read the book by Gary Heavin??? OMGosh.

It was written in 2003, which was not that long ago, but I guess he had to compete with Atkins to be heard back then. It actually says on one page of his diet, as long as you are on the carbohydrate controlled plan (vs his other option, calorie controlled) it does not matter how many calories you eat per day as long as it is quality protein. I about fell out of my bed reading this last nite. Did we ever really believe that? It just doesn't even make sense.

Like I said, I love the Curves concept of getting sedentary women into an exercise routine, but this book should be burned!! It's baaaaaad! I do like that he provides his exercises in an at-home version with stretchy bands, so you could buy the book and not have to join Curves, though. Gotta respect him for that.

There was a thread here just recently, a couple posters stated that they didn't believe it was all about calories in vs calories out. I wanted to ask what it was then but figured they'd think I was being disparaging.
I may be brainwashed by the calories theory (I really believe that is it)but I don't see how it's anything else.

I'm with you Susan!
I firmly believe in conservation of energy:

energy in = energy out + energy stored

I agree. In the whole journey of weight loss there has to be a component of reality for success to occur. I'm reading Calorie Queens right now and love that it is no-nonsense. Being in denial has only ever made me fatter.

well it does matter (calorie in vs calorie out)

but think of it this way-how much chicken breast, egg whites, cottage cheese, tuna can you eat? let me assure you it takes huge quantities to get to 1500 calories, you will simply be too full, and if you exercise and/or lift weights the extra cals would help with muscle building while having minimal weight gain.

this is a basic bodybuilding concept-having alot of good protein will fill you up very fast, carbs and calories from ice cream on the other hand....you know what i mean

so while its not correct, it's not too bad of a plan

I can never understand those who believe that it doesn't matter how many calories they consume, nor what kind of calories they consume or how they use them. I guess they didn't take physics. If nothing else, a couple of days turned into a couple of weeks of good eating and I feel great, better sleep and fewer issues.

So why aren't I at my goal weight?