Deals and Dukan have ended their short romance !

Dealsdreamy
Dealsdreamy Posts: 26
in Food and Nutrition
Hi all

Firstly I know that all different diets extreme or otherwise can work better for some then others . So I am not slating the Dukan in case any devotees think I am , it's just not for me . I started the Dukan diet on Monday and stuck to it 100% . I knew it was going to be tough but it left me weak unable to exercise even though tried my usual exercise routine 3 evenings. I know the first phase is extreme and I have stopped early but I felt too unwell. I just don't really know what diet/healthy eating to do anymore everyone tells me different diets/ideas ideas and my head is spinning !! Is it best to stick to just calorie counting ? I have 38 lbs ( ideally more , we all want more lol !! ) more to lose . I feel motivated with my exercise just unsure what to do eating wise. No carbs didn't work for me , I have a active job with long hours so I need lots of energy . I want to lose this weight and get toned and fit : )
Just wondered what peoples thoughts are on the best way forward for me ? Advice would be appreciated . Also any guys or girls that post daily who bother to comment and help each other , please add me .

Thank you for reading .

Replies

  • flechero
    flechero Posts: 260 Member
    Have you tried good old fashioned moderation instead of a "diet"? Seriously, most diets cut something out which is in part why they don't work long term.

    You are motivated, active and have been exercising regularly so the pieces are in place to get the weight off. It sounds like you are just a smart eating plan away from losing the desired weight!!

    I would suggest you sit down and plan out a few days at a time- most busy people mess up by needing fast meals and just end up snacking, eating fast food or sugary pre packaged stuff. You'll have to cook (sometimes in advance) and be intentional about your eating. (until you get this down) I found that when eating "good" foods, I get plenty of energy to work out and make it through a day on my allotted cals. You have to eat ALOT of veggies and chicken to hit cal goals!

    Don't get discouraged, get focused!!
  • Elizadolots
    Elizadolots Posts: 178
    Hiya, I had the same experience with Dukan, it's not for everyone.

    If you do have spare time, take a look at this:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01lxyzc/Horizon_20122013_Eat_Fast_and_Live_Longer/

    Been doing it last week and it really is not hard. I'll keep you posted with my progress because it certainly was not hard to stick to mentally or physically and actually gave me a real buzz. :bigsmile:
  • Dealsdreamy
    Dealsdreamy Posts: 26
    Thank you both for your replies .... I will look at the link you suggested x
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Sounds like you are doing a lot of bouncing around looking for a magic formula. How about trying a reasonable calorie deficit, like say 20 or 25 % off TDEE and good macronutrient goals and sticking with that for a couple of months and adjusting based on results/
  • maricash
    maricash Posts: 280 Member
    You don't need a strict diet to lose weight (unless you have a specific medical condition that you didn't mention here). Just eat a reasonable cut from your TDEE and exercise. Be patient though, it can take up to a month to see a real loss. You weight fluctuates every day due to varying levels of water retention.

    Check out this post: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    It can help you set your MFP calorie goal to a reasonable amount. Good luck.
  • Dealsdreamy
    Dealsdreamy Posts: 26
    Thank you again . Great links . I suppose I always want a quick fix ! I need to have more patience . I won't lose 40lbs overnight !!

    Although that would be awesome : ))
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    I had a similar experience with a vegan diet, which is too bad because philosophically, I was very attracted to it.

    I think good old calorie counting is the best, especially if you make sure that your calories come with a nutritious well-balanced diet. I know some say the content doesn't matter - you can lose weight on Twinkies if you keep your calorie count low - but I'm not buying it.
  • I_love_frogs
    I_love_frogs Posts: 340 Member
    Thank you again . Great links . I suppose I always want a quick fix ! I need to have more patience . I won't lose 40lbs overnight !!

    Although that would be awesome : ))

    Well, yes and no LOL Yes cos you would be 40 lbs lighter...but no cos you would have saggy skin like mad with it leaving so fast!!
  • HisangelG
    HisangelG Posts: 96 Member
    Have you tried good old fashioned moderation instead of a "diet"? Seriously, most diets cut something out which is in part why they don't work long term.

    You are motivated, active and have been exercising regularly so the pieces are in place to get the weight off. It sounds like you are just a smart eating plan away from losing the desired weight!!

    I would suggest you sit down and plan out a few days at a time- most busy people mess up by needing fast meals and just end up snacking, eating fast food or sugary pre packaged stuff. You'll have to cook (sometimes in advance) and be intentional about your eating. (until you get this down) I found that when eating "good" foods, I get plenty of energy to work out and make it through a day on my allotted cals. You have to eat ALOT of veggies and chicken to hit cal goals!

    Don't get discouraged, get focused!!

    Quoted for truth. Moderation and movement are the way to go.
  • ihad
    ihad Posts: 7,463 Member
    I've lost 120 pounds without any special diet, just eating and exercising in moderation, and over time making better and better choics in my food selection. I think the important thing is to give up "dieting" and use the process of losing weight to teach you a new way of living that you will continue after the weight is lost.

    I put together a blog of tips and links for new MFP members:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ihad/view/truth-justice-and-the-mfp-way-a-primer-for-beginners-422837

    Good luck!
  • Enigmatica
    Enigmatica Posts: 879 Member
    I'm another one who didn't follow a "book diet" to lose weight. Yeah, years ago I'd tried Atkins, South Beach, etc, and those didn't work out well for me. What did finally work was to just focus on good nutrition and calorie control using exercise and moderation. I lost over 90 pounds, gained tremendously in health, and have been able to maintain healthy weight happily - not because of a "diet" but because I totally changed my approach to food and exercise.

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