Hi All,

I've got 3 weddings to get in shape for in August (I'm a bridesmaid at one) and I want to maintain my weight loss after that to reach my goal. My New Years resolution was to eat healthy and exercise from January 2nd and I'm really determined to do this for me.

I'm on day 3 and I've been to the gym everyday and burnt 400 calories....so far so good. I've been limiting my calorie intake to 1200 and that seems to be working. I've got a housemate who's my gym buddy and I'm finding that really motivational.

Gym again tomorrow and then Netball on Monday.

Let's do this

Hey Letsdothis:

Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your weight loss! Seems like you are already working hard towards your goal. Keep it up!

You can do it!

Using exercise to lose weight,I have come to believe, is vastly over-rated. Exercise is very important but not as a means to lose weight for most people.

See this article for info: http://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight

Congrats on starting. Looks like you've got a great reason to lose the weight.

I do want you to make sure that what you're doing is sustainable though. The only way to lose weight is to keep at it. I know I personally wouldn't be able to stick to a 1200 calories diet for 8 months especially if I was burning 400 calories at the gym. I know because I've tried and failed numerous times.

I'm just an inch taller than you and I started off at 211, I started off eating 1600 calories and lost 1-2 pounds most weeks for the first 6 months. I also was doing no exercise. Just something to think about.

I know we're all different and what worked for me isn't necessarily going to work for you but just make sure what you are doing is something you can stick with.

Thanks for your replies

I'm not sure exactly what is going to work for me, but I definitely think I'll increase my calorie intake if I'm finding it too much. Congrats on your weight loss Changergirl and Annik, it's really motivational to see people who've done so well towards achieving their goals. Thanks for the article link Annik, that's really interesting.

Right now I'm not too clued up on what's going to work best but I know that diet and exercise are making me feel good so far.

What are your top tips for sustained weight loss?

I'm off to the gym this morning and have had some Bran flakes for fuel.

Hi and welcome! I too am working on losing this weight of mine. I'm about 10 pounds heavier than you. A nutritionist friend of mine worked up a plan for me to lose 1-2 pounds a week. For my height of 5'5" I should eat no more than 1571 calories a day. She also calculated how much of my food intake should be fat grams, carbs, and protein grams. I definitely think you're eating too little, but you've got to find something sustainable that works for you.

I also work out at the gym and will be going today. I've got a meeting with the elliptical!

Thanks CourtneyDaisey. I had a quick read of your blog and it you're doing really well, congrats! I think I might review my calorie intake as everyone is suggesting 1200 is too little. I certainly feel better after hitting the gym.

I had chicken, butternut squash and peppers for dinner with a honey and mustard (low cal) dressing.

Lunch was prawns on brown rice with mixed veg

I haven't snacked today but have had 2 peppermint teas and I think I'll have an orange whilst I watch Sherlock tonight

Congrats on the plan. I know you'll follow through and achieve you goals.

Hi letsdothis2014! A wedding (my daughter's in April) was my trigger motivation too, but like with you, that's not the whole story. I want to do this for me and keep it off for good. I wish you the best! You can do this! Good luck!

Welcome to 3FC! It sounds like you're off to a great start. You're very fortunate to have a gym buddy. In my experience, having at least one other person to go with definitely helps with motivation!

Thanks for the support. Having a gym buddy is really motivational, we both made it to the gym this morning in the howling wind, dark and rain. It was tough but we've decided on our sessions and if we miss one then we owe the other £5. It's an incentive ��

I haven't felt too hungry by eating what I'm eating so far, which is good. I'm weighing myself on Thursday so hoping to see my first weight loss!!

Night all ��

Just having a snack apple as I'm heading to the gym after work. Woohoo!

I'm making dinner for a friend tomorrow night but I want it to be healthy and tasty. Any suggestions?

Welcome!

I haven't got around to weighing myself yet but I certainly feel better. I'll weigh in tonight and am having a break from the gym this weekend as I'm headed away for the weekend.