Why I want to cut calories, my top tips

Fitness

2Comments

17/10/2020

Since January, I have been working out (with limitations) three times per week, and I managed to lose 17kg without paying too much attention to my diet. Still, for the past five weeks despite increasing the number of days I exercise, my weight hasn’t moved, and I am nowhere near getting back to my pre-pregnancy clothes;  the numbers on the scale do not lie, this is why I want to cut calories, I have reached a plateau in my weight loss journey. Let’s be clear I don’t just want to lose weight, I want to lose unhealthy fat, the fat that stops me from getting into my clothes, the fat that wriggles when I jump, the fat that rubs together, the fat that can cause high cholesterol and I want my fitness levels and muscles back. I’ve never cut down or paid attention to calories before because pre-pregnancy I felt that my eating habits were healthy enough, I was happy with my workouts, fitness levels and most importantly I was happy with myself.

Julie showing her weight loss, jeans too big

Recently I have realised that working out on its own it’s not enough to get back to a place where I am happy with myself.  My eating habits have changed massively, and whilst I always have healthy meals, my downfall are snacks, chocolate, cake and cheese to be precise.  The next part of my journey will focus on losing fat without focusing on the scale, and this is why I need to cut calories.

How many calories should I cut down?

 The recommended daily calorie intake for women is around 2000 calories, I tracked my calories for two weeks, and I was eating an average of 2200 – 2500 calories per day.  No wonder my weight loss is standing still. It is important to remember that as we lose weight, our metabolism will decline and the fewer calories we burn. So, how much should I cut down, well it all depends on the amount of weight you want to lose, I am in no rush, I am here for long term changes.  I am happy with slow and steady.  I am aiming to eat around 1500 – 1800 calories per day.

Does fewer calories mean less food?

No, eating fewer calories doesn’t mean eating less this is such a misconception.  Swapping high-calorie foods for foods with lower calories will ensure that you eat plenty and reach your targeted calorie intake without being hungry.  Vegetables have virtually no calories, have you tried spicy cauliflower? It’s so good.  Personally, cutting down calories has meant changing eating habits, it requires daily willpower.

Home made wildrice, lentils, veg, and fish

My top tips for cutting down calories

  1. Track your calories or keep a food journal, I am using My FitnessPal
  2. Drink water
  3. Increase your daily activity
  4. Watch out for big portions
  5. Inform yourself, my favourite page for nutrition guidance is Healthy diet by WHO

Until next time, stay kind, stay safe

Julie x

You may also like…

2 Comments

    • Mum in a Rush
      Mum in a Rush on 27/10/2020 at 10:46

      I’m very happy you enjoyed it.

You may also like…

2 Comments

    • Mum in a Rush
      Mum in a Rush on 27/10/2020 at 10:46

      I’m very happy you enjoyed it.

%d bloggers like this: