KISS

There is a simple philosophy that I think can and does promote and maintain weight loss,fitness and nutrition

KISS or "Keep it simple, stupid"

Now the premise of this is not meant to be derivative by any means but anyone who is familiar with the forums will often see a constant avalanche of overtly complicated and often incorrect or bad advice based on personal preference or common misconceptions.

A majority of things I put into this thread will be cut & pastes, quotes etc but I will endeavor to provide links,references and thanks to the people that have provided the information.

The following link is self explanatory but it will help you navigate MFP more easily...
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1069278-acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6

The following links are provided by both SideSteel & Sarauk2sf who run the group "Eat, Train, Progress" Two of the most helpful members on here and most probably the most reliable group on here for solid advice and feedback.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

The link for the "Eat, Train, Progress" group, I highly recommend you join it and read the stickies...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

As far as dietary preferences go you will often see flame wars about who has the "Supreme diet" Paleo, clean, dirty, vegan, vegetarian, Atkins etc it is endless. I think my friend summed it up nicely when it comes to this debate...

This is a quote from a debate about Paleo but I think the reference to adherence is of utmost importance. (Thank you EvgeniZyntx)

This touches an import point in weight loss. The psychological processes that lead to adherence and consistency are essential.
We are social animals that adhere by association to common understood belief clusters. When that association is strong we will tend to adhere better to some basic principles. So belonging to the paleo tribe or the IIFYM tribe or cabbage soup cleanse tribe and supporting the tribe principles leads to better adherence. But at the end of the day, in terms of actual loss, the key foundational element is that there can not be weight loss without a calorie deficit. How you chose to go about that, and how it influences your long term adherence are actually more important that the science behind it (says the scientist).

Paleo is cool, it's an in-cult, has lots of structuring belief systems and fast initial results due to carbohydrate/water loss - much like Atkins, Dukan diets (they are less "in" now), Paleo is lower (if not necessarily low) carb than the standard American diet by what it excludes.
Some of the tribes actually adhere to practices that are intrinsically unhealthy and fail to take a global, long term, if I may use the word "holistic" approach.
Richard's post is on the money. Paleo can be fine and healthy. It isn't necessary. Consistency and a deficit are necessary. But of course I agree with him, I'm part of the IIFYM, Science (capital S), train for fitness, love to eat tribe. We have cookies and beer, do you? :laugh: :drinker:

The link the quote came from...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1132695-weight-loss-with-paleo-diet

Basically I am just going over and citing information that other people have already provided (much thanks to them) but it is good both for new comers and people who tend to overwhelm themselves thinking the only way to do it (succeed) is by making it unnecessarily complicated.

Lastly lifting will not turn you into a fridge unless you try damn hard and are dedicated LOL.

For the ladies concerned about bulking...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/987513-lifting-is-the-most-horrible-thing-to-a-woman-since-twiggy

Good luck.