Re: Diet Help

mac116 · ‎03-26-2010

I find losing weight to be very difficult. As I got older, my metabolism slowed to a crawl. I NEVER eat what I really want, or the amount that I want (no sugar, no soda, only healthy carbs). I walk or bike for an average of 5-7 miles everyday.

I can't do intermittent fasting (16-8 hours), because of health issues, but do not eat after 7 P.M., or before 9 A.M. My weight remains the same, or creeps up a pound or two each month. UGH!!!

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

@FLGranny wrote:
I need to get on some kind of weight loss program but there’s so many to choose from. Some are VERY expensive. I’d like to hear anyone’s feedback on the program you used and if you recommend it. I’ve been looking at WW, Jennycraig, Nutrisystem, Noom. I appreciate any help!

@FLGranny I would recommend that you download the "Lose It" App from the App Store. I've been using the free version on & off for years.

You answer some questions like age,weight,height, sex,how much you weigh & how much weight you want to lose. It will then tell you how many calories you should have each day to meet your goal.

You can then record & track your calories daily.The App even gives you credit for exercising.As you lose weight you record it & your calories are updated.When you reach your goal it readjusts your calories for maintenance.You can always upgrade to the pay version,but I never felt the need to.

I was on WW online a few years ago to lose 10lbs. It worked but I keep coming back to Lose It whenever I want to lose a few lbs. My friend had told me about it after he lost 50lbs on it .

redwingsgal · ‎03-10-2010

@nyc1 wrote:
@gulf coast girl wrote:
Hi Linda actually all you have to do is count calories, weight loss comes from burning more calories than you take in. If you eat more than you go thru in a day, you gain weight, if you eat less and get good and active you burn more calories and there ya go, you see the weight fall off. I have kept this weight off for years.

I once weighed 210 at 5'4 for some 25 years, now I am 126 and I have kept it off by eating less, and I enjoy going walking as my exercise of choice. I never gave up any food items, nothing became "off limits" heck no, I just kept eating what I always ate, just less of it.

It's how bad do you want it, that helps determine whether or not you'll succeed, it's up to you to stay focused. Don't let pthere people's snotty comments deter you, and never ever tell anyone you're on a diet. The reason being they can tease you and smart off to you if you aren't successful. It's nobody's business but you"re own.

You can do it, and your age isn't a factor either, don't let anyone try and tell you " oh you're going thru menapause, big deal, I'm older now, I have trouble loosing weight. " None of that matters one bit.

@gulf coast girl I agree with you 100%. I think you just need a basic understanding of what you're taking in, watch your portions, and maybe cut out most sweets and definitely soda. I find that if I am good for most of the week, I allow myself a cheat day and eat whatever I want without counting. Then back to my routine. It's really not difficult once you start. As for sweets, the toughest part of not craving sugar is getting through 3-4 days. Good luck. Some of the other diets, like WW, may help you understand how many calories in what you're eating, but you have to do what will work long term.

I agree with both of you 100%

If you do not allow for a cheat now and then, to me, it will not work. Whether it be weekly or less, whether it be food or chocolate or a pop of your choice, DO IT now and then!!!

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, til death, your right to say it

Goldengate8361 · ‎01-27-2014

@FLGranny You will get many opinions - divergent opinions, too - about this in this thread. Cutting carbs (all carbs or as much as possible) is the foundation for a healthy diet and losing weight. I lost 90 lbs 8 years ago and have easily kept it off by eating super-low-carb (delicious food, too, by the way). My health markers (i.e. cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.) have all improved substantially by eating super-low-carb. I don't count calories at all--and I rarely exercise (although exercise is good for many, many reasons). I don't cheat. Moderation is not your friend.

nyc1 · ‎03-19-2010

@mac116 wrote:
I find losing weight to be very difficult. As I got older, my metabolism slowed to a crawl. I NEVER eat what I really want, or the amount that I want (no sugar, no soda, only healthy carbs). I walk or bike for an average of 5-7 miles everyday.
I can't do intermittent fasting (16-8 hours), because of health issues, but do not eat after 7 P.M., or before 9 A.M. My weight remains the same, or creeps up a pound or two each month. UGH!!!

Some of the little tricks, that work for me ... 1 night a week I may just open a can of soup and have that with a few crackers. That's dinner. Or I may make a huge bowl of popcorn (not the unhealthy microwave stuff) and have that for dinner. The other nights I'm eating regular food... chicken, salad, pork chops, stir fry, etc, but just watching portions.

Once you put your fork down, walk away and don't think of food. Clean up, and you're done until morning. We're all so different, so what works for one may not for another. I don't do intermittent fasting either because of my schedule. Do you have any idea how many calories you're consuming during the day. Even a rough estimate helps.

luvbnagirl · ‎03-12-2010

@Goldengate8361 wrote:
@FLGranny You will get many opinions - divergent opinions, too - about this in this thread. Cutting carbs (all carbs or as much as possible) is the foundation for a healthy diet and losing weight. I lost 90 lbs 8 years ago and have easily kept it off by eating super-low-carb (delicious food, too, by the way). My health markers (i.e. cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.) have all improved substantially by eating super-low-carb. I don't count calories at all--and I rarely exercise (although exercise is good for many, many reasons). I don't cheat. Moderation is not your friend.

Do not do this. This is not good for your body. Your body needs protein, fat and carbs to function properly. I would suggest you find a food tracking app, set your daily calorie limit and eat a diet consistent with 30% protein, 30% fat and 40% carbs. Weigh and log everything at least until you reach your goal. Exercise 30 mins a day. You might want a fitness tracker to track calories burned. Make sure your calories in are less than your calories out and you will have success. Do not starve yourself and do not deprive your body of what it needs to function.

Goldengate8361 · ‎01-27-2014

@FLGranny @luvbnagirl

What I'd tell you? LOL

Yes; you'll get divergent opinions in this thread. What can I say? Science supports my advice.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

I think the only reason people need a 'plan' is because there's comfort in the fellowship and support of those in the same boat. Also, if they have limited understanding of nutrition, and managing calories. It's almost a must for those who need quick access to low calorie meals, when living a hectic schedule.

However, no matter the plan chosen, it ALL depends on willpower. Even those who have weight loss surgery have a really tough time. It's not magic. Without willpower, they will quickly stretch the stomach, to it's previous condition, rendering the surgery unsuccessful.

A 1200 calorie diet, with moderate exercise will result in weight loss. For me, it was slow, taking several months, just to lose 24 lbs. It's tough! But, I'm maintaining and now at my ideal weight. But, I still have to manage my diet -- every single day. It becomes a lifestyle change, not just something you do to lose the initial weight. In fact, I still journal my meals, and calorie content, every single day. If you don't you're prone to deny your intake. I wish it was easier, but it's not.

mac116 · ‎03-26-2010

@nyc1

When I was keeping track on My Fitness Pal, I ranged from 1200-1500 calories per day. I stopped logging because I eat pretty much the same things each week.

I did lose 18 pounds on MFP, but then hit a plateau for about 6 months, even lowering my calories, and/or upping my exercise. That's where I am now, one year later (gained back 4 lbs.)

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

I think a "food Plan" for life is the best choice like WW.

Jenny Craig and all of the weight loss "systems" often don't create lasting results because the person receives prepared foods instead of learning how to self nourish and build skills and knowlwdge to maintain the loss.