12,500 steps a day

[babysnowman]

I read an article that said taking 12,500 steps a day would classify you as 'highly active'.

I need to start shifting some baby weight and will find it difficult to commit to the gym or classes as I have a 4mo, DH works long and irregular hours, we live quite rurally.

If I were to aim for 12,500 steps a day along with cutting down on junk food (can't be too strict on calories as am still breastfeeding but figure less junk is a food thing), would I realistically lose much weight?

I'd love to hear any success stories from people who have done similar!

It’s much easier to lose weight through diet.

That's should say 'less junk is a good thing

I’ve done 13000 so far. I walked the dog. I certainly wouldn’t say I was highly active. It was a gentle stroll!
Weight loss is much more about food intake than exercise.

Just as an FYI, there's a lot of people on MN who believe 12,500 is barely active; they think they get a minimum of 6,000 making the breakfast.

Saying that the 12,500 is an arbitrary number. Obviously it's better than sitting on your backside, but make sure they are active steps (ie a fast walk).

A good brisk walk of at least 30 minutes each day might be a better goal?

It can only help. Putting your baby in its pram and getting an hours brisk walk would be pretty good for your state of mind, even if it wasn't enough to shift any serious weight.

Its can be a good indicator of how much you've moved but not necessarily how many calories you've burned. Also, it depends how many you are doing now and how much of an increase that would be. But then in your circumstances, with still breastfeeding and not feeling able to commit to a class etc I think it's definitely better than nothing! Combine it with a healthier diet and you will see some results, maybe not huge drastic drops but enough to start you off until you can up your diet and exercise?

You'll lose the weight from changing your diet.

But getting in to the habit of being active will be brilliant for your health in the longer term