34lbs lost eating anything i wanted

Hannah_Hopes

I love this it is essentially true you can eat whatever you like, just keep portion sizes correct, a low enough calorie deficit and moderation, with a bit of exercise for toning and long as you don't constantly eat high fat food (which can cause excess fat inside your body that you can't see outside) you're sorted.
It's not all that hard burn more than you consume its just sticking to that which can cause issues lol.

jdyg81

I'm so glad to see so many of you having success with this way of eating. Deprivation really sucks! Besides that, it can't work if you can't stick with it....so why make it so hard?

I've traveled to many different countries and everyone is thin!! (except those who have taken on an "american" diet) What I do find is people in Japan eat lots of rice. Tons of it! They're thin. Look up rice (white) on the glycemic index. People in Italy and greece and france eat the most delectable carb rich foods! Most are thin! Why? They simply do not overeat. No diets. No "off limit foods". They also walk alot!

Thank you for the posts...those who do not fully agree with me still have valuable insight to share and I appreciate your words.

EXACTLY !!!!!!!!!

1sharonandrea

Love what you wrote. It sounds like we have been on the same merry go round. My goal is 30 kilos, I am now on my second day so far so good.
My fitness pal makes it very easy with counting cals
Good luck with your nest goal.
Mamma V

whitebalance

Thank you for the posts...those who do not fully agree with me still have valuable insight to share and I appreciate your words.

OHMYGODWHATISTHIS did I reach the edge of MFP and fall off? What a reasonable, open, pleasant kind of thing to say. Cheers to you, OP! :drinker:

(And yeah, I eat what I like too... long as I'm getting the nutrients I need for health, and staying within my calorie range, why the heck not? What are people going to do in the long term, deny themselves all the tasty foods forever? Not me, I like them too much for that.

Ang108

1. Eat only "good" complex carbs - Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!
2. Eat low or no carbs -Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!
3. Eat only lean protein / whole grains / fruits / vegges - Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!

If we were all professional endurance athletes, these things would matter when it comes to our performances....but for the 99.9% of us who want to lose weight and be thinner, this whole "macro-nutrient" thing is, uh, Bull****!

Instead...make your life easier and make your way of eating more sustainable!

How?? Pay attention to only one thing. Calories, calories, calories!

What did I eat to lose these 34 lbs so far? Anything and everything.

Fast food
Cookies
Chips
Sandwiches
Burritos
Pizza

along with healthier foods I actually enjoy! I just paid attention to my portion sizes and overall calories.

Now I'm FINALLY losing weight after 6 yes of being stuck!

Hope this helps.

Oh, and to all you "diet and fitness experts" out there,,,please don't write me and tell me how wrong I am. For me, the proof is in the pudding...so to speak:)

Why is it almost always automatically assumed that people " like " over processed food better than anything else ?
I eat exactly what I like and have done so all my life ( I only ate too much of it ). I have never had a pizza that was not home made ( and even of those I had no more than maybe a dozen in a 50 year period ), even though I live in Mexico I never had a burrito, I don't eat anything sweet because I prefer spicy-salty flavors and if you would offer me a pop tart or a bowl of vegetables I would chose the veggies any time over a cardboard processed slab of dough. But this does not cause me to tell people that it is bull**** if they eat how you eat. I figure to each their own and Would prefer that young males would not tell the general member ship that surely consists of all kinds of people how to eat.
I realize you only share your opinion, but I don't appreciate the way you do it.
So please, don't assume that all MFP members automatically crave or generally eat a standard American diet. There are 7 billion people in this world; more than 6.5 billion are not in the US and many have similar obesity problems and they don't all live of the things you find essential for your diet. Why is it so often automatically assumed that a healthier diet means sacrifice and that the average person usually would prefer fast food with lots of ingredients that do not exactly contribute to one's health over anything else ? Or is the American way of eating, where people brag proudly about how unhealthy they really eat so much different from the rest of the world ?
I really don't care what you eat and if you are healthy or not, but don't tell me that what I eat is bull**** and that I should eat something different. It is not your place to do so.
And btw: I am stoked also, because I lost 33 pounds in exactly four month eating exactly what I like......

mspoopoo

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

Love this post!

I didn't gain all the weight eating only lettuce.
I gained it eating whatever I wanted. One fast food meal puts me over my daily calorie limit. Sure I could eat it but I'd have to starve the rest of the day. Not fun.

Young men can get away with a lot of abuse with food, alcohol etc. but things change in the 40s and 50s.

Achrya

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

Love this post!

I didn't gain all the weight eating only lettuce.
I gained it eating whatever I wanted. One fast food meal puts me over my daily calorie limit. Sure I could eat it but I'd have to starve the rest of the day. Not fun.

Young men can get away with a lot of abuse with food, alcohol etc. but things change in the 40s and 50s.

Sounds like you have a very small calorie limit. I eat plenty of fast food and it barely makes a dent. I had popeyes a few days ago plus two other meals and my nightly ice cream and cookie, and was still at goal. Had panda express yesterday still had 1200+ calories to burn when done.

And there are plenty of people, male and female, who are 40+ and eat in the same manner as the OP and look amazing. Just saying.

serendipity57

I totally agree with the OP , I have also lost my weight purely by watching my calories...I have not changed my diet at all except for the amount I eat...I still have my chocolate, cake and cookies whatever I want!
For me it's all about calories in and calories out.. I refuse to spend my life eating mushed up cauliflower instead of potatoes.
I always had a pretty good diet anyway of fruits and veg and always cook from scratch, it was just the amount of it I was eating that caused my weight gain. Oh and I am 58!

rebamay87

I think some people are missing a key word here - which is moderation - I totally agree with the OP on this one, you CAN eat whatever you want, as long as you stick within your calorie limit.

Life isn't short, as the cliche often states, once you reach your goal weight/size/look you NEED to maintain that weight. Its not as if you're never going to go out, never have a birthday to attend or a friends night out.

Yes - as the OP commented, eat those healthy things mixed in there, I don't JUST live on 'dirty' foods, and I've always gravitated towards the 'healthier' options it was just my proportions and lack of exercise that was the problem. Now I've lost over 105lbs (almost 50kgs) and my husband has lost almost 90lbs (40kgs).

I think if you're choosing to eat clean its because you believe in that philosophy, but really its no different than those who have a philosophy towards eating 1200 calories, or bulking and eating 3000 calories while hitting the weights - everyone has their own agenda and I didn't see anywhere in the OP's comments where he said his way is the ONLY way to lose weight, but he IS giving voice to those of us who get smashed on the boards, who get frowned on for not being a purist and what not.

So in that spirit - thank you OP for being brave enough to put it out there for the rest of us

barbz2119

So true!
I never had a problem with weight growing up, then in the past 20 years have convinced myself, I will never lose because...
I have an 'undetected' underactive thyroid, borderline diabetic, insulin resistant, gluten intolerant....the list just kept getting bigger, then going to diet clubs that have 'free food' didnt help either. Like you I'd googled all the information and knew what was healthy but was trying to eat like olympic athlete and live like an office worker.
I started tracking with MFP about 3 months ago and have managed to lost over 20 lbs, my problem was portion control plain and simple. There is no free food, it is moderation, get the right nutrients, but go ahead and treat yourself now and again, just remember a treat is a treat, and not something to eat all day every day.
Well done on your loss and thanks for sharing the info.
Barb

Oishii

I agree with the OP with one caveat: eating whatever you like when over-restricting can seriously deprive you of essential nutrients.

Let me explain. If you are losing on 1800kcal+ of whatever you like, you may well be getting all you need. If, like I was, you are eating way too little of whatever you like, you risk deficiencies, in my case, iron. Young women should keep calcium in mind too, as the stores you build early in life are what sustain you in old age, apparently.

Seesawboomerang

I eat what I like too. Fortunately for my overall health, I like some quality foods as well as junk :drinker:

BlackPup

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

Love this post!

I didn't gain all the weight eating only lettuce.
I gained it eating whatever I wanted. One fast food meal puts me over my daily calorie limit. Sure I could eat it but I'd have to starve the rest of the day. Not fun.

Young men can get away with a lot of abuse with food, alcohol etc. but things change in the 40s and 50s.

When I'm not exercising I'm the same but if I get a walk and a ride in then I can manage some take away or junk food.
I'm in my 30's.

jhloves2knit

bump for more careful reading - lots of good opinions and info.

rosemaryhon

Deprivation really sucks!

Yup

But isn't your mention of "portion control" deprivation as well?

Th3stral

I wish that were effective for me - I have insulin resistance. I think people should find what their body works best on.

Oh I feel your pain! A fellow IR person here too!

EvgeniZyntx

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

Love this post!

I didn't gain all the weight eating only lettuce.
I gained it eating whatever I wanted. One fast food meal puts me over my daily calorie limit. Sure I could eat it but I'd have to starve the rest of the day. Not fun.

Young men can get away with a lot of abuse with food, alcohol etc. but things change in the 40s and 50s.

Sounds like you have a very small calorie limit. I eat plenty of fast food and it barely makes a dent. I had popeyes a few days ago plus two other meals and my nightly ice cream and cookie, and was still at goal. Had panda express yesterday still had 1200+ calories to burn when done.

And there are plenty of people, male and female, who are 40+ and eat in the same manner as the OP and look amazing. Just saying.

It's about LBM and activity - male or female, young or old - the two most important factors in evaluating your daily needs are LBM and activity.

Meet Ernestine... older (75 year old grandma), female, active and great LBM.

she eats a 9-eggwhite omelet plus a baked potato and a chicken breast for breakfast. Then she eats this same identical mighty meal again three short hours later. This sleek elder eats twenty-seven egg whites each and every day; along with three pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast and a small mountain of steamed vegetables

Point is --- she eats A LOT OF CALORIES because that is what her training and activity level and LBM need.

Jen_ie

This is pretty much what I did. Between January and October last year I lost 84lb by mostly eating healthy, sticking to my calorie goal as much as possible, but certainly not depriving myself of things I wanted. I had chocolate almost every day but in a small amount so I never had to crave it. I had fast food every other weekend but made up for any extra calories by adding some exercise. It really worked for me for the 10 months but then things happened and I lost my focus. I've slowly gained about 10lb over the last 9 months just by not paying as much attention as I should so it's time for me to start again. I still have about 56lb to lose. I haven't given myself a time frame for this because things happen that set you back. Weddings, holidays etc. But I need to see the scales moving in the right direction again and this is what worked for me.

Carmella9

Great news, however your insides are probably screaming for help!
Its about being thin and HEALTHY

carlywifeybrown

Love your post! I couldn't agree more, I love food and enjoy eating so I always eat the things I enjoy just in moderation - portion size was my biggest thing and it did take me a long while to settle into eating 'normal' as apposed to gigantic portion sizes but now I don't even have to weigh foods as I know by eye what I should be having now.

I've lost 24lbs by following the same methodology as you - eat what you enjoy or get bored and quit!

bigballin2013

Late night for me but I thought I'd touch on a few points you've made with your reply's. I've read every single one.

1st. Thank you for the kind words about my post and for understanding where I'm coming from as the author of it.

2nd. About the "it's harder for an older female" thing. Great point and point taken. I would like to offer this advice to those of you who feel like you are doing everything right and still can't lose weight because of your age. (let alone enjoy some junk food now and then)

This can work for you (of coarse I'm speaking in general terms, not knowing each of you individually) I do believe some people have kept calories at a certain point (say 1200-1500 a day) for so long now that their body has adapted to this calorie range. Not really "starvation mode" which i don't believe in anyway, just adaptation.

Try this. Eat more for a while. How much? Well if your stuck at a certain weight and swear you're eating fewer calories than you feel you're burning....just eat a lil more. Maybe 400-600 more calories a day. Sounds like a lot but it's enough to give your body some extra food to ignite your metabolism again. You might see some "scale weight" at first that will disappear along with the extra weight you haven't been able to lose. This process could take weeks or even months, but who cares? As long as you start moving in the right direction. I've seen this work many times. Just a thought...

3rd. for the "what about getting enough nutrients" posters. Another great point! It should go without saying that you need to take care of yourself by making food choices that will supply you with ample calories, protein, fats and carbs to get through the day feeling strong. I personally think people should stop "obsessing" about nutrition though. There is just too much info out there to know whats right or wrong. (especially when everything you read about nutrition contradicts everything else you read) Ever see a kid literally grow up eating mac and cheese and hot dogs everyday? I have. They somehow grow into healthy young adults. I'm not saying eat only mac and cheese but I am saying that your body has an amazing way of soaking up the nutrients it needs from just about any reasonable diet.

Thanks again for all your valid points!

red0801

Congrats to you.

bigballin2013

Great news, however your insides are probably screaming for help!
Its about being thin and HEALTHY

So true. Did you miss the part of my post where I said I also eat healthy food? I'm also very active.
If something happens and I keel over....it's genetic and not my diet:) congrats on your success.

beekay70

cycleflow.....this is not me today. i keep this pic close as a reminder of what i need to get back to.

According to a Google image search, this isn't you at all, unless you are a porn star named Zeb Atlas.

Turnaround2012

Great Post. It is great to read posts by people who are not afraid to Eat!

I eat anything I want now. I just watch how much I eat and exercise a lot!

bigballin2013

cycleflow.....this is not me today. i keep this pic close as a reminder of what i need to get back to.

to beekay70: This is a well known pic. It inspires me. It's also a running joke between me and some friends. That's why I chose it. I made a quick reply to someone (in the midst of many other replies I was posting) to explain that this is not me, but merely inspiration.
I've added the words "this pic is not me" to my profile...just for you.

skinnymalinkyscot

cycleflow.....this is not me today. i keep this pic close as a reminder of what i need to get back to.

According to a Google image search, this isn't you at all, unless you are a porn star named Zeb Atlas.

BUSTED!! lmfao

bigballin2013

BUSTED!! lmfao

oh yes Skinnymalinkyscot's....im in deep:)

mollbllm

"a reminder of what i need to get back to"

Have you ever looked like that so as to return back to it?

FindingMyself24

Not true. I have made "bad" decisions with my diet these last 4 weeks - a calorie is a calorie mentality - and gained 5 lbs. in 4 weeks. Calories in calories out is not all that is about. Sorry.

That's me too!!...even if i stay in my calorie range i wont lose weight....its can be frustrating!!