Confused. Paralysis by analysis. Paleo, calorie counting, Slimming World. Can't stick to one method

I've been at this a long time now and I enjoy experimenting with different woes, but I go into each new plan still mindful of my calorie intake/stay within my weight management calorie targets. Nothing wrong with trying new things (especially if a woe introduces you to new foods you haven't tried yet!), but make sure you always have the basics covered-CICO

NovusDies wrote: »

amelialoveshersnacks wrote: »

Maybe don't stick to 'a' plan but take parts from plans that you like and find your own eating style. I mostly do meatless (for health reasons) but I don't call it vegetarian or vegan or whole food plant based etc. I'm just trying to eat more veges. If I want steak I will have steak, If I want fish I will have fish. I went a bit loopy trying to pick a plan and stick with it.... Find what works for you and it will be easier to sustain.

I agree with this completely. My style is a little different. I work in the occasional 'theme' week like going vegetarian. I like the challenge of eating a different way for a short amount of time. For me it is not necessary at all but I like doing it. I am not saying doing themes is right or wrong for the next person, it doesn't have to be.

That is one of the major things to figure out. It is not just about getting from one weight to another it is about doing things you LIKE along the way.

Love the idea of theme weeks!

Ignore the diets, ‘diets’ come to an end, your working towards a lifestyle change.

You understand the mechanics of weight loss and it’s already been proven that it is as simple as calories in vs out. So just eat what you want in a way that keeps you to your goal, so log everything, and yes that really does mean everything.
We all have bad days and that’s what the community is for, to help you out and support you on your journey.

You can do it.

Don't let perfectionism do you in.

On MFP it's based on calorie budgeting - it doesn't matter really in large part HOW you do it as long as you are eating sensibly. You can do it folded in with another type of diet (paleo, keto, vegan), but you don't have to. For some people diets with guidelines are really helpful, but for others it is not. If you're flitting from one diet philosophy to another, maybe it's because you don't really need a set of guidelines like that. All you need is to make sure your overall calories are under the limit.

It's entirely OK to go over once in a while on MFP, too - messing up one day doesn't mean you stop or give up. In fact, it is liberating to realize...holy cow it's OK! I don't have to be perfect to get to my goal!

Log EVERYTHING.
Don't JUST weigh (with a scale is best) everything you eat, also write why you are eating it (i.e, lunchtime, hungry, kind of bored, out with friends, watching tv) and how you are feeling right before, right after and an hour after (hungry, comfortable, normal, full, very full bloated, drowsy, OMG I am so damn sick of this crap I want to throw the whole plate out a window, etc).
This gives you a baseline pattern for your normal habits and routine. From there, it's just a matter of experimenting. Are you very full after dinner? Cut back on a few things. Does lunch leave you bloated and gassy after an hour, try less or no mayo, and see if there's something you don't mind dropping each meal (fries, or cheese, or maybe only 2 tacos instead of 3).Are you starving an hour after dinner?Maybe more fats during.
It's amazing how quickly these small and easily sustainable changes will add up to big calorie cuts. Only cut one or two things at a time, until they become habit instead if trying to do everything at once. That way they become individual habits instead of one big "diet".
Break things down into individual behaviors and habits. Instead of looking at this as an all at once, or all or nothing proposition, find ways to break things down into smaller and more sustainable habits. That makes it much easier to pinpoint where something is not working, and fix it, rather than staring at the whole jumbled mess of NOT WORKING. Plus, when you do backslide, you are less likely to drop everything, just one or two habits, that can then be fixed again. Otherwise, trying to everything at once, means that you are likely to leave out something important (like weighing food), and pay excessive attention to things that aren't. (Like fiber drinks and vinegar)
Don't demonize foods that don't actually make you feel bad. Obviously if you have food sensitivities avoid those things, but don't cut out all your favorite goodies because they are not "healthy". Think of your calories as a type of currency. You should purchase the nutrient rich stuff first, budget for regular treats, and don't waste any calories on stuff you hate, even if it is theoretically good for you.

I’m one of those people who likes to follow a plan but self sabotage myself when I deviate from it. Over the years I’ve learnt what kinds of food make me feel good and about those which don’t and I tend to try and stick to the stuff which makes me feel good. I’ve picked up various recipes from the various diets I’ve been on and generally what they all have in common is that they are fairly low in calories. I don’t mind mixing it up now.