Gluten. Dairy. Sugar.

DamePiglet

I'm glad you found something that works for you, and that you have been successful. :flowerforyou:

However, this type of eating would never work for me. I have tried it in the past and always ended up up on a massive binge. It wasn't until I learned moderation that I truly lost weight.

Food is not evil. It doesn't sit around in its little package dreaming up ways to make us fat. That is really my only problem with threads like this. Food is food. I am thrilled this works for you, but please don't villianize food.

Yep. And 45 years old here. 127lbs lost in a year and a half, eliminating nothing.

Sometimes I think WE are the Special Snowflakes around here. We are capable of moderation.

m_wilh

**Meanwhile, in my fortress of evil**

I'm glad you've had success but the weight loss isn't purely because you cut those three things. It's because by eliminating those things from your diet, you created a calorie deficit.

How do you know she isn't eating the same amount of calories, just from different foods?

because OP claimed to lose weight..the only way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit….its called math ...

^^^ Hmmm . . . not necessarily. When I was in my 20s and 30s, all I had to do was watch my calories. I could eat what I wanted to and still lose weight as long as I stayed within my daily calorie allotment. Not anymore! For most 40+ year old women, it DOES matter where the calories come from. I stick to roughly 1400 to 1800 calories a day (depending on how much exercise I get) and I can tell you without a doubt that if I eat processed/prepackaged/fast foods and stick to within my calorie limit, I will not lose a thing. However, if I eat whole foods (vegetables, lean proteins, good fats like avocados, raw nut butters, etc.) I will lose the weight eating the same amount of calories. How do I know this? Three years ago, I spent 7 months gaining and losing the same 4 pounds although I was exercising and keeping within my calorie limit. It wasn't until I kicked the processed carbs and sugars to the curb that I began to lose weight. I am now 60+ pounds down and have kept it off for almost two years. I went on a cruise in March of 2012 and was very strict about portion control. I didn't go hog-wild not one meal the entire 7 days, drank LOTS of water, and did LOTS of walking, swimming, etc. When I got home, I was 9.5 pounds up on the scale. I can tell you emphatically that it MATTERS where my calories come from. 1400 calories of processed food will NOT allow me to lose weight, period!

Not so much, my dear. It's because your metabolism decreases as you age and your muscle mass decreases, so you need fewer calories. You must lower your calorie intake to maintain your weight because your caloric needs decrease. Your BMR at 20 is a lot higher than your BMR at 40.

Also if you gained 9.5 pounds in one week, much of it was water weight. Not likely that you ate 33,250 extra calories in that one week.

The point I am trying to make is that one viewpoint--if you eat at a calorie deficit, you will lose weight--does NOT work for everyone. I KNOW what works for my body and what doesn't. I'm sure if the OP said she had to cut out processed carbs, sugars, gluten, etc. and that was what it took to lose the weight, then I believe her because that is EXACTLY what it took for me. BTW, yes the 9.5 pounds was water weight and it was gone by the next week. However, it was gone ONLY because I got back to my strict eating regimen the very next day after returning home. Had I begun eating the processed foods (even staying within my allotted calories), I never would have gotten it off. I MIGHT would have lost a couple pounds, but definitely would not have lost all of it. I know my body well and have learned to pay close attention to what works and what doesn't.

ndj1979

I don't know why you bothered to post this thread. People who have different beliefs are going to try and prove you wrong.

ummm maybe because its not factually true...

LoggingForLife

Things to consider for those "only a calorie deficit cause weight loss" people....

1. A pound of fat isn't made up of 3500 calories exactly, it varies a hundred or so up or down. 3500 is an average.

2. If a person sees a lower number on the scale, that doesn't mean they have lost body fat. Other things that effect your actual weight are water retention, inflamation, muscle loss or gain....the contents of your bowles. Fat loss and weight loss are different things.

3. I believe the body craves nutrients, so a junk diet will cause more hunger. Just my opinion.

4. The TDEE of anyone varies day to day, it isn't a static number and most people have over or underestimated theirs.

Rarely is there singular causation to anything.

ndj1979

**Meanwhile, in my fortress of evil**

I'm glad you've had success but the weight loss isn't purely because you cut those three things. It's because by eliminating those things from your diet, you created a calorie deficit.

How do you know she isn't eating the same amount of calories, just from different foods?

because OP claimed to lose weight..the only way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit….its called math ...

^^^ Hmmm . . . not necessarily. When I was in my 20s and 30s, all I had to do was watch my calories. I could eat what I wanted to and still lose weight as long as I stayed within my daily calorie allotment. Not anymore! For most 40+ year old women, it DOES matter where the calories come from. I stick to roughly 1400 to 1800 calories a day (depending on how much exercise I get) and I can tell you without a doubt that if I eat processed/prepackaged/fast foods and stick to within my calorie limit, I will not lose a thing. However, if I eat whole foods (vegetables, lean proteins, good fats like avocados, raw nut butters, etc.) I will lose the weight eating the same amount of calories. How do I know this? Three years ago, I spent 7 months gaining and losing the same 4 pounds although I was exercising and keeping within my calorie limit. It wasn't until I kicked the processed carbs and sugars to the curb that I began to lose weight. I am now 60+ pounds down and have kept it off for almost two years. I went on a cruise in March of 2012 and was very strict about portion control. I didn't go hog-wild not one meal the entire 7 days, drank LOTS of water, and did LOTS of walking, swimming, etc. When I got home, I was 9.5 pounds up on the scale. I can tell you emphatically that it MATTERS where my calories come from. 1400 calories of processed food will NOT allow me to lose weight, period!

Not so much, my dear. It's because your metabolism decreases as you age and your muscle mass decreases, so you need fewer calories. You must lower your calorie intake to maintain your weight because your caloric needs decrease. Your BMR at 20 is a lot higher than your BMR at 40.

Also if you gained 9.5 pounds in one week, much of it was water weight. Not likely that you ate 33,250 extra calories in that one week.

The point I am trying to make is that one viewpoint--if you eat at a calorie deficit, you will lose weight--does NOT work for everyone. I KNOW what works for my body and what doesn't. I'm sure if the OP said she had to cut out processed carbs, sugars, gluten, etc. and that was what it took to lose the weight, then I believe her because that is EXACTLY what it took for me. BTW, yes the 9.5 pounds was water weight and it was gone by the next week. However, it was gone ONLY because I got back to my strict eating regimen the very next day after returning home. Had I begun eating the processed foods (even staying within my allotted calories), I never would have gotten it off. I MIGHT would have lost a couple pounds, but definitely would not have lost all of it. I know my body well and have learned to pay close attention to what works and what doesn't.

by your logic I could then eat in a calorie surplus and lose weight.

Please point me to studies of these magical people that eat in a TRUE calorie deficit and do not lose weight.

rmchan

Thank you for this. I have had the same problem. In high school/ college and up into my 30s I was thin 5'9 lowest weight 120-highest 140. I had a child at 34 and things changed. I gained about 70 pounds and could not get it off! Still struggling! I had always been athletic and played many sports and was always very fit. I was even an aerobic instructor and had always included strength training etc in my workouts. A few years ago I really got serious about getting the weight off. I joined on here, started Hal Higmon's 1/2 marathon training...was really watching my intake and exercising my self to death...I even did P90X...my results after month's of this...about 10 pds...I was so frustrated and knew something had to be going on so I did a lot of research and found a harmone specialist, OB/GYN, Surgeon...he had lots of credentials and I spent over $600 for all of the test and blood work. I even printed off my daily log from here for him to review and tell me what I possibly was doing wrong because the weight was not coming off! After several visits and lots of blood work. He found nothing! I am very healthy! I eat very healthy...he suggested South Beach and said that some women at certain ages do not burn off the carbs that they eat...I tried it and lost 10 pds in 2 weeks....so I would love some suggestions as to what you eat for each meal, etc.. I can relate to what you are saying and I am listening. Unless you have experienced this frustration...and you are doing the right things but aren't getting the results...then you just can't understand!

Tiernan1212

I'm glad you found something that works for you, and that you have been successful. :flowerforyou:

However, this type of eating would never work for me. I have tried it in the past and always ended up up on a massive binge. It wasn't until I learned moderation that I truly lost weight.

Food is not evil. It doesn't sit around in its little package dreaming up ways to make us fat. That is really my only problem with threads like this. Food is food. I am thrilled this works for you, but please don't villianize food.

Yep. And 45 years old here. 127lbs lost in a year and a half, eliminating nothing.

Sometimes I think WE are the Special Snowflakes around here. We are capable of moderation.

Moderation makes me a Special Snowflake? Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.

otillie03103

**Meanwhile, in my fortress of evil**

I'm glad you've had success but the weight loss isn't purely because you cut those three things. It's because by eliminating those things from your diet, you created a calorie deficit.

How do you know she isn't eating the same amount of calories, just from different foods?

because OP claimed to lose weight..the only way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit….its called math ...

^^^ Hmmm . . . not necessarily. When I was in my 20s and 30s, all I had to do was watch my calories. I could eat what I wanted to and still lose weight as long as I stayed within my daily calorie allotment. Not anymore! For most 40+ year old women, it DOES matter where the calories come from. I stick to roughly 1400 to 1800 calories a day (depending on how much exercise I get) and I can tell you without a doubt that if I eat processed/prepackaged/fast foods and stick to within my calorie limit, I will not lose a thing. However, if I eat whole foods (vegetables, lean proteins, good fats like avocados, raw nut butters, etc.) I will lose the weight eating the same amount of calories. How do I know this? Three years ago, I spent 7 months gaining and losing the same 4 pounds although I was exercising and keeping within my calorie limit. It wasn't until I kicked the processed carbs and sugars to the curb that I began to lose weight. I am now 60+ pounds down and have kept it off for almost two years. I went on a cruise in March of 2012 and was very strict about portion control. I didn't go hog-wild not one meal the entire 7 days, drank LOTS of water, and did LOTS of walking, swimming, etc. When I got home, I was 9.5 pounds up on the scale. I can tell you emphatically that it MATTERS where my calories come from. 1400 calories of processed food will NOT allow me to lose weight, period!

Not so much, my dear. It's because your metabolism decreases as you age and your muscle mass decreases, so you need fewer calories. You must lower your calorie intake to maintain your weight because your caloric needs decrease. Your BMR at 20 is a lot higher than your BMR at 40.

Also if you gained 9.5 pounds in one week, much of it was water weight. Not likely that you ate 33,250 extra calories in that one week.

The point I am trying to make is that one viewpoint--if you eat at a calorie deficit, you will lose weight--does NOT work for everyone. I KNOW what works for my body and what doesn't. I'm sure if the OP said she had to cut out processed carbs, sugars, gluten, etc. and that was what it took to lose the weight, then I believe her because that is EXACTLY what it took for me. BTW, yes the 9.5 pounds was water weight and it was gone by the next week. However, it was gone ONLY because I got back to my strict eating regimen the very next day after returning home. Had I begun eating the processed foods (even staying within my allotted calories), I never would have gotten it off. I MIGHT would have lost a couple pounds, but definitely would not have lost all of it. I know my body well and have learned to pay close attention to what works and what doesn't.

Exactly, I ate a raw vegan diet two yrs ago (I came off of it because it was so expensive) thand did not monitor calories at all and lost 34 lbs. I honestly believe the types of foods you choose make a huge difference. Processed foods make me feel sick. I feel so much better eating fresh local organic produce (belong to CSA) and making everything from scratch using whole food ingredients.

Cindyinpg

Depends on each person. Those foods are fine for most people who are fit/healthy and have no hormone issues. For someone who is extremely overweight or even overweight, chances are they will have better success avoiding those types of food.

When you are extremely overweight, you have a higher TDEE and burn more calories with exercise. I found it was much easier to lose weight at 300lbs than at 180. At the beginning of the journey, it is important to get your habits in line with your goals and to remove unneccessary stumbling blocks. Thank goodness, I had learned that there was no reason to eliminate anything or deprive myself to have successful weight loss and to get fit and healthy. If I had tried to deprive myself (like I've done and failed at umpteen dozen times), I undoubtedly would've fallen off the wagon long before now.

1princesswarrior

**Meanwhile, in my fortress of evil**

I'm glad you've had success but the weight loss isn't purely because you cut those three things. It's because by eliminating those things from your diet, you created a calorie deficit. I wish you the best but have no intention of ever giving up these things. Especially the dairy...ice cream.... Also, 30 lbs in 2 months seems ridiculous and not healthy for most people, so...

Not always true. I cut those same things, and replaced it with other whole food calories. I did NOT create a larger calorie deficit. And I'm losing weight...

These threads boil my blood b/c there are so few people out there who give inflammation reduction any credit for weight loss. I had one HELL of a deficit going - eating 1500 calories a day, watching macros, working out a minimum of an hour a day, strength training.. I can count on ONE HAND the number of pounds I lost in TWO YEARS doing that. I cut gluten, I cut sugar and I cut dairy and 55 lbs fell off in a matter of 8 months. Fast forward to the holidays, reintroduce dairy, sugar and gluten, 26 lbs climb onto my frame in only 2 months, counting out the same number of calories and working out just as much as I did when the 55 lbs fell off. Fast forward again to January 6, when I again cut gluten, dairy and sugar... 9 lbs gone in a month. Same 2000 calorie diet. Same run schedule. Nothing changed but the food...

If all else stays the same, calorie deficit, workouts, sleep, etc, with only changing the types of food I put in my body, and the weight falls off, I'm inclined to believe it's the type of food that matters.

Something did change besides the food. You say here that you went from 1500 to 2000 calories. That's a 500 calorie surplus a day, thus a pound gain a week. If you add to that any inaccuracies or missing logs in your diary (I had trouble during the holidays) and any missed runs because of the holiday schedule and no wonder you gained 26 lbs. You were no longer eating in a deficit. Don't blame the food when the behavior change is really the root of the problem.

mccindy72

Things to consider for those "only a calorie deficit cause weight loss" people....

1. A pound of fat isn't made up of 3500 calories exactly, it varies a hundred or so up or down. 3500 is an average.

2. If a person sees a lower number on the scale, that doesn't mean they have lost body fat. Other things that effect your actual weight are water retention, inflamation, muscle loss or gain....the contents of your bowles. Fat loss and weight loss are different things.

3. I believe the body craves nutrients, so a junk diet will cause more hunger. Just my opinion.

4. The TDEE of anyone varies day to day, it isn't a static number and most people have over or underestimated theirs.

Rarely is there singular causation to anything.

Nothing is static, but variables are close enough to be controlled. Because science.

The body craves a lot of things.

Hunger is caused by many things, and not usually a need for nutrition or energy. Starving people aren't usually hungry.

Weight loss is a trend of continuing dropping numbers over time, not just a lower number on a scale one day. Measurements, sizes, weight all contribute to proof of fat loss.

wilsoje74

I am on a detox right now which eliminates gluten (I was already not eating gluten), sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, soy. All of these foods cause inflammation and don't allow the body to heal from the inside. I have lost 8 lbs already. They say it helps prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in arteries as well. I am vegetarian (mostly vegan, still eat cage free, organic eggs from a local farm in my state) and honestly believe that a plant based diet is the healthiest and most humane way to live.

You've lost weight by eating less

Phoenix_Warrior

Exactly, I ate a raw vegan diet two yrs ago (I came off of it because it was so expensive) thand did not monitor calories at all and lost 34 lbs. I honestly believe the types of foods you choose make a huge difference. Processed foods make me feel sick. I feel so much better eating fresh local organic produce (belong to CSA) and making everything from scratch using whole food ingredients.

We keep putting "makes me feel" in there. I'm glad it makes you feel good but the fact is it is calories in vs out for weight loss. How you feel is completely different. In a sustainability stance, absolutely do what feels best but arguing against facts seems. .. pointless. I feel great eating ice cream, pizza and a few veggies poked in there. That's me, that's great. I lose fine on any food I put in my body, so as long as I'm eating at a deficit. Period.

ndj1979

**Meanwhile, in my fortress of evil**

I'm glad you've had success but the weight loss isn't purely because you cut those three things. It's because by eliminating those things from your diet, you created a calorie deficit.

How do you know she isn't eating the same amount of calories, just from different foods?

because OP claimed to lose weight..the only way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit….its called math ...

^^^ Hmmm . . . not necessarily. When I was in my 20s and 30s, all I had to do was watch my calories. I could eat what I wanted to and still lose weight as long as I stayed within my daily calorie allotment. Not anymore! For most 40+ year old women, it DOES matter where the calories come from. I stick to roughly 1400 to 1800 calories a day (depending on how much exercise I get) and I can tell you without a doubt that if I eat processed/prepackaged/fast foods and stick to within my calorie limit, I will not lose a thing. However, if I eat whole foods (vegetables, lean proteins, good fats like avocados, raw nut butters, etc.) I will lose the weight eating the same amount of calories. How do I know this? Three years ago, I spent 7 months gaining and losing the same 4 pounds although I was exercising and keeping within my calorie limit. It wasn't until I kicked the processed carbs and sugars to the curb that I began to lose weight. I am now 60+ pounds down and have kept it off for almost two years. I went on a cruise in March of 2012 and was very strict about portion control. I didn't go hog-wild not one meal the entire 7 days, drank LOTS of water, and did LOTS of walking, swimming, etc. When I got home, I was 9.5 pounds up on the scale. I can tell you emphatically that it MATTERS where my calories come from. 1400 calories of processed food will NOT allow me to lose weight, period!

Not so much, my dear. It's because your metabolism decreases as you age and your muscle mass decreases, so you need fewer calories. You must lower your calorie intake to maintain your weight because your caloric needs decrease. Your BMR at 20 is a lot higher than your BMR at 40.

Also if you gained 9.5 pounds in one week, much of it was water weight. Not likely that you ate 33,250 extra calories in that one week.

The point I am trying to make is that one viewpoint--if you eat at a calorie deficit, you will lose weight--does NOT work for everyone. I KNOW what works for my body and what doesn't. I'm sure if the OP said she had to cut out processed carbs, sugars, gluten, etc. and that was what it took to lose the weight, then I believe her because that is EXACTLY what it took for me. BTW, yes the 9.5 pounds was water weight and it was gone by the next week. However, it was gone ONLY because I got back to my strict eating regimen the very next day after returning home. Had I begun eating the processed foods (even staying within my allotted calories), I never would have gotten it off. I MIGHT would have lost a couple pounds, but definitely would not have lost all of it. I know my body well and have learned to pay close attention to what works and what doesn't.

Exactly, I ate a raw vegan diet two yrs ago (I came off of it because it was so expensive) thand did not monitor calories at all and lost 34 lbs. I honestly believe the types of foods you choose make a huge difference. Processed foods make me feel sick. I feel so much better eating fresh local organic produce (belong to CSA) and making everything from scratch using whole food ingredients.

you lost weight because you only ate raw vegan foods which created a calorie deficit..

why is it so hard to understand that whatever you do - low carb,keto, IF, raw vegan diet, eliminate foods ,etc - that these are not some magical fat burning solution ..they just allow you to restrict calories to a point where you are eating less then you burn…so yes, it really is calories in vs calories out…wow….

it is basic math and all that...

otillie03103

I am on a detox right now which eliminates gluten (I was already not eating gluten), sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, soy. All of these foods cause inflammation and don't allow the body to heal from the inside. I have lost 8 lbs already. They say it helps prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in arteries as well. I am vegetarian (mostly vegan, still eat cage free, organic eggs from a local farm in my state) and honestly believe that a plant based diet is the healthiest and most humane way to live.

You've lost weight by eating less

I apologize, I wasn't trying to say I lost all the weight just by eliminating those foods. I am still counting calories and exercising. However, for me in my personal experience, the weight comes off faster when I eat this way. I said the diet is about healing the body and lessening inflammation in the body.

DamePiglet

Things to consider for those "only a calorie deficit cause weight loss" people....

1. A pound of fat isn't made up of 3500 calories exactly, it varies a hundred or so up or down. 3500 is an average.

2. If a person sees a lower number on the scale, that doesn't mean they have lost body fat. Other things that effect your actual weight are water retention, inflamation, muscle loss or gain....the contents of your bowles. Fat loss and weight loss are different things.

3. I believe the body craves nutrients, so a junk diet will cause more hunger. Just my opinion.

4. The TDEE of anyone varies day to day, it isn't a static number and most people have over or underestimated theirs.

Rarely is there singular causation to anything.

The things you describe are day-to-day changes, not long term.
(Besides your opinion. And if people have a nutrient deficiency, their bodies tend to let them know in various ways)

mccindy72

Things to consider for those "only a calorie deficit cause weight loss" people....

1. A pound of fat isn't made up of 3500 calories exactly, it varies a hundred or so up or down. 3500 is an average.

2. If a person sees a lower number on the scale, that doesn't mean they have lost body fat. Other things that effect your actual weight are water retention, inflamation, muscle loss or gain....the contents of your bowles. Fat loss and weight loss are different things.

3. I believe the body craves nutrients, so a junk diet will cause more hunger. Just my opinion.

4. The TDEE of anyone varies day to day, it isn't a static number and most people have over or underestimated theirs.

Rarely is there singular causation to anything.

The things you describe are day-to-day changes, not long term.
(Besides your opinion. And if people have a nutrient deficiency, their bodies tend to let them know in various ways)

I just love seeing your naked little baby.

teresalevite

Wow! I came here for a little encouragement in my journey. The first thread I look at is in the 'Success Stories' forum and what do I see? Well, if I say 'vicious attacks', many will get defensive and direct those comments toward me, whether I was referring to them or not. Anyway. I see this thread as rather sad.

To the original poster, you know your body. If those foods were hurting you, and obviously they were, you made a good choice. I, too, have eliminated gluten, dairy (mostly), and process/refined sugar/honey/etc. from my diet. I am gluten and lactose intolerant and diabetic. I haven't lost weight but am holding steady and feel better than I have in years. It's just a matter of time till I'm able to exercise more and the pounds will start dropping. Thank you to the original poster for the reminder that weight loss is possible I was beginning to doubt.

jonnythan

Things to consider for those "only a calorie deficit cause weight loss" people....

1. A pound of fat isn't made up of 3500 calories exactly, it varies a hundred or so up or down. 3500 is an average.

2. If a person sees a lower number on the scale, that doesn't mean they have lost body fat. Other things that effect your actual weight are water retention, inflamation, muscle loss or gain....the contents of your bowles. Fat loss and weight loss are different things.

3. I believe the body craves nutrients, so a junk diet will cause more hunger. Just my opinion.

4. The TDEE of anyone varies day to day, it isn't a static number and most people have over or underestimated theirs.

Rarely is there singular causation to anything.

The things you describe are day-to-day changes, not long term.
(Besides your opinion. And if people have a nutrient deficiency, their bodies tend to let them know in various ways)

I just love seeing your naked little baby.

It's a king cake baby!

King cakes, incidentally, are made of gluten, dairy, and sugar.

WhiteRabbit1313

Wow! I came here for a little encouragement in my journey. The first thread I look at is in the 'Success Stories' forum and what do I see? Well, if I say 'vicious attacks', many will get defensive and direct those comments toward me, whether I was referring to them or not. Anyway. I see this thread as rather sad.

To the original poster, you know your body. If those foods were hurting you, and obviously they were, you made a good choice. I, too, have eliminated gluten, dairy (mostly), and process/refined sugar/honey/etc. from my diet. I am gluten and lactose intolerant and diabetic. I haven't lost weight but am holding steady and feel better than I have in years. It's just a matter of time till I'm able to exercise more and the pounds will start dropping. Thank you to the original poster for the reminder that weight loss is possible I was beginning to doubt.

Yeah, that's MFP, in a nutshell. This is a hot button topic for MFP'ers. There are others, as well (eating below 1200 calories/day comes to mind).

Stick around, you CAN find supportive people here, too.