How do you know what you think you know?

Tell that to all of the school boards who are working to eliminate teaching of critical thinking and the scientific method.

Common sense also goes a long way. Maybe I'm just getting older and grumpier, but it seems like less people have it these days.

For instance: If raspberry ketones made you skinny, then everyone would be skinny. Therefore, no further research needed :bigsmile:

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I have a degree in Philosophy, so I find myself asking these kinds of epistemological questions a lot. I know this thread has kind of taken on a lighter tone, but I wanted to warn everyone how easily you can PARALYZE your progress by over analyzing things. A lot of people read and read and read before taking action and they get all this conflicting advice. Result? Inaction.

This was my problem for a while. The approach I took was to recognize the following things:

- ANY change from my normal habits was going to be an improvement

- The single most effective thing I could do to lose weight was to simply eat fewer calories

Right now, I'm using MFP to stay under a reasonable calorie limit, drinking more water, and walking and using the stairs wherever possible. As a result I've already lost 8 lbs.

When I start to think about "well should I try a keto diet or a vegan diet or a paleo or..." I just remind myself that I'm not there yet. That's a question for 170lbs me when it's time to get a six-pack, not 227lbs me still trying to lose all the blubber.

I hope this helps people who are confused about where to start. Just start with portion sizes and more water and a little more physical activity. Don't read PhD dissertations on fitness. Just start simple, it'll work!