) with a bit of intermittent fasting/calorie counting atm! So I'm trying to stick to the basic rules of slimming world (cooking meals the slimming world way using frylight etc and trying to use free/speed foods as much as possible) but I also don't eat between 7pm at night and 12 the next day and I also keep a mental note of how many cals I'm consuming (trying not to go over more than 1200 per day). I'm down 4lbs in 2 weeks so hopefully il stick at it. I've got another 20lbs to lose and I'm aiming to get there by may when I go on holiday!

Caramellatteplease · 25/01/2022 14:33

Tbh I'd slim fast for a bit and then move onto calorie counting. It gives you a proper break from food and you can introduce proper calorie counting slowly

Just download my fitness pal and let it do the hard work for you. Log what you naturally eat for a few days and then see what you need to change/swap/get rid of to fit within your calorie allowance. If you slim fast first log your shakes as well as everything you eat in your meal and snacks. As you get used to it drop one snack then both

Weight loss happens in the kitchen. Exercise is for fitness not weightloss.

Clear out everything from your house/desk/etc you comfort eat.

Get an electric kitchen scales with a rare function. Weigh everything.

After you get in the swing of eating to your calories. Consider going premium on my fitness pal and using their macro focus to balance carbs protein and fats.

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:40

This is really helpful everyone, thank you x

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Flockameanie · 25/01/2022 14:49

The Macros Inc calculator is great. It gave me a cal count / macro breakdown that was doable but also effective. For me getting enough protein is key.

Most of weight loss is diet. Exercise for other benefits (heart health, mental health, etc).

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:51

I do think I need more protein, I will look into this on my app (downloaded nutracheck for a fresh start as years of half assed MFP, I want to not be reminded how crap I've been!)

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Crazzzycat · 25/01/2022 14:53

It’s so difficult to lose weight when your head is not in the right place, so you’re doing the right thing by trying again now that you feel a little bit better.

My top tips would be to work out your TDEE and take off no more than 500 calories to work out how many calories you need to eat to lose weight.

Fill those calories with (mainly) healthy foods. The occasional packet of crisps or chocolate is absolutely fine, but if that is what makes up a big chunk of your calories you will be hungry. Look for foods that are high in fibre and/ or protein to keep you full.

Increase your exercise levels if you can. This won’t necessarily have a massive impact on your weightloss, but it can have a remarkable effect on your mental health, which in turn can help you stay focussed on improving your health long term.

Get enough sleep. Everything is easier when you get enough sleep, especially resisting calorific treats!

Join one of the monthly weightloss threads on this board. They’re really good for support and staying motivated. Smile

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 14:59

Thank you! Good tip about mainly healthy foods, I always used to save my points for wine or pizza Blush simply because my brain capacity didn't think of anything else, but this is really a good tip.

I'll go and find the monthly weightloss thread now.

SLEEP - now this is the big one. I sleep AWFULLY, but I think that the change in diet/drink will hopefully help with that??!!

OP posts:
Crazzzycat · 25/01/2022 15:05

Diet can have a big impact on your sleep quality, especially if you’re a late evening snacker (speaking from personal experience here 😳). Light exercise has a big impact too.

I can recommend this thread… I’ve been on it for the last 10 months and it’s partially responsible for helping me lose just under 4 stone in that time ☺️

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/4456614-LOSE-IT-January-2022-Thread-2

HereComesTheMum · 25/01/2022 15:11

Oh wow @Crazzzycat that is amazing! Well done!!!

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