How to decide which diet?

snickerscharlie

When I started here at MFP, I was a complete newbie to weight loss, and was overwhelmed by all of the vastly differing methods, too.

So I started small, at a pace and knowledge level I could grasp in increments.

I let the MFP program estimate the number of calories I needed to be eating in order to lose weight at a healthy pace.

Then I spent the first two weeks simply getting accustomed to accurately logging everything I ate without making any changes to my diet whatsoever. That baseline information was an eye-opener! It made it very clear to me what specific foods in my current diet 'cost' me in terms of calories. It also made it clear exactly where I could start by making small changes - changes I could live with - in order to reduce my overall calories per day.

Once I got the hang of it, it actually became kind of fun to figure out where I could cut down a bit here or there without feeling deprived, where I could find palatable substitutes for some of the more caloric items, as well as which items I could keep as they were, but just manage the portions.

Once that was under control, I started walking for exercise.

The combination of these two elements allowed me to lose 75 lbs in a year and reach my goal weight. And I honestly feel that the first two weeks of logging what I normally ate was the key for me to educate myself before just jumping in and perhaps arbitrarily cutting or eliminating foods based on what some trendy 'diet plan' was telling me I should or shouldn't be eating.

The thing to keep in mind is that ALL eating plans to lose weight function on the CI<CO principle. ALL OF THEM. There is no magic diet or food that will zap those pounds off. Any way of eating that allows you to lose weight only does so because it also puts you in a calorie deficit. Your CI (Calories In) is less than your CO (Calories Out).

And anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something you don't need.

dutchandkiwi

I used no other plan than plan/prep my meals to have a calorie deficit.
I eat what I want, just less of it really. Did I change things? Yes of course I learned a lot over the last three years. The main thing that I learned is that I just love love love vegetables and fruit. So I eat a lot of those, but stay within my allotted calories

CaptainJoy

Be careful about drastically changing your diet. When I started I thought I needed more healthy fats from nuts and seeds. I thought I needed loads of fiber. I thought too many carbs would result in failure. I was wrong and my drastic change in eating habits landed me in the ER with diverticulitis. My Gastroenterologist reassured me that my old low fiber higher carb diet was fine as long as I stayed regular.

It is now one year and 102 pounds later and aside from the weight loss I love to walk. I can even run for a ways. I am no longer at risk for metabolic syndrome. I have lowered my cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. I have found new foods and drinks that I love. I still eat out and socialize but have discovered healthier meals that are satisfying and delicious, without all the saturated fat and grease that I had become accustomed to eating. I'm no longer camera shy and love shopping for clothes. Life is getting better all the time.

The "diet" you choose should be tailored to your specific health needs. If you are diabetic or have high triglycerides consider tracking sugar and carbs. If you have high cholesterol keep an eye on fiber, cholesterol, and saturated fats. If you have high blood pressure track your sodium and try to exercise more. If you're totally healthy except for the excess weight that's even better. The important thing for weight loss is that you accurately track how many calories you consume and burn each day. If you keep the calories you consume lower than those you burn, you will lose weight.

Good luck!

JeromeBarry1

1: Don't be silly.
2: Have a donut.
3: Better?

annbutler560

This is so encouraging. I can't tell you how much wasted food I've had over the years. I donate a lot but wow I've spent a fortune on books, and changing plans to not be able to stick with it. THANK YOU! I feel a light coming on.

Intentional_Me

Eat what you like. Keep it sustainable. Meet your goals. Be happy.