Macronutrients (or macros) are the kinds of nutrients that y our body needs in large amounts to provide energy. Think carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Some people prefer to track their macros, rather than calorie intake, when improving their diet.

"Macronutrients contribute calories, so by tracking macronutrients, you are essentially counting total calories intake as well," says Emily Field, MPH, RD, a registered dietitian with a private practice in New York City. Macro counting (sometimes called "flexible dieting") is often considered more beneficial than calorie counting because it takes into account where the calories are coming from.

For example, small servings of a chocolate chip muffin and a fillet of steamed salmon are both roughly 275 calories, but they're not equally healthy and they don't have the same amount of nutrients. Macro counting helps you make that distinction whereas calorie counting does not.

Here's what you need to know about counting macros and how you can calculate the recommended intake for weight loss.

"Counting macros means that you are simply adding up the total number of grams of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins of the food items that you are consuming per meal or per day," says Andrea Marincovich, RD, registered dietitian and founder of The Realistic Dietitian.

To start counting macros, you need to figure out your caloric needs and set your ideal macros distribution. Once you set your calorie and macro goals, then you can start paying better attention to where their calories are coming from.

First, you need to calculate your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) or the total number of calories that you burn in a day, which accounts for your resting energy expenditure (REE) and activity level. You can compute your TDEE using the Mifflin-St Jeor formula, an equation for REE that was developed in 1990:

Next, consider your activity level. For example, people who are lightly active generally exercise one to three days a week, compared to moderately active or very active people who exercise six to seven days a week or twice a day. Multiply your TDEE with the multiplier based on your current daily activity level:

The number you end up with is your TDEE or the number of calories that you need every day.

"Macronutrient needs, or targets, are determined by variables like sex, age, weight, height, and physical activity level," says Field. Here is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), according to the Food and Nutrition Board:

It's a broad range, so you can adjust the macro ratio depending on your dietary preferences. For example, a strength-training athlete can increase their protein and carbohydrates, while a person monitoring their blood sugar might want to reduce their carbohydrate percentage and increase their fat intake instead.

After establishing your TDEE and ideal macro ratio, you need to compute the number of macros you need in order to fulfill your TDEE, or any particular caloric target. Each gram of macronutrient produces a specific number of calories:

Calculating macros is often confusing at first and it may take some time to adjust, even for experienced calorie counters. Here is a sample computation for an individual intending to consume 1,500 calories a day composed of 45% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 35% fat:

With these proportions, here's how a day's meals might look like:

This example has about 162.61 grams of carbohydrates, 90.40 grams of protein, and 53.59 grams of fat, which comes close to the intended macro intake. "For the most part, getting even close to your macro targets on a regular basis will produce results. Perfection is not required for macro tracking to work," says Field.

"By counting macros and getting enough protein, fat, and carbohydrate to support your body, you can eliminate 'hangry' feelings, cravings, and low energy as you lose weight," says Field.

People often track their macros intake to meet their nutrition and fitness goals. However, if your objective is to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your TDEE to have a calorie deficit, which results in weight loss. You can eat the foods you like as long as you hit your macronutrient targets consistently. It's important to increase physical activity and maintain a healthy diet as well.

The US Department of Agriculture has a calculator that will help you determine the average dietary needs based on age, height, weight, sex, and activity level, but it's best to consult a registered dietitian to determine your individual requirements.

"Counting macros is a diet in its own right where an individual consumes balanced meals composed of food items that they select," says Marincovich. Regardless of which macros you choose to reduce or prioritize, you can lose weight as long as there is an overall caloric deficit.

By tracking macros such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat, you can monitor where your daily intake of calories are coming from. Calories aren't always indicative of nutritional content, so some individuals monitor their macros intake instead.

To count macros, you calculate the number of calories that you burn per day (or your total daily energy expenditure) and then set a macro ratio that works with your lifestyle and dietary preferences. If you want to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn every day.

"It's not hard to count macros, but it does take effort and energy, which can make it hard for some people. Learning to count macros is a behavior change," says Marincovich. It can be overwhelming to establish a whole new way of looking at food and putting together meals, but there is definitely a learning curve to it, she says.

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How to count macros: Measuring your protein, carb, and fat intake - Insider - INSIDER

Many aspects of adopting healthier habits are difficult. Cravings, fatigue, motivation, and more can get in the way of results. But a new study suggests that one of the simplest things you can do is talk about your journey.

Eighty-seven participants in a Drexel University study published in the journal Obesity in October were tasked with wearing a Fitbit tracker, weighing themselves on a wireless scale, and logging their food intake in a smartphone app over a 12-month period. The goal? To see if self-monitoring improved outcomes. (Related: 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.)

For the first three months, each individual also participated in a weekly group session, where they learned behavioral skills. After that, the participants only had contact with their coach through one text a week and one phone call a month. Coaches were able to see the data from half of the individuals and craft messages based on that information. No one had access to the others' data, and the messages they received were generic.

"We were interested to see if weight-loss maintenance would be better when coaches could see the data and provide feedback, which might help sustain a high level of motivation to keep up healthy eating behaviors and physical activity," Meghan Butryn, PhD., the lead author of the study and an associate professor at the school, says.

The participants whose data was shared with coaches maintained weight loss, while those whose data was private regained about four pounds during the weeks with no group sessions.

Of course, more research needs to be done to further study the effectiveness of supportive accountability, Butryn says. But discussing your goals and progress with a doctor, dietitian, trainer, or loved ones could be the motivation you need to keep up the hard workespecially into 2021!

For another kind of inspiration, here are The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now. And to get all the latest weight loss and healthy living tips delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!

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The Simplest Way to Lose Weight, According to Science - Eat This, Not That

As the effects and benefits of cannabis progressively being unveiled, its not surprising for it to be touted as a weight loss aid. Particularly, cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-intoxicating derivative, is increasingly lauded as a cure-all for nearly everything. But, despite copious claims and anecdotal evidence, scientists and health experts agree that more research is needed.

And as more states legalize both the medical and recreational use of weed, its no longer hard to get your supply from a marijuana dispensary. Plus with CBD products abound such as oils, tinctures, vapes, gummies, lozenges, and other forms,all promising glorious health benefitsits easy to get swayed.

Marijuana and especially CBD contribute to weight loss is a widely known fact at this point and if often used in marijuana marketing campaigns.

CBD is one of over a hundred compounds found in cannabis. Its one of the most abundant cannabinoids next to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But unlike THC, CBD is known to be a non-psychoactive compound that does not make you high.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with our endocannabinoid system and produce different effects. THC usually is associated with the munchies, but CBD is believed to help in weight loss. CBD is widely popular due to its perceived beneficial effects on health including treatment of seizures in epilepsy, reducing inflammation, and chronic pain relief.

Now, generally accepted facts substantiate that the chemicals found in cannabis affect our endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds react to our natural cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. Our ECS controls everything from neurological, to the immune system, and the metabolic system. The CB1 receptors, specifically, have been linked to obesity. It is believed that in obese people, these receptors become densely activated and widespread in fatty tissue.

Some research suggests that the compound in question, CBD, when ingested can switch off or block off CB1 receptors. While in a British study, its concluded that CBD may be an appetite suppressor. Although it does not prevent you from eating, it can make you feel fuller quickly.

CBD can or cant help you lose weight. CBD alone will not help you to shed some pounds overnight. But when combined with a good diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyleit can aid in weight loss in the long run.

As mentioned earlier, CBD may indirectly deactivate CB1 receptors which can lead to reduced appetite. This suggests that it can indirectly affect your weight. Other research suggests that CBD can also reduce the probability of metabolic disorders, can convert and break down fat.

There are several ways CBD impacts weight loss. Lets go over each one:

Mitochondria is part of our cell responsible for converting fats, sugars, and proteins into energy. When it isnt functioning optimally, its easy for us to gain weight and hard to lose some. Our mitochondria is a key part of our metabolic system, which is regulated by our ECS.

CBD, as per research, can increase the number of our mitochondria as well as their activity. It also directly affects our endocannabinoid system thereby boosting our metabolic balance, also known as homeostasis.

When our bloodstream insulin level is high, its hard for our body to burn fat. In one study, CBD was shown to significantly lower or stabilize insulin levels. The compound is thought to encourage the conversion of white (bad) fat into brown (good) fat. CBD may also enhance the breakdown and oxidation of fat. The browning of our fat cells helps us to burn calories needed for weight loss.

CBD is considered an appetite suppressant as it was observed to directly interact with our CB1 receptors.

As cannabis remained to be classified as a Schedule 1 drug and illegal on a federal level, its hard to conclude its efficacy. This is due to limited research and a lack of definitive reports. Moreover, no CBD products specifically for weight loss have been FDA-approved.

Its also good to note that marijuana use is not without risks. The substance is also prone to long-term misuse and dependence. It is especially risky for younger people too.

Indeed, CBD has been initially found to indirectly aid in weight loss. However, there are risks involved so its always best to consult a doctor first. And if you opt to use it, dose properly and dont rely heavily on it. Use it only as a complement to good eating habits, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

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Is CBD A Weight Loss Fad or Does It Work - The Leaf Online

If you want to try intermittent fasting to avoid weight gain, an approach where you cut food intake down to 2100 to 2500 kilojoules on a couple of days a week could help balance out a few parties, suggests Associate Professor Leonie Heilbronn of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

Her research into the short-term effects of intermittent fasting has found that it produces slightly greater weight loss and better improvements in heart health and diabetes compared to the usual approach of continuously restricting kilojoules.

As for concerns that slashing kilojoules on fasting days could encourage overeating on non-fasting days, thats not been her experience.

We humans are well adapted to fasting and we havent seen overeating in our research although we have excluded people with disordered eating from the studies.

What about the 16:8 approach where you restrict eating to a window of eight hours in each 24-hour period 10am to 6pm or 12 noon to 8pm, for example and fast for the remaining 16 hours?

Although Leonie Heilbronn thinks this might have more potential for overeating (you can still eat a lot between 10am and 6pm, she says), Parker thinks its flexibility might be more effective for festive eating.

This is a special time of the year and a big lunch on one or two days wont damage your overall health and theres no reason to feel guilty.

You can time your eating window for the middle of the day or for the evening, depending on the event. But if youre using the 5:2 approach, where you restrict food intake to 2100 to 2500 kilojoules on two days a week, you might miss out if your fasting day coincides with a special lunch or dinner.

But my concern is that intermittent fasting doesnt show people how to moderate their food intake, she adds. I also think there are better, more sustainable ways to maintain weight at this time of the year you may have days where you overindulge, but its unlikely to be every day. Be conscious of making smarter food choices on days when youre not celebrating with friends or family, stay hydrated and keep moving.

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Apart from those with a history of disordered eating, who else should avoid fasting?

Anyone on medication that needs taking with food; teenagers; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; people with diabetes and anyone whos doing a lot of exercise. If youre doing sessions of strength training or going for a run, you still need to consume something rich in protein and carbohydrates within 45 minutes to an hour of finishing exercise [to replenish energy stores].

But whichever way you opt to keep weight off over the holiday period, remember theres nothing inherently unhealthy about occasional overeating, Parker stresses.

This is a special time of the year and a big lunch on one or two days wont damage your overall health and theres no reason to feel guilty.

Start your week with practical tips and expert advice to help you make the most of your personal health, relationships, fitness and nutrition. Sign up to our Live Well newsletter sent every Monday.

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Bloated, full, sluggish: Is fasting the answer to festive feasting? - Sydney Morning Herald

ANYONE who watched Amber Gill cruise to victory on Love Island last summer will know that when shes treated badly, she doesnt hold her tongue.

And so when she was body-shamed recently by TikTok trolls attacking her for the weight shed gained in lockdown, she refused to curl up and cry and instead calmly called them out.

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I like to stick up for myself not to retaliate, but to have an answer, she says.

Posting on Instagram, Amber, 23, pointed out that surely, in the midst of a pandemic, there were better things to worry about than this.

She addressed her online critics directly, writing: Im sure the people that commented are the image of perfection so thank you for that.

To anyone else who put on weight this year she sent her solidarity. Dont worry, Im with you, she wrote.

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Whether we look too big or too small or were too skinny, people have way too much to say on womens weight, she says.

And its like, stop! Im a confident person but seeing people saying: God, shes put on a lot of weight! and: What the hells happened to Amber? was not nice.

Why do people feel entitled to do that? Especially on TikTok where Im just doing funny dances and putting out content to make people happy.

"This year, people are going through their own battles and we have no idea what is going on behind closed doors, so why not just be nice?

Whether we look too big or too small or were too skinny, people have way too much to say on womens weight.

Ambers post was a powerful one and the response showed that it had resonated with her 2.7 million followers inspiring thousands of supportive comments and nearly 350,000 likes.

The amount of people who came back and said it had given them confidence and reminded them not to be bothered by peoples comments was amazing.

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"Im so glad I said what I had to say because there arent many voices who are like: You know what, heres what happened to me and it doesnt matter.

I refuse to sit and cry about it.

During a trip to Ibiza in-between lockdowns this summer, Amber was applauded for promoting a healthy body image by posting a series of pictures that showed off her curves, unfiltered and un-Photoshopped.

But she agrees its a strange world where altering images has become so commonplace that people who dont do it are singled out for praise.

There is so much editing going on that people have lost sight of the real world and what real women look like.

We should be celebrating the things that are unique to us rather than focusing on this weird perception of what people should look like.

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Amber has never struggled with body confidence and says she didnt even notice the 17lb shed gained during lockdown until she went to put on a size-10 pair of trousers and found they were too tight.

Even then she wasnt bothered by what the scales said (I will never get into a toxic relationship with the scales) but an abandoned exercise routine and a fast-food diet had left her feeling sluggish and lacking in motivation, and this is what pushed her to take action.

She says: Like most people during lockdown, I was always in joggers, so it was hard to tell that Id put on weight because theyre stretchy!

"I just think it happened because the most important thing for me during that time was surviving.

"It was such a crazy few months, not really being able to leave your house or go to the gym. I wasnt as positive as I normally am, I was eating a lot of takeaways and so my weight naturally crept up.

Im not a person who is overly bothered by a number on the scales, but I did start to notice the extra bits and I knew I needed to exercise more for my mental health and to be the best version of myself.

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In a bid to snap herself out of the lockdown slump, Amber joined forces with personal trainer Jon Hosking and the two began working out in the park.

The routines they developed together were based around Ambers love of combat training, focusing on cardio and conditioning, and she quickly rediscovered her mojo.

Shes keen to stress that weight loss was never the goal, although she lost a stone in six weeks and is now preparing to launch her own fitness platform.

Amber says shes never been in better shape.

Even better than when I did Love Island. It was never about what size my waist was or anything like that. It was about getting back to being healthy and active.

Amber Flexx is a six-week bodyweight fitness programme that works alongside a nutrition plan with TV dietician Jo Travers.

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For Amber, it was also about having realistic aims. She isnt interested in taking it to the next level and becoming a super-sculpted fitfluencer.

Shed much rather be an advocate for body positivity and what is attainable for most people.

I look at some of these people and think: Im never going to look like that, so why try? It can be quite intimidating. That whole look is just not the way Im built.

Im naturally curvy, I have a big bum and I have boobs Im not that fitness person with the eight-pack. Im not obsessed.

I want to be a different voice because I feel like there are so many people saying: You have to be so productive, you have to get up at 5am, you have to eat this and I just want to be normal.

The programme is tough, but its achievable and fun too.

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After being swept up by the post-Love-Island whirlwind, lockdown gave Amber an opportunity to pause and think about whether she was on the right path.

Life had changed so quickly and drastically that when she looked back, she realised she wasnt happy with some of the jobs shed accepted or the direction she was heading in.

She says that she lost herself amid the madness and is much more comfortable and clear about her future now that things are beginning to settle.

Lockdown was a time where I could sit down and reflect. My life had been so crazy since coming out of Love Island and I didnt really have a chance to stop and think.

I got lost in the lifestyle, which had changed so much for me, and Id been carried away without thinking. People always say you have to seize the opportunity, so you go for it without giving it much thought.

I ended up putting a lot of pressure on myself to be the same as everyone else, trying to do the same things and posting as many pictures as possible.

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"But that sort of influencing doesnt sit right with me. Im never going to be the sort of person who puts loads of make-up and an outfit on and goes and stands on a street. I like to do things differently and Id lost sight of that.

Before Love Island, I would scream from the rooftops about what I believed in and I feel like I lost my voice for a while.

I know what message I want to put out to my followers now. Finding your feet in such a strange new industry takes a long time. And moving from Newcastle down to London, its all been a huge change for me.

I ended up putting a lot of pressure on myself to be the same as everyone else.

She says its 100 per cent too easy to typecast the Love Island girls and she allowed herself to be put into that box when there is more to her than meets the eye.

She loves fashion and beauty, but she also has opinions and an interest in current affairs over on Twitter she regularly posts about a whole range of topics, including politics, mental health, white privilege and the American election.

I think 2021 is going to be about me getting rid of these assumptions people have that I may not be clever or that Im ill-informed.

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In the make-up chair with Amber

What was your lockdown skin routine?

Rihanna had just brought out her Fenty Beauty skincare line and Im hooked.

Best beauty bargain?

Anything from CeraVe. The cleansers are brilliant because theyre natural and cheap.

Whats your beauty splurge?

Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. Its about 200, so I try to only use a drop at a time!

Top make-up hack?

I love a bit of over-lining to create a fuller lip.

Whos your beauty icon?

Rihanna. Her skincare and make-up are inclusive and I love that.

What cant you leave home without?

Lip balm. I am a connoisseur and the best is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips.

I dont like the way we put people into boxes. Yes, I like make-up, doing my hair and skincare, but I also love politics and I believe in speaking out on what you feel passionately about.

"You dont have to be one way or the other, you can be a mixture of all those things.

Shes passionate about Black Lives Matter and joined the protests in London earlier this year, posting regularly about the movement. For that she received racist abuse, which she shared on social media.

Protesting for seven hours a day and then coming home to awful messages and comments has been a lot, she wrote. Who knew fighting for human rights would p**s so many people off?

She says today: There were some poisonous views, unfortunately. Its been emotional because of the personal side for me.

"I am very proud of my family and of my roots and it can be disheartening when people have not very nice things to say.

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Ive not experienced racism as badly as I know some of my friends and family members have, but I think were taking the right steps and I just hope that one day everyone can be understanding of each other. But there is a long way to go yet.

She adds: If I think something is unfair or if there are injustices, then I want to get to the bottom of that and say what I have to say.

Happily single, Amber has not had a serious relationship since leaving the island.

Her romance with rugby player Greg OShea, 25, ended just weeks after the ITV2 show finished, and followers loved the delicious bit of shade she threw in his direction in July when she tweeted that she couldnt believe it had been a year since I won Love Island, ignoring the (admittedly small) part he played in the win.

A relationship is not my main worry at the minute because I have too much going on to be worried about men!

"They actually dont even come into my thoughts, which I like because it means life is very stress-free.

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Lockdown put her off even more when the only option to meet people was online.

Online dating is not for me. Its not that Im old-fashioned but I suppose I kind of am. I dont like this sliding into your DMs thing. Its just not me.

Ive got a lot of good things going on in 2021, she says. For starters, shell be heading up a team on Fabulous charity trek to Petra in Jordan in aid of Jos Trust, which is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ive never done anything like that and I am so looking forward to it. One of my friends had cervical cancer and Jos helped her a lot, so I love that I can be part of it.

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There wont be any New Years resolutions this year Amber says 2020 has taught her not to plan too far ahead.

I dont believe in trying to map your life out strategically, especially with whats gone on this year. Anyones five-year plan could be cancelled in the click of a finger.

Nobody could have predicted this.

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Amber Gill didnt sit and cry about 17lb lockdown weight gain despite trolling & looks BETTER than on Love I - The Sun

6 common myth around weight management and obesity, busted!  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing pandemic, weight management and obesity have become major causes of concern. Being overweight can cause more lasting damage to an individuals health than we can imagine. Sedentary lifestyle, the reduced movement has led to the rise in weight gain and obesity among people.

This has led to increased awareness among people for a need to adopt a healthy way of living. However, despite our best intentions behind wanting to know everything about how to manage ones weight, it is important to understand that all the details that the internet feeds us may not be necessarily accurate. Below are a few common myth busters around weight management.

Weight management is a complex issue and there is still so much about it that we may not be necessarily aware of. It is vital to learn to separate the facts from the myths about weight loss and gain in order to understand it and overcome it.

Disclaimer: This article has been authored by Vandana Luthra, founder & co-chairperson, VLCC Group. Views expressed are personal.

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6 common myth around weight management and obesity, busted! - Times Now

Super slimmers who transformed their body this year have shared their inspirational journeys to a healthier lifestyle.

Many people have found themselves piling on the pounds during a year which left us confined to our homes.

But some people have shown that it is still possible to lose weight and now they have shared their inspirational stories.

From health risks to helping themselves to feeling better about their bodies - these remarkable people have shared their stories.

Losing weight can help reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and a number of other health issues.

As the thoughts of many of us turn from festive indulgence to New Year's resolutions we've rounded up some of the most inspirational stories of 2020.

So say well done to our super slimmers!

Nicolle Kelly lost 4st 1lb

Nicolle Kelly decided to give back to her body and dropped 4st after overcoming a harrowing health battle.

The 24-year-old, from Byker, has battled cancer twice and previously relied walking stick to walk to her local shop due to a spinal condition, high grade spondylolisthesis, causing her excruciating pain.

Her fluctuating figure brought on by comfort eating and steroids put further pressure on her spine and she described feeling as though she was trapped in the body of an elderly woman before deciding that she had to make a change in her life in January.

Nicolle said: "In January 2020 something clicked in my brain and I knew I needed to start giving back to my body after it had been put through so much abuse already."

She added: "Losing my hair and my body changing so quickly I felt like I was in a shell of my former self.

"I ended up gaining a lot of weight fast from a combination of comfort eating, fast food when I wasnt feeling well and aggressive steroids, alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments."

When Nicolle beat cancer for a second time in September 2018, she decided to lose weight to live a happier, healthier lifestyle with her daughter Phoebe, now aged four.

She cut out her comfort eating habits, which often included sharing packs of doughnuts, crisps and half a whole cheesecake as a way of winding down on an evening.

And she introduced healthier habits such as swapping share-sized chocolate bars for a lower calorie, snack-size options and switching from cooking oils to fry-light spay.

Her healthier habits have helped her to lose 4st 1lb, slimming from 16st 7lbs to 12st 6lbs.

She has ditched her size 20 clothes for a size 14 and more than 4000 people follow her inspirational weight loss journey on her Instagram account @sw.nickelly.

Nicolle's full story can be read here.

Kristie-Ann Riley lost 10st 9lbs

When Kristie-Ann Riley welcomed her daughter into the world in 2016 she knew her life had to change.

As a size 28, she was embarrassed by her body and feared she would be unable to enjoy activities with her daughter, Isobel.

But following an incredible three-year transformation, and an impressive 10st 9lbs weight loss, Kristie-Ann has fulfilled her dream of running around the park with her daughter, aged three.

The 28-year-old, from Blyth, in Northumberland, said: "Before my weight loss I didn't want to do activities with Isobel, like swimming or playing in the park, because I was ashamed of my body and what people would think of me.

"But now I feel so much better and I can actually be bothered to do those normal things with her that I should be doing."

Kristie-Ann, who now wears a size 14-16, started her successful weight loss journey with Slimming World in April 2017.

And now she enjoys shopping for clothes, which she previously found difficult, and has gained confidence in her appearance.

Her inspirational weight loss has won her 'slimmer of the year', 'biggest loser' and 'Miss Slinky' for three consecutive years after being nominated by fellow group members.

And she credits the new approach to food for her continued success after admitting she has only attended a gym once in the last three years and only exercised by walking.

Kristie-Ann's full story can be read here.

Steve Rowe lost 12st

Super slimmer Steve Rowe is literally half the man he used to be.

Weighing over 33st at his heaviest, the 38-year-old civil servant started to struggle with daily tasks and was unable to do activities with his three children.

In May 2019, Steve, from Fawdon, started to become concerned about his health and knew something had to change.

He joined Slimming World after seeing the difference it made to a friend who lost 5st through attending the groups.

And now Steve has transformed his life after losing 12st and dropping from a 54 waist to a 40 waist in just 14 months.

Steve said: Ive been given a new lease of life and I have got much more energy.

"Im playing golf more and go to the gym three or four times a week. I am able to do more things other than worrying about being tired all the time. Im sleeping much better."

Steve's full story can be read here.

Anne Hammond lost 7st

Anne Hammond, from Esh, in County Durham, slimmed from a size 26 to a size 12 after refusing to be a 'fat mother of the bride'.

She was tired of being overweight and dreamed of dancing all night at her daughter Olivia's wedding reception.

With one year before the big day in July 2019, Anne joined Slimming World with the aim of losing 8st.

And after an incredible 6st weight loss, wedding guests clapped as she walked down the aisle before her daughter.

Anne, who has now lost 7st, said: "People who hadn't seen me for a while clapped when I walked down the aisle . It was lovely day and I felt fantastic."

She added: "I've got so many horrible photographs of me over the years that I just kept looking at them and thinking I don't ever want to be fat and look like that again."

After gaining weight on her fingers, Anne explained that her husband John had to cut her wedding ring off as it became so tight.

But on their 30th wedding anniversary last year, John was able to have the wedding ring mended and placed back on Anne's finger.

Anne, 57, said: "Having my wedding ring cut off was such a horrible experience and it felt so special when my husband was finally able to put the ring back on my finger - moments like that mean so much."

Now Anne feels more confident and can fit into clothes she has been unable to wear since she was in her early 20s.

She can enjoy activities such as dancing that once left her feeling out of breath, adding: "Now I can dance all night without getting out of breath and I have so much more confidence at work.

"My husband says it's like having a new wife without all of the hassle."

Anne's full story can be read here.

Ian Miller lost 8st 7lb

When Ian Miller noticed a decline in his fitness he knew something had to change.

His lifestyle consisted of numerous takeaways which provided a convenient meal while working away from home as a quality assurance manager.

But when he returned from a holiday in August 2019 he was shocked to see the man he had become.

It prompted him to spring into action and join his local Slimming World group after seeing a friend find success on the plan.

He swapped his regular pizzas and meals with chips for healthier Slimming World recipes and

A year of hard work and determination has allowed the 58-year-old from Chester-le-Street to completely transform his body by losing 8.5st.

His former 23st figure slimmed from a 4xl now fits into large clothing, following an impressive 14 inches from his waistline.

Ian said: "Without these health benefits, I cannot imagine how I would have managed through the COVID pandemic.

"I look back at the last 15 months and cant believe how successful my journey has been. Im proud of what I have achieved with the help of friends in group and family at home and am determined to keep my weight off forever."

Wendy Scott lost 6st 8lbs

When Wendy Scott saw a picture of herself with her grandson, the sight of her double chins spurred her on to lose weight.

At 16st 8lbs and standing just 5f ft 3 inches - she says she was as wide as she was tall.

But now the 48-year-old, from Walker, has totally transformed her body after losing 6st 8lbs.

And the grandmother who once experienced pains in her knees due to her weight is now planning to become a fitness instructor after finding a new lease of life.

Wendy said: "When I first started all I wanted was to lose some weight and make it easier for me to move around. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have achieved what I did in just 12 months.

"I am still amazed at the food I can eat and all the things I can now do."

Wendys guilty pleasure was pastry and despite not overeating she found herself piling on the pounds.

Wearing a size 22, she struggled to find clothing in shops and resided herself to wearing jogging bottoms and baggy T-shirts.

However, after discovering new ways how to cook, replacing fattening foods with healthier substitutes, and integrating exercise into her daily routine she has managed to completely transform her body and now wears a size 8.

Wendy added: "I feel amazing, healthier and my outlook on life has changed so much."

Read Wendy's full story here.

Beth Lane lost 4st

Blaydon mum-of-two Beth Lane has lost 4st during lockdown for a very special reason.

The 29-year-old is on a mission to lose 6st and once she reaches her target she is looking to donate her eggs to help others who may be struggling to conceive.

The mum-of-two said: "Before I got married I was told there might be a low chance of having children as they suspected I had endometriosis, but then I conceived naturally.

"It would mean the world to me to be able to help others to have a family as I know how precious children are to me."

Beth weighed in at 16 stone 10 lbs and was in a size 20 dress when she decided it was time to change.

She felt uncomfortable in social situations, hated having her photo taken with her children and hid herself away under baggy clothes.

But after discovering a healthier lifestyle with Slimming World she now weights 12 stone 10lbs and has dropped to a size 14.

She feels more confident in photos and can capture memories with her children, aged one and two.

Beth added: "Since losing my weight I walk a lot further and faster before getting tired. And I wouldnt have dreamed about buying a new swimming costume for a spa weekend with my husband.

"I feel much more confident and comfortable. And I now actually dont mind getting my photograph taken with my children."

Beth's full story can be read here.

Philippa Wood lost 10st

When Philippa Wood was told she was too fat to go on a funfair ride on holiday she was so embarrassed she vowed to change her life.

Weighing almost 19st and wearing a size 22 she felt like she was considered the "fat friend".

Philippa, from Kenton, said: "I felt mortified in front of my new husband and embarrassed in front of the queue of people. I felt like people were staring at me because they knew why I had been refused, because of my weight.

"I cried and went back to the hotel room and didnt want to do anything. We went out at the night time and I didnt want to eat anything as I felt fat, ashamed and scared to eat as in that moment I felt like I needed to do something right there and then."

But now the 31-year-old has completely transformed her body and now wears a size 8 following an impressive 10st weightloss after a three-year transformation with Slimming World.

She has swapped her takeaway three nights a week for healthier homecooked meals with low fat ingredients.

Philippa added: "Now I have more energy, which is good with three little ones, and I finally feel like the real me and a good role model for my children.

"I feel confident and never feel like I cant do something because of my weight. I want to skydive and feel like I have more opportunity now that I have lost weight."

Read Philippa's full story here.

Adele Nichol-Wilson lost 2st 10lbs

Adele Nichol-Wilson's teenage years were plagued by low self-confidence as she watched her figure fluctuate.

Link:
The nine super slimmers who shed 65 stone to slim down in 2020 - Chronicle Live