I have just passed the 51 pound mark on a low fat lifestyle change. I don't like to use the word diet because that somehow implies that their will be an end to it. And, one of the greatest thing that anyone can realize is that it has to be a lifestyle change. Which is one of the main reasons that low fat is the choice for me. I don't have to stop eating anything, there are no "taboo" foods like breads or the like. I started with Richard Simmons food mover (revamp of the old deal a meal plan) it trains you to eat foods in moderation in the right portions for proper weight loss. You don't have to starve and you don't have to give up the foods that you love IF you eat them in proper balance. I have recently changed to Dr. Dean Ornish's plan "Eat More, Weigh Less" I made this switch, not because I was unhappy with the other, I was still losing. I just decided that I could get the necessary amount of protein in my diet with out eating beef and pork. I am still up in the air about the chicken and fish. (The fat content fits the diet, so it could be allowed. Ornish just suggests to switch to vegetarian...)
Anyway, I have rambled on long enough. Just wanted to let you know, there ARE still alternatives to the new found craze of low carb.
Tallara, I agree! I refuse to forbid myself of any certain foods. The foods arent the problem...the portions or reasons for eating them are. I've only lost 42 lbs but like you, it has been thru controlling my foods rather than food controlling me and adding exercise to my lifestyle also. I may not eat all I want or everytime I want, but I do eat as much as I need and what I like, which is the only way I could ever stick to this way of life for good. A calorie is a calorie no matter what makes it up.
Last year I lost 30 lbs by watching what I ate & exercised. Problem is my hypoglycemia is back & I only eat healthy carbs now like whole grain bread, veggies, fruit, also low fat meats, poultry, etc. I don't think that carbs makes a person gain weight per se, but what it does for me is increase my cravings. If a person sticks to a plan (no matter what the diet plan is), they will lose, it's that simple. It takes dedication.
I am on a fat and cal counting program and an hour of exercise everyday and have lost around 90 so far so you DON'T have to stay away from carbs to lose!
Weight Watchers is it for me... I started May 9th of 2002 and I have lost 135 Lbs. I feel great and just love it when the people I know and havent seen lately dont recognize me. I do not feel deprived in any way.
I have lost weight on WW and gained it back and I have lost weight on Atkins...and gained it back. It really depends on the person.
When I was on WW I lost weight, but I was miserable, hungry all the time, lived for my next meal. My body cannot metaboilze sugar well, that is really nothing to do with weight loss, even when I weigh less I still experience the same issues with eating the evil whites for me. My weight is linked to my emotions and insulin/sugar issues.
I say finding what works for you and integrating it into your life to work for you is very healthy. Whether you cut calories, carbs, fat or whatever. It is all good. And I don't trust most doctors, I research on my own. To get your Medical degree, you take one semester of nutrition, and I worked in a hospital, most doctors there ate terribly, so before I take nutritional advice from a doctor, I grill him on what he knows....most times I know tons more then they do.
BTW, I was a vegetarian for 17 years, weighed the most in my life. When I began eating chicken, fish and dairy to begin low carbing, I experienced very little increase in my cholesterol...my doctor told me that I really didn't experience any increase, that the increase that I had was due to the fact that I hadn't been eating those things before, and my system normalized. I still at 40% BMI had perfect blood pressure, cholersterol of 146 and my hdl/ldl ratio is better than perfect (I don't do red meats, pork or lamb).
Anytime you eat less and burn more you will lose weight, no matter what diet your following, it is about what makes you feel good.....
You can debate this one forever, like what is better a MAC or PC....no one will ever win that one and frankly....who cares it is whatever is working for you!!!
Do Weight Watchers if you don't want to Lo-Carb and good job in whatever you choose!!!!!
in 1996, I lost 91 pounds using simpy healthy eating habits that I learned at Weight Watchers. At the time there were no points. I did not attend meetings. I just ate healthy and exercised my butt off. I put a good deal of it back on, but knowingly (stupidly enough) by just returning to bad habits.
Heading back there though, and yes, it is indeed very possible to lose withough going low carb. Carbs are my friend
Well I have done the low carb thing and it worked. If you hate counting calories or fat grams or points, count carbs. It is easy and you are never hungry. 70 lbs later I feel great! I started in Feb. of this year. I am down 6 pant sizes and weight less now than in High school. Take it from a Giant who loves to eat. This is one Diet that works and works well.
