Something needs to change but I'm not sure what?

[cheesenpickles]

So I've gained a lot of weight over the years and, particularly post-kids, I'm carrying it. I actually think I look slimmer in my head than what I see in photos so it's always a bit of a shock.

I've had success in the past with the usual slimming world/vlcd/tracking meals etc but now cooking dinners for a family of four it's less feasible. Either I cook healthy dinners (that I enjoy) and the kids turn their noses up or we end up with crowd pleasers that are doing nothing for my waistline. I've tried substitutes to make them healthier but again, these don't get eaten.

I haven't really got enough time to cook multiple dinners so a bit stuck.

I was toying with 5:2, but can anybody recommend me something that really works. My usual trip ups are things like coffee with milk and snacking in the evening. I'm bad at meal planning and tracking.

Can anybody help? I'd like to lose around 4/5stone if possible.

16:8 might work for you. You eat during an 8 hour window and fast the rest of the time.

It’s not as hard as it sounds once you get used to it, but best to build up the length of the fasting window slowly.

It works mainly because it’s a real challenge to fit in too many calories in 8 hours. It’s pretty easy to follow and should mean you can still eat with your family

I haven't really changed the dinners that I eat apart from adding more vegetables on the side which automatically reduces my portions of the other things. I still eat pizza, pasta etc.

However, I try and balance that with the other meals with the intention to try and get enough veg, salad, dairy and fruit. I therefore might choose a salad at lunch rather than stodgy sandwiches and crisps. I have reduced my 'fry up' consumption at the weekend and in the week have porridge and fruit. I ask myself whether I really want a snack and if so I just have a small piece of chocolate and go back later if that wasn't enough to satisfy my hunger.

This means I still fit into the normal habits of eating with my DH and going out but have lost weight although it's slower than a 'diet'. No tracking involved at all and very flexible so fits in with 'life'.

Read up on intuitive eating and why diets fail.

My OH lost 5 stone through portion control - that way the whole family can still eat the same. He measured out his muesli and rice portions according to NHS recommendations and didn’t eat any leftovers (he hates food going to waste). I realised we were cooking far too much and have cut back so there is seldom any food thrown away now.
He was also drinking way too much orange juice so again measured it. We bought a much smaller carton and he knew how many portions it should provide.
Snacking was a love of his so he only eats fruit if he gets the munchies.
As for the family meals, children love the safe & familiar but if you want to make a shift in what they eat remember that they need to be exposed to a new food 10-15 times before they will eat it. Put a teaspoon of new food e.g. sweet corn on their plate and don’t expect them to eat it. They may even remove it from their plate but it means they’re touching it & exploring it. Ignore any protests & soon they’ll just get used to it being there!!

Completely go with WhoAteMyNuts!! I’m slow at typing so didn’t see her response. This way means you’re not on a diet - it’s a lifestyle choice so you’re changing your eating habits for good.
Another tip is if you’re feeling hunger it might actually be thirst. Drink half a pint of water before snacking then you will eat less too.

Good luck

P.S. you’d still be able to have milk in your coffee this way

Thanks everybody. I definitely think more veg is the way to go. Thankfully one child eats everything and the other is really just going through a bit of a phase. If I just try and load up more veg that'll hopefully trim some of this off.

The 16:8 aspect looks good too as I have a tendency not to eat properly in the day (work from home so I tend to snack and graze or not eat at all).