Sustainable and not overly ambitious weight loss: 1 stone by September- anyone care to join?

[OMGitsnotgood]

I’m 5’4 and 12 stone 8lbs.
I exercise regularly now, and am slowly losing weight ( almost a stone over a year), I now need to reduce my calorie intake to increase the weight loss. I enjoy my food and drink, so a very restrictive diet isn’t going to work for me, plus I want it to be sustainable.

I want to try to lose a stone by September. In itself that shouldn’t be too much of a challenge but that time period includes a holiday and lots of social activities which will involve food and drink.

The approach I want to take is making healthier or at least lower calorie choices.
So for example, Weetabix and fruit for breakfast instead of toast and lashings of butter; soup or salad for lunch, with the occasional sandwich rather than sandwiches every day (and always tempted to have crisps with sandwiches); evenings have a ‘normal’ meal but consider the calorie content when meal planning or when eating out. Gin & slimline tonic instead of wine etc
I don’t want to be counting calories but am aware of what foods/cooking methods are higher in calories than others.
I’m good at not making or buying cakes/biscuits/ puddings - but if on offer will eat them - and want to be able to within reason.

I don’t want to join a group such as Slimming World, but know the weekly weigh ins have helped friends stay focused and accountable, so thought I’d give it a go on here to see if there are any other reluctant dieters who would find this gentler approach in the company of others helpful.

Anyone want to join in?

Hi all

Started last Sunday; lost 2.2lbs in week 1, happy with that as it included a pub lunch (but did a 5 mile before it, I’m in a walking group). I lost 11lbs earlier in the year, but regained after I hurt my leg. It’s not fully better so hope I’m not going to make it worse walking again. I can’t lose if I don’t walk and none of my clothes fit. Aim to lose 1 stone and then review. When I get in the zone I’ve got a lot of willpower but it’s getting in the zone. I eat out a fair bit, meeting friends etc so need to be careful, I’ve got annual leave coming up too. Must stay focused. I’m 5ft 1, 9st 9 starting weight and eating 1200 cals a day max

Yes please, I'm in ☺️

Went to the nurses this week, and after losing some last year, I'm up to 89kg, which is heavier than when I was carrying a 10lb baby. I'm quite deceiving, as I'm pear shaped and carry the weight well(ish) so I'm a size 14, but steadily heading towards size 16 jeans now. I'm getting married next year, I would like to be in the 70-80kg range, and wearing a size 12-14 at least.

I have an office/ work from home job, so need to make a concerted effort to get steps in- I very rarely hit 10k. On a day shopping is involved I hit 14k without a problem though 😁

I don't have scales at home, but I go to the nurses every 12 weeks and am weighed, next there in September. I am going to aim to be 1st/ I think 6-7kg? Less than now. Meal plan will be made today for the next week, and sugar will be out from tomorrow (will try really hard not to binge today because I know that's happening). Lower carbs/ higher protein worked last year, so I'll try again.

I'd love to join - I've just returned from a two week holiday where I did not restrict myself AT ALL. Like OP, my downfall is wine.

I'm probably just over 10st 8 and I'd be thrilled to get down to 10stone.

I've had a relatively healthy brekkie of Greek yoghurt, fruit and a sprinkling of granola this morning, I'm going to batch cook some tasty veg soup to keep in the fridge. If anyone has any healthy recipes to share or snacks that aren't terrible I'd be grateful!

I just need to resist congratulating myself on getting the end of the day by having a bucket of wine and ice cream.

Can I join too please? I have been faffing about since January, losing 4 pounds and then regaining them over the weekend. I will weigh in tomorrow 1st July and would like to be under 10 stone, I think I will be around 10st 10lbs.

Going to have to cut out the wine as that often seems to lead to cheese and biscuits or ice cream.

Hello to all new members. I'm no dietician but one tbing I'm trying to avoid is losing lots of weight on any kind of diet. I've seen too many friends yo-yo for years. So I'm focusing on making more conscious choices, losing weight more slowly over time and being able to maintain a healthy weight once I get there.
I think it's helpful to understand our weak points and focus on those - one less glass of wine or a less calorific alternative; cutting down on snacks; and stopping eating when sated.

@FiveShelties are you me?! Love the username as well!

I’m in! I’d like to lose a stone too. My bmi is in the overweight zone and my cholesterol is pretty high. I’m doing Dry July as just like @FiveShelties wine leads me astray…

So I've made my veg soup (potatoes, carrots, leeks, onion, stock, garlic, salt and a bit of cream for anyone interested), ready to take to work with me this week. As much as I think staying away from too much bread is a good idea, if I don't have some kind of bread with soup I will be starving and end up buying crisps and sweets.

No wine for me tonight, and a dinner of lamb skewers and Mediterranean veg so trying to start the week right!

Yes me I have a mother of the bride outfit to get into. I'm away atm back on Thursday - I will keep watching

Wine makes me crave snacks too and reduces my willpower!

Unless I'm actually out drinking (in which case there's no stopping me), I genuinely couldn't care less about alcohol at home. We regularly throw out alcohol that we've received as gifts that have gone out of date, and I'm not a wine drinker+ gives me such a bad hangover. So while that's great, it means I can't blame any of this on a beer belly! It's all sugar and bread.

Dry July, I like it! Might have to give it a go

@WhitegreeNcandle Thank you - I have had over the years Five Shelties - only one at a time though!😁

@Bloodylovecake I have been thinking about Dry July, have got into such a dreadful habit of drinking wine far too often.

@OMGitsnotgood yes, it is a pity that wine absolutely kills any willpower.

Well I weighed in and was 10st 9.2lbs. I want to be under ten, preferably 9 12 so that gives me 11.2 pounds to go.

Joining today to start tomorrow.

Today wasn’t awful - museli, bean & cheese wrap, veggie pasta bake. And 4 biscuits.

No exercise and I’m off to bed a bit too late.

Have you set yourself a target date for that @FiveShelties, or just whenever it happens? I have set a target date so I don't keep putting off the changes!

Hope everyone's had an enjoyable weekend. Tomorrow sees the start of another week. Has anyone set any goals for this week?
I will aim not to drink during the week - hats off to anyone trying dry July - and to focus back in on what I'm eating. Had quite a sociable weekend but did make some better choices than I might have done previously.

@OMGitsnotgood , target date is 27th August which is my birthday. I too have to set a date otherwise it will never happen.

Yes please I'll join in. I have at least 2 stone to lose, ideally 3, but would feel so much better to just get the first stone off!

I'm only short, so would really notice a stone.

I'm doing dry July and yesterday bought a yoga mat and a set of resistance bands - only thing now is to start using them!!

The main thing I'm going to do food wise, is meal plan, I feel it is absolutely key to me eating more healthily (especially lunches).

Welcome @LindorDoubleChoc , great user name !
Good that you have a plan. I do think meal planning is key. I've always meal planned anyway, but even more important when trying to lose weight.

Morning all. So Monday weigh in for me was worse than expected. Was 10st 12lbs.

stuck to my meal plan yesterday except for the tiniest square of chocolate brownie at a church fete. Not too bad considering we climbed the spire!

Todays meal plan:
B - overnight oats with blueberries and elderflower cordial
L - mushroom stroganoff
T - lentil salad

Will do a Caroline Girvan plus walk the dog as well.

Hope everyone has a good day

I've been dreadful yesterday. 😫

Ah well Monday again new start

Hi can I join?
My weight is creeping up despite a relatively healthy lifestyle.
I too don't want to go down the diet club route.
I am going to try smaller portions and walk more.
I'm 5'6" and almost 12 stone, I'd be happy to get down to 11 stone or a bit less. Feels impossible, the harder I try the harder it is.

Breakfast today will be ( as most days) porridge made with water , a dash of maple syrup and blueberries.
Lunch salad
Dinner chicken and jacket potato.
I rarely snack.
Weekend wine is my undoing

I will join you. I've lost 2 1/2 stone this year through eating less calories and walking more.
I'd love the last stone off before my holiday in September

@WhitegreeNcandle that's a great meal & exercise plan.

I want to live in a world where you can have a chocolate brownie and not feel guilty about it.

@ThePoshUns hello! Smaller portions is one of my targets, I love food so it's a challenge!