Low fat diet

[NITA EDWARDS]

I have been on a low fat diet for a week and have lost 1lb is this normal. I`m walking quite a lot and gardening. I`ve never had to diet before so it must be something to do with my age, I`m 71 and 9st 7lb. A 1lb a week seems very slow?
Many thanks for any info.

[CheekyChops]

A weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week is usual although people do tend to have a bigger weight loss the first week they start a diet.

[Ethel]

Why are you on this diet? How tall are you?

[NITA EDWARDS]

5ft 2ins, Ethel, and I`ve never been overweight, always 8 to 9 stone, even after my four pregnancys, but I can`t shift this extra weight.

[Psychick]

Hi NITA, I cant understand why, at the age of 71, or any age come to that, you are worried about weighing just 9st 7lb. Has a doctor told you to lose weight for health reasons, or is it something you want to do yourself?

If you just want to lose the weight, the maybe you should seek advice from your doctor first. I would think that, so long as you eat regulary and healthily, you shouldnt need to lose any weight.

[Ethel]

You are at ideal weight for your height so you are not going to lose lots of pounds in the first week or two of your diet.

Forget the dieting - eat a good range of foods, treats in moderation, and half an hour of exercise suitable for you every day.

If you are interested in exercise classes I would strongly recommend pilates - it will maintain a healthy strong body and increase flexibility.

Or swim.

Dancing round your living room and a quick walk to the newsagents is also good.

[Ethel]

Forgot the link!

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/magazine/interacti ve/bmi/index.aspx#Results

[NITA EDWARDS]

Many thanks to you all, very useful information. I have always eaten healthly and don`t like all the usual "sinful" foods ---choc, cream, cakes etc, but I have just stopped working in a pub and think that might be the reason, although I make sure I`m active. Thanks again.