How to lose a stone?

[Thisisjustbetweenus]

Just that really - I want to lose a stone to get back to my pre-baby weight. I'm not over weight but I put weight on after having a baby and breastfeeding/too little sleep made me reach for sugary snacks and eat too much. I am not sure how the heck to do it - I've never dieted before really. Also I'm still breastfeeding and I am one of those people who seem to hold on to weight when I'm breastfeeding. To give you an idea of my diet, I'm vegetarian and most meals revolve around carbs - 2 slices of toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, pasta for dinner. My portions aren't huge

I'm happy to do it gradually and lose a couple of pounds a week but I just don't get what I'm meant to do. So, gurus, where the hell do I start?

Hi, I'm no expert as I'm only on day 2 of following a new eating plan, but I'd say aim for 3 meals a day with some carbs but not loads at every meal (I couldn't contemplate low carb as I enjoy carbs too much, but I'm being sensible and sticking to complex carbs and not at every meal).

My plan excludes added refined sugar, so my choice of snacks includes whole fruit, or a few nuts, or hummus and carrot sticks, but I'm finding I just need a piece of fruit in the morning to keep me going and then I don't bother with any other snacks. Filling, satisfying meals are meaning that I'm not constantly rummaging around the cupboards for biscuits and sweets like I was previously.

I'd also say that planning meals in advance is helping me - I've made a full meal planner for this week and am all organised with what I'll be eating every day.

I'm also approaching this as a way to improve my overall health, not just a quick fix way to lose weight - this has made a huge difference to my mindset, and I'm wanting to nourish my body instead of feeling like I'm depriving myself or going without.

Hope some of these things help you, I'm feeling the most positive about what I'm eating than I have for a long time.