Diets and Weight Loss

I agree with Mrs R/Jewlz etc. Luckily I do enjoy exercise, but I'm not under any misconceptions that exercising allows me to eat whatever I want. That said, exercise has changed my shape and posture in ways that cause me to look as though I've lost weight, even if the scale hasn't moved.

In the past few years, I've really concentrated on moving away from processed foods, and eating out less, which for me is really the key. It's hardly deprivation, as real food tastes a lot nicer! I did track my calories with Spark People for a few weeks, which was really eye opening and taught me a lot, but once I got the idea about proper portion size I stopped as it could easily become very obsessive (for me personally). I try to eat well most of the times so that when I want to indulge, I don't have to think about it.

I read a great book earlier this year by Michael Pollan: In Defense of Food. His catch phrase is 'Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.' It's a really interesting read about the food and diet industry and how off course the West has become. I highly recommend it.

I'm reading the Omnivore's Dilemma right now, which is also an eye opener.  It's very hard to eat ethically. 

I do WW, but it's really just to keep myself aware.  I don't stress about points so much as I want to make sure I'm not snacking and completely forgetting that I've snacked,  you know?  Like, if at work and I'm at my desk, trying to make a choice that will fill me up, rather than several smaller choices that don't. 

But I do think it's good to be aware how bad some foods are - so it's handy for me to know that the general point values of foods in restaurants are.  I typically eat more fish than meat, and opt for whole grains, so I'm usually on target with the healthier options, but every now and then, something sneaks by me and I'm shocked at the caloric/fat content!

That said, a woman I know says she just trys to eat food as close to it's natural state.  Not like, freshly killed or anything like that, but as least processed as possible.  I know I feel better when I opt for the freshly cooked meals over the frozen dinners, no matter if the frozen dinner is "lighter" or not.

I think it's also about finding what works for you and your body type, low calorie, low fat has never worked for me, even if I'm religious about it, even if I do lose some weight I tend to feel awful and find it unsustainable.

Low carb however makes me feel much more energetic and is better for managing my diabetes, insulin resistance and PCOS. The difference in how I feel is paramount, but the difference in what I weigh is not to be scoffed at really

I was really scared off low carb by all the horror stories for way too long, now I feel like I've found a religion I could honestly eat this way for the rest of my life, and that has made all the difference. A WOL, a WOE rather than a "diet".

I think it's also about finding what works for you and your body type, low calorie, low fat has never worked for me, even if I'm religious about it, even if I do lose some weight I tend to feel awful and find it unsustainable.

Low carb however makes me feel much more energetic and is better for managing my diabetes, insulin resistance and PCOS. The difference in how I feel is paramount, but the difference in what I weigh is not to be scoffed at really

I was really scared off low carb by all the horror stories for way too long, now I feel like I've found a religion I could honestly eat this way for the rest of my life, and that has made all the difference. A WOL, a WOE rather than a "diet".

It works differently for everyone. Going low carb really seemed to upset my stomach when I tried it, plus I never felt satisfied after a meal, and I actually felt tired. But a friend of mine lost 100 pounds in less than a year doing low carb and has kept the weight off for years (he eventually was so grossed out by eating meat all the time that he has now given that up and become a vegetarian, though). I think the Atkin's way is a bit scary, when people completely forgo veg and just eat bacon and steak all day. But South Beach style at least includes veg and fruit so it seems more sensible. I can't go low fat, either, because then I just end up binging later on. So I just use the calorie counting thing to balance everything out and it works great. It's not really low calorie - I'm just five feet tall and 120 lbs, so I don't really need more than 1500 calories in a day anyway, since I don't get much exercise other than walking the dog once a day. And managing my calories keeps me from overeating, which in turn makes my stomach feel better because it has less to process at once. 

I also hate the word diet and I try and focus on lving healthy but not depriving myself of food I enjoy (chocolate, wine...... ). I just try and exercise regularly and if I feel I overeat one day, then I may eat a less the next day. The key for me is exercise. I would like to try and make it more fun, but our lifestyle often means we are confined to the gym to sweat the way I'd like to that I can't seem to do when hiking or walking.   

I think it's also about finding what works for you and your body type, low calorie, low fat has never worked for me, even if I'm religious about it, even if I do lose some weight I tend to feel awful and find it unsustainable.

Low carb however makes me feel much more energetic and is better for managing my diabetes, insulin resistance and PCOS. The difference in how I feel is paramount, but the difference in what I weigh is not to be scoffed at really

I was really scared off low carb by all the horror stories for way too long, now I feel like I've found a religion I could honestly eat this way for the rest of my life, and that has made all the difference. A WOL, a WOE rather than a "diet".

I agree with what you said CB you have to find what works for you I tried several kinds of diets but never stuck with them. but since being diagnosed with PCOS With Insulin Resistance I really enjoy the LO GI diet which really isn't a diet it is just a healthier way of eating is what my Dietitian said to me. the LO GI diet, my gym routine, using my Wii Fit ,taking my Metformin with all my meals, & only having 1 cheat day a week seem to be working for me finally which makes me a very happy camper!!