Our basic premise is that losing weight should not be that complicated. There is so much micromanaging that we see that misses the big picture of weight loss, which is the fundamental concept of the energy balance: if calories in are less than calories out, you will be in an energy deficit and will lose weight. Conversely, if calories in are more than are more than calories out, you will be in an energy surplus and will gain weight.

So, with that said:

- Eat within a reasonable caloric intake for your goals. (See http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets for more details of setting this intake)

- Be accurate in your logging. See here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

- Hit your macros for body composition (protein), energy (carbs) and healthy body function (fats) (see link above for more details on setting these)

- Resistance train to retain LBM on a caloric deficit or gain on a caloric surplus. Do cardio if you want.

- Rest

- Repeat

- Stop complicating it. Unless you have a medical condition that indicates otherwise, you do not have to eat ‘clean’, restrict a food group, restrict a macro, cleanse, detox, time your meals, or anything else to lose weight. Eat a diet that comprises nutrient dense foods and enjoy treats as long as they fit into your macros (see also http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/817188-iifym ).

- Be patient

- Eat ice-cream every day...okay, you don't have to do that one, but there is no reason you cannot. The point is, dieting is hard enough, don't over complicate it or make it harder than it has to be.


Another on topic read: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/841305-corn-used-my-man-parts-as-a-speedbag

Also, a really good read can be found here: http://impruvism.com/simple-weight-loss/