Aging plus multiple courses of oral steroids for a respiratory problem seemed to have done absolutely nothing for my weight. Now that my health problems are behind me and I seem to be coming out the other side of menopause, I decided I really must do something about the extra pounds (about 35 of them!) I considered my diet. And you know, it really wasn't that bad. I don't snack, I eat loads of fruit and veg, very little red meat, no sugary drinks, not too much fat. Pretty impressive, eh? So why am I so overweight? And I came to the conclusion that I was simply eating too much - my portion size was way over the top. I am the cook in our household, just for husband now but previously for two sons as well. Ah, that's it, I told myself, I've got into the way of eating strapping male-sized meals. But hang on - I've never been exactly sylph-like. I wasn't a fat child, but I was certainly 'solidly built'. Then I thought about the huge meals my mother would serve up, and how I used to devour them. Being a rather isolated, unhappy child, I had quite a lot invested in enjoying delicious food. So I recognised my appetite as a learned behaviour - and have started to do something about it! When I serve myself, I now put approximately half the amount on my plate than I would have done previously - spread out a bit to fool the eye, and keeping largish portions of green veg! And do you know, I haven't felt deprived or hungry once. And I've lost nine pounds in just over a month.

The Diet Plate® offers an easy way to make sure you get a healthy balanced diet and eat the right amount of food for weight loss.

Anyone tried this? Can you imagine having a whole set of these plates for entertaining purposes?

I used to think my girlfriend's mother was stingy with her portions - mine would dish up half a chicken a person!! I'm no different now myself - even when son does come home I tend to prepare too much - and even he doesn't need/eat that much!

Well done to you Lucy keep up the good work!

Emm

I totally agree Lucy. Have gone through a simiar process, though the M word is still in process - more's the pity. I ate healthily, low fat, no snacks, no sweet tooth, but obviously, along with too little exercise, I was eating more (even if it was 'good' stuff) than my body needed. 5kg gone in 6 weeks, a few more to go to be really on top of creeping kg's.

I keep a meticulous food diary and sadly it is a very thin line between maintaining small loss or cranking up another 1kg upwards.

Not going to go into deprivation. Balance is the key now. And eating more slowly, drinking more slowly so as to maximise the taste/experience of slightly less but still delicious food.

Good on you. Keep it up. We could be good motivators/supporters?

Carol

Absolutely Carol. I've found when I've been on diets that cut out whole food groups the more I crave them. My slim husband eats chocolate, bread, fried foods etc but he knows when to stop. I've served him something or other and he has reduced the portion and put leftovers on the side. He has a cup of tea with 2 chocolate biscuits and doesn't have the need for more. He does this all naturally (I have to consciously work on it) - he is not thinking of food like me 24/7. eating to him is something he has do every now and again. Bottle it and give it to me!!!!!

And me!!! Why is it that thin people always have two or sugars in their tea?

Best guess........'coz they can?? LOL

Thin people don't all have two sugars! Its a total myth. I am size 8/10 now (was 12/14). Being small framed, there is no room to hide any extra pounds, and I really don't need much food to sustain a healthy size. I was eating good food, but too much ... big portions. Size 14 portions!
I now prepare a packed lunch as before, but don't eat it all at one sitting. I have half a sandwich at 1, then the other half at 3pm.
For my evening meal I have, say, one potato instead of 2, and fill up the space with green vegetables.