150 days...

[MrsT84]

I'm turning 40 in 150 days and want to get myself into a better shape, ideally a few stone and dress sizes smaller! Is this doable? I am veggie, rarely drink and am moderately active although I am less active than I was, due to spinal surgery in Sept 2022. I have a 9 year old and 21 month old and work part time. At the moment I find it hard to make time to exercise on my own, a lot of my exercise comes from goigg out for walks with DD in the buggy.

My plan is to use nutracheck to monitor my calories (around 1800 a day) and to try and get at least 10000 steps in a day. I want to increase my exercise. My sleep is poor but still breastfeeding and DD always wakes up at least once a night for a feed - daddy just won't do!

I would be very grateful for any tips or support. I plan to update this post regularly to try and keep myself on track. Anyone who wants to join in, it would be lovely to have a buddy or two!

Very doable.
I was going to suggest a calorie tracker, I use My Fitness Pal. Don’t stress about the exercise, although it’s great for fitness and MH, you can actually lose weight with no exercise at all if you reduce calories enough.
Can I ask where you got the 1,800 from? That seems on the high side for weight loss.
I recommend Kefir every day, just a small glass to boost good gut bacteria. I swear it’s what helped me lose the very last of my weight.
Make sure you weigh and log accurately, it will make a huge difference.
Don’t log exercise, it gives you the estimated calories burnt back to eat, meaning you eat more, and it stalls weight loss.
https://www.gundersenhealth.org/health-wellness/eat/should-i-eat-back-my-exercise-calories#:~:text=Most%20adults%20do%20not%20need,loss%20is%20the%20intended%20goal.
Increase fibre -it’s very filling.
Add tablespoon of chia seeds in yogurt, smoothies (drink quickly!) or on cereal it is very filling because it swells.
Eat lean protein.
If you fancy a sweet pudding, Kvarg are low calorie high protein. Some flavours are an acquired taste, but the raspberry is very palatable and normal tasting.
You are going to look great in a new outfit on your birthday!

Hiya, the 1800 came from nutracheck. I am currently 209.6lbs so at least 4 stone overweight. Also with the still breastfeeding I think it allows a little extra. I have looked at other calorie suggestions and they all give similar figures. I will definitely try and increase the fibre. I already try and keep the protein high too, especially as a veggie. I know I need to decrease my processed carbs as well. I just hope I can stay positive and on track for the whole time. It's less than half a year so I need to keep looking at it in small chunks I think.

Definitely do-able and I’d be very happy on 1800 cals (I’m on 1200). Do check those calories with a TDEE calculator, they are more accurate. They will give you a series of maintenance calorie amounts based on your activity level. For 2lbs a week you need a 1000 calorie deficit against your maintenance. Walking is fine, that’s my main exercise and I’m currently walking up and down my living room whilst growing the web! I’ve lost nearly half a stone since 1st Jan so it’s definitely do-able to lose a few stone by then. Set some small goals, eg half a stone, 1 stone rather than seeing it in one big chunk. Then treat yourself with something non food related. I’m 0.2lbs off my first target of half a stone and so motivated. I haven’t cheated at all yet so planning to get through Jan with a clean sheet!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/4971404-lose-it-january-2024-reset-renew

this thread looks a bit big and intimidating, but there will be a new one for February, or jump in and you will be made welcome. It's a great space to chat, get ideas, share your meal plans etc

Thanks for the everyones replies so far. Haven't made a great start yet as I forgot I was going out last night for food and drinks and I have had a very busy week. Gonna do a proper meal plan and food shop tomorrow x