I’m currently a lump of chocolate and cheese, but once the new year hits, I’m determined to make 2026 the year I finally get back to a healthy weight (I’ve lost about 20 pounds, with about 80-100 to go). I’m pretty good about exercising regularly, but, as they say, abs are made in the kitchen. Those who have successfully lost weight, is there anything you particularly recommend for maintaining a calorie deficit to lose the weight, and then avoiding gaining it back later on?
I personally use a calorie counting app, like Waistline, and when I start getting into that routine of eating less naturally without actively counting, I stop using the app.
When I fall off, I go back to it for a bit until I’m back in the rhythm.
I also exercise a few times a week and try to do at least one walk a day.
Wearables like Garmin also do great calculations of calories burned. If you don’t like the idea of your data being sold, which you shouldn’t, Garmins are often compatible with this FOSS app: https://f-droid.org/packages/nodomain.freeyourgadget.gadgetbridge
One key trick I did was be completely honest with my calorie counting app.
Lying to it only lied to myself.
After about a month, I started getting “lazy” by documenting it by not eating certain things. I knew adding cookies would add 200 calories, and I didn’t feel like opening up the app. So I didn’t eat it.
And My cheat days suddenly felt real. I ate a whole pizza and watched those calorie numbers go higher. When cheat day came around again, I “cheated” by picking healthier things.