34lbs lost eating anything i wanted

bigballin2013 · August 2013

Im soooo stoked! I reached my first mini goal of 34 pounds! I haven't been very good at updating my ticker. I will do better this time around! I'm starting my 2nd mini goal of 21 pounds. When I reach it, this will be a huge personal milestone for me.

I'd like to explain how I did it in hopes it will inspire/help others. First, I'm a "professional google researcher" which means I'm one of those people always looking/googling for the weight loss magic bullet. Here is a list of things I've learned that have kept me FAT for the last 6yrs. Stop paying attention to these things and get back to calories in/out and start enjoying your meals again! It's working for me and I thought i was immune to weight loss!

Things to stop paying so much attention to:

1. Eat only "good" complex carbs - Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!
2. Eat low or no carbs -Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!
3. Eat only lean protein / whole grains / fruits / vegges - Bull****! Eat what you enjoy!

If we were all professional endurance athletes, these things would matter when it comes to our performances....but for the 99.9% of us who want to lose weight and be thinner, this whole "macro-nutrient" thing is, uh, Bull****!

Instead...make your life easier and make your way of eating more sustainable!

How?? Pay attention to only one thing. Calories, calories, calories!

What did I eat to lose these 34 lbs so far? Anything and everything.

Fast food
Cookies
Chips
Sandwiches
Burritos
Pizza

along with healthier foods I actually enjoy! I just paid attention to my portion sizes and overall calories.

Now I'm FINALLY losing weight after 6 yes of being stuck!

Hope this helps.

Oh, and to all you "diet and fitness experts" out there,,,please don't write me and tell me how wrong I am. For me, the proof is in the pudding...so to speak:)

Rage_Phish · August 2013

cool

vet272 · August 2013

That's great that its working out for you. Just make sure you're getting all your nutrients - weight loss isn't the be all and end all.

But sincerely, well done you!

bigballin2013 · August 2013

good point vet...thanks!

guessrs · August 2013

Thats amazing. Did you eat within your calorie range?

jonilynn70 · August 2013

Not true. I have made "bad" decisions with my diet these last 4 weeks - a calorie is a calorie mentality - and gained 5 lbs. in 4 weeks. Calories in calories out is not all that is about. Sorry.

CycleFlow · August 2013

One question - is your photo from 6 years ago or now??
Because if that is a NOW photo Im not sure where you are going to find 21 more pounds to loose!?!
Not much bodyfat in that pic

bigballin2013 · August 2013

guessrs.....Yes! Keep everything in the low 2000's. That actually took a lot of practice for me (and still does at times).

jonilynn......looks like you've had some success doing things a different way. I can't argue with that. Nice work! It is true that some foods take more energy to digest than others, and some foods raise insulin more than others. Even so, I bet if you take a close look, you'll find that your "bad choices" caused you to take in too many calories. I really think if you eliminate "bad choices" from your diet vocabulary, and just make sure you don't overeat (once in a great while is to be expected) you'll have a diet you can stick with easier and that will bring you more weight loss. My thoughts anyway.

cycleflow.....this is not me today. i keep this pic close as a reminder of what i need to get back to.

MinimalistShoeAddict · August 2013

Congratulations!

honeysprinkles · August 2013

I am the same way. Of course I have improved my diet a lot, I eat smaller portions, and generally healthier...but there's nothing that I cut out completely (unless I don't like it) and I can almost guarantee that I haven't gone even a week without fast food during my entire weight loss (61 pounds so far)! It really does come down to calories.

lifethatgrows · August 2013

I wish that were effective for me - I have insulin resistance. I think people should find what their body works best on.

asmithson19 · August 2013

I agree too! And well done! - a strict 1200 calorie a day diet has done the job several times for me... (Sometimes 1000 but I know all your haters will have something to say about that!) - I do not believe 'starvation mode' exists.

The problem? It's hard to sustain long term, hence why I have had to use this technique more than once. (Yes, I have let small amounts of the weight creep back on).

I say, - Yes, it works. It is healthy? Probably not. Is it for long term? No.

The key - Use this until you reach your goal and then find a healthier way of maintaining your weight. :-) .... which unfortunately I have been unsuccessful at because of my 'all or nothing' attitude to everything I do in life... But that's another story!

Good luck everyone!

touchafaith · August 2013

So glad I saw this because this is exactly how I eat. I don't follow all that macro stuff (wouldn't even know where to start) I just eat what I want as long as I stay within my daily calories. I think this is the best way for me to persue my weight loss goal as it's more realistic given my lifestyle and of course love of food:blushing: this way I get to have my cake and eat it too. Congratulations on the weightloss!! Your doing absolutely awesome!

Eli_Xx · August 2013

I just started losing weight (started 6 days ago) but this is true for me as well. I have had cookies, pizza, even some mcdonalds, but just stayed under or right at my calorie limit thing and have lost 5 lbs! Happy to see it's not just luck and other ppl lose weight the same way I do (: If I deny myself everything I will probably binge ):

AdeYossie · August 2013

Same thing for me. Lost 25lbs by eating what I want but in smaller portions and staying within my calorie limit and fat limit. Also, I fond that the whole diet thing doesn't work for me. I cannot do it for a long time.

bigballin2013 · August 2013

I'm so glad to see so many of you having success with this way of eating. Deprivation really sucks! Besides that, it can't work if you can't stick with it....so why make it so hard?

I've traveled to many different countries and everyone is thin!! (except those who have taken on an "american" diet) What I do find is people in Japan eat lots of rice. Tons of it! They're thin. Look up rice (white) on the glycemic index. People in Italy and greece and france eat the most delectable carb rich foods! Most are thin! Why? They simply do not overeat. No diets. No "off limit foods". They also walk alot!

Thank you for the posts...those who do not fully agree with me still have valuable insight to share and I appreciate your words.

Eli_Xx · August 2013

^^^^Thats true! When I went to Mexico to visit family you think I would have got fat with all the food but we walked everywhere in the hot sun and I lost weight lol.

I tried to go on the Paleo diet but love tortillas, rice, bread, cheese and happy I didn't stick with it because I know I would be miserable!

FarAway02 · August 2013

You can also lose weight successfully by starving yourself for a few weeks or months... that doesn't make it healthy anymore than losing weight whilst regularly eating fast food does.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in having the things you enjoy sometimes... but I'm talking, like, a pizza takeaway every couple of months, etc.

Working on a calories in, calories out 'diet' may well work - if your only goal is weight loss. For me I wanted to see some other improvements...higher energy levels, clearer skin etc. All things I wouldn't have achieved (or, at least, not to the same degree) on a calories in, calories out 'diet'.

Not knocking that the way you're doing it can work....just stating that it's not overly respectful of/kind to your body.

mytabouly · August 2013

So do you target your calories in vs calories out on a day by day basis or do you average over a period of time. Because sometimes I'll eat 500 calories, other times only 800 calories and sometimes I'll eat up to 2000 calories, but my weekly average is always around 1000-1200 calories.

So far it has worked for me, and it means I can still bake and enjoy my goodies every now and then (usually weekends).

MyJourney1960 · August 2013

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

AllToMe1216 · August 2013

You can also lose weight successfully by starving yourself for a few weeks or months... that doesn't make it healthy anymore than losing weight whilst regularly eating fast food does.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in having the things you enjoy sometimes... but I'm talking, like, a pizza takeaway every couple of months, etc.

Working on a calories in, calories out 'diet' may well work - if your only goal is weight loss. For me I wanted to see some other improvements...higher energy levels, clearer skin etc. All things I wouldn't have achieved (or, at least, not to the same degree) on a calories in, calories out 'diet'.

Not knocking that the way you're doing it can work....just stating that it's not overly respectful of/kind to your body.

I must agree with this. I also do agree with the OP to some extend cause I'm not super strict on my diet. BUT I will say that I lost about 60lbs pretty much eating what I want in moderation. But when I went to go and maintain, I ended up gaining about 30 of it back. It's a good method for weightloss but keeping it off? I'm not so sure. I've recently starting focusing on just being more healthy in general, but I don't deny myself either. I think this time around I really want to find a way that I can sustain a good weight and health for life. That should really be the main focus

I think if you can just find that good balance you're good to go lol.

Achrya · August 2013

You can also lose weight successfully by starving yourself for a few weeks or months... that doesn't make it healthy anymore than losing weight whilst regularly eating fast food does.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in having the things you enjoy sometimes... but I'm talking, like, a pizza takeaway every couple of months, etc.

Working on a calories in, calories out 'diet' may well work - if your only goal is weight loss. For me I wanted to see some other improvements...higher energy levels, clearer skin etc. All things I wouldn't have achieved (or, at least, not to the same degree) on a calories in, calories out 'diet'.

Not knocking that the way you're doing it can work....just stating that it's not overly respectful of/kind to your body.

I eat whatever I want and my skin is clear, my hair is healthy, my labs came back 'optimal' according to my doctor (except my blood pressure, which is a touch low and unrelated to diet), and I have the energy to lift heavy 3 days a week as well as various forms of cardio and hiking once a week with my husband.

So. What part indicates that eating what I want when I want hasn't left me healthy? Or is this some non-quantifiable metric that no one will be over to actually explain or begin to give me a clue as to measuring or observing?

bigballin2013 · August 2013

You can also lose weight successfully by starving yourself for a few weeks or months... that doesn't make it healthy anymore than losing weight whilst regularly eating fast food does.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in having the things you enjoy sometimes... but I'm talking, like, a pizza takeaway every couple of months, etc.

Working on a calories in, calories out 'diet' may well work - if your only goal is weight loss. For me I wanted to see some other improvements...higher energy levels, clearer skin etc. All things I wouldn't have achieved (or, at least, not to the same degree) on a calories in, calories out 'diet'.

Not knocking that the way you're doing it can work....just stating that it's not overly respectful of/kind to your body.

Thank you for these thoughts. Please consider this. With the exception of genetics, I promise you that being healthy is about moving (activity) more than anything. In most cases, active overweight people are healthier than thin, out of shape sedentary people. Remember, I said genetics aside.

To clarify, as I said in the post, I also eat healthy foods...but only those that I enjoy. I would say on average, at least one to two of my four or five meals/snacks I consume each day are yummy things not considered "diet or healthy" food by any stretch. Some days, everything I put in my mouth is on the "yummy - not diet" side. Remember, your body has the ability to turn ANYTHING YOU EAT into fat and or sugar. Eat whatever you want....Eat less to lose weight...stay active to be healthy.

bigballin2013 · August 2013

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

You have a great attitude! And by the way...50 is NOT old:) it's the new 30! Keep up the good work and you will soon agree with me about that. So to address the "wasting calories" thing. I agree with you. Sometimes I eat chicken because the protein fills me up and provides me with, well...protein. Is it SMOTHERED in kick *kitten* sugary bbq sauce?? YES! Still fills me up. So yes, if i were to only eat big macs and snickers, I'd feel like ****. Sometimes your body screams "healthy choices" sometimes it screams "fast food/chips/cookies". Listen to it and stay within a decent calorie range for yourself.

blah2989 · August 2013

Well, I know "your method" has worked for me. Although I do add in a salad, mixed veggies, something along those lines everyday, ( almost) I do not deny myself if I really want it ( I also try to work everything off and have a deficit. Ive been on mfp for about five weeks now

I really watch my portion sizes as well as all those "hidden" calories in how the food is prepared ( like roasted green beans, except they roast them in butter)- that kind of thing. I think the key thing is exercise..Then again I wouldnt encourage deep fried foods everyday lol.

blah2989 · August 2013

KUDOS!!

I won't say you're wrong,cause fact is that it worked for you.

but don't forget that you are both young and male - so what works for you doesn't always work for, say, 50-something post menopausal women such as myself...

and the truth is that you are correct - calories calories calories. but look at it this way (the way it looks from where i'm sitting): if my total calories for the day comes to 1800 (just throwing a random number), for ME to "waste" calories on eating "whatever i want" vs. "making the most of every calorie" would be a waste. which to me is the difference between eating *a* slice of pizza or eating 3. so that isn't to say that i sometimes DO indulge and buy ice cream or falafel etc. but honestly? even when i buy ice cream, i'll get a smaller cone, or buy a creamsicle etc - still having what i want and actually NOT feeling deprived. I feel actually great when i make a choice that is both healthy for me and staying within the limits.

Completely Agree!!! Thats what I do also!

feathers20 · August 2013

Well done!
I completely agree with you, but some people do have to watch other levels of things to, for instance if I eat over my fat daily allowance, I will put fat on, regardless of calories, so I make sure to follow those numbers too.
I still enjoy a good mcdonalds here and there

I never cut anything out completely!

shadus · August 2013

I've lost 60+ lbs in 3 months (years ago) eating nothing but ****ty fast food (and I don't mean ordering the good stuff like salads) to prove a point to a cow-orker on a fast food is the root of all evil kick (nee: you gotta eat healthy to lose weight). As long as the calories are measured accurately (99% of the time what people screw up) you will lose weight as long as you're under your daily energy expenditure. You can eat the most clean diet around and all organic and gain weight easily if your calories are above your maint level.

If you're recomping what you eat makes more of a difference but for strict weight loss alone? It matters little so long as you don't eat any one thing alone to the point you get deficient in basic nutrients.

Edit: This of course only applies to people without significant health issues. If you're diabetic or glutton intolerant that's a wholly different story.

Edit2: For reference eating fast food and losing 60lbs+ gave me... lower bp, lower chol, lower trig, and better blood glucose numbers. So while it may not have been the best over all solution it was STILL an improvement over staying 60lbs heavier and a net increase in health.

Chard1954 · August 2013

Can't argue with that!
I've lost 39lb since late May - by eating less and exercising more...rocket science.
I tend to have a fairly healthy diet anyway, in that I like veg, salad and fruit, but I also like meat, cake, crisps, curries and chocolate.
So I eat the odd cake, then make sure I do a bit of unplanned exercise to burn off the treats. Works for me, I don't get scientific over it all, it would drive me to distraction and I wouldn't end up sticking with it.
It seems to make me eat less rubbish and I have smaller portions. I try to stick to about 1300 cals a day instead of my old 2500+ and to be honest, I don't find it that difficult most of the time. If I do go over, which I do from time to time, I just exercise a bit more to compensate.
However, if I have a day where I burn off extra calories, I try and make sure that I'm not tempted to "eat" them, I try and stick with around 1300 cals a day, even if I've burned a lot.

bigballin2013 · August 2013

So do you target your calories in vs calories out on a day by day basis or do you average over a period of time. Because sometimes I'll eat 500 calories, other times only 800 calories and sometimes I'll eat up to 2000 calories, but my weekly average is always around 1000-1200 calories.

So far it has worked for me, and it means I can still bake and enjoy my goodies every now and then (usually weekends).

Sounds like you're calories cycling without intentionally doing so:) And YES to all your questions. I try to think one meal at a time, one day at a time, but only so over a period of time my calories are such that I lose weight. Today I ate 4000 calories. That's way over what I had intended. My niece wanted Chicago style pizza, lol. Then cookies for dessert and my dinner/dessert
was 2500 cal! But, not to worry. Like you I know that over the next few days, weeks, months, my calories will be low enough for weight loss without doing anything extreme (like not having pizza with my niece)

gpiercebutler · August 2013

Interesting that lots of people think if you eat fast food you don't eat anything else or get any nutrients. Because of my lifestyle - that I don't want to change - I eat out at least once a week. I also always eat more than 5 portions of fruit and veg a day and most of my food is home cooked good quality. I just don't stress about changing my life to fit a "diet".

35 ish pounds down 23 to go

34lbs lost eating anything i wanted

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