Is Weight Loss Really That Hard? Here’s What Experts Say

**Collaborative Feature**

Losing weight can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, and one that many of us have tried time and time again, but does it have to be that hard? Many of us have struggled with shedding a few extra pounds, or losing that same few pounds and gaining them right back a few weeks later, and with so much advice floating around, it’s easy to get confused. One thing’s for sure: weight loss doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution, and everyone is different when it comes to losing weight, how long it takes and what works for one won't always work for another. 

But let’s dive into what experts have to say and uncover the truths behind the challenge.

Weight Loss Diary - Week 1.

Well its the end of my first week on my weight loss journey and I am not going to lie I have found it tough!

I decided not to weigh myself last week, I didn't want the first week to be all about the numbers on the scales but more about getting back to healthy eating, cutting out the junk food and finding my love for cooking from scratch again.
I will start weighing myself from this week onward and from next week will be sharing how many lbs I have (hopefully) lost each week in case you wish to follow my journey. I will also be taking pictures once a month and sharing these to in the hope that seeing some weight loss will keep my spurred on!

This week I have upped my water intake, fruit and veg intake and focused more on what im eating and how much. I have to admit I have felt so much better in myself already! I used to start getting lethargic and tired around 2pm which has totally stopped this week, I am also finding it easier to get to sleep at night and even finding it easier to get up n the mornings which is unheard of especially for the school run!

I have switched from picking at foods like crisps and toasties to salads for lunch often adding chicken or lean meats for flavour. I have made my portions smaller and got back in to cooking in the evenings and making things from scratch rather than over replying on quick and convenient foods. Breakfast is something I need to work on this week as I often skip it whilst rushing around in the mornings before getting the kids to school, but then when mid morning hits and I start getting peckish this is when I am most at risk of picking I think.

How is everyone else doing this week?

xXx

Exante Diet, Shakes **REVIEW**

Before having kids my weight wasn't something that really bothered me, ok so I was curvy but I was happy with my weight. However since having James and Evelyn I have put on some weight and its something I am definitely not happy with.

I have tried a few "healthy eating" type at home plans but I am so weak when it comes to temptation, I felt like I needed a bit of a kick start to my diet to see some results a little quicker to give me that boost and kick up the bum to stick with a diet.

So when the lovely people at Exante offered me some of their shakes to try I thought this could be the kickstart I needed and I excitedly awaited my delivery.

Exante is the UK's number 1 online meal replacement diet and is cost effective too, with meals starting at just 63p each it really can be accessible to everyone! Exante also has the biggest online range of products including lots of vegetarian options and with FREE next day delivery there really is no reason not to give it a go if you are thinking of losing weight!

I received a fantastic selection of shakes which included the flavours -

- Chocolate Mint
- Vanilla
- Orange and Pineapple
- Chocolate 
- Lemon and Raspberry
- strawberry
- cherries and berries
- Banana
- Creamy Coconut 
- Blueberry
- tropical

But if none of the flavours above take your fancy there are even more flavours available on the Exante website!

I was a bit apprehensive about using the shakes at first and wasn't holding out much hope for the flavour/texture as lets face it these are a powder mixed with water, however I was pleasantly surprised! One thing I will say is you really need a blender of some sort to make these shakes as without they are a little lumpy and don't seem to mix together properly. Made with the whisk the shakes thicken up quite a bit and have a real hit of flavour.

My favourite shakes have to be the chocolate (of course what girl doesn't love a chocolate shake on a diet!?) and the Lemon and Raspberry. I know this sounds obvious but the chocolate shake really tastes like chocolate which really surprised me for a diet shake. The Lemon and Raspberry is a must try as it has the punch of lemon and the sweetness of the raspberry which made for a delicious shake especially if you have a sweet tooth!

Exante don't just do shakes they also sell diet meals, diet soups and diet bars all to help in your weight loss journey. You can also buy Diet Packs which contain everything you need to follow the Exante diet for a set period of time which is a fantastic no fuss option. Exante even give you the option of a "pick your own" diet pack so you can choose what is included meaning you can make sure that it only contains things you like or like the sound of!

Over all I am giving the Exante shakes a thumbs up. It was tough the first few days as I used these for breakfast and lunch and it was hard not having any actual food to eat but my body soon got used to it and I enjoyed picking out my flavours for the following day.

I didn't follow the whole Exante plan as I only had the shakes to try but I would definitely consider trying more of the products in the future and following the diet plan more strictly as I think this could be the real boost and kick start I need to get my weight loss journey going.

So if you are looking to loose weight what are you waiting for? Check out the Exante website here - www.exantediet.com.

xXx


**I was not paid for this post, I was sent this item in return for an honest review. 
All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own and written by me. **