Travel Health and Fitness - No such thing as a "Diet"

Here is a topic for discussion...let me preface this thread and my opinions by saying I am a former "fat guy" that lost 90lbs in my teens. I am now 34 and consider myself fairly educated in nutrition.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a "diet".


Atkins, South Beach, etc are just temporary ways to drop a few pounds (usually mostly water). Most people quickly abandon the so called diet once they reach their goal weight, then return to their normal eating habits, only to gain back the weight, and usually then some.

The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to change your "lifestyle", not your "diet".

Healthy living is a way of life and a commitment. You have to decide whats more important...looking and feeling great...or that piece of cheesecake that lasted 5 min in your mouth, but a lifetime on your waistline.

I work in an office where the people will find any excuse to eat crap.
A birthday never goes without cake for the whole office and I have seen them celebrate things like "Sarah bought a house, lets have an ice cream party!!":rolleyes:
They also create reasons to eat..."Cookie Day" is one example where they made an excuse to eat!

I hear these same people in the lunch room talking about the diet they are going on...while they are eating french fries.

The only "diet" I somewhat support is weight watchers, because they are at least educating people on portion control, which is the key to healthy eating.
In the US, we have been brainwashed to think that we need to leave the table stuffed. Think about how we rate a restaurant..."Oh that place was AWESOME, the servings were HUGE!!" or "that place sucked, they give the tiniest portions!!"

What I dont like about weight watchers is the belief in the point system and that its ok to still eat crap on a daily basis if it fits in their "points". I have news for you...its never a healthy choice to eat a calzone of cheesecake.

Is it ok to indulge once in a while, of course, but sweets and fatty foods should never be part of your routine.

Discuss;)

Spot on.

What changes your life are life-changes.

Diets are temporary; life changes are permanent.

I keep pretty careful track of my weight. But I keep far more careful track of my food intake and my exercise.

Sometimes my weight goes up when I'm being healthy. I don't sweat it because I know I'm doing well by my body.

Actually, at my current weight I get a little nervous when I drop weight unexpectedly...I do a mental check to see if I lost those pounds healthily or unhealthily.

Point being that weight (the whole point of a 'diet') is only one of many indicators of health and fitness.

I also agree with you about WW. While most of their point system makes sense to me, some seem to encourage bad habits.

Is it ok to indulge once in a while, of course, but sweets and fatty foods should never be part of your routine.


With some exceptions... I dare anyone to eat tons and tons of nuts which are very high in fat and see if they put on weight.

Walnuts have about 20g of fat in a 1/4 cup serving; almonds are about 18g.

Most office days I clear 80g of fat consumption by lunchtime, with a serving of walnuts (mixed in oatmeal) at breakfast and about 60g worth of peanut butter at lunch. And I don't gain weight.

With some exceptions... I dare anyone to eat tons and tons of nuts which are very high in fat and see if they put on weight.

Walnuts have about 20g of fat in a 1/4 cup serving; almonds are about 18g.

Most office days I clear 80g of fat consumption by lunchtime, with a serving of walnuts (mixed in oatmeal) at breakfast and about 60g worth of peanut butter at lunch. And I don't gain weight.


But whats your daily caloric intake over all? 80grams of fat is 720 calories, which is less than 1/3 of the normal intake for someone your height/activity level.

There are good fats and bad fats.
You cant compare the fats you find in nuts to that of a slice of pizza.

There are good fats and bad fats.
You cant compare the fats you find in nuts to that of a slice of pizza.

Exactly, just like there are good carbs and bad carbs. Any diet that tells me not to eat fruits and vegetables is a diet I'm going to avoid.

I have learned over the years that moderation is key. When I was 22, I could (and did) eat an entire pizza pie by myself in one sitting. Today, 2 or 3 slices is my max. I've found it can be almost good to eat a slice of cake once a week. Otherwise when I go without for so long, I just get to the point where I'll inhale the whole cake.

With any snack, I've found the best way to eat is to put some on a napkin or paper towel, put the bag away. When I take a bag of potato chips with me to the couch, chances are I'll eat 1/2 or more of it. But when I take just a few, it is usually too much of a pain to get back up and get more.

But whats your daily caloric intake over all? 80grams of fat is 720 calories, which is less than 1/3 of the normal intake for someone your height/activity level.

I haven't really added it all up since I generally only worry about carbs, protein and fat, but I am pretty sure it is in the range of 2700-3500.

What I dont like about weight watchers is the belief in the point system and that its ok to still eat crap on a daily basis if it fits in their "points". I have news for you...its never a healthy choice to eat a calzone of cheesecake.


WW is great IF you use the program for true lifestyle modification. I'm to the point with it that I can go a couple of days without recording my points and then go back and write them down and I'm still within what I should have eaten - but that is because I have finally changed my lifestyle.

The science between WW is great. What's not great is the culture of gaming the system that is prevalent at WW meetings (which I hate) and on the WW message boards (which I avoid). They seem to be all about people figuring out how to do what they have always done and do it within the bounds of the program.

So it's a culture of "I can still eat the onion blossom but I can only eat 1/3rd of it and have to use ALL my extra points for the week" which is completely missing the point. And they promote the overuse of processed food... making "tricks" on normal dishes - like the "faux tiramisu" I remember hearing about at a WW meeting - a couple crumbled lo-cal cookies with fat-free vanilla pudding, a couple chocolate covered coffee beans chopped up, and some cinnamon sprinkled on top. Gross. I'd rather figure out what to do to get over the tiramisu craving - or have someone tell me I could occasionally have 2 or 3 bites of the REAL thing as long as I got in my exercise every week.

Fooling your mind/body doesn't work and it doesn't change habits. Only changing your lifestyle works.

I guess this is more Omini but we have misconceptions about "diet." When you say diet one usually thinks about starving him/herself and/or eating celery and carrott sticks all day.

It is really about nutrition and portion control. Most of the time people are not only eating the wrong things but they are eating them in greater portions.

Also, the human body has not changed over centuries and is made for activity not sitting at a computer all day. You cannot have proper weight over the long term without physical activity. And even people get that wrong (think of the fat men at the gym grunting and groaning out loud lifting a bunch of weight improperly.) Hint, if you are thinking of hiring a personal trainer either should not or really do your homework.

Finally, "diet" does not mean that we can never ever eat a piece of white bread or chocolate cheesecake for the rest of our lives. That is one major reason many of these "diets" eventually fail.

So it's a culture of "I can still eat the onion blossom but I can only eat 1/3rd of it and have to use ALL my extra points for the week"

- or have someone tell me I could occasionally have 2 or 3 bites of the REAL thing as long as I got in my exercise every week.


But how are those things different? You choose real tiramisu and more exercise over fake tiramisu, and that person is choosing a little bit of onion blossom and a week of being extra good calorie wise, over something else.

I think the mentality WW hopes people get from it is, yes, you can eat what you want, as long as you are moderate about it, and make up for it elsewhere...be it with exercise or in modifying your diet for the rest of the week.

I don't think fooling your mind/body works in the long run, but it can get you started down the right path. And overall, I think that whatever it takes to get you onto the path is better than not getting on the path at all because you're not ready to give up ever having onion blossom or tiramisu (or bacon, or whatever) again.

But how are those things different? You choose real tiramisu and more exercise over fake tiramisu, and that person is choosing a little bit of onion blossom and a week of being extra good calorie wise, over something else.

I think there is nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence. But I've seen a lot of folks fail because they skip the fundamentals and JUST count points while still eating cr*p. I'm one who is guilty as charged... I had to ultimately figure out that just counting points was not enough... that I actually had to figure out how to deal with real food and real choices.

The only thing that has worked for me has been eliminating almost everything processed from my diet... and that definitely goes against the science of attending WW meetings (which was what my specific rant was about) where the leaders make commission for selling their bars and oatmeal packets and cookies and such.

But yes, I agree with you that anything that gets one into the mentality is great. I *am* a WW fan, by the way.

Eh, diet, shmiet....Calories in need to be less than calories out. Doesn't matter which version is used to get there.

As others have said, it's everything in moderation that works the best. And honest to goodness - do whatever works for you the person individually. Not like we're getting group rates or anything ;)

Cheers.

Thank god someone finally figured out the secret to weight loss. Tomorrow is a new dawn for humanity. And it all stemmed from a thread on FT.



Sorry to sound harsh, but saying you need to adjust your lifestyle and eating habits to lose weight is as profound as saying the earth is round. Of course it's that easy, once you get to the point where you can make that change. The real hurdle is overcoming whatever issues put on that weight in the first place. Every overweight person knows that if they eat less, eat better, and exercise they'll lose the weight. But they don't. Why they don't is what needs to be explored.

Nothing makes my blood boil more than someone that used to be overweight extoll the virtues of a healthy diet and exercise. Oh really? Why didn't you do that in the first place? And did you all of a sudden forget the struggles you had for years with your weight? No, now that you're thin it's all so easy. Sorry, I don't buy it.

... and that definitely goes against the science of attending WW meetings (which was what my specific rant was about) where the leaders make commission for selling their bars and oatmeal packets and cookies and such.

I had a similar experience at the gym. I bought some personal training sessions, and they tried to get me to buy their energy bars or some such thing.

I picked it up and read the label. The first ingredient was HFCS, and there were two other forms of sugar high in the ingredient list too. I asked the trainer exactly what made these healthier than a snickers bar. They stopped trying to sell me stuff after that.

I agree and disagree with this.

I agree that diets are usually fads and any temporary changes to what you intake isn't going to make a difference in the long-term.

On the other hand, diets are useful when it comes to understanding precisely what you're putting in your body. I think for a lot of people they don't really appreciate what and how much they eat until they go on a restricted diet and doesn't allow them to eat those things.

I certainly agree that lifestyle change is the key to sustained weightloss.

I disagree with the some of the opinions about WW. But, of course, I'm biased since I'm a WW participater.

WW isn't about getting cake everyday. In fact, if you do that even if it fits within your daily/weekly points you won't get maximize your weight loss.

I didn't get fat by eating fruits and veggies. I got fat by eating pizza, dessert, and watching TV. It is irrational to think that someone can permanently give up those things. And overweight people often don't understand that there is the eat less of it alternative and how to impliment that eat less bad bad stuff mentality.

People who go without so to speak often end up in a binge. What WW does is give food ignorant (and that's how we all start) members a way to determine when it is OK to indulge. It also gives them choices instead of forcing some sort of food morality on them.

WW certainly pushes following the good health guidelines and consuming power foods (the system equivalent of filling foods). These are what you consume first and then if you are still hungry (which you rarely are) you can try a less healthy treat. WW also gives you a way to budget for that treat you want.

WW has taught me how to better feed my body. It has also taught me that being thin and having the foods I enjoy aren't mutually exclusive.

People who go without so to speak often end up in a binge. What WW does is give food ignorant (and that's how we all start) members a way to determine when it is OK to indulge. It also gives them choices instead of forcing some sort of food morality on them.


I really like the WW approach because they do let you indulge in items you like, once in awhile. I would actually take this one step further and argue that there is value in binging. Not every day, of course, but maybe once a week. If you give yourself one day a week to be a pig, I think that makes the rest of the week easier to handle. It may also have a positive effect on your metabolism.

Thoughts?

I really like the WW approach because they do let you indulge in items you like, once in awhile. I would actually take this one step further and argue that there is value in binging. Not every day, of course, but maybe once a week. If you give yourself one day a week to be a pig, I think that makes the rest of the week easier to handle. It may also have a positive effect on your metabolism.

Thoughts?

I can't agree with the binge idea. At least not what I think of as a binge. For me a binge is when you consume many thousands of calories in one seating and you are eating beyond the point of full. I think of binge as binge drinking binge. Like Golden Corral threatens to ban you from their restaurants. That what I mean by binge.

If by binge you mean going out for dinner and having the whole Cheesecake Factory cheesecake slice for dessert when it would be better to split, then sure I agree whole heartedly. But I think that probably shouldn't be a weekly occurance.

Honestly, I think that you are better off giving yourself a cookie a day than you are eating a pound of cheesecake each week. And if a little sweet each day keeps you from bathing in caramel weekly, then the daily sweet would be the preferred indulgence.

I can't agree with the binge idea. At least not what I think of as a binge. For me a binge is when you consume many thousands of calories in one seating and you are eating beyond the point of full. I think of binge as binge drinking binge. Like Golden Corale threatens to ban you from their restaurants. That what I mean by binge.

If by binge you mean going out for dinner and having the whole Cheesecake Factory cheesecake slice for dessert when it would be better to split, then sure I agree whole heartedly. But I think that probably shouldn't be a weekly occurance.

Honestly, I think that you are better off giving yourself a cookie a day than you are eating a pound of cheesecake each week. And if a little sweet each day keeps you from bathing in caramel weekly, then the daily sweet would be the preferred indulgence.

LOL we're close then. To me binge is just as you said, getting a full desert, ordering the rack of ribs for dinner, having a couple extra drinks than you normally would, that kind of thing. What I don't know is whether it is better to do this once a week or allow yourself stuff on a daily basis. That's an interesting one. I suppose if you can really limit yourself to one cookie, then it could work. That's the tough part though obviously.

LOL we're close then. To me binge is just as you said, getting a full desert, ordering the rack of ribs for dinner, having a couple extra drinks than you normally would, that kind of thing. What I don't know is whether it is better to do this once a week or allow yourself stuff on a daily basis. That's an interesting one. I suppose if you can really limit yourself to one cookie, then it could work. That's the tough part though obviously.

I think that it really depends on what the "binge" is. There is no doubt in my mind that restaurants put far more butter and fatty substances into food than you would at home.

A slice of restaurant cheesecake (I'm thinking Cheesecake factory slices) can easily have 2500 Calories. I'm a 5'4" 130 lbs woman and that represents more than I should consume in a day. That is certainly not something that I should do each week regardless of how good I am on every other day. There is no doubt that doing that every week is bad to the n-th degree.

But let's say you bake a normal sized cheesecake using lowfat ingredients and the crust doesn't have lard/butter/the like and it is very thin. Then I don't see a problem with having that splurging on that once a week with a few glasses of wine and a low butter dinner.

I think what counts more than how frequently is how many Calories worth each week and how much you are exercising to balance the "sin."

I think that it really depends on what the "binge" is. There is no doubt in my mind that restaurants put far more butter and fatty substances into food than you would at home.


Yeah, it's long been my opinion that nearly anything cooked at home is better than eating out. I've seen food prepared in nice restaurants and let's just say that they're not shy with the butter and oil. :)

There is no doubt that doing that every week is bad to the n-th degree.

But let's say you bake a normal sized cheesecake using lowfat ingredients and the crust doesn't have lard/butter/the like and it is very thin.

I think what counts more than how frequently is how many Calories worth each week and how much you are exercising to balance the "sin."

Hey, if you've burned up enough calories each week to offset the 2,500 calorie cheesecake, then I don't see a problem w/ having it even on a weekly basis. Not up to me to tell someone what they can have/not have or how often, as long as they're ok w/ it and have done enough to offset it.

From what I've read in magazines & online, people who give themselves permission to 'binge' one day week invariably don't 'binge', but might have a bit more than they normally do. Something about the giving themselves permission part then alleviates the stress & doesn't make them obsess on it. Speaking only for myself, I'd find the one day/week easier than the single cookie a day thing.

On a dif note - having cheesecake w/ low-fat ingredients & no butter in the crust - what's the point? That's like having no salt & butter on your popcorn at the movie theatre :p :D

Cheers.

Hey, if you've burned up enough calories each week to offset the 2,500 calorie cheesecake, then I don't see a problem w/ having it even on a weekly basis. Not up to me to tell someone what they can have/not have or how often, as long as they're ok w/ it and have done enough to offset it.

From what I've read in magazines & online, people who give themselves permission to 'binge' one day week invariably don't 'binge', but might have a bit more than they normally do. Something about the giving themselves permission part then alleviates the stress & doesn't make them obsess on it. Speaking only for myself, I'd find the one day/week easier than the single cookie a day thing.

On a dif note - having cheesecake w/ low-fat ingredients & no butter in the crust - what's the point? That's like having no salt & butter on your popcorn at the movie theatre :p :D

Cheers.

The problem becomes the way in which people go off their "diet." Also, too many people think that as long as they exercise they can eat and drink as they please (that might work until you hit about 35.) Look at the number of people you see at the gym 4-6 per week and they still are massively overweight. Of course, they are likely also not working out properly.

Remember think about how much exercise it takes to work off 2,000 extra calories (about 2.5-3 hours on a stairmaster.) So eating desert once a week or even twice a week becomes very different than pigging out on cheesecake every night. Also, the no fat thing means nothing.

I doubt if anyone pigging out on cheesecake every single night thinks they're on a diet ;)

My point was that if someone wants a piece of cheesecake & is willing to do the work to offset the calories every week (or a cookie each night), good on 'em. The work may take longer as they get older, but if their calories out expenditure still exceeds calories in even w/ the cheesecake or cookie then they're doing ok.

To me there is no 'right' way to do something. What works for one doesn't work for another. If a 'free' day (which is what most diet trained folk call it vs a 'binge' day) works for some, and a little treat a day works for others, and by following a diet (short of a fad one) gets them thinking more healthy & adjusting their eating habits, then odds are it will work better long term. It's also why I don't buy into one 'diet' being better than another for those who follow them.

And then there are strange folk like me - I'm allergic to fish/seafood & I loathe most vegetables, so that limits most diets. Times I diet calorie counting works better for me. Just as saving most of the calories for the evening does because I'm an evening snacker, so I'd rather not have as many in the day and save 50% for dinner. A lot of folk like to make lunch their main meal. I've tried that. Doesn't work for me. I've also found that when I work out on a regular basis my body usually graviates towards healthier food options naturally. But I do what works for me, and if something else works for someone else, no harm, no fowl.

I tried a low-fat or no-fat spinach dip recipe one time when visiting my sister. One of the worst things I tasted in my entire life, and we tossed the entire batch! Some things are meant to be eaten in full-fat fashion - just in moderation. :)

Cheers.

I doubt if anyone pigging out on cheesecake every single night thinks they're on a diet ;)

My point was that if someone wants a piece of cheesecake & is willing to do the work to offset the calories every week (or a cookie each night), good on 'em. The work may take longer as they get older, but if their calories out expenditure still exceeds calories in even w/ the cheesecake or cookie then they're doing ok.

To me there is no 'right' way to do something. What works for one doesn't work for another. If a 'free' day (which is what most diet trained folk call it vs a 'binge' day) works for some, and a little treat a day works for others, and by following a diet (short of a fad one) gets them thinking more healthy & adjusting their eating habits, then odds are it will work better long term. It's also why I don't buy into one 'diet' being better than another for those who follow them.

And then there are strange folk like me - I'm allergic to fish/seafood & I loathe most vegetables, so that limits most diets. Times I diet calorie counting works better for me. Just as saving most of the calories for the evening does because I'm an evening snacker, so I'd rather not have as many in the day and save 50% for dinner. A lot of folk like to make lunch their main meal. I've tried that. Doesn't work for me. I've also found that when I work out on a regular basis my body usually graviates towards healthier food options naturally. But I do what works for me, and if something else works for someone else, no harm, no fowl.

I tried a low-fat or no-fat spinach dip recipe one time when visiting my sister. One of the worst things I tasted in my entire life, and we tossed the entire batch! Some things are meant to be eaten in full-fat fashion - just in moderation. :)

Cheers.

Maybe so. But there are a lot of risks associated with 2500 Calorie slice of cheesecake. There are plenty of thin people out there with high Cholesterol and that's not so each to run off.

It's not always that fat that makes something taste good. It's often the seasonings. If you're open to trying a different spinach dip recipe try the following:

Use Pam to saute a diced onion add 1 glove minced garlic at the end. Put a drained can of artichoke hearts and one small jar of roasted red peppers in a food processor and process. Set that mixture aside. Put 4 oz fat-free cream cheese, 4 oz fat free sour cream, and a squirt of light mayo in the processor and process. Mix this into the artichoke mixture. Add the onions, 1/2 cup fat-free mozzarella, and 1/4 cup reduced fat grated parm cheese to the artichoke mixture. Finally add one box of thawed drained spinach and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Spray a pie dish with Pam and place the dip mixture into the dish. Top with a tbsp or two of grated parm cheese and bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degree until warm and melted.

I've served that dish at several pot lucks and everyone loves it. One is the wiser. Most of the time I take home an empty dish.

Maybe so. But there are a lot of risks associated with 2500 Calorie slice of cheesecake. There are plenty of thin people out there with high Cholesterol and that's not so each to run off.

It's not always that fat that makes something taste good. It's often the seasonings. If you're open to trying a different spinach dip recipe try the following:

Use Pam to saute a diced onion add 1 glove minced garlic at the end. Put a drained can of artichoke hearts and one small jar of roasted red peppers in a food processor and process. Set that mixture aside. Put 4 oz fat-free cream cheese, 4 oz fat free sour cream, and a squirt of light mayo in the processor and process. Mix this into the artichoke mixture. Add the onions, 1/2 cup fat-free mozzarella, and 1/4 cup reduced fat grated parm cheese to the artichoke mixture. Finally add one box of thawed drained spinach and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Spray a pie dish with Pam and place the dip mixture into the dish. Top with a tbsp or two of grated parm cheese and bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degree until warm and melted.

I've served that dish at several pot lucks and everyone loves it. One is the wiser. Most of the time I take home an empty dish.

There might be plenty of thin people w/ high cholesterol (although presumably not the majority), but surprisingly enough there are heavy people w/ normal cholesterol & normal BP etc. Shrug.

My point is that if someone wants to have cheesecake or spinach dip or a cookie occasionally & their calorie out exceeds their calorie in & they're leading a healthy lifestyle overall, then good for them. An occasional piece or bite or drink isn't going to waylay either their overall eating habits or their health.

Automatically assuming they're going to fail because they do just sounds weird to me; it's like someone is projecting their own concern or dilemmas onto others.

And if one person likes WW & another likes Atkins, then whatever works for them individually is what works for them. There is no 100% method. Other than the imutable calorie out must be greater than calorie in, re: of how you get there.

I'm glad you and others have enjoyed your spinach dip, and your posting the recipe here will allow someone to try it. Someone more talented in the kitchen than me. As some FTers know, I rarely cook & use the oven to hold the placemats :D So my eating healthy options are pretty basic. Baked chicken, grilled steak, etc.

IMO you CAN tell the difference between the real stuff & fat free everything, and I haven't enjoyed the non-fat versions of things. But that's just me - and that's ok. Just like it's ok for others to try & find some fat-free versions of fattening things they really enjoy. I think people probably aren't able to tell low-fat from real as much as the non-fat because the difference isn't as extreme, but that's just a guess.

Diets do hold their place, especially when people are starting out & need to get familiar w/ healthy choices, as one FTer said. And as another said, the earth is round & people need to change habits, not just diet. Diets are not & never intended to be forever. But the idea that one can't occasionally have something fun or splurge for the rest of their life is a bit dreary.

In the words of Bette Davis: "There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne". :)

Cheers.

The binge day is an interesting topic. I have a friend who did the "body for life" diet. Its a pretty restrictive diet 6 days a week. 1 day per week they can eat whatever they'd like.

Initially the weight lost was amazing (to the tune of nearly a half pound a day average of a few months). He kept the weight off for a several years by sticking to the diet more or less. But as always, once totally off the diet the weight came back (not quite all of it yet). They seemed to enjoy the binge day and it was truly a binge.

The binge day is an interesting topic. I have a friend who did the "body for life" diet. Its a pretty restrictive diet 6 days a week. 1 day per week they can eat whatever they'd like.

Initially the weight lost was amazing (to the tune of nearly a half pound a day average of a few months). He kept the weight off for a several years by sticking to the diet more or less. But as always, once totally off the diet the weight came back (not quite all of it yet). They seemed to enjoy the binge day and it was truly a binge.

I don't think a restrictive diet for years is going to last a lifetime. ;) And if most of it has come back after several years, odds are he isn't doing the restrictive days anymore. I suppose the upside in his case was that he kept it off for years before falling off the wagon.

I know a # of people who eat quite well 6days/week who allow themselves a 'free day', but they don't regard it as a 'binge day' & the day might vary. They might have a bit more than they normally do, but they don't go overboard or if they do, they've planned for it accordingly.

I think if someone is touting something as a binge day, then odds are they will do exactly that.

But also, a diet isn't intended to be a forever thing. It's supposed to be short-term & help you to develop better habits overall.

Cheers.

Thank god someone finally figured out the secret to weight loss. Tomorrow is a new dawn for humanity. And it all stemmed from a thread on FT.



Sorry to sound harsh, but saying you need to adjust your lifestyle and eating habits to lose weight is as profound as saying the earth is round. Of course it's that easy, once you get to the point where you can make that change. The real hurdle is overcoming whatever issues put on that weight in the first place. Every overweight person knows that if they eat less, eat better, and exercise they'll lose the weight. But they don't. Why they don't is what needs to be explored.

Nothing makes my blood boil more than someone that used to be overweight extoll the virtues of a healthy diet and exercise. Oh really? Why didn't you do that in the first place? And did you all of a sudden forget the struggles you had for years with your weight? No, now that you're thin it's all so easy. Sorry, I don't buy it.

Completely agree. There's definitely a mental aspect to unhealthy eating, especially binge eating...of course there is a relate mental aspect to unhealthy weight loss.

Gotta get your head straight if you want to get your body not just fit but also healthy.

I don't think a restrictive diet for years is going to last a lifetime. ;)

+1

And if most of it has come back after several years, odds are he isn't doing the restrictive days anymore. I suppose the upside in his case was that he kept it off for years before falling off the wagon.

Yep...he slowly went off the diet and slowly put the weight back on. We was pretty lean for several years and still isn't up to where he was (but he continues to workout)


I think if someone is touting something as a binge day, then odds are they will do exactly that.

I saw them eat on the binge day....it was exactly that!

I'll take butter (ingredient list: milk, maybe salt) over a low calorie fake spread / spray / etc full of ingredients I can't even pronounce. I think a huge amount of chemicals are far worse for you than single or two ingredient foods long term.

I do a lot of work with health and wellness companies and found one idea in something I read that made more sense than any "diet" plan. It was an article on Clean Eating which apparently has been popular with weight lifters for a few years.

Don't eat anything with an ingredient you can't pronounce.
Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients on the list.
Don't eat processed foods.
Don't eat sugar

I've been trying to find more on this and just cutting out processed foods alone, I feel better and lost a few pounds. Letting go of sugar was a bit difficult, but I've managed to cut down to just a little Stevia in my coffee and now I find I don't miss the sweets as much.

This is actually easier to do on the road because I can eat at the hotel and order "real" food, just stay away from the bread and limit starches to natural ones (no boxed cereal). A steak with asparagus and hollandaise sauce is now a staple and I have been eating this regularly AND lost a few pounds. I shared this revelation with my personal trainer and they said it had been around for years.

Anyone heard/tried this? It sounds like common sense when I think about it.

I do a lot of work with health and wellness companies and found one idea in something I read that made more sense than any "diet" plan. It was an article on Clean Eating which apparently has been popular with weight lifters for a few years.

Don't eat anything with an ingredient you can't pronounce.
Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients on the list.
Don't eat processed foods.
Don't eat sugar

I've been trying to find more on this and just cutting out processed foods alone, I feel better and lost a few pounds. Letting go of sugar was a bit difficult, but I've managed to cut down to just a little Stevia in my coffee and now I find I don't miss the sweets as much.

This is actually easier to do on the road because I can eat at the hotel and order "real" food, just stay away from the bread and limit starches to natural ones (no boxed cereal). A steak with asparagus and hollandaise sauce is now a staple and I have been eating this regularly AND lost a few pounds. I shared this revelation with my personal trainer and they said it had been around for years.

Anyone heard/tried this? It sounds like common sense when I think about it.

That is a great approach I follow as well

Don't eat anything with an ingredient you can't pronounce.
Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients on the list.
Don't eat processed foods.
Don't eat sugar


Strikes me as almost impossible in this day and age. And very expensive as well.

For me, I have got to cut out the Red Wine....sigh....:-(

That is the biggest road block to healthy weight loss. And it gives the belly the not so flat look. ugh....:-)

I have to keep it to 2 glasses one or 2 days on the weekend.

So, while I eat well, it is the alcohol that screws everything up.

Patrick

So, while I eat well, it is the alcohol that screws everything up.


I agree. I've lost weight just cutting back alcohol to the weekends (with a slip-up here and there). It really is amazing how many calories and whatnot the drinking adds.

and it is funny how the alcohol retards fat burning! darn! he he

the body will burn the alcohol before it even gets to the FAT! :-)

so, I am only doing wine on the weekends, EFFECTIVE after today's St. Paddy's Day....:-)

^

Strikes me as almost impossible in this day and age. And very expensive as well.

Actually I spend less now on groceries because i've found I don't eat as much. I trip to COSTCO for a bunch of red bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, apples, chicken breast, eggs and a few steaks - maybe some good parmesan cheese and I'm good for a week for about $80.00 I don't drink anything but water, one coffee a day and a bottle of wine on the weekends if I have company.

Last week I learned how to make homemade mayo - wow it was so much better, I'm spoiled now and when I travel, I miss the good food I have from home. Although a nice steak tastes really good when someone else cooks and does the dishes.

Last week I learned how to make homemade mayo - wow it was so much better, I'm spoiled now and when I travel, I miss the good food I have from home. Although a nice steak tastes really good when someone else cooks and does the dishes.

I know what you mean about being spoiled. At home I have several farmers markets and I cook with almost zero processed foods - almost everything is purchased fresh from the market, often within 24-48 hours of me using it. On the road, I notice a difference in my state of being (how I look, how I feel) when I can't get foods that aren't processed, when every salad I order is iceberg lettuce and restaurant-ready veggies. (The kind that SYSCO stocks... for example, not the delicious flavorful tomatoes that come from heirloom producers but rather the flavorless variety that is genetically bred for appearance and shelf-life.) My skin looks sallow, my energy levels are lower, and I tend to overeat because my food is bland and lacks flavors not "created" by salt and chemicals.

I know what you mean about being spoiled. At home I have several farmers markets and I cook with almost zero processed foods - almost everything is purchased fresh from the market, often within 24-48 hours of me using it. On the road, I notice a difference in my state of being (how I look, how I feel) when I can't get foods that aren't processed, when every salad I order is iceberg lettuce and restaurant-ready veggies. (The kind that SYSCO stocks... for example, not the delicious flavorful tomatoes that come from heirloom producers but rather the flavorless variety that is genetically bred for appearance and shelf-life.) My skin looks sallow, my energy levels are lower, and I tend to overeat because my food is bland and lacks flavors not "created" by salt and chemicals.

Boy I wish you lived in Phoenix... we could be great friends!!!!!

I do a lot of work with health and wellness companies and found one idea in something I read that made more sense than any "diet" plan. It was an article on Clean Eating which apparently has been popular with weight lifters for a few years.

Don't eat anything with an ingredient you can't pronounce.
Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients on the list.
Don't eat processed foods.
Don't eat sugar

I've been trying to find more on this and just cutting out processed foods alone, I feel better and lost a few pounds. Letting go of sugar was a bit difficult, but I've managed to cut down to just a little Stevia in my coffee and now I find I don't miss the sweets as much.

This is actually easier to do on the road because I can eat at the hotel and order "real" food, just stay away from the bread and limit starches to natural ones (no boxed cereal). A steak with asparagus and hollandaise sauce is now a staple and I have been eating this regularly AND lost a few pounds. I shared this revelation with my personal trainer and they said it had been around for years.

Anyone heard/tried this? It sounds like common sense when I think about it.

I think that list comes from the Michael Pollan book "In Defense of Food." A highly recommended read.

I think that list comes from the Michael Pollan book "In Defense of Food." A highly recommended read.

Thanks.. I will definitely look for that book - I love the concept so far and feel much better than I have in years. I even hired a personal trainer twice a week to kick my butt - hopefully he will work with me on homework for times I'm on the road.

I do a lot of work with health and wellness companies and found one idea in something I read that made more sense than any "diet" plan. It was an article on Clean Eating which apparently has been popular with weight lifters for a few years.

Don't eat anything with an ingredient you can't pronounce.
Don't eat anything with more than five ingredients on the list.
Don't eat processed foods.
Don't eat sugar

I've been trying to find more on this and just cutting out processed foods alone, I feel better and lost a few pounds. Letting go of sugar was a bit difficult, but I've managed to cut down to just a little Stevia in my coffee and now I find I don't miss the sweets as much.

This is actually easier to do on the road because I can eat at the hotel and order "real" food, just stay away from the bread and limit starches to natural ones (no boxed cereal). A steak with asparagus and hollandaise sauce is now a staple and I have been eating this regularly AND lost a few pounds. I shared this revelation with my personal trainer and they said it had been around for years.

Anyone heard/tried this? It sounds like common sense when I think about it.

You ever considered swapping out Stevia for natural cane sugar? I eat very little sugar, but what I do eat is either Sugar in the Raw (in coffee and oatmeal) or naturally occurring (in milk, greek yogurt, etc).

And while such a "clean" diet is certainly healthy, there are plenty of professional athletes and olympic gold medalists who do not eat exclusively like this. Eating "perfectly" is not the only ticket to health.

You ever considered swapping out Stevia for natural cane sugar? I eat very little sugar, but what I do eat is either Sugar in the Raw (in coffee and oatmeal) or naturally occurring (in milk, greek yogurt, etc).

And while such a "clean" diet is certainly healthy, there are plenty of professional athletes and olympic gold medalists who do not eat exclusively like this. Eating "perfectly" is not the only ticket to health.

I've tried Stevia in several versions, but didn't like the after taste. I rarely eat anything with added sugar or sugar substitute anyway. I have tried agave sweetener and that wasn't bad, but found if I just stay away from sweets, I don't crave them as much. I've considered making homemade granola with honey, but am really interested in reading Pollan's book first to see if he has any thoughts on sweeteners.