Just trying to get an idea!

moniquebellamy

Hi everyone, defs not my first or last weight loss rodeo. I just wanted to ask a brief question but get answers by the multitude. I have tried keto, paleo, high carb low fat, Dr.Bernstein, and everything else under the sun, I see the success stories, I succeed for awhile, and can't shake the sugar so or fat So I wind up quitting, binging, and restarting the cycle. I have lost weight successfully but have put some back on since wedding and pregnancy. I am looking for something do-able. My old methods don't seem to work. I wanna do something actually attainable. Anyone can go to Reddit keto and see crazy results...but sticking to it is not for the faint of heart. So I'm here after reading and googling the ish out of every diet out there and wondering if it's just better to be balanced. Was weight watchers right? Or Gary Taubes? I think the anti sugar,/carb community is totally on to something but it's like telling someone the only way to lose weight is the absolute hardest way. Through restriction of an entire macronutrient. I agree with all the science but I Just can't do it. I rather have my cake and eat it too, but maybe shift all my calories around just so I can have a little of it and track it as well instead of eat everything except this one food group, cave withing 4 days of hating my life and then binge for lost time. Is my fitness pal the balance epitome of dieting. Is all I have to do is eat under that calorie goal because all diets work on the same underlying premise calories in vs calories out. Obviously it's not healthy, satiating, or nourishing, to save all your calories for one pig out meal but is tracking your macros and staying under that calorie goal consistently while eating what you desire, whether 80% nutritious, 20% indulgent or whatever ratio you choose, really all it takes to lose weight and maintain? Is checking in accountability a better tool than a meal plan? What are your thoughts? in which way do you succeed? Is it a means of a diet? Is it moderation and balance? Is it tracking? Or accountability with tracking? Talk to me people.

queenliz99

CICO is the key and moderation in all foods.

moniquebellamy

I just need to hear enough ppl say so, I brain washed myself and even been to extremes such as being afraid to eat bananas and carrots.....yet I'll eat cookies and cake when I can't take it anymore. I have followed my fitness pal for 7 days and lost 3 lbs and had cake amongst nourishing good wholesome food.

allaboutthefood

What is your calorie count set at? I notice a lot of people try to do 1200 I find that low. There is no way I could do that. I figured out my calorie count using this http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/. I also do not think of this as a diet, diet makes me feel like I can't have something and than I tend to eat a lot more. I think of this as a lifestyle change. At first I didn't really worry about my macros now I do but I don't stress to much about it. I do watch calories and I try to fill up on high fiber high protean foods. I have good days and not so good days, if I want something sweet I will have it. I never feel restricted. I think it's because I LOVE food and all kinds of food, I love to cook and experiment. I have pretty much replaced foods such as bread and pasta which makes room for my new favorite food avocados. I took over all the cooking and meal planning so now the whole family eats better and it's easier for me to stay on track not having certain foods in the house. Which means if I really want a chocolate bar or a bag of chips I have to walk to the store which is a 20 min walk and I will eat it on the walk home. I started my journey on Feb 22 2015 and I have lost just over 60 lbs. I would like to be down more, but it will come. Best of luck to you and I hope you find a balance that works for you and that will continue to work.

danceologist

I read some crazy study that said that carrots make people fat (?!?!?!).

Best diet is one that is simply modest in all aspects. Carbs are not your enemy! Protein is not some god that you must please by eating 20 ounces of chicken a day! Just cutting calories and watching your sugar is the trick for me.

And friends. A great support group will keep you accountable and motivated.

moniquebellamy

@allaboutthefood
good for you, I have my calories set at losing 2lbs per week. 60lbs in almost a year is fabulous. Since I am new to tracking, I'm gonna worry about hitting macro's and working out after a few months of consistent tracking. I fully agree already with eating wholesome vs waste foods. The other day I ate a lot of random stuff that added up with no calories to spare for a real meal, I found myself starving and decided to not waste calories on stuff like bread or whatever....I found tracking made me conscious of saving calories for something I really wanted. I eat clean through out the day and know I will be weaker in the evenings. Right now I feel like I'm on a bit of a diet just because of always being aware, where as before I would eat without a thought. However it feels like the best diet ever, I eat what I want and make good choices mostly with a treat if I want it. I don't have bad foods anymore instead I refer to them as treats or reward foods.

moniquebellamy

@danceologist, I added you, I keep my diary private for now lest I be judged. I get your thoughts on carbs and protein. I wanna eat what makes me feel full and though protein is no God it stabalizes your blood sugar as fat does but carbs spike, making u more famished. I try and eat meals and snacks that have a little bit of each macro. I know I feel crappy if I eat just a bagel or fruit, I gotta have that something else. I literally get clamy if I have cereal with milk alone....but if I have a high protein cereal like go lean I feel great. Or even by partnering it with an egg. thanks for the support! I wanna lose 70 lbs while on mat leave starting Feb.