Anyone lost considerable weight without a "diet" plan?

[Summertimechange]

I have tried everything diet wise, including high protein.

Thinking what I would really like is to eat "normally". And that if I really want to change I would make it work regardless of diet plan etc.

Today I made spinach and ricotta cannelloni...just worked out the nutrition! My normal portion is easily 700 calories, high fat etc, then garlic bread and olives etc. I'm going to try a portion I estimate at 300 calories with a big green salad.

Generally that will be the approach, smaller portion, increased vegetables, but without counting etc, generally eating same food.

Thinking it would be wise to not buy any treats but instead when I do fancy something I walk to the shop and get it. I have shops within 5-10 minutes walk, one open late.

Has anyone managed to lose weight without a specific approach... And any tips?

Well, it could work if you're consistent. There are so many variables though. Such as this 'treat'. It's very feasible that a walk of 5-10 minutes wouldn't offset whatever you might buy unless the thought of going out for it would put you off!

But generally cutting portions and adding salad or non starchy veg is part of how I successfully lost 4 stone. I logged my food on FitBit, ensured a Calorie deficit and also took up running and going for a walk everyday, though.

Yup. My hairdresser went from size 22 to size 14. All she did was give up carbs and power walk in the treadmill.

My hope is that having to go somewhere for a "treat" will help reduce the times I have one as not easily available. Obviously I will need to make sure the treat isn't a mega size bag of Doritos!!

I definitely need to be more active to improve my fitness.

Well, why not give it a try and see how you do? It's progress from where you are now and you can tweak anything that seems to affect your weight detrimentally.

I have lost 6kg since April by loosely calorie counting. I still eat carbs and treats so I don’t feel deprived but I just make sure I’m not over-eating. Cutting out treats doesn’t work for me, I just end up sadly rooting through the cupboards and sending DP to the shop to get me chocolate 🤣 better to plan for it and account for it, IMO.

I did when I was at uni. I lost two dress sizes in a year. I didn't weigh myself back then. I did it by getting into the habit of eating healthier meals, having half a plate of vegetables and exercising pretty much every day. I was still out drinking every weekend as well.

I do want to go back to this kind of lifestyle. I think the big thing is accepting that it will be a very slow and gradual weight loss.

I've always got on best with straight forward calorie counting- it does what it said on the tin and I find it simple to follow. I don't consider it a diet "plan" I see it as a way of life.

Several apps available, I've always liked MFP best.

There was a programme in this week called how to lose weight without dieting, voice over by Jason Manford, I'm assuming it's a series, the episode this week was very good. Very much about not giving anything up, just eating less by appreciating what you are eating more, and making better choices.

Definitely worth a watch. The 2 women on it lost a couple of stone in 2 months and both looked fab and were so much happier.

Following. I had great success with slimming world before but I just want to eat normally. I'm thinking of calorie counting as I can eat normally enough as long as its within the calorie allowance for the day.

Another one here who's lost quite a lot of weight recently by calorie counting - I didn't weigh myself before I started (didn't want to know the bad news!) but have recently started doing so and reckon I've lost around 2 stone. Your idea of smaller portions of your normal meals is pretty much exactly what I've been doing. I've also increased my exercise level, but probably not as much as I should have.

One thing I would say is that, for me and especially at first, I needed to be strict with my weighing and measuring as it's easy to underestimate what you're taking in. Now I have a few favourite meals which I prepare regularly, I know how many calories without always having to get the scales out.

I've found being flexible helps, so if I overshoot on calories one day, I'll try to cut down the next. I try to stay relaxed about it all though, and reckon that as long as I'm generally under my maintenance level, I should still lose weight even though it will take longer.

Regarding treats, I include them in my daily calorie allowance. I am happy to tell you that a mini-Magnum is 140 calories and I've just had one for my lunch!

I've lost just over a stone (16lbs) without dieting at all. I mean, continuing to eat crisps and drink wine every single day because I have zero willpower. I did it by doing 4-5 bootcamps a week. People say exercise doesn't make that much difference but it did to me. However, I have another stone to lose, and that will need me to cut out all the rubbish and reduce portions.

Look into intermittent fasting. You can have one or two normal sized meals which is satisfying rather than several unsatisfying small meals and snacks where you have to calculate everything. If you build up your fasting time gradually it isn’t too difficult.

I follow fastingforlife2020 on Instagram and she’s lost loads just through fasting.

I can see it would be easier to be eating more than is ideal if not tracking. My problem is that when I start counting it dominates my thinking. Although I do like MFP.

I have lost lots of weight and put it back on twice over the years, about 3-4 stone each time. Both times not sustainable or sensible approaches.

I am generally a much more together person who would like a healthy way this time, without becoming obsessive.

I am happy to tell you that a mini-Magnum is 140 calories good to hear!

I did a little exercise today and enjoyed it.

@robotcollision were you already quite fit?