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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

The ‘No Specific Diet’ Weightloss thread.

739 replies

Bookaholic73 · 27/12/2020 09:59

Is anyone planning on losing weight in 2021, but without following any specific diet?

I’ve tried low carb, plant based, GI diets, sugar free...the list goes on.

But i know that for me, I just need to eat better and move more. I can’t imagine the rest of my life without rice/chocolate etc, and if my weightloss is going to be sustainable, it can’t exclude any food groups.

So my plan is to just eat less unhealthy foods, and eat more veggies.
I’m starting today, but am aware that others may want to wait till new year, that’s fine.

Anyone else want to join me?

OP posts:
ClaraTheImpossibleGirl · 29/12/2020 15:41

No snow here either - the DC are desperate for some, but we are only forecast rain Sad

A couple of my friends had GD too @SingToTheSky and found it very hard work, especially when they had small DC to cater for as well! I need to work on eating better meals too, I usually get to finish maybe half of mine if I'm lucky before the DC have finished theirs and are bored/ squabbling/ need a wee... then like you, I end up snacking to try to fill up.

Lifechange2020 · 29/12/2020 15:49

I’d like to join please! Going to start on 4th which is when back to work. Need to get rid of all the crap first! Heaviest I’ve ever been. I gave up drinking in August as had big problem with it and seem to have turned to food. Not weighing myself til 4th but think I have about 2.5 stone to loose. Going to really cut back on carbs as that’s my downfall. Have started walking a lot more so going to continue with that. I’ll check in on my first day when I’ve braved the scales! Good luck everyone!

Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 16:52

@UkSky

Sounds perfect. Can I join too? Need to lose about 3 stone and want to do it by eating better and more exercise.

Can't run as I have bad knees but will get the bike out and start walking before work again.

Will be properly starting on 4th Jan when I go back to work.

Hi, of course you can join, welcome! I bought a bike last year and only used it twice, so I’m planning on cycling more. We have miles of cycle trails near me!
OP posts:
Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 16:53

@Mamagotskills

I’m in. Loosely following slimming world (is half my plate veg/fruit) and limiting treats. Stating gently now so I don’t put even more on before new year
That is exactly why I started early too! Welcome to the thread!
OP posts:
Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 16:54

@peachgreen

Can I join in? Not to bring the thread down but I've lost almost 2 stone since my DH died in October and as much as that is a horrible reason to have lost weight, I do feel much better physically for it so I want to carry it on having had such a kickstart. Also I'm very aware that I'm the only parent DD has now so I need to stay as healthy as possible. Similarly I don't want to follow a particular diet although I'm sort of doing 16:8 but not really! Ideally I'd like to lose a further 4 stone by 2022 as that would take me to my lightest adult weight where I felt really good about myself and had energy.

Doing okay so far today, resisted a biscuit with my coffee and am heading out for a walk with my toddler now.

@peachgreen I’m so sorry to hear about your DH. What is 16,8?
OP posts:
Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 16:59

@ColouringPencils I love the WAVY anagram! Nice and easy to remember.

@TheThreeHeadedBeast welcome aboard!

@queentsumtsum that’s how I feel too, no specific diet, just knowing and doing what works best for my body to lose weight.

@UkSky good luck with the freezer dives!

OP posts:
Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 17:01

@Lifechange2020 welcome!

So, today has gone well. I’ve been for a 45 min walk (starting to increase my distance/time slowly) and eaten really healthy.

DH has too, which is a shock!!
I’ve bought some AF ‘wine’ to see me through NYE!

OP posts:
ColouringPencils · 29/12/2020 17:36

I would be interested to know more about the walking challenges you are doing @queentsumtsum and @LightandAiry. Just bought myself my first Fitbit with Christmas money.

Honeybobbin · 29/12/2020 17:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 18:08

@ColouringPencils

I would be interested to know more about the walking challenges you are doing *@queentsumtsum and @LightandAiry*. Just bought myself my first Fitbit with Christmas money.
Yes, forgot to say that I’d also be interested in those challenges!
OP posts:
LightandAiry · 29/12/2020 18:15

I have signed up for a challenge called This Girl Walks - January challenge you choose your distance. Could be 50K in January fir example. Then join a Facebook group there's some gorgeous pics of different walks

Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 18:26

@LightandAiry

I have signed up for a challenge called This Girl Walks - January challenge you choose your distance. Could be 50K in January fir example. Then join a Facebook group there's some gorgeous pics of different walks
Is that challenge free @LightandAiry?
OP posts:
peachgreen · 29/12/2020 18:33

@ColouringPencils Don't worry at all, and thank you Flowers

@SingToTheSky yes that's basically what I'm doing too, trying to stick to clear fluid only for as long as possible during the day and then sticking to 2 meals.

@Bookaholic73 16:8 is where you fast for 16 hours (including overnight) and then eat between the other 8. So I have a cup of tea without milk first thing and then have breakfast at around 11am, then make sure I don't eat after 7pm. But I don't stick to it religiously.

Norwester · 29/12/2020 18:36

Ooo. I'm in. I have generally done well losing weight and maintaining without a specific diet, but I am 2 stone heavier than I should be/would like to be.

Thanks for starting this, OP! I want to have lost the extra weight by summer solstice - 21st June. I like the thought of starting in the dead of winter and hitting my goal by the longest day of the year. Smile

Atomsaway · 29/12/2020 19:20

Oh! I’ll join in!
I need to just get more organised. I think that’s the key. I have three stone to lose.
I had some success with low carb in the summer but I couldn’t keep it up once I went back to work in September. Grabbing a sandwich in the canteen doesn’t really work.
I would love to overhaul the family’s eating habits too and include more vegetables for my picking teens.
I have an instant pot waiting to be used on my worktop. Has anyone got one? What do you make in it?

WhoLettheCatOut · 29/12/2020 19:38

Joining but like above not starting until all the Christmas food has gone! Lockdown has done me in, my only exercise was my commute to work and I've not done that since mid March and not likely to return to significant office attendance again so I need to start thinking about moving more another way. Big yoga fan but not loving it remotely.

Original poster
Bookaholic73 · 29/12/2020 20:15

@Atomsaway

Oh! I’ll join in! I need to just get more organised. I think that’s the key. I have three stone to lose. I had some success with low carb in the summer but I couldn’t keep it up once I went back to work in September. Grabbing a sandwich in the canteen doesn’t really work. I would love to overhaul the family’s eating habits too and include more vegetables for my picking teens. I have an instant pot waiting to be used on my worktop. Has anyone got one? What do you make in it?
I have an IP and I love mine! Quick risotto, meatballs from frozen, loads of great ideas!
OP posts:
Glenthebattleostrich · 29/12/2020 21:59

hello everyone!

if anyone fancies being Fitbit friends pm me and ill send a friend request. There are some great challenges on there to help motivate. I like doing the step challenges.

Its to cold and icy to run outdoors so ive bought myself a treadmill from a friend on Facebook. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I've also dug out my hand weights and kettle bell.

My lovely friend bought me a journal for Christmas and ive completed the first page with a paragraph about my aims for next year. It is all ready for me to start on Friday.

The ‘No Specific Diet’ Weightloss thread.
Glenthebattleostrich · 29/12/2020 22:00

@peachgreen Flowers

OppsUpsSide · 29/12/2020 22:06

Can I join? This is just the not-a-diet I was going to do just as soon as I have eaten all the cheese.
I have been playing on the Wii whilst I wait for the cheese to disappear...

Whyislifesohardsometimes · 29/12/2020 22:08

Would it be ok for me join too? I would like to lose 5st Blush and have tried every diet going. I know it is all about exercise and the right food choices, rather than trying to starve myself on the hope of a quick fix. Starting next Monday.... come on we can do this Grin

MrsMouse03 · 29/12/2020 23:06

Count me in please. Can't believe how much I weigh now. Couple of stone to lose Smile

ColouringPencils · 30/12/2020 07:19

I've got in some alcohol-free beers and diet cokes for the start of Dry Jan on Friday. I did it last year too and felt I really craved a 'drink' for the first few days and especially the first weekend, then after that was fine with drinking water. Now I need to get some ideas for vegetarian recipes, as the last time I went veggie I ended up eating so much cheese.

@Glenthebattleostrich what kind of challenges do you do on Fitbit? I have just got mine, so I am having a look at the app.

ColouringPencils · 30/12/2020 07:22

Is anyone else doing Dry January? I have been drinking so much over Christmas I feel like I really need it this year.

Hellswithbigbells · 30/12/2020 07:37

May join too please? I have at least 2 stone to lose currently 12 stone and only 5ft. I too will start when the vast amount of food is gone. I have been ‘practising’ what I want to do in January, some fasting, cutting out sugar in the day, trying to control alcohol intake and a bit of running. I am hoping January gives me motivation to put it all together.