Mice and 16 hour fasts.

jknight001

@Foamroller - I see CICO as a benchmark to start with. While all calories might not be created equal, no one can remain in good health eating 3000 cals/day and while only burning 1500 cals/day. No matter what one is eating they will gain weight. Many people say "I eat like a bird and still can't loose weight." Most likely the reason is the lack of exercise combined with the mindless calories they eat and never count - no matter if it is proteins, carbs or fats.

All that to say I think there is good reason to start newbies with CICO until they become aware of how many calories they eat versus how many they burn. Once they get they get that down then one can talk about the kinds of calories they are fueling their body with and the kinds of exercise they are doing. That discussion can streamline the process to good health.

I also see weight-loss as a tight rope walk with exercise being the balance bar. One can get from a higher weight to a lower weight without exercising by merely cutting calories. But when one adds exercise then the walk is easier with less chance of falling off the tightrope. Plus exercise releases those wonderful endorphins which puts me in a good state even as I am doing the hard work of eating less. Exercise is a win-win in my book!

janetteluparia

I just had my AHA moment with eating back calories. Wow, after almost 2 years this could be my biggest mistake!!