Hello 3FC gals,

I am wondering what type of dieting works best for you. I am struggling with what works best for me and was curious of what have you learned along the way. Maybe you have some tips, etc. or diet recommendations for some of us to try.

I have been doing low carb but, at least for me, it doesn't seem like a sustainable diet...anyways, I am thinking of getting back to the slow and steady route: 1,200 cals/day (low in refined carbs, sugars and more wholesome foods) and adding quite a bit of cardio...

Calorie counting works best for me. I CAN NOT restrict myself from certain foods completely just because of carbs/fats/sugars or w/e. I would never be able to stick to it in the long run, so calorie counting offers me the freedom and flexibility that I personally need. I lose best when I net between 1400-1500 calories after exercise.

calorie counting and cardio.

I try to cut out sugar, dairy and meat.

I plan to be a vegan within the next few months.

I can't deal with any programs or diets that make you get rid of a food group- they just don't work for me. Calorie counting is perfect for me, and it has worked amazingly! I have lost about 40 pounds in the last two months and am still going strong. In general, I try to eat very little sugar, no aspartame (diet sodas, gum, etc) and only eat refined flour once in a while. These three things have made my appetite manageable and my diet easy and enjoyable. I eat 1200 calories a day and use a bodybugg to track my calories burned- I would recommend the bodybugg, which has proven useful and accurate for me.

how much exercise and what type do you all do?

I usually burn about 3,000 calories a day, from doing various things. For example, today I went on a 'fun" hike- it's my version of a hike, with some improvisation- e.g. when I have a big rock in my path, I run to it and jump off it, when I see a fallen tree I lift my leg to my chest, when I have roots in my path I do sidesteps at high speed over it, when I see wildlife or a butterfly I do lunges until it's gone, and when I see a pine tree I run for 30 seconds at top speed. It keeps things interested and keeps my mind involved.

I do a lot of hiking, but some days it's not necessary. If I've walked a lot that day or carried groceries, etc, then I often burn 3000 without doing any additional exercise.

I also stretch almost everyday and do kettle bell exercises (on youtube) for toning several times a week.

Right now, I run for 30-35 minutes and walk at a fast pace until I reach 60 minutes. I try to workout basically everyday. I plan to up my running to 40 minutes, once I hit the 140s.

I shoot to eat lots of protein, lots of vegetables, and moderate to lowish carb. I eat dessert several times per week and try to exercise to the point of sweating profusely/being too sore to continue most days of the week. Lifting weights has allowed me to eat more and maintain a lower weight than life pre-strength training, so I recommend that if you like to eat :P

I don't count calories but I used to so I know what foods have how many calories. I also practice a moderate form of intermittent fasting - I don't eat until 2-3 PM most days.

I don't follow any diet or do any calorie counting. I find it all too restricting. My motto for a healthy lifestyle is "Everything is good in moderation" and that is what I'm doing. I don't watch carbs nor do I watch fats and calories. I tend to eat the same foods daily so I have a good idea of how many calories I have. (from when I did calorie counting which lasted like a week ) If I want a chocolate bar I will have a chocolate bar. I do not restrict myself with anything.

I went from drinking no water at all to drinking 2/3 litres daily and it is the only drink I will have every day. The odd day I will have some juice or fizzy drinks but not that often and I have switched it from a big glass to a smaller glass.

My main problem and why I gained weight was my junk food habit which thankfully isn't bad as it was. Like I said, if I want some chocolate I will have it. If I want some ice cream, I will have it. Once I don't go overboard and have a major binge (which happened last week but hay-ho we all make mistakes!)

Water, and decreasing my junk food with exercise (lifting weights and walking/step aerobics) is really what I am doing. If you look at the 90 Day Exercise Challenge in my signature, it gives an idea of how much I do daily. While my weight loss is super duper slow, I know I'll get to my goal eventually.

I too don't think phasing out any food group is particularly sustainable for me. I do calorie counting with no other specific diet rules or restrictions, just counting calories. Exercise-wise, I run, do the elliptical, do kickboxing videos- so basically mostly cardio. But it's taken time to learn what I do like to do and I constantly get into things and then get bored with them, and the best thing is that you can play with different ways of eating and working out till you find something you can stick with.

I calorie count (1500'ish a day) and train 5-6 days a week with a mix of swimming, biking and running. Then I do a cardio dance class just on Saturdays, it's my fun workout.

I'm on Weight Watchers and I count calories. WW got me started; counting calories helps me make more informed decisions. I don't really limit any particular food from my diet but keeping within my points/calorie allotment has caused me to eat a lot less highly processed crap. As for exercise, I tend to walk or ride my exercise bike for about 30 minutes a day. I was swimming 2 times a week but the pool I was going to canceled the hours when I was going.

I calorie count and eat 1300-1500 calories a day