I follow a mix of South Beach Phase II, the food pyramid, advice from the American Heart Association, advice for diabetes, low-glycemic index eating, calorie counting, intuitive eating strategies, and the 90/10 plan. Whew!

So basically I try to eat in moderation (the calorie counting), eat 'fun foods' just about daily (idea taken from the 90/10 plan), listen to my body (intuitive eating), and try to make healthy choices (pretty much everything else), but definitely eat foods that, taken individually, those plans would disallow. More fruits and veggies, lean meats, soy products, vegetarian products, fish, cutting way down on red meat, moderating salt, picking whole grains more and more often, etc., etc.

I'm yet another one doing her own thing. I use my own knowledge of what works for me, plus a few tips I've picked up from 3FC along the way.

I was counting kcals (1500-1600 plus unlimited non-starchy veggies), with some light exercise (walking, WATP, strength work) thrown in. I've been pussy-footing about for a few months, so I've decided to try a break away from the counting for a wee while, and concentrate instead upon mindful eating. I'm hoping this will help me avoid spending silly amounts of kcals on things like Munchies and encourage me to choose healthier alternatives instead.

I avoid sugar and sweetened products as far as I'm able, and pick whole-grains whenever I have the choice. Apart from skimmed milk (which I prefer) and 2% yogurt (because the supermarket doesn't usually stock full-fat), I don't use LF or FF food substitutes.

I generally eat around 50% carbs, 20-25% fat, 25-30% protein, with 30-40 g fibre and 2+ litres water. Curiously, I find I get better results on weeks when I up my dairy. It's how I justify my Starbuck's FF lattes.

As you and others have said, the key is finding what is right and sustainable for you. I know several people who've had great success with WW. I personally hated it, and packed it in after a couple of months. YMMV.

It's really interesting how different we all are. I feel like I've tried everything since I was a teen (when I was thin, healthy, active and didn't know any better!! Warped body image...) I find I have to find a balance between structure and "loose" planning. To much structure and my inner teen ager wigs out and gets beligerant. To little and the reverse is true - I go crazy and don't set any limits. I think my inner fat child needs a good time out!

I lost around 85 lbs about 9 years ago and found that exercise was key. Building muscle mass, being more aware of my body as a machine that needs high quality fuel, and getting PUMPED by my success. I have picked around the last few months (3 kids and many pounds later) trying South Beach and generally trying to eat better without much success. I have gained and lost the same 10 lbs MANY times.

My first day at the gym is tomorrow. I'm nervous but hopeful. Trying to build on what has worked in the past. I am planning to simply eat better (more complex carbs, less processed stuff, more veggies, more water), watch calories when I can (simply to be more mindful) and get regular activity in. I am actually scheduling the gym into my daytimer. I got a new MP3 player. got to pick some tunes!!

Another calorie counter here! I'm a fan of the Calorie Queens book (which reverses some of the psychology around weight loss and has you START with maintenance calories--there are other threads about this book if you're interested) too. I need to drop some weight before shifting to a Cal Queen "maintenance" approach though. SO! I start with a base of 1500 calories a day and ADD IN whatever I burn in exercise. This keeps my calorie amount hopping since some days may be 2000 that I can eat, others at the 1500 level. I do aerobic exercise 4x/week, weight training 3x. Like the other calorie counters, I like the fact that I CAN "budget" for some of my favorite foods, but I do strive to eat a lot of fresh fruits, veggies & grains--and I definitely do get better results when I am eating the "right" foods. That said, I know that I personally will NEVER be able to give up some of my favorite foods, and when I count calories, I feel like I have control and am not always denying myself things. I used to do WW and I find that calorie counting seems to give me more "flexibility" as far as eating out, cooking from recipes, etc.--not sure if that's the case, but it feels like it for me :-)

Tracy

Sounds like a lot of you are doing what I was thinking would be a good way of eating/life for me. I had a GREAT day today. I stuck to what I planned on eating and still have FF Jello and FF cool whip for dessert later. I tried to stick to the CORE and keep the calories under 1800.

It worked and I feel good about a successful day!