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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.

Help me resist the cake!!!!

6 replies

Bikergran · 30/03/2026 19:52

Right. So, I am 72, and recently decided that at 13 stone 2 was about 3.5 - 4 stone above a comfortable weight. I have, in my life, done just about every diet under the sun, been from UK sizes 10-20. I have found the only thing that really works reliably for me is eating clean and low-carb. I gave myself a stern talking-to 3 weeks ago, and so far have lost 6 lbs by avoiding as many carbs as possible, and padding out my meals with tons of green veg and/or salad.

None of this is a problem.....until Saturday, when my lovely brother is coming to stay. His attitude to food is a bit like Cookie Monster's. So when we're out and about, he will punctuate the day with tea and cake breaks, buy bags of sweets, and his favourite snacks are Tunnock's teacakes washed down with full sugar Irn-Bru. When we're eating at our house, I can do sensible meals and lots of veg, and I will make dessert for everyone else. I don't want to come over as a party pooper, but I am really going to try NOT to hit the scones, cakes and cookies that surround him like a miasma. I plan to tell him I'm under strict doctor's orders to lose weight, so he doesn't try and persuade me to eat cake. (I do love cake, BTW ☹️)

Any other tips/tactics I can use to keep me on track?

OP posts:
Lemonthyme · 30/03/2026 20:22

Involve him. Seriously. Tell him honestly that you're trying to eat healthily and while you don't begrudge him eating those foods, it's hard for you to have them in the house right now. Get him to pop to a local cafe for a fix if he can't cope. Serve fruit for pudding. He'll survive.

Or make / get something in that you hate. I can easily resist sugary sweets (like Haribo etc) because while I used to love them, I know now if I have them they make me feel sick. So if I want to buy something others will be happy with but I won't eat, I'll get those.

NormalForNorfoIk · 30/03/2026 20:25

I recently discovered Tunnock's Tea Cakes are 106 calories so one, just one!, with an afternoon / evening cuppa is still doable (for me).

Lemonthyme · 30/03/2026 21:10

NormalForNorfoIk · 30/03/2026 20:25

I recently discovered Tunnock's Tea Cakes are 106 calories so one, just one!, with an afternoon / evening cuppa is still doable (for me).

Can anyone eat just one of those though?

LegoTherapy · 30/03/2026 22:29

How long is your brother staying for?
I’m of the firm opinion that balance is key and that life is too short not to eat cake. It’s what you do long term that matters and a weekend won’t ruin everything. If it’s a month long visit then that’s different but I’d still recommend the cake but balance it with lots of healthier foods and some good walks. Enjoy the visit with you brother.

Bikergran · 30/03/2026 22:34

Lemonthyme · 30/03/2026 21:10

Can anyone eat just one of those though?

Brother eats 6 at a time, each in one mouthful.....😳

OP posts:
Lemonthyme · 31/03/2026 15:00

Then offering something else might save him from himself...

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