Tips on how to lose weight from other mums

Tried to lose weight before with little success? Keeping fit and looking your best is difficult, especially when you have family responsibilities. We asked our community of influencers what has worked for them. Here, we showcase the best tips on how to lose weight and slim from other mums.

Set realistic targets

1. When I’ve lost weight before, I didn’t aim for big losses. A 1lb a week works well and it stays off! @CraftyThiNKer
2. Targets should be attainable as well. If you know you’re going to be busy at work or home, don’t tell yourself to spend an hour every day at the gym. By not setting yourself up for failure, you’ll feel more motivated.
3. A time-limited goal will be better for motivating you as you won’t feel like you’re “constantly” on a diet. @BritMums

Set concrete goals that aren’t the weight

4. Rather than simply making a commitment to “exercise more” make the goal specific, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Tell yourself you will exercise 30 minutes a day 4 times a week, for example.
5. For my running, I book a race. It means I have something to aim for and I don’t want to let myself down! @BeckyArblog

Take notes

6. Write down everything you eat and drink. It focusses the It is amazing how this helps when you are trying to lose weight. @TattieWeasle
7. Note your bad eating habits down and commit to changing them one at a time. @Maris_World
8. Keep a log of weight loss to motivate. Apps helps you track your progress as you go.

Plan your meals and shopping

9. I lost the most weight when I wrote up weekly meal plans and stuck to them, only buying things on my plan. @Oneblueonepink
10. Slow cookers are fab for having something ready to eat when you get in. It removes the temptation to snack. @ail991
11. Plan ahead to be prepared. If your fruit bowl is empty and sweet cupboard is full, it is hard to make good choices. @TheSlummyMummy
12. Make a list of healthy snacks and meals and stick to it so you don’t stray in the supermarket. @janglitz
13. Do food shopping online, no tempting cakes or the smell of donuts to distract you. @melandjake99
14. Never go food shopping when hungry.  When I do I buy far too much junk food. @joanneblunt

Make smart swaps

15. Swap the frying pan for the grill when cooking meat. @needaphone
16. Choose a boiled egg for breakfast over a sugar cereal option. @Maris_World
17. Swap from whole milk to semi-skimmed, 1% fat or even skimmed milk. @needaphone
18. Swap creamy or cheesy sauces for tomato or vegetable based sauces on pasta, meat or fish dishes. @needaphone

Lose weight with water

19. My weight loss tip is to drink plenty of water.  You need to flush your body. @mymummysworld
20. Drink a big glass of water when you wake up. We dehydrate during sleep and might mistake this for hunger. @Sarah_Ly1

Keep track of alcohol

21. A great way to avoid extra calories is setting a “No drinking on school nights” rule, suggests @Maris_World. A glass of wine can provide close to 150 calories, which means that skipping one glass per evening Sunday through Thursday could easily trim 750 calories from your weekly intake.
22. Skip the sugary cocktails in favour of a light beer, alcohol on the rocks or even Champagne, which has fewer calories than wine.
23. Cheat sheets on WW app lets you compare Propoints values for your favourite drinks on night out. @BritMums

Slow and steady wins the race

24. Fruit and WW recipes are my secret. Don’t ban all cake and nice treats completely.  I’ve lost over 2 stone! @ HappyMumMMM
25. Strawberries, tomatoes, grapes and baked beans! Lost 6 stone in 1 year (11 stone in total). I was size 26/28 and am now 12/14. @sera_mcdaid

Reward yourself

26. Non-food related treats for hitting targets are great for keeping yourself motivated. I got new shoes! @TheMotherGeek
27. Keep a visual reminder on the fridge – maybe an experience or event you’ll treat yourself to once you reach target. @circusmum
28. For motivation, for every 1lb you lose save £1 for new clothes after weight loss. @mymummysworld

Find a friend

29. Find yourself a diet buddy; it’s easier when you have someone to diet with. @7hippotamus
30. Encourage your friends to join in with you. Having support makes weight loss easier. @needaphone

Take the family menus into account

31. By taking time to eat better and exercise you can motivate the whole family. @janglitz
32. I remember that I don’t need to eat the same portion size as my husband. @cafebebe
33. You don’t have to eat what the rest of the family is having. You can do something healthier for yourself. @_cathyj_
34. Don’t eat your kids’ leftovers. @LemonFancy

Think about inches not weight

35. The tape measure is my friend when it comes to weight loss; the scales are not as motivational. @and1moremeans5
36. Don’t despair at weight gain with exercise – muscle weighs more than fat. Measure your waistline, arms, legs and your mood. @honieBUK

Create a routine that fits into your schedule

37. I love our local leisure centre. It has crèche, is not expensive and I can go swimming. @Kahanka
38. Join fitness classes with workmates or friends so they can push you and encourage you to go. @hannahmdy

Exercise for free

39. Losing weight can be a slow process so doing fun activities can help. Playing/running with the kids is a great start. @V82CHRIS
40. My tip, get moving, walk to the shops, to school, dance while doing the housework even a little distance helps. @ali991
41. My allotment allows me to grow organic fruit and veg as well as lots of exercise for the princely sum of £20 rent a year. @pipersky1

Be a savvy cook

42. Often we can rely on cream and cheese to add richness and flavour. Add herbs and spices instead to add flavour and flair. @mymummysworld
43. Always use scales in the kitchen. @DaisyBeeBee
44. I love fresh vegetable soups, so healthy and tasty! @sweetie_tweeter
45. Keep a plastic box of chopped carrots, cucumber, and peppers ready to munch in the fridge. When you’re feeling peckish, have a dip. @Maris_World

Final ways to stay motivated

46. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see massive losses overnight, small losses stay off longer. @Amy8n
47. Weight loss is hard when you are on your period. Don’t let it get you down. @mymummysworld
48. Leave THAT dress that you NEED to fit into in full view! @NoodlesBoo

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