Whether a weight loss program has you counting points, or you're on an Atkin's style diet, or cabbage soup, etc., They all amount to lowering calories. When you think about it, there's nothing ground breaking about these programs. Some will just find one easier to follow, than the other. But, losing weight remains HARD. Food is one of our greatest needs, AND, joys. Changing our thinking about food is the biggest challenge.
The most successful weight loss is healthy eating, with good proteins and lots of vegetables to help with appetite control. Avoiding sugar and high glycemic carbs is good for everyone, dieting, or not. We can, however, enjoy some lower glycemic carbs and an occasional treat. Life is too short not to.
A daily food journal, with calorie counting has somehow become an 'ancient, dated' diet program, when NO program will be successful, if we take in too many calories. It IS a fact. It's just as easy to count calories (maybe easier) than counting points, or some of the other tedious things other programs require.
Exercise is always needed, but when dieting it helps maintain and build muscle. More muscle, more calorie burn, even at rest. It's why guys lose weight easier. And, exercise strengthens bones. You don't like to lose weight and challenge your structure.
I'm always amazed when taking a power walk of 2.5 to 3 miles, to find I only burned about 97 calories. Really! My coffee with some creamer in it was that much. It just ain't easy.