Eat whatever you want AND Lose Weight!!
skyblu263
Posts: 91 Member
I’m back and I come with some straight honesty.
I’ve been on this fitness journey for a long long time. In doing so, I’ve tried different “diets” and experimented with different exercises. I’ve studied on things that work and don’t work. Then, new studies come out and I would read on things that didn’t work before, now work. And what worked before, don’t work. I’ve read that fat is bad, sweets are bad, bread is bad, too many fruits are bad, milk is bad, everything is bad…UGH! STOP already!!
In a nutshell, I’ve finally figured out the secret. And, honestly, it’s no secret at all. Is common knowledge that is hidden behind the “lose 10 lbs in 5 days” pitches and every other diet pitch that is out there.
The “secret?”: Calories in vs Calories out. That’s pretty much it.
You can eat McDonalds everyday and still lose weight. Now, I’m not saying to eat McDonalds everyday, of course. Healthy foods, rich in nutrition and sustenance is the key to feeling energetic, keeping bloat away, sleeping well, having your body function awesomely, etc.
However, let’s just keep it 100 here:
If you’re a foodie, and you like pizza, hamburgers, going to to eat and drink with friends, etc., then go eat it and enjoy! You can eat anything in moderation and loose weight as long as the calories you’re putting in are less than the calories you’re putting out. Reward meals once or twice a week isn’t going to damage your progress. So, EAT your favs! In fact, you can either eat your favorites in all their greasiness awesomeness or create a healthy version of it.
One of my favorite foods are wings. Well, fried wings in buffalo or lemon pepper sauce is a ton of calories. And, I really don’t want to have to burn 1500+ calories one day, or even save up 1500 calories during the week in order to enjoy them one night. So, I make my own. I grill or baked them, toss them in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and then I eat them with my favorite homemade dip of greek yogurt, dill seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Anyway, you guys, I feel awesome knowing what works. And, it’s simply calories in vs calories out. I use My Fitness Pal to help me stay on track and I feel pretty dang good
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Neat.
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Yes it works. One thing that still surprised me is vacation. Four in the last year eating all meals in restaurants and I lose 2-3 pounds weekly. Go figure. Just CICO.7
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I'm glad you've found what works for you, however I wouldn't extrapolate that to everyone. Many people struggle with moderation, or have issues with counting calories, so sometimes people do need to eliminate or seriously limit certain foods in order to be able to get into a calorie deficit. And depending on your TDEE, a reward meal or two during the week can completely derail your progress, so it's important to pay attention to what you are choosing for a cheat meal. A burger and fries in all their greasy awesomeness could easily take up someone's entire calorie allotment for the day, or even push them over their maintenance calories.20
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@skyblu263 I agree. I have so many people ask me what I gave up to lose weight. I think most of them don't believe me when I tell them I didn't give anything up. Like you, there are some things that I have modified. I used to eat candy bars a lot. Now I eat Chobani flip Greek yogurt (the ones with candy in them). It helps me reach my protien goal and still satisfies my sweet tooth. We also eat out a lot. My husband was not overweight and I see no reason to say we can't eat out anymore just because I need to lose weight. I just make it fit and it works.8
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Very true. & I tell people that almost every day. They ask me how I lose this weight, and I tell them that I just count calories. That is all. I work at a restaurant, and for lunch yesterday, I had a grilled chicken breast with green beans and mashed potatoes. Someone tells me that our mashed potatoes are not healthy with all that butter in them. Well no duh! I told them that I'm all about the calories, and they just gave me a dumb look.
Please tell the 40 lb that I have lost that CICO doesn't work!13 -
I plan my meals around what I want to eat. I mean... you got to eat anyway... why not make it satisfying?
However... I could almost never fit McDonald's anymore. 1000 calories later and I'm still hungry. So yeah... learning to cook and make your own versions of what you crave is the key, IMO.9 -
@Kgeyser Unless someone has a health reason, CICO is a simple general rule. However, I absolutely see what you are saying. Though, something to think about, and the reason for my post, is to explain a simple principle.
Losing weight has become exhausting. People have turned to trying diets and buying every new “weightloss pill” and every new “ab cruncher” because they are trying to figure out how to lose the weight.
Yes, moderation is extremely important. But, you CAN eat whatever you want, COUNT your calories, and lose weight. Again, as long as there are no underlying health reasons, CICO works for everyone. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods either. If it fits in your calories for the day, eat it.
But, it is without a doubt true, that healthy food choices will keep you fuller longer, give you energy, and everything else I mentioned before.
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@Kgeyser Unless someone has a health reason, CICO is a simple general rule. However, I absolutely see what you are saying. Though, something to think about, and the reason for my post, is to explain a simple principle.
Losing weight has become exhausting. People have turned to trying diets and buying every new “weightloss pill” and every new “ab cruncher” because they are trying to figure out how to lose the weight.
Yes, moderation is extremely important. But, you CAN eat whatever you want, COUNT your calories, and lose weight. Again, as long as there are no underlying health reasons, CICO works for everyone. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods either. If it fits in your calories for the day, eat it.
But, it is without a doubt true, that healthy food choices will keep you fuller longer, give you energy, and everything else I mentioned before.
The problem with the "simple principle" is that it becomes oversimplified. Yes, a calorie deficit is needed to lose weight. But beyond that, there is no one size fits all approach to weight loss. For some people, it does end up being a little more complicated than "eat whatever and lose weight," and not just for medical reasons.
While it is nice to break down the concept of a calorie deficit, I find most of the struggles people have are with behavioral/ physiological issues related to weight loss, not the inability to understand a calorie deficit. People learn in different ways and often have individual ways of doing things to achieve the same goal, and weight loss isn't any different.
Again, not knocking your success, I'm glad you've found a way that works, but I think it's important to clarify that it isn't necessarily going to be that easy for everyone else, and I don't want people to feel discouraged if the "eat whatever and lose weight" approach isn't the approach for them.16 -
Yes. It really IS that simple. It is a matter of choices. I love fast food burgers but eating them takes too big a chunk of my calories (and saturated fat. and sodium) so I don't eat them anymore. It's a mental thing. I can have it, I just choose not to. Sugar is a trigger for me so it is in my best interest to limit it. I can have sweets, and I often do, but I have to be on guard or it will get out of hand.6
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@Kgeyser I don't disagree that the issue is emotional. In fact, it's something I also have to struggle with myself. I find comfort in food. I've done that for a long time. And, with that comfort comes weight gain. And, with that weight gain comes the need to lose the weight. And, with that comes "how will I ever drop all of this weight?!"
And, that is the problem.
I'm not coming with the aspect that it emotionally isn't difficult. Nor, did I say that it isn't emotional. However, it is SIMPLE. It is a simple principle. To lose weight is calories in/calories out. You don't need a diet pill or anything to make this more complicated. And, while I say that, I am guilty of definitely making it complicated myself. I've tried low carb, low fat, paleo, 21-day-fix, and much more. I'm spent money trying to find the secret to drop the fat. But, there is no secret. You don't need anything but will power (which is hard in itself) to reduce your calorie intake in a healthy way. No scams. Not special diet.
I'm not a psychologist or a weightloss coach. So, if someone needs to hire a trainer to hold them accountable, hire a counselor, or just get help in general with their relationship to food, that is totally understandable and an extreme wonderful step to success.
But, the "simple principle" is, in fact, simple. The emotional aspect isn't so simple. But, that can be overcome...without the feeling of food deprivation for those that are foodies....as I am.8 -
@Kgeyser I don't disagree that the issue is emotional. In fact, it's something I also have to struggle with myself. I find comfort in food. I've done that for a long time. And, with that comfort comes weight gain. And, with that weight gain comes the need to lose the weight. And, with that comes "how will I ever drop all of this weight?!"
And, that is the problem.
I'm not coming with the aspect that it emotionally isn't difficult. Nor, did I say that it isn't emotional. However, it is SIMPLE. It is a simple principle. To lose weight is calories in/calories out. You don't need a diet pill or anything to make this more complicated. And, while I say that, I am guilty of definitely making it complicated myself. I've tried low carb, low fat, paleo, 21-day-fix, and much more. I'm spent money trying to find the secret to drop the fat. But, there is no secret. You don't need anything but will power (which is hard in itself) to reduce your calorie intake in a healthy way. No scams. Not special diet.
I'm not a psychologist or a weightloss coach. So, if someone needs to hire a trainer to hold them accountable, hire a counselor, or just get help in general with their relationship to food, that is totally understandable and an extreme wonderful step to success.
But, the "simple principle" is, in fact, simple. The emotional aspect isn't so simple. But, that can be overcome...without the feeling of food deprivation for those that are foodies....as I am.
I agree. It is SIMPLE, but not EASY!13 -
@quiksylver296 OMGosh...absolutely not easy. The struggle is real! lol
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I agree totally, If I'm honest I always thought it was bull myself until I started tracking everything. It's simple really and it works.
It all boils down to food volume, getting the most food for your allowance. Obviously eatting a McDonalds is gonna make a big dent in that allowance but still doesn't mean you can't eat it, you just allow for it, simple.5 -
It is a simple process to lose weight. It isn't easy because people make it that way.
No willpower. A lack of mental discipline. Too many diets tossed at them. Weight Loss is a hug $$$$$$$ Industry.
People are bombarded with the latest and greatest studies..oh..this is scientific..well..then that's the ticket.
Oh..just go low fat..no go low carb..try these shakes..Hey look..a shiny quarter over there.
It isn't easy and there is hard work involved..and it requires a mental toughness. Couple that with educating yourself, about your body and weight loss.
People seem more willing to try some diet that somebody says is scientific..or spend money for some plan..than count calories.
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When you're doing CICO, it kind of forces you to make better decisions. Like yeah... I could eat that bacon egg and cheese bagel for breakfast but then I have like 400 calories for the rest of the day!10
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@Kgeyser Unless someone has a health reason, CICO is a simple general rule. However, I absolutely see what you are saying. Though, something to think about, and the reason for my post, is to explain a simple principle.
Losing weight has become exhausting. People have turned to trying diets and buying every new “weightloss pill” and every new “ab cruncher” because they are trying to figure out how to lose the weight.
Yes, moderation is extremely important. But, you CAN eat whatever you want, COUNT your calories, and lose weight. Again, as long as there are no underlying health reasons, CICO works for everyone. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods either. If it fits in your calories for the day, eat it.
But, it is without a doubt true, that healthy food choices will keep you fuller longer, give you energy, and everything else I mentioned before.
The problem with the "simple principle" is that it becomes oversimplified. Yes, a calorie deficit is needed to lose weight. But beyond that, there is no one size fits all approach to weight loss. For some people, it does end up being a little more complicated than "eat whatever and lose weight," and not just for medical reasons.
While it is nice to break down the concept of a calorie deficit, I find most of the struggles people have are with behavioral/ physiological issues related to weight loss, not the inability to understand a calorie deficit. People learn in different ways and often have individual ways of doing things to achieve the same goal, and weight loss isn't any different.
Again, not knocking your success, I'm glad you've found a way that works, but I think it's important to clarify that it isn't necessarily going to be that easy for everyone else, and I don't want people to feel discouraged if the "eat whatever and lose weight" approach isn't the approach for them.
For some people, moderation is something they would have to learn while for others it comes naturally with being confronted by what they're eating. Some of those some people don't want to do that, fine, let them, there's other approaches that work. But really, if everyone was deterred by "but it isn't easy", we would still be in the stone age.9 -
stevencloser wrote: »@Kgeyser Unless someone has a health reason, CICO is a simple general rule. However, I absolutely see what you are saying. Though, something to think about, and the reason for my post, is to explain a simple principle.
Losing weight has become exhausting. People have turned to trying diets and buying every new “weightloss pill” and every new “ab cruncher” because they are trying to figure out how to lose the weight.
Yes, moderation is extremely important. But, you CAN eat whatever you want, COUNT your calories, and lose weight. Again, as long as there are no underlying health reasons, CICO works for everyone. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods either. If it fits in your calories for the day, eat it.
But, it is without a doubt true, that healthy food choices will keep you fuller longer, give you energy, and everything else I mentioned before.
The problem with the "simple principle" is that it becomes oversimplified. Yes, a calorie deficit is needed to lose weight. But beyond that, there is no one size fits all approach to weight loss. For some people, it does end up being a little more complicated than "eat whatever and lose weight," and not just for medical reasons.
While it is nice to break down the concept of a calorie deficit, I find most of the struggles people have are with behavioral/ physiological issues related to weight loss, not the inability to understand a calorie deficit. People learn in different ways and often have individual ways of doing things to achieve the same goal, and weight loss isn't any different.
Again, not knocking your success, I'm glad you've found a way that works, but I think it's important to clarify that it isn't necessarily going to be that easy for everyone else, and I don't want people to feel discouraged if the "eat whatever and lose weight" approach isn't the approach for them.
For some people, moderation is something they would have to learn while for others it comes naturally with being confronted by what they're eating. Some of those some people don't want to do that, fine, let them, there's other approaches that work. But really, if everyone was deterred by "but it isn't easy", we would still be in the stone age.
We had a thread about this a while back and the conclusion was that 'moderation' really varies from one person to another too... For some it's a little bit of something regularly, for others it's the whole slice/box once in a while.
The bottom line is to find the right balance for a diet that will keep us satisfied physically and emotionally... and in the end it's really different for everyone. Some people just cut out some foods and don't feel deprived at all, but for others it just leads to binging down the road... So it's a lot of trial and error for people to find what works for them, but I think that OP's message is that you don't have to eat rabbit food or bland food to lose weight (and maintain the weight loss).8 -
But what about fat burners and detox cleanses?
Don't work.
What I needed to give up was large portions. That is where my problem was. When I started learned what a proper portion should be I was shocked.I have so many people ask me what I gave up to lose weight.
I still eat chips but now I eat 1 portion -- 12 chips -- not half the bag. I still eat ice cream but 1/2 cup not a giant bowl full.
When I finally stopped drinking Pepsi that helped a lot too. Now if I could only truly embrace the idea that 1 portion of wine is not the bottle.
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flimflam87 wrote: »When you're doing CICO, it kind of forces you to make better decisions. Like yeah... I could eat that bacon egg and cheese bagel for breakfast but then I have like 400 calories for the rest of the day!
Yes this is it exactly. I have a sweet tooth, In the evening I used to eat bars of Chocolate, maybe 150 cals plus and I'd maybe have 2 of them. Now I have a Rich Tea biscuit, around 35 cals each, quite a saving.
All in all it kind of reminds me of being on unemployment benefit, you only have a small amount of money and you try to make it stretch as far as you can.4 -
Very true. & I tell people that almost every day. They ask me how I lose this weight, and I tell them that I just count calories. That is all. I work at a restaurant, and for lunch yesterday, I had a grilled chicken breast with green beans and mashed potatoes. Someone tells me that our mashed potatoes are not healthy with all that butter in them. Well no duh! I told them that I'm all about the calories, and they just gave me a dumb look.
Please tell the 40 lb that I have lost that CICO doesn't work!
I totally agree with the post since January 1st 2016 I've lost 80 pounds during that time I've had Wendy's hamburgers McDonald's love their French fries Pizza beer on the beach spare ribs mashed potatoes I've eaten out. I could go on and on but everybody understands where I'm coming from.
It is a simple matter of eating less calories than your body Burns to lose the weight yes you can lose weight eating Snickers bars and drinking vodka but what it would do to your body would mess you up but it is simple calorie in calorie out
The sad part is when people ask me how I did it and I explained to the process to them they look at me confused. Due to social media commercials blah blah blah blah blah blah we've all been conditioned to think you got to do something really weird and different to lose weight. You really don't it's a simple matter of CICo4 -
So how much body fat did you lose and how long have you kept it off?0
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Yeah, that's why I had to give up wine.
Once the bottle was open, it was gone.
No portion control possible with wine. But, ice cream, I have daily and do OK.2 -
Eating what you want I THINK is KEY to keeping it off too. I think if you "TRY" vegan, vegetarian, LCHF, LCHP etc and it's not the way you normally eat it MAYBE harder for you to stay on it for the rest of your life. Note I do understand people like Vegans totally change up their diet and give up animal products for ethical reasons.
maintenance has been my problem mostly because I didn't understand TDEE until this go round of losing...0 -
Yes! I relogged into My Fitness Pal in April because I was desperate to do something fully expecting another failure. In the past I had always tried things like LCHF and all clean eating which led me straight to binge town after about a week and I'd give up again.
Anyways, the first thing I did was check out the forums and I read a comment that changed my life. Someone said "Why can't you have a chocolate bar if it fits in your calories? You can!"
Down nearly 70 pounds now. I will agree that you naturally start making healthier choices because something has to be worth the calories and keep you full!13 -
oliverneedsyou wrote: »Yes! I relogged into My Fitness Pal in April because I was desperate to do something fully expecting another failure. In the past I had always tried things like LCHF and all clean eating which led me straight to binge town after about a week and I'd give up again.
Anyways, the first thing I did was check out the forums and I read a comment that changed my life. Someone said "Why can't you have a chocolate bar if it fits in your calories? You can!"
Down nearly 70 pounds now. I will agree that you naturally start making healthier choices because something has to be worth the calories and keep you full!
I'd like to like this post more if I could!
At some point one has to drop ones defensiveness, preconceived ideas and listen to the really knowledgable folks even if they say it harshly. Because clearly what one was doing in the past wasn't successful. I've learned so much about diet, weight loss etc in the last 40 months than I have in my 50 years.
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