Really need to loose weight

[jofeb04]

I'm not happy with the size that I am, and really want to loose weight.

I can't afford the slimming classes, as I go swimming three times a week and it's basically one or the other.

I don't eat three meals a day (dc are 3 and 1), and I simply snack through the day and then have a pritty healthy meal in the evening (fish, veg, lean meat and grilled etc), and I absolutuly love chocolate and I am sure I am addicted to coke (coca-cola!).

So what's the best way to start dieting?

Hi - you need to start by eating proper meals throughout the day (more than 3 perhaps) to stop your body craving sugery things and snacks that aren't healthy.For breakfast or later if you can't eat breakfast that early, try a bowl of cereal (porridge good but if you're not keen how about Cherrios) with some fruit on like banana sliced and sultanas. Then mid morning have an apple or other easy fruit. Then for lunch have some carbs and salad (ham/salad sandwich)followed by a yoghurt and perhaps a bag of snack-a-jacks or something in the afternoon. Then have your normal tea - meat/fish and veg with pots/cous cous or rice. If all that seems like a lot, it's all healthy and you don't have to eat loads of it but enough into keeping your sugar cravings in check and keep you going through the day. Perhaps you could start by cutting down on coke instead of cutting it out. I had a bit of a tea addiction and now only try to have 3 cups a day. The sugar in the coke you're drinking is boosting you initially but then making you snack later on in between meals.
Incidently, how much do you want to lose?

Well at least you are motivated to exercise so stick with the swimming. Also, if you don't already, go for fast walks with your DC in a pram every day or every other day if you can. Just half an hour will make a big difference to how you feel. If you can afford it, for a one off cost, buy a fitness DVD. Davina MaCall's ones are very popular and very good.

As for the diet, you need to change your eating habits and stop snacking throughout the day. Try to have 3 main meals and if you are hungry in between, eat fruit.

Breakfast - cereal with skimmed or semi-skimmed milk

Lunch - Tuna salad followed by fruit or soup & bread roll followed by fruit

Dinner - whatever you fancy but make sure that half your plate is filled with vegetables like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower and that the portion size of your protein and carbohydrate sources e.g meat & veg, is not too generous (should fit into palm of your hand).

Again for a one off cost, buy Weightwatchers or Slimming World magazines as they will have lots of recipes.

If you want to, have a treat once a day or once a week if you have the willpower e.g. small piece of cake or a small piece of chocolate. Drink lots of water throughout the day too.

Finally, remember to only weigh yourself once a week at the same time and also go by how your clothes feel - for some weeks you will lose inches without losing weight.

Good luck!

Forgot to say that you are addicted to the sugar in the coke so you need to cold turkey on that. Acquire the taste for water - you will feel better for it.