Confused. Help?

xiamjackie

I posted this on another forum but haven't gotten any responses yet..

There are so many forums out there about cutting fat, cutting carbs, cutting calories, only drinking certain shakes for a certain period of time, working out, etc. and they can all be very confusing. I was just wondering if anybody would like to give their input on what worked for them? Like, specifically sticking to calories but not controlling carbs or fat... or if someone only watched cutting carbs but didn't pay attention to calories? Just looking for some input on what worked for everyone? I am feeling pretty confused on all of this. I thought just a balanced diet was okay with fruits and veggies, protein and then whole grains, but then I started reading about low carb, low fat, and all these other types of things and now I'm confused. Help?

elleloch

Well I haven't really been at this very long, but I have lost nearly 10 pounds, and this is how I did it...

I've always had a healthier diet, but I had put on weight slowly over a few years because I was eating too much of it. A couple months ago when I'd decided I'd had enough, I started counting the actual calories I ate and started burning calories so I would net a healthy amount of calories for weight loss. So far, this has worked. I still eat what I want, carbs, sugar, whatever be damned.

Erienneb

I've lost an average of 5lbs a week for three weeks (I haven't updated profile yet because official weigh in for me is tomorrow) I have done this by eating what I want, when I'm hungry, but paying more attention to portion sizes. I eat slower so I eat less, and I drink a TON of water which also helps you feel full. I am now starting to look at sodium levels because of my blood pressure risk, but otherwise I have been successful so far like this. I know it's only the start, but sometimes you have to ease into it. One change at a time is how I'm doing it.

alienrite

I have a hard time losing weight if I eat too many processed carbs or sugar regardless of the calories. I try to limit breads and pastas, avoid sugar and make sure I get plenty of protein. Fat for me is pretty neutral other than calories. That being said, calories are still the central point and everything I consume is logged with no exceptions.

jacksonpt

Assuming weight loss is your goal, EVERYONE should start with a healthy caloric deficit and reasonable macros. Use some of the online calculators to calculate your BMR and your TDEE. Set your daily calorie goal somewhere between those 2 numbers. Or you can use MPF's recommendation (which certainly works, but can be a bit more complicated depending).

Macros can vary a bit person to person, but most people on this site will do fine with 40% carbs, 30% fats, 30% protein as a starting point.

For overall health and body composition, add in a nice mix of heavy weight training and cardio.

After that, it's all about being patient.

diannethegeek

I count calories, make sure I'm getting enough protein (100g+ a day) and exercise several days a week. That's worked for me, but what really matters is what works for you and what you can stick to. If you hate your diet plan you'll never be able to sustain it.

vytamindi

I most definitely follow MFP's calorie guideline, but I have a 65/30/5 fat/protein/carb ratio. If I go over, I'm not too stressed, but I always try to net at least 1300 every day. I do C25K three times a week, and I just concentrate on how foods effect my day to day performance instead of stressing over how many calories I have left. I have found that my current macros work well for me and my activity level. A few months down the road, when I'm very close to my goal, my activity levels will change as I up my workouts (seriously, every pound I lose I feel like I can do so much more) and then I'll reevaluate from there.

To be honest, every person is different. Even those who do low carb follow different individual plans as well. Eventually, you'll hit your stride. Your body will work properly, you'll feel energetic, and you'll just be a better you!

SeaChele77

Not all calories are created equal.

1000 calories at McDonalds will have a different effect on your body and your weightloss vs 1000 calories of chicken and rice/veggies

For me, I had to reduce my carbs and fat. Starchy carbs and bad fats sit with me. I also really watch my sodium intake and do my very best to stay under 2000!!

So I agree the first line of strategy is to have a caloric deficit! Then you need to play around with your numbers to see what works FOR YOU. You and I are not create equal either and what works for me may or may not work for you!

The key is carbs (good carbs) will give you energy to push through a workout and proteins will help build the muscles you just worked out. This is not an overnight success story waiting to happen....you need to start with the basics of watching calories and getting more exercise - the rest will come after you start to learn about your foods and your body!!

Good luck.

MommaKit79

I posted this on another forum but haven't gotten any responses yet..

There are so many forums out there about cutting fat, cutting carbs, cutting calories, only drinking certain shakes for a certain period of time, working out, etc. and they can all be very confusing. I was just wondering if anybody would like to give their input on what worked for them? Like, specifically sticking to calories but not controlling carbs or fat... or if someone only watched cutting carbs but didn't pay attention to calories? Just looking for some input on what worked for everyone? I am feeling pretty confused on all of this. I thought just a balanced diet was okay with fruits and veggies, protein and then whole grains, but then I started reading about low carb, low fat, and all these other types of things and now I'm confused. Help?

PERSONALLY, I have to watch my sugar intake, including Fruit, being hypoglycemic, and my sodium intake as I can retain water like no ones business. But, other people can eat both of them and still have a good outcome. I have been walking and doing Zumba off and on from August of last year til July this year and the Middle of August start a regime of Turbo Jam and I am on week 6 of that. LOVING TURBO JAM and I have start my ZUMBA class back up as well.

In my opinion, you have to find out what works best for YOU. First and foremost, you should start with lowering your calories. Many factors can come into account when figuring out what works best for YOU. I am hypoglycemic and my triglycerides are on the high side, and I have an enlarged thyroid...ALL those factors can cause different reactions as to what you put IN your body.

ALSO, some people can do GREAT with just staying within the caloric intake MFP sets for them and NOT eating back their exercise calories while others dont get results unless they eat back their exercise calories.

Whatever you decide to do, give your body a few weeks to adjsut and dont switch up too much too quick. You'll find what is best for you.

GOOD LUCK and wishing you the best!!