Thanks everyone, You all gave me some really good ideas, Thanks again

Do you like rules? If so, I'd pick a structured diet plan like Atkins, South Beach, or Paleo.

Do you like to make your own rules? Create your own structure by counting calories or do weight watchers.

So eating smaller portions and working out isnt gonna cut it? Is that what your saying

Originally Posted by Terra1984:
So eating smaller portions and working out isnt gonna cut it? Is that what your saying

Eating smaller portions and working out is making your own rules. Only time will tell if it's enough. For some people it is. Others learn that they need more structure.

Let the scale guide you.

Originally Posted by Terra1984:
So eating smaller portions and working out isnt gonna cut it? Is that what your saying

Originally Posted by kaplods:
Eating smaller portions and working out is making your own rules. Only time will tell if it's enough. For some people it is. Others learn that they need more structure.

Let the scale guide you.

You also don't have to do the same thing for your entire weight loss process - your approach can (and will, and should) shift amd evolve as you go along. When I first started, "eating smaller portions and working out" was pretty much my approach. I had one rule for myself, which was "don't be a pig." At 275 pounds, this turned out to be enough to get me started.

As I lost weight, though, I found I had less wiggle room and so had to be a bit more rigorous and careful - first by counting calories a couple days a month as a kind of sanity check, and later by counting every day.

The point is you can let your plan change as you shrink. :D By the way, I also haven't formally "given up" any food but once I became a daily calorie counter I found that there were some foods that just aren't worth the calorie density to me. I would love to eat pasta, for instance, but it's so calorie-dense that I can't fit in an amount of it that I find satisfying - so most of the time I opt to eat none at all. See that? I choose to eat none at all - it's not that I'm not allowed it.

Ice creams at midnights... :(

Having rules works for me. I allow myself those "off plan" foods as treats, rarely, and there are always conditions that go along with them. For example I love Chinese buffet food. Probably one of the worst diet foods ever. So once in a blue moon I will plan to go to one. I allow myself one plate of the naughty foods I love, plus some sushi. I find I eat less than half what I usually would, and don't even end up finishing the one plate. My rules are that I have to increase my water the day of and day after eating it to counter the sodium, and I double my cardio those days as well (an hour versus 30 min).

I also take the kids out for frozen yogurt every other week. I have a no sugar added flavor with chopped nuts, guilt free. It's a small treat but really helps and is something we all look forward to.

If I'm out and about with the kids and we stop at McDonalds or somewhere, I either get a salad or a happy meal, so portions are small and controlled. It's another rare treat, but the kids enjoy it as well.

The key is to make these items occasional treats. Most of us can't get away with a splurge or two each week, except maybe in the early weeks of losing. A couple times per month works for me. You just have to find out what works for you.

Thanks for the advice you guys, I'll keep everything both of you said in mind

Originally Posted by Terra1984:
So eating smaller portions and working out isnt gonna cut it? Is that what your saying

It might work but I doubt it. Your plan is basically eat less and move more. This will 100% work if you follow it. Most people who have tried this have failed.

The primary reason is that fat loss only happens when you're in a caloric deficit. Without structure most of us are going to over eat, especially if we're exercising.

How many calories are in a typical bagel, plain? 250-300. That is without any topping, cream cheese or otherwise.

How many calories will most people burn by exercising for 30 minutes? Probably less than the calories in a bagel.

If we were all natrually intuitive eaters we wouldn't have gotten to the size we did. Exercise makes some people hungry and/or helps the justify additional eating or poor choices. That is why I would strongly suggest some kind of structure that has been shown to work.

You'll have to find that sweet spot for weight loss by figuring out what works best for you. For example, this is the "plan" that I've developed for myself through trial and error. Now that my tastes have changed (I don't crave junk anymore), I can basically eat on-plan as much as I care to eat of whatever I care to eat and will either maintain or lose weight.

The five "rules" that work for me:
1) Absolutely no wheat of any kind, in anything (allergy). No exceptions.
2) Avoid all dairy except cultured lowfat/fatfree dairy [i.e. 0% plain greek yogurt, lowfat kefir] (respiratory sensitivity). This one can be bent a little every once in a while, but I'll be suffering the consequences later (such as earaches or a sore throat.)
3) No eating after 6 PM. Can be extended to 7 (or on rare occasion, 8) if I don't have time to eat dinner beforehand, but no later.
4) Eat reasonably healthy. Nearly all fruit, veggies, and legumes can be eaten in unlimited amounts, while other food must be portion-controlled.
5) Try to eat only at mealtimes (3 meals a day.) If you do snack, eat mindfully.
It should also be noted that I now exercise regularly, although I have no specific rule for it. I consider it training toward a separate goal - my upcoming mini triathlon.
I also count calories, although not rigorously and not all the time.

My diet works out as high carb - moderate protein - very low fat. You may, for example, need a lower-carb diet. Or perhaps you would prefer to eat two large meals a day rather than 3. Anyway, the point is that your plan will likely look very different than mine, and it will have to reflect your own personality and preferences. :)