What actually works?!

amandatcv23
amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
edited April 2016 in Health and Weight Loss
What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight
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Replies

  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,089 Member
    Moderate calorie deficit and whatever exercise you can do.
  • WA_mama2
    WA_mama2 Posts: 140 Member
    Low cal is safe. Eating disorders are not. There is a difference between the two.

    Calories in vs calories out is the only true and permanent solution.
  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    WA_mama2 wrote: »
    Low cal is safe. Eating disorders are not. There is a difference between the two.

    Calories in vs calories out is the only true and permanent solution.

    Right deficient works I meant extremely low calorie

  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    Moderate calorie deficit and whatever exercise you can do.

    Sounds like what I'll have to do and stick with it
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.
  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.

    Perfect. I can do it
  • Linzon
    Linzon Posts: 294 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.

    This is what's been doing the trick for me!

    Also not arbitrarily eliminating or demonizing foods.
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    Linzon wrote: »
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.

    This is what's been doing the trick for me!

    Also not arbitrarily eliminating or demonizing foods.

    Excellent point. I tried a lot of the faddy stuff in the past & while I did lose weight, I couldn't sustain it.

  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    Linzon wrote: »
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.

    This is what's been doing the trick for me!

    Also not arbitrarily eliminating or demonizing foods.

    Awesome. I'm against cutting certain food groups out. Except sugar I can totally deal with cutting artificial and sugar from sweets, candy etc
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    edited April 2016
    What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight

    Where did you come up with concept about low carb.

    Low calorie typically leads to 100%+ regains.

    Low fat can lead to faster dementia.

    Since you have a slow metabolism you may want to fix that so weight loss is possible and it will stay off.

    There are many ways to eat. Consider grabbing a macro and eating it for 90 days and reevaluate.

  • Nicklebee93
    Nicklebee93 Posts: 316 Member
    I tried to rush my weight loss... and went to the extreme at 1,200 calories. Want to know how long that lasted? Like 3 days.

    Moderation is the key to everything i've noticed. Moderate deficient, moderate food, moderate exercise. Too much of any extreme just tires you. You just need to listen to your body, push yourself but learn to also be kind.
  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight

    Where did you come up with concept about low carb.

    Low calorie typically leads to 100%+ regains.

    Low fat can lead to faster dementia.

    Since you have a slow metabolism you may want to fix that so weight loss is possible and it will stay off.

    Carbs feed muscles. You need carbs if you lift weights like me. Read the article. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/planet27.htm
  • amandatcv23
    amandatcv23 Posts: 41 Member
    n1cholee93 wrote: »
    I tried to rush my weight loss... and went to the extreme at 1,200 calories. Want to know how long that lasted? Like 3 days.

    Moderation is the key to everything i've noticed. Moderate deficient, moderate food, moderate exercise. Too much of any extreme just tires you. You just need to listen to your body, push yourself but learn to also be kind.

    Sounds great thank you
  • WA_mama2
    WA_mama2 Posts: 140 Member
    What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight

    Low calorie typically leads to 100%+ regains.


    Since you have a slow metabolism

    Uh, no.

    Failure to continue moderation in consumption leads to regains, not low cal.

    Unless she has a diagnosed medical problem 'slow metabolism " is an assumption that is not wise to live by.
  • Btheodore138
    Btheodore138 Posts: 182 Member
    I think as far as finding a healthy eating habit and sticking with it, you need to find what works for you. For me, I need to eat the same breakfast and lunch every day. I know how many calories it is, and I don't have to think about it. I also eat a lot of protein and healthy fats, since it's what keeps me satiated the longest. For others, it's high fiber foods. I also pre-log my food, and I know others do too. It helps set a guideline of what I'm eating for the day so I can ensure I don't go over.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    Moderate, sensible, not-overly-aggressive calorie deficit.

    Accurate weighing of food & logging.

    Not giving up.

    Not rushing.

    Perfect. I can do it

    Good. Do this. If you also want to make sure you look "firm" when you're finished make sure you include resistance training in your exercise regime. That may include weight lifting or bodyweight exercises (TRX for example). Just stick with it.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    WA_mama2 wrote: »
    What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight

    Low calorie typically leads to 100%+ regains.


    Since you have a slow metabolism

    Uh, no.

    Failure to continue moderation in consumption leads to regains, not low cal.

    Unless she has a diagnosed medical problem 'slow metabolism " is an assumption that is not wise to live by.

    I was speaking in a medical sense. Reduced calories 100% of the time slows one's metabolism setting one up for 100% regains. I wrecked my health over 40 year period of yo yo weights.
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    "Low" calorie may lead to "100%+ regains" (whatever that is) but a sensible lowering of calories has a great success rate. In fact, I found that restricting carbohydrates was very counter productive. It was a pain in the rear and I couldn't keep it up. All of the weight I lost eating low carb came roaring back. Not so with a moderate calorie deficit.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    I think as far as finding a healthy eating habit and sticking with it, you need to find what works for you. For me, I need to eat the same breakfast and lunch every day. I know how many calories it is, and I don't have to think about it. I also eat a lot of protein and healthy fats, since it's what keeps me satiated the longest. For others, it's high fiber foods. I also pre-log my food, and I know others do too. It helps set a guideline of what I'm eating for the day so I can ensure I don't go over.

    @Btheodore138 that is an awesome guideline to follow to be successful.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    "Low" calorie may lead to "100%+ regains" (whatever that is) but a sensible lowering of calories has a great success rate. In fact, I found that restricting carbohydrates was very counter productive. It was a pain in the rear and I couldn't keep it up. All of the weight I lost eating low carb came roaring back. Not so with a moderate calorie deficit.

    Yes if a person has been eating 4000 calories a day they are going to have to restrict calories but it will still lower their metabolism 100% of the time . Low carb is not a diet most will do so that kinds of rules that out by default especially if one is addicted to carbs.
  • rickyll
    rickyll Posts: 188 Member
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
    WA_mama2 wrote: »
    What actually works when trying to lose weight and keep it off?! Very Low calorie isn't safe, no carb isn't good for long term, low fat isn't ideal for muscle gain to burn fat. I want to lose weight and keep it off and not go back to being heavy EVER again. I try and I just have a slow metabolism and gain weight so so quickly. I'm sick of always being worried about my weight

    Low calorie typically leads to 100%+ regains.


    Since you have a slow metabolism

    Uh, no.

    Failure to continue moderation in consumption leads to regains, not low cal.

    Unless she has a diagnosed medical problem 'slow metabolism " is an assumption that is not wise to live by.

    I was speaking in a medical sense. Reduced calories 100% of the time slows one's metabolism setting one up for 100% regains. I wrecked my health over 40 year period of yo yo weights.

    In a medical sense, that makes no sense. The ONLY way to lose weight and keep it off is to reduce calories and then keep them at the proper level to maintain the loss. How one lowers their calories is a matter of preference, whether its reducing carbs, fats, staying out of the drive-thru, or whatever. Severely restricting calories to unsafe levels for a prolonged period of time is what damages metabolism.
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    edited April 2016
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    That time wasting your talking about got me to 15% body fat, because it created that small 100-200 cal defecit I needed to melt the fat off me.

    I could have created that deficit by more calorie restricting, but I like exercising, and it keeps me out of the kitchen, it also sometimes meant a glass of red wine or two to keep me sane.

    Of course, underneath were glorious muscles gained by bulking and compound lifting.
  • rickyll
    rickyll Posts: 188 Member
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    That time wasting your talking about got me to 15% body fat, because it created that small 100-200 cal defecit I needed to melt the fat off me.

    I could have created that deficit by more calorie restricting, but I like exercising, and it keeps me out of the kitchen, it also sometimes meant a glass of red wine or two to keep me sane.

    Of course, underneath were glorious muscles gained by bulking and compound lifting.

    You're right. My apologies for making an overly general comment. Low intensity cardio is another tool in your tool box of fat shedding but too many people see it as the only tool...
  • RWClary
    RWClary Posts: 192 Member
    Moderate calorie deficit and whatever exercise you can do.
    BINGO!
    And it's free of charge... :)
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    Weight training burns very few calories so it's not the best way to create a calorie deficit. Over time, additional muscle mass will help someone by increasing the calories their body burns. The best way to create a calorie deficit is with diet. One can also use steady state cardio because it's a fantastic calorie burner. I both lift and run for these reasons.
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    No offense, but I find this really ignorant. Exercise is always good. It is not a waste of time.

  • rickyll
    rickyll Posts: 188 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    No offense, but I find this really ignorant. Exercise is always good. It is not a waste of time.

    No offense taken. Obviously any form of exercise is good but why opt for the least effective method when you know there's a better method out there? Next time I'll try getting my point across with a little more tact!
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    rickyll wrote: »
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    No offense, but I find this really ignorant. Exercise is always good. It is not a waste of time.

    No offense taken. Obviously any form of exercise is good but why opt for the least effective method when you know there's a better method out there? Next time I'll try getting my point across with a little more tact!

    Then stop using words like "better" - it's a qualifier that implies someone who cannot or does not desire to lift weights is somehow inferior.

  • rickyll
    rickyll Posts: 188 Member
    rickyll wrote: »
    everything that's been said already is pretty good advice. I want to emphasize weight training...it it by far the best way to shed fat! Leave your ego at the door and don't be afraid to look stupid if you're a beginner. (unless you don't have shame then that's even better!) PLEASE DO COMPOUND LIFTS! PLEASE!

    PS. Low intensity cardio (bike or treadmill or jog for 30 or more minutes) is a great way to waste your time if you're looking to shed fat.

    Weight training burns very few calories so it's not the best way to create a calorie deficit. Over time, additional muscle mass will help someone by increasing the calories their body burns. The best way to create a calorie deficit is with diet. One can also use steady state cardio because it's a fantastic calorie burner. I both lift and run for these reasons.

    I don't disagree with your statements but I need to clarify what I meant by weight training.

    I agree with your claims if you look at weight training as going to the gym and doing low intensity weight training. To clarify, by weight training I mean intense weight training with mandatory compound lifts that incorporate major muscles and pump your body full of testosterone to promote muscle growth and fat burning. By weight training I mean that you're sweating at the end, like you would after intense cardio. This type of weight training burns calories even after you're done training. It's like doing cardio WITH weight training.