camerons:
Welcome and congratulations on taking action!
I am not going to tell you that diet pills, or any supplement, will help you. There is so little science. But I can tell you what has helped me in the past. If hunger is an issue for you, you can take fiber pills with your meals. Now, people will comment that you can get the same fiber in food, and yes, that is better. But, when you're starting out, it can be overwhelming to try to get everything you need in food form. I have also, and still do, use B vitamin supplements. I do not know if I have a deficiency, but the supplements seem to increase my energy and keep my head clear. If you find yourself eating because you're tired or have a headache, this may help you. I also aim to take a prenatal multivitamin. I am not pregnant, but my daughter is only 7 months old, and after having her, I just decided to keep taking them. Lots of goodies in there to fill in the gaps.
Be aware that there is a lot of controversy on supplements as well as fasting. This is only my personal experience.
As for fasting: If you are truly interested in learning about fasting, you should google "studies on intermittent fasting, health benefits of intermittent fasting, eat-stop-eat, or leangains,
You will quickly see that, contrary to everything you have ever been told about breakfast, grazing and your metabolism, fasting, when done properly, is great for your body. It not only improves longevity, but, if combined with strength training, it can help you torch fat.
I have been calorie counting for a long time. THat is how I have lost weight anytime in my life. (following pregnancy or just 10-15 pounds that crept up). Calorie counting+ cardio are the most tried and true ways to lose weight. Fasting does not change that. I have recently begun using intermittent fasting to burn through a plateau, and in an attempt to enjoy my food more. I fast for 16 hours a day, eat for 8. This is "leangains" style. I also attempt a 24 hour fast once a week, Eat-stop-eat style. This is just me, trying to find what works for me, what I prefer, wanting to get the health perks of longer fasts, etc. The reason I would recommend intermittent fasting is two-fold:
1. You are able to eat more calories in one meal than you would be with traditional plans. Rather than eating 300 calories 4 times a day, you can eat 600 cals twice a day. This can make it easier to eat with family and friends and to feel satisfied at the end of the day.
2. When you get through a fast, you are learning to say no to your hunger. You are learning that you do not HAVE to eat every few hours to function, to be happy, to feel good. Some of the beliefs that we have about food that cause us to be overweight in the first place are called into question when we deny ourself in a controlled and strategic way.
Sorry to go on like this. Best advice I can give you is
1. google a calorie calculator and figure out how many calories you need each day.
2. download a calorie counter app or write down every single calorie you eat in a small notebook. when you work out, you need to know how many calories you burned so you can add those calories. If you burn 300 cals at the gym, that's 300 more calories you can eat.
3. increase your cardio by a couple of min a day until you can do 45 min of cardio at once. Then do it 4 x a week.
4. Focus on protein and vegetables.
5. weigh yourself daily, or at least weekly, naked at home, in the morning, after you've had a good night's sleep, but before you've eaten. measure yourself once a week as well. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS! That is the only way to know what works for you!
If you screw up, move on! Don't let a lapse become a relapse. In terms of addiction, just because you slip up and have one drink, that is not an excuse or a reason to drink the whole bottle. Forgive yourself. Every day is a new day.
You will be amazed by how much progress you make! Good luck!!!