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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.

Need help with calorie counting please

11 replies

cheeseisthebest · 25/06/2022 20:47

Hi,
I need to lose weight, I've tried many different ways but if I put too many restrictions on myself I binge. I will binge on anything, chocolate, cheese, toast, it's not always sugar. I'm actually booked in to have hypnosis to help with the binging. Its emotional and comfort eating and I'm struggling to stop.
I thought calorie counting might be a way forward? How many calories should I be having to lose weight?
And any ideas for low calorie treats that might help get me through the day and not binge?

OP posts:
Chazx · 26/06/2022 08:52

i am exact same as you! and i've definitely been on threads about this before!

Nothing has ever given me the push to stop overeating. It's a daily struggle for me and my weight is up/down by 6 pounds. The 6 pounds doesn't sound a lot but I carry it all on my middle which means I can't fit into some of my clothes a lot of the time

We have all the nutrition and information on what we need to do to lose weight- like eat less,
avoid sugar and processed foods as they're addictive,
eat less than or around 2000 cal per day if you're a woman,
eat better quality calories like proteins/fruit and veg as they're more filling
exercise is helpful but you need to exercise for ages to counteract calorie value.

I do wonder why we are all failing to lose weight when we have such amazing access to information! My answer to that is that we don't have the right mental "place" or mindset to implement the changes despite all the information.

I really don't know what to do about it though. It's impossible to break the habitual junk food eating for me personally! Hopefully someone who has had success will answer.

I'm looking at "Love yourself lose weight" at the moment, it's really helpful when looking to get into why we overeat and how we can change it by setting out exactly why we aren't looking after ourselves- "love yourself and lose weight" book from amazon.

To answer your question, i average around 1800-1900 calories a day and lose about 1 pound per week but i'm active, walk about 30 miles a week and do seniors aerobic classes, end up shattered tired and often eat more than that even though i'm supposed to be eating fewer calories.

They are still addictive and i'm trying not to even start on sugary snacks as once the floodgate is opened .... but snacks i'm having are -
caramel rice cakes from tesco - 40 calories each
fab ice lollies
low fat basic fruit flavoured yoghurts

cheeseisthebest · 26/06/2022 09:07

Thank you, yes the floodgate issue is definitely true!
Rice cakes are a good idea.
You've made some very good points!
I'm really hoping the hypnosis will help me, I'm desperate and need willpower.
I feel sad because I'm overweight and eating is the only thing that cheers me up! It's just crazy.

OP posts:
Bearthepooh · 26/06/2022 13:49

I've always tried calorie counting and it's been hit and miss.

I've been doing quite well lately and been eating a bit of what I normally have but cut in half and padding out with veg or salad. So still have pizza/pasta but have a big pile of salad on the side so it still fills me up.

Sinilar goes for sweet stuff I've got a really bad sweet tooth. But I'm trying to go for things that take a bit longer to chew/eat.
Caramel rice cakes I would agree, aldi do vienneta ice-cream sticks for 85 cals. And I'm obsessed with the nougat skinny bars. They're really sweet and have different flavours but the nougat is filling so I feel satisifed.
Small tub of Raisins for nibbling through the day too. (make sure you weigh them, too many can be high in calories!)

Bearthepooh · 26/06/2022 13:55

www.bmstores.co.uk/products/skinny-dream-salted-caramel-bars-5pk-386415 these are the ones I mean, I don't think I'll ever get bored of this flavour, it had a bit of Caramel sauce In. B&m usually has the best selection of flavours.

fallfallfall · 26/06/2022 13:59

Your calorie needs are based on your current weight age and activity needs as well as the rate of weight loss you would like.
most calorie counting websites ask this info when you sign up.

cheeseisthebest · 26/06/2022 14:02

I went onto a calorie counting website and I didn't understand what it was saying? Need to find a simpler one.

OP posts:
Trainfromredhill · 26/06/2022 14:02

Try the free app Loose it. You put in your target weight and time frame to get there. It tells you how many calories per day. You literally add them all in. If you exercise you put that in too and your calorie allowance goes up. Worked for me.

Mumblechum0 · 26/06/2022 14:07

Try My Fitness Pal. I’m losing a couple of pounds a week on 1200 cals per day

Homelander42 · 26/06/2022 14:12

As someone with similar behaviour towards food and binging as yourself, I personally find calorie counting makes me binge more.

No matter what you do, if you don't get to the bottom of why you're binging, or finding strategies to cope with it, no matter what 'plan' you follow, you'll always have the same problem.

fallfallfall · 26/06/2022 14:13

Okay @cheeseisthebest what question was asked that you didn’t understand? What site did you try?

Homelander42 · 26/06/2022 14:14

For me, tiredness is a big cause of binge eating. As is stress, so I look for alternative ways to deal with stress. But its never easy. Its always something I have to think about.

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