WillI lose weight by....

[MrsSnape]

I'm no good with strict diets so this is my plan for the new year.

Cut out bread, crisps and chocolate (apart from the odd treat maybe once a week) but eat normally apart from that so that I'm never hungry.

Train in karate twice a week.

Use the gym 3 times a week.

Swim twice a week.

I'm a size 14 and I have a big flabby belly....will this plan work to

a) get me down to a comfortable size 12
b) get rid of my podge?

blimey - there'll be nothing on you!

I definitely think it'll work - the exercise regime is brill and will really tone you.

I'm gonna reduce my carbs big time - I really think carbs are the problem in a lot of peoples' diets.

sounds good to me although the exercise would finish me off [lazy] are you already doing some form of exercise?

What are you going to eat in place of the bread, crisps and chocolate? It would be an idea to get lots of healthy snacks in to replace them.

Good idea to allow yourself a break every week - you won't feel so much like you are denying yourself anything.

Good luck and I wish I had your resolve

I'm really looking foward to it, I've never been so determined and I think that's why I'm not trying to fool myself by saying I'll live off veg and fruit because I know me now and I just can't do that.

The karate I was planning on anyway for personal enjoyment/hobby but it wont exactly hurt my new routine. The swimming won't be intensive...once a week with the kids so I'll hopefully get a few lenghs in then and then again on a weekend.

I'm also planning to buy a bike rather than bus everywhere...will save money as well as help my fitness.

Not really sure what to replace the carbs with as I hate fruit...any ideas?

You don't need to replace all carbs - just cut right back on bread, pasta, potatoes I reckon. They're the ones that bloat me up.

Carrots, apples, bananas etc all higher in carbs and oats.

I always think I have to have a starchy carb with every meal but I shouldn't!
Perhaps count cals for a week just to see how much you eat and what you can cut out/cut back on.

Bread and Pasta are worse than potatoes, def. A small baked potato if you're feeling like you really need filling up would be a better option than a huge chunk of bread or a plate of pasta, plus as it's natural you get more nutrients out of it than processed white flour.....

Sounds like you have a pretty sound plan worked out I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't drop more than one size if you keep it up!

By the way, when I had a bike and cycled to and from school 5 days a week I dropped a stone - really toned up my legs, too! Ok, it was 12 miles there and back, but if you use it for several shorter trips you will build up the distances and you won't even notice. I love cycling!

Mrssnape I started at the begining of september, much the same as yourself, eating sensibly and going to the gym 4-5 times aweek, walking or cycling to work. I didn't cut out anything - just back a lot. I didn't want to "diet" and then possibly just pile it back on again so thought it would be better to change a few things and increase my activity levels!

I have lost 18 pounds since then so am really pleased as it has been a steadyish decrease (although I did reach a plateu for nearly four weeks, so do more weights) and I have gone from a size 14 to a very comfortable size 12. My size 14 clothes are now ridiculous.