Around the same time I caught part of a Horizon programme about the beneficial effects of fasting two days in seven on one's general health.
I've also been following the progress of two of my favourite TV chefs, the Hairy Bikers, as they attempt to lose weight without losing flavour.
The combination of these three events has prompted me to consider trying, once again, to lose some weight and increase my fitness.
I'm not one for fancy diets nor do I want to put myself through the trauma of a weekly weigh in at a slimming class. So I turned to a method that was of some use a couple of years ago, though clearly not entirely successful(!), that is Boots Weight Loss.
This is basically an online calorie counter with frills. You enter your details and set a target weight. The computer works out your daily calorie and fat intake limits and away you go. Every day you record exactly what you eat and the programme does the maths. You can add your favourite foods, set your portion sizes, create recipes, adjust your limits for special days, monitor your weight loss, log physical activity, access your data in a variety of formats and check your progress towards your desired goal.
There is 7 day free trial and a current offer of a 3 month subscription for £13.99 (and no, I'm not being sponsored to advertise this!)
I've initially gone for the recommended 10% weight loss which, all being well, I should reach by 3 November.
Wish me luck!
Hi Gai! I'll admit that the first time I figured out my BMI I was pretty shocked, too--and it was part of what convinced me that I really did need to lose weight. I didn't even realize Boots had a weight loss program. Kind of shocking from a high street shop. However, I took a look over the program it seems like it's missing a key part: it's not just what you eat, but why.
ReplyDeleteThe key to permanent weight loss is to understand not only what you're eating, but why you're eating it. It's easy for us to get caught in bad habits like eating because we're stressed out, having a bad day, or bored. It's a way of filling our different human needs. I'd encourage you to take a look at the video in my link of Beverly, who lost 230 lbs. without any surgery or weight loss "magic bullets" aside from diet and exercise. In it, our different human needs are explained along with ways to become healthier. It's not that long, and you might find it to be pretty interesting.
I'm classed as overweight at a BMI of 25, but I was in the obese section at the beginning of the year...
ReplyDeleteThe easiest way to lose weight is to stop cooking with oil & cut out dairy, but it is easier said than done! I've lost nearly 3 stone so far this year, which must mean it works! Another stone to go before I reach my ideal weight though!
Good luck with it Gai!
Kay :)
Hi Courtney. You're right. It is important to realise why we eat and to organise our lives to avoid eating for the wrong reasons.
ReplyDeleteHello again Kay. I've been interested to read of the positive benefits of the changes you've made to your diet. I'm not prepared to completely cut dairy out of my diet but I do intend to cut back on it, and to reduce my fat intake.
Just this morning I heard on the radio that the shortage of water will lead to a reduction in fodder crops and consequently a decrease in meat production. It looks as if we may all have to eat more fruit and veg.
Well done with your weight loss and good luck in losing that last stone.