Obesity Discussion Forums

[elderboots]

I am wondering what is one of the better diet plans to do? I know that exercise is a large part of any diet plan, but I need something I can go by. I have tried to do it myself, but without a plan it is hard for me to stick to anything. I have searched all of the popular plans, and I am more confused than I have ever been. Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers,etc. There are just too many. I am wondering what plan you guys have had the best success with. Here is what I am facing. I have been overweight all of my life, but about 4yrs ago I changed my life. I made up my mind that I would lose weight, and I did. I went from 330, to 142 in a little more than 2yrs. I was in the best health of my life, but I have to admit I didn't lose the weight in a healthy manner. One night at work I suffered a severe injury, that blew 5 disk out of my back. I have since then had numerous steroid injections, and 3 disk removed from my back. I have 2 more surgeries in the future. I also have to take allot of steroids by mouth. Just recently the Dr. has taken me off of the steroids. He tells me now that if I can lose some of the weight I will be able to prolong my surgery. The more I lose the better for my back! I currently weigh 340, and I am only 5ft5in tall. I am 31 years old. Can you guys please help me! It is not only my looks at stake, but now my health is on the line. Not only my back, but my heart is not well either. I have high blood pressure, and an enlarged heart. Any help would be appreciated. Also if you can't extend any help, please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

[Peter1948]

You are asking people who don't know you about what they consider to be a better diet plan to do. It is possible that giving you another plan will only add more confusion.
I recommend that you create your own plan based on your own individual requirements and preferences rather than attempting to use a diet designed for somebody else. That way you will have a plan that you will be more likely to follow consistently.
Possibly get the assistance of a nutritionist or somebody who can assist you.
I recommend fresh natural foods. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Beware of those foods that have pictures of skinny people on the packet and in the advertisements. Natural foods are usually much healthier and better for weight loss.
You may possibly be interested in the book "Body by God: The Owners Manual for Maximized Living" by Ben Lerner.

[satirecola]

One of the simplest, and for me, the most easy diet is "Intermittent Fasting". You eat as much as you want every other day, and on the other days you eat 0-400 calories. I have been doing this for around 5 weeks and have already lost 20 pounds. You will easily lose 2-7 pounds a week, depending on your calorie intake. I am 5ft 11in and 210 pounds now, and I eat 2500-3500 calories every other day. I started the diet at 234, and with little exercise have lost 20-24 pounds! I know, it sounds extreme and unhealthy, but it's really not. Hope this helps.

P.S.
Try the diet for 3 weeks, at least.

[Steve]

As noted two posts above, develop your own plan that works for you. Prepackaged plans, in general, are very rigid and inflexible. They leave people feeling like there is only one way of going about things. Worst of all, they usually lead to frustration and inconsistency.

You're much better of learning the basics and applying them as you see fit.

[Sassycat]

There is only 1 diet plan that works...the one you can incorporate as a new way of life, not something to take the pounds off temporarly. As soon as you start eating the old way, the weight will come back. Just think about the basics, lots of fruit and veggies, small amount of red meats but lots of protein to build muscles and very limited refined sugars. Add to that exercise. Cardio exercises to burn fat and weights to build muscle and tone. There is a reason that no matter how many fad diets there are out there, this keeps coming back. It works.

FYI, I am a certified personal trainer that has the same struggles...I went from a size 12 to a 6, then left the exercise world for a desk job...now up to a 14 and starting all over with diet changes and exercises. Also will be working with a friend who will be joining this group next week. Good luck to us all! (Though it isn't luck, it is the amount of work you put into it.)

[Steve]

Who are you a certified trainer through?

[Sassycat]

Originally Posted by Steve

Who are you a certified trainer through?

I am ACE certified.

[chubbymommaNdallas]

I like the idea of sticking to the basics. I don't think there is anything magic. Certainly if I had found it, I wouldn't have a reason to come here.

I would say, lots of fruits and veggies, drink your water, get your fiber and lots of it, stay away from sodium. Then, get active in any way you can--anything is a start. I read recently that 80% of weight loss happens in the kitchen. I agree with that from my experience. Walking briskly for 30 minutes burns 200 calories and we all know how quick we can put away 200 calories.

As of a few weeks ago, I began to keep a food journal. I swear it helps.

Good luck to you. I like coming here and find it supportive.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Sassycat

I am ACE certified.

I see. Thanks.

[classylady]

Originally Posted by chubbymommaNdallas

...As of a few weeks ago, I began to keep a food journal. I swear it helps.

This does help a lot for me because if I'm true to myself and list exactly what I ate (including how much of that food item I had) on a daily basis, I can look back and see which foods work for me and which do not. I take into account the amount of weight loss I had on a particular week vs. how much exercise I had.

Where one should start a journal is up to you. You can start one through using something as easy as a notebook or if you want it on the computer and/or online, you can use one of the templates they have on MS Word or even a simple text file. Personally I go to WW weekly again as it helped me in the past when I first started to diet. Their website has a member area where you can keep track of what you eat daily + how much exercise I do. This way it's convenient for me to add or subtract foods/drinks from my diet accordingly.

[Sassycat]

[quote=chubbymommaNdallas;24395].

As of a few weeks ago, I began to keep a food journal. I swear it helps.


Food journals are really the only way to stay on track. The absolute best I found is an online diet log and activity log at:

fitday.com

and it's free!!!

[chubbymommaNdallas]

I'm old school and just do a spiral and pen. I will have to go virtual one of these days.

[SunShine]

I sort of made my own diet plan up. I eat healthy and watch my carbs to and try to keep them down as much as possible and watch my portion sizes, keeping my calories around 1200-1400 aday.
And I swim most everyday for my exercise in our pool.
Its working for me.

I think you have to find what works best for you to. You may have to try different things to before you find the right diet for you but be patient and in the meantime watch your portion sizes, keep them small and do not go for seconds either.

Eat slowly to. Before you know it you will be full and may even have food left on your plate if you do eat slow. Stop eating when you first to begin to feel full, never force yourself to finish whats on your plate if you are already feeling full.