Any tips?

[NorhamGardens]

Ok I am about 5 ft 3.5 inches tall and weigh about 9.8 stone. About a month ago I weighed about 9.2 stone and had been stuck at this weight for about a year. I am 41.

I really want to get to about 8 stone, a pre children weight that suited me.

To stay at 9.2 stone I had to try incredibly hard. I haven't eaten chips or pasta (white) cake, biscuits or confectionary for 2 years now, the only way to control myself and cope with my constant cravings I found.

I run about 8k a week in total, usually run twice a week and supplement with weights etc inbetween.

I have tried to do things sensibly, aim for 1lb a week loss. No crazy fasts, aimed for steady as she goes type losses that sort of thing.

Typical breakfast, oats and fruit, handful of nuts. Lunch chicken salad with one piece wholemeal bread or tiny roll, dinner salad again with some protein. A bit more at times, don't go hungry.

Sometimes it's more than this. Alcohol about 4 units a week sometimes a little more sometimes a little less.

Feel angry and fed up I can't get to my goal and feel like I may as well throw in the towel and do a crazy fast like everyone else seems to?

I know that isn't the answer. Two years ago I weighed 10.5 stone but I have radically overhauled my life since then.

A few things I do know:

I eat enough
I could do a bit more exercise
I don't deserve my flabby tummy (or so I feel today)!

From the brief desciption of your diet it doesn't sound too bad - are you eating enough?

re exercise - I can recommend Jillian Micheals 30 Day Shred (we have a thread on here) its 20 mins & should give you a good body.

Will take a look. Yes, I eat enough, I am sensible and sometimes eat more than I posted if I feel hungry.

I also have a few snacks here and there during the day, rice cakes, fruit, chicken and so on.

I am not sure why I have suddenly gained 6 pounds in a short time? I haven't gained that much so quickly for a long time (even on a two week holiday where I relaxed the food).

Even on holiday I didn't relax my 'rules': no chips, white pasta, or cake, or pastries. Sometimes I had a little ice cream (I love it).

So in short, feel annoyed that 1) I've suddenly gained so much 2) I've been stuck at 9.2 for a year. I've had to try super hard to stay that weight let alone reduce. Maybe I need to do more cardio? It already feels like I do enough though.

I seem to have to work MUCH harder than others to achieve good results. But maybe we all feel that way?

NG - I understand - I am 5foot 5 and weigh 11 1/2 stone - however I look a lot lighter - and can wear size 10 -12 clothes.. I just try not to get hung up on the figures on the scales. Its all about how fit & healthy you feel & how well your clothes fit you.

Maybe 8 st is too light for you? Before I was married I weighed between 7st 10 and 8 st. and I'm 5'3" I got back down to 8 st 2 4 years ago but looked far too thin, my face looked v. gaunt. for me 8 st 10 to 9st is about right, perjhaps if you just tried for 5lb for now as a target you might be pleasantly surprised and less hard on yourself?