Question about calories, low-carb, and no-flour-no-sugar
So I know that ultimately, everything boils down to a calorie deficit when it comes to a successful diet, whether by calorie-counting or by a rules-based diet. I understand the logic behind the low-carb diets; no carbs to have to burn through before turning to fat. So what's supposed to make the NFNS diet work when one *is* eating carbs on it AND you can still eat until you're full (without binging)? The Atkins people are very dogmatic about staying away from carbs to make their diet work. It seems that if one ate carbs anyway while on it, that diet wouldn't be successful (i.e. the NFNS diet). So I'm confused about it. I'm asking because I thin the NFNS diet would be a good one to get on for me long-term, but only if I think it could work. The NFNS diet appeals to me because I wouldn't be hungry all the time like I am calorie-counting, and I'd be getting enough protein for muscle repair after my jaunts to the gym (I wasn't when calorie-counting).
My point of view is that a diet should always boil down to is it realistic for you and can you maintain that diet when you reach your weight loss goals. Any diet that has strict restrictions may work for some but for others can cause them to rebound severely and completely undo all of their hard work. If you don't think this is sustainable I would caution against it. But if you think it'll work for you then go ahead.
I could be wrong, but I think the NFNS diet is successful because if you eliminate those foods, you stop the physical cravings associated with them. (Emotional cravings for those foods are another thing. That takes willpower!) And by eliminating the cravings, you don't tend to overeat, as long as you also watch your portion sizes at meals and stop eating when you're full. So it's not about reaching a ketogenic state and having your body go straight to burning fat. It's actually about "calories in, calories out," only you're not counting calories. You're just eating less because you don't have the cravings you once had.
Low carb diets aren't any more successful for FAT loss, but because your body retains 3g of water for every 1g of stored carbohydrate, your WEIGHT loss on low carb diets is usually higher.
You have to do what works for you as others have said. I'm low carb but partially because of IBS. Some do better with just general calorie restriction, some do better on vegan diets. Either way, you should attempt to incorporate 5 vegetables in your daily life, and avoid drinks with any form of sweetener if you can. Otherwise anything else is up for debate.
Any way of eating that restricts food in some way (whether it be be carbs or fats, calories or portions, particular food groups, etc.) is going to aid in weight loss because it limits your food options.
The trick is finding something that works for you in the long run. For me, cutting out large food groups is not usually conducive to weight loss, so I do calorie counting with an emphasis on whole foods.
I'm not using any diet for my weight loss. I chose to eat healthy, watch my portions, and live a more active lifestyle. This has been working for me where diets failed me. I am now losing 1.5 - 2 lbs a week naturally without cutting out any foods or going hungry. This also works great for me as a lifestyle change I can live with once I have lost the extra lbs.
But I can see how this non-restrictive or no boundaries type weight loss may not work for some. Like others have mentioned, what works for you long term and what you can use as a permanent lifestyle change is what I would aim for as its easier to maintain.
I have a serious addiction to sugar. I have even taken sugar and stirred in a little water and eaten it when my cravings were there. At night I would be laying in bed and would get up to find something sweet. South Beach diet breaks those cravings. I treat myself with a few sugar free treats like hard candy or sugar free cool whip on strawberries a couple times a week and that satisfies me. So, yes, being on a diet with restrictions has helped me a lot!
Question about calories, low-carb, and no-flour-no-sugar
