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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

What have you lost by counting calories/deficit?

30 replies

MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 09:37

Just that really.

I posted on here a few days ago as I was so fed up with slimming world. Started counting calories yesterday (figured out how much i need to be consuming in order to lose weight using a calculator online) and can't believe how much better I feel mentally already.

So much flexibility and freedom!

Also have my Fitbit in, counting my steps and calories burned and usual gym etc.

Thanks In advance x

OP posts:
CrimsonAlligator · 02/08/2022 09:58

I’ve lost more than 4 stone by counting calories and have, so far, managed to keep it off for more than a year. I know calorie counting doesn’t work for everyone, but that’s usually because people get a little too fixated on the numbers. I calorie count on a weekly basis, so that if I go over a bit one day, I can balance it out on other days. It’s nice to have that flexibility 😊

FlyingGoose · 02/08/2022 10:00

Lost 61lb since new year. I don't track anymore, but will start again if the scale moves in the wrong direction!

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 02/08/2022 10:00

I went from size 18 to a 10. Then stopped focussing on losing weight and continued to eat that way and went to a size 6. I didn't focus on weight, just how my body looked and felt

Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 10:44

CrimsonAlligator · 02/08/2022 09:58

I’ve lost more than 4 stone by counting calories and have, so far, managed to keep it off for more than a year. I know calorie counting doesn’t work for everyone, but that’s usually because people get a little too fixated on the numbers. I calorie count on a weekly basis, so that if I go over a bit one day, I can balance it out on other days. It’s nice to have that flexibility 😊

Wow! That is actually amazing. Well done you. Can I ask if you don't mind sharing. When you started what did you day of meals and snacks consist of? Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 10:45

FlyingGoose · 02/08/2022 10:00

Lost 61lb since new year. I don't track anymore, but will start again if the scale moves in the wrong direction!

Oh my god! That's phenomenal! What an achievement! You must feel Incredible. Did you find it easy to follow? Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 10:46

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 02/08/2022 10:00

I went from size 18 to a 10. Then stopped focussing on losing weight and continued to eat that way and went to a size 6. I didn't focus on weight, just how my body looked and felt

Go you superwoman! That's amazing! I went from a size 18 to a size 12 but I had my DD in March and back in an 18. Slimming world just doesn't seem to be working anymore so I'm trying this! Did you find it easy to follow and not as repetitive? Xx

OP posts:
Tesoroxx · 02/08/2022 10:51

Down 5 stone calorie counting I done slimming world years back and it was toxic really wouldn't recommend it to anyone and when I seen the calories in the "unlimited syn free pasta" for example it explained a lot It would be like 12 syns in a 200kcal choc bar but I could have 1000kcal of pasta for free so glad I left

Theredjellybean · 02/08/2022 10:56

11 yrs ago I lost 4.5 stone calorie counting and doing what is now called mindful eating.
I'm now half stone up (so still 4stone down) and using calorie counting to drop it.
I don't believe in all the hype about micros and macros and do this or do that type diets... Basically you need to eat less calories than you use.
I eat what I want but stick to limit.
I only eat when I'm properly hungry.
You need to count every thing.. Milk in tea/coffee, the odd chocolate or apple etc.
I remember it took a huge mental shift to get away from "its a slimming apple and a fattening biscuit"... If they are both calories you don't need your body will store them as fat.
I also formed new habits so instead of snacking when I was watching TV, I went for a walk after dinner or a bath or did exercise class.

FlyingGoose · 02/08/2022 11:05

The first few weeks were tough and then you just get into the swing of things. I feel great and i have much more confidence. In the early days calorie counted ready meals from M and S were a life saver. I relax a bit more now, but still try to stay on track as much as possible. I would like to lose maybe another 6 lb, seem to have stalled the past few weeks but that's OK, I've been out a few times and since it is the holidays I am not at work, so less active.

CrimsonAlligator · 02/08/2022 11:06

When I just started I also did intermittent fasting, so basically I just skipped breakfast and made sure I finished eating before 8 each evening.

My lunch would be something like a really filling homemade soup, with lots of pulses and vegetables, pitta bread and a little bit of cheese. Or a wrap with falafel, salad and a bit of hummus. Depending on the calories, I’d also add some yoghurt, or some fruit.

Dinner would be a pretty standard family dinner, but I’d aim to keep it under 600 calories and make sure there’d be plenty of fibre and protein to keep me full.

There’d be a few snacks as well, but as far as possible I’d try to avoid anything that came in a multipack...So instead of crisps, I’d have something like a ryvita with peanut butter. More calories, but also more filling and less likely to make me go back for more! The only exception I made to that rule was if I wanted a bit of chocolate. Life’s too short to not have chocolate! I’d just have a couple of pieces and fitted it into my calorie allowance.

I don’t eat too dissimilar these days, except that I’ve added breakfast back in.

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 02/08/2022 14:00

MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 10:46

Go you superwoman! That's amazing! I went from a size 18 to a size 12 but I had my DD in March and back in an 18. Slimming world just doesn't seem to be working anymore so I'm trying this! Did you find it easy to follow and not as repetitive? Xx

Show quote history

I really struggled after pregnancies, you're not alone!

I found it really easy to calorie count, it felt like a challenge for my creativity rather than hunger by making fun meals in the cal range. I did weekly calories so could have lower cal days and higher cal days.

When you make smaller changes at first like going from 2000 cals to 1900 etc you adjust better. Don't do a drastic change quickly!

Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 15:28

@Carrieonmywaywardsun thank you for the tip!

I've went down to 1864. I was definitely consuming more than that. You know what SlimmingWorld is like. All those carbs and little protein!

X

OP posts:
PuffinMcStuffin · 02/08/2022 15:34

I lost 35kg counting calories, once I got in to it I found it really easy. That was 4 years ago and I've put on a couple of kg but once I feel ready I'll reduce them again and feel confident it will work.

addictedtotheflats · 02/08/2022 15:35

Ive lost 1st 11 since January and I dont feel like I've been dieting at all. Once you get used to portion sizes and become familiar with calorie content its easy.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 02/08/2022 15:38

5 stone calorie counting its the only method that works for me. I'm 60.

Carrieonmywaywardsun · 02/08/2022 15:39

MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 15:28

@Carrieonmywaywardsun thank you for the tip!

I've went down to 1864. I was definitely consuming more than that. You know what SlimmingWorld is like. All those carbs and little protein!

X

I will always believe that SW and WW are scams! 1800 is a great place to be at, enough for your body to be powered on, even if you feel hungry. It will get easier when you get used to it x

CeltictigerMum · 02/08/2022 15:44

Do you use apps or just back of packets info to cou t the calories, along with weighing scales and measures etc ? Any recommendations for the apps ? I've tried noom before and ended up just using it for calorie counting ! Found the psychology of it all pretty common sense really, a bit boring . But did use the calories counter .

Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 15:57

CeltictigerMum · 02/08/2022 15:44

Do you use apps or just back of packets info to cou t the calories, along with weighing scales and measures etc ? Any recommendations for the apps ? I've tried noom before and ended up just using it for calorie counting ! Found the psychology of it all pretty common sense really, a bit boring . But did use the calories counter .

Nutracheck is fantastic. It has a 7 day trial trial! You just scan the barcode on the packets and it's so easy to use! Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 15:58

addictedtotheflats · 02/08/2022 15:35

Ive lost 1st 11 since January and I dont feel like I've been dieting at all. Once you get used to portion sizes and become familiar with calorie content its easy.

If you don't mind me asking how many calls do you usually consume? Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 16:00

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 02/08/2022 15:38

5 stone calorie counting its the only method that works for me. I'm 60.

Congratulations you must feel incredible x

OP posts:
milkandhoneyy · 02/08/2022 16:04

Yes! It's the best way. Knowing I can eat anything, no restricting food groups, makes it mentally so much easier. Whenever I want to lose a few pounds it works 100% of the time for me. Have to make sure you are counting everything really accurately though!

Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 16:26

milkandhoneyy · 02/08/2022 16:04

Yes! It's the best way. Knowing I can eat anything, no restricting food groups, makes it mentally so much easier. Whenever I want to lose a few pounds it works 100% of the time for me. Have to make sure you are counting everything really accurately though!

Well, today was the first day I have ever weighed lettuce 🤣 weighing everything down to the T. Even diluted juice with no sugar has cals? Who knew 🤣

OP posts:
milkandhoneyy · 02/08/2022 19:34

@MamaH2022 😂
You'll definitely get the results you want being so meticulous. Good luck!

Original poster
MamaH2022 · 02/08/2022 19:35

milkandhoneyy · 02/08/2022 19:34

@MamaH2022 😂
You'll definitely get the results you want being so meticulous. Good luck!

Here's hoping 🤣🤣

OP posts:
endlesscraziness · 02/08/2022 19:47

I average 1800 cals a day but flex over a week and ensure 100g protein a day and have lost 18kg and gone from a 16 to a 12. Don't feel deprived and have had a lot of trips away and nights out in that time