Tell me it's possible without any special diet? :(

Lots of people on here are doing just that. I've only lost 24 lbs so far, but 'eat a little less, exercise a little more, lose a little lard' is my entire strategy and it's working fine so far.

I have as well as many others. You don't need any special diet. Just a reasonable calorie deficit.

I've lost weight following the PINK Method "diet"/lifestyle change but I use it more as a guide. It provides me with a comprehensive list of veggies, proteins, fruits, etc that keep you feeling fuller. I'm not supposed to be eating processed foods on it, but I find that unrealistic, especially since I'm often out of the house for a full day and forget to pack myself healthy food. LOL! So I eat "off the diet" but making wise choices such as a wheat turkey sandwich at Subway instead of going to DQ next door. I find I'm still losing weight but I'm not really dieting. I'm not hungry, and I don't feel I'm doing without. If I want a cookie, I have a cookie so long as my calorie count allows that little indulgence. It CAN be done and there are a ton of people on MFP who have lost weight by simply tracking calories and becoming aware of what they are putting in their mouths. For me having a list in front of me saying "eat this, don't eat that" works, but most MFP'rs are smarter than me. LOL!

once you get into the habit of logging on your food, it will get easier....You will see what wrong things you are eating and then make better choices....

No special diet here. I've logged my food, watched my macros, and tried to be more active. I eat the same things my family eats, just sometimes with an extra helping of vegetables, a bit more protein, less of the bread. I cut out soda and drink water. I still have treats from time to time. Nothing special. The key ingredients for success are dedication and patience. You won't get anywhere without them.

I've lost 60 lbs. with no special diet. Exercise and portion control are the key. I use tis site as my accountability. You can do it. Along the way I have changed from just staying in my calorie alottment and eating much healthier. Make a decision and keep logging and get some good friends to help. There are plenty on here.

Portion control, wise choices, nutrient dense foods, cutting nothing out and moderation in the bad stuff. You can do it.

i have lost 40 lbs so far and not on any "fad" diet. yes, all i do is stay within the guidelines that MFP sets for me.
the only other thing i do that iam sure has aided my weightloss is i take 1 B6 pill everyday cuz they say it helps the body metabolize food. i also drink anywhere from 2-5 cups of mint or pomegrant green tea, which they also says helps weightloss. i count the tea as my water intake too. so yes, it is possible to lose weight without those expensive diets. try it, you have nothing to lose but pounds!!
good luck on your journey!! :flowerforyou:

Smaller portions and plain ol' 'sensible' eating helped me. Cut down, rather than cut out, carbs and watched my sugar intake. Exercised the weight off, largely. This is a lifestyle choice, it has to be sustainable - fad diets are called exactly that for a reason!

I've lose 65 pounds. I still eat what I want, when I want. You don't need a fad diet to get it done.

i count calories to make sure I dont eat to much but also so I know I can eat more calories.
I eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains and then whatever I want to fill up my calorie limit I set for myself.

Eat Less, Move More. 5 servings of fruit/veg every day.

My philosophy exactly

I accomplished my weight loss by watching what I eat and exercising regularly, but no special diet. I use the daily and weekly nutritional content part of MFP to alter things such as the brands of bread I purchase, using dijon mustard instead of mayo, etc. I also bought a small electric scale to measure portion sizes. You can do it you just have to be stubborn and meticulous. I went from a complete couch potato 1 year ago to my second half marathon a week from today and my first full marathon this December.

Log every day, exercise moderately 6 days a week and make sure you look for NSVs!

Absolutely, eating healthy and working out, that's all you need. Oh and don't entirely deny yourself your favorite goodies. Restrictive diets just don't work. Moderation, portion size, and sensible food will get the job done.

No special diet for me either. Just small changes to how I eat, and some exercise. Making sure I get more veggies though, because I know I was lacking in those before.

I want to be able to sustain this eating pattern - I don't want to have to re-adjust after I hit my goal weight.