Happy Muslim Mama: Picture of the Day: 02.11.15 – Overindulging and Weight Loss

I did go to lunch with the best of intention.  Something light, low calorie and sensible was the plan.  Once I was down there the poor collection of sandwiches, which I knew wouldn’t make much of a dent in my hunger, were enough to lead me to the chip counter.  Chips and cheese, cola and a chocolate bar – everything I had intended to avoid.  I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I have been trying to lose a little baby weight over the last year, except I can’t really blame Baby, only my love of food and my habit of overindulging.

My best efforts in the last year of being good haven’t worked and I have come to realise that I have far less willpower when it comes to food than I used to.

I am not too hung-up on the way I look, I have always had good body image regardless of size and despite the occasional comment about my weight gain from others, my husband has always made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world alhumdulillah (may Allah (SWT) reward him and bless him for the kindness and love he has always shown me).

I am mindful of the impact of the extra weight on my health in the long-term, especially in terms of diabetes and heart disease which are endemic in my ethnic group in this country.  As a mum I want to keep healthy for my children and set a good example.

What has worked for sisters who have lost weight?  Is it only good old fashioned willpower?  Cutting out sugar or flour?  Avoiding carbs?  Going vegetarian? Calorie counting?  Being strict with yourself?  Being kind and gentle with yourself?  Replacing certain types of food in your diet?  Educating yourself about diet and health?

I would love to hear if anything worked particularly well for someone.