CommunityBrowse groupsBlogEtiquetteInvite Your friendsSuccess Stories

Lounge
Community 


What works?

Hi you all! I'm new to the website as of this morning. I was wondering . . . maybe do a survey . . . what have you found works best for you as far as eating goes. Maybe say a little about your self and wether it be points, adtkins, counting calories, south beach, or whatever . . . let us know!

Tue. Dec 19, 3:51pm

Add comment  
are you kidding? search through the previously posted threads for this exact info.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 4:18 PM

Add comment
Sheesh. Couldn't we be a little more hospitable to a new member? Personally, I count calories and work out 3-5 times per week.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 4:34 PM

Add comment
THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING AND BEING NICE ABOUT IT.

TO YOU, THE FIRST POST. NO, I'M NOT KIDDING. I'VE LOOKED THROUGH PREVIOUS POSTS. I DIDN'T SEEN ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS ON THE FIRST 2 PAGES. SHOULD HAVE LOOKED MORE. IF YOU WERE PUT OFF BY MY POST THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE THE TIME TO RESPOND? AND THANK YOU FOR ADDING TO A WEEK WHERE I ALREADY FEEL DUMB AT WORK. I APPRECIATE IT! SO NICE TO KNOW I HAVE THIS WEBSITE FOR SUPPORT.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 4:41 PM

Add comment
I follow the Weight Watchers plan, counting points. It's very easy and teaches moderation in eating, not restricting yourself from any foods. I also run, do yoga and pilates.
Hope this helps and that your week gets better!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 4:44 PM

Add comment
I second the motion for counting calories. It has worked really well for me and helped me to reach my goal weight. I tried a bunch of different weight loss programs in the past, but what I learned through it all is the bottom line to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you consume...and it is most accurate to track them by counting them directly. I set my calorie range (for me it was 1500-1700 calories per day) then ate 5 to 6 meals each day and stopped eating when I hit the calorie limit.

I also worked out 4 to 5 times a week and tried to burn as many extra calories as I could by walking. I tried to get in at least a 30 minute walk each day (above and beyond my workouts) plus any additional walking that I could (park farther from the door, take stairs instead of escalators/elevators, etc.)

With this plan I lost a couple of pounds the first week then 1/2 a pound a week until I reached my goal weight. Seems slow...but I eventually got there and have successfully kept the weight off for 4 months!

Good luck in your weight loss journey!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 5:00 PM

Add comment
More than counting calories...

Weight Watchers online worked for me better than counting calories alone, probably because they consider not only calories but also fiber and fat content of food. A candy bar and a plate of whole wheat pasta may have the same calories, but a candy bar is pure sugar and fat, while the pasta has a lot of fiber and no fat, which is better for you.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 5:19 PM

Add comment
I'm another calorie counter! It's been the only way I've ever lost weight. PT has also helped a lot in the support department. I've been losing 1/2-3 lbs. per week for the last 2 months. I also do cardio and strength training 3-5x per week.
Good luck!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 5:34 PM

Add comment
I counted calories for the first 4 months of my weight loss journey and lost about 10 pounds. After being on a plateau for about 6 weeks I joined Weight Watchers and successfully reached my goal weight. You don't have to "count points" or count calories for the rest of your life after you have attained you goals! Just develop a healthy eating routine, don't vary from it too much and you will be fine. I don't do either anymore and have kept my weight off successfully. As far as it being a "crutch" I think every person is different and many benefit from the pressure of weighing in. Also the fact that your money is on the line helps some people. And it is less than $10 per month which is reasonable in my opinion.
Just my 2 cents!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 5:36 PM

Add comment
An electronic recording scale. Costs about 30-40 bucks at target. I weigh myself twice a day, every day. I record my weight almost every day on my peertrainer log and in my day planner.

I can see that today, I'm .2 pounds lighter or heavier. helps me keep track of trends and stop negative trends before they get too far out of control.

With a regular scale, you can fudge your reading by standing in the right scale, but an electronic scale is a lot harder to fool.

Give yourself an accurate baseline and you'll be able to figure out what worked, what didn't. Without an accurate scale and constant measurement, it seems like it'd be impossible to lose/maintain weight.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 5:54 PM

Add comment
Welcome!

Hello OP, and welcome to this site. It can be very helpful, if you can get used to ignoring the people who aren't very nice.

I agree with everyone who says couting calories is very helpful. I lost about 30 pounds in the last year by counting calories on the website www.fitday.com. (I know there are other free sites out there as well, but fitday is what I used) Since I've reached my goal weight I've stopped tracking every calorie and just try to pay attention to my hunger.

Good luck to you!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 6:04 PM

Add comment
what works for me.....

I modify whatever my favs are by simply using low fat or fat free items in place of higher fat items. I avoid salt and sugar like the plague and eat a ton of fresh veggies and limited fruit. I eat 5 small meals a day and I eat 1 or 2 snacks a day. I don't drink any carbonated beverages not even diet because the carbonation makes me bloat really bad, plus I hate them. I lost 20 lbs a few years ago simply by giving up pop. I gag down enough water to quench the thirst of a small army and drink green tea when I am sick of water. Hope this helps you some. Best of luck to you and I hope your week goes better!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 6:58 PM

Add comment
I'm not a calorie counter (too lazy, I admit!), and I'm generally a healthy eater (occasionally I go crazy and eat chips and Mike & Ikes!). Sooo, what works best for me is just getting up and exercising! Duh, huh? I love to run, so I try to run a minimum of 30 minutes 3-4 days a week, with a longer run ont he weekends, and once it gets warmer and more light out, I will increase my mileage more. I also like to do some weight training. I bring my own lunch and snacks to work, so I only eat what I bring. We have a chef at work, and a full kitchen, so this can be hard, but I'm determined to get back into a healthier shape!
Good luck to you.
Beth (babooshka)

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 7:51 PM

Add comment
:) HI

I watch carbs. It is hard for me to have to keep up with an exact amount. I just limit my meals to 3 a day and make sure my portions are normal. Sometimes using a smaller plate helps.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 8:45 PM

Add comment
Welcome OP, I'm sorry you got a negative response at the beginning (I didn't see it, obviously the moderators have removed it). Sometimes people can be a bit thoughtless in these threads, I think because they're annoymous. But my experience in the groups and teams is that without exception people are wonderfully kind and supportive, and the same goes for these threads for 98% of people. You will find lots of support here in the PT community.

For me I've found that weight watchers works really well. I've been a weight watchers life member for about 10 years now. The good thing is too, that once you get to your goal weight and maintain it - then there's no charge for meetings. The things I like about weight watchers were that I couldn't be bothered counting calories, so I found the points system really easy and it can be used to fit with your real life - that is it can accommodate any kinds of foods. And I kinda like how the formula takes into account the fibre etc content of food as pointed out by an earlier poster. Although I haven't actually gone to the meetings for some years, when I did go I found it really good support, and its also nice to know that I can always go back to that system of face to face support if and when I feel the need. So, I'd recommend weight watchers - its simple, straightforward, and will work to get the weight off and if you stick with it it will also help you to maintain.

That said, I've just been thinking about moving to calorie counting. Mainly because I now feel that I have a bit more time and energy that I can invest in my weight loss and maintenance so I can be bothered getting into the calorie counting and learning more about the nutritional content of food.

The other thing that I do a lot of is walking, lots and lots - and that's hugely helpful for getting the weight off and keeping it off. I also watch TV while on the treadmill or other cardio machines. I haven't done resistance training for a while, but plan to get back into it as its great for you.

Basically, I think we're all individuals and we just need to find whatever works for us. Everybody is different. By trial and error you'll find what works for you, and then you'll want to mix it up a bit from time to time.

And of course, how could I forget. I've been using PEERTrainer for about 4 months now and I've found it absolutely wonderful. Incredible support. And by the way, I did Spotlight, and I'd really recommend it. I lost 12lbs in six weeks doing Spotlight which has got me down to a really good weight I'm feeling happy about - though when I did it I really committed 100% and did I think lose the most out of the group that I did Spotlight with.

So - good luck with your weight loss journey - you can do it!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 12:12 AM

Add comment
I used to count calories, then figured out I eat about the same thing every day. I eat 5 or 6 times a day. I eat a breakfast that is about 300 calories, 100 cal moring snack, about 400-500 cal lunch, 100-150 cal afternoon snack, 400+ calorie dinner, then if my dinner was small, I have a night time snack. I end up eatting between 1400-1600 calories a day.
Giving up pop also has helped for me. Working out helps too, although I do not currently workout enough.

For my mom, weight watchers and working out works for her. She has lost over 50+ this year.

I would try one thing and if it doesn't work, then try something else. Not everything works for everyone. Best of Luck.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 7:51 AM

Add comment
Well I think I'm glad whatever it was got deleted.

I'm following an eat what I want in moderation, limit portion sizes, and add more good stuff into what I eat... "diet"

I've lost nearly 40lbs since February. I research everything I eat and try to limit myself now to 1400-1600 calories per day, but if I want ice cream I'll make myself a small bowl, but I have to count the calories. I don't eat nearly as much junk now, but by allowing myself some it make it easier to say no to others and to eat healthy food.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 8:51 AM

Add comment
A dangerous thing to say when you didn't get the chance to read it yourself. I did and find the delete inexcusable.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 8:58 AM

Add comment
Opinions based on assumptions rather than fact are always dangerous. From message boards to baseless wars.

shn525

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 9:36 AM

Add comment
shn525 - Use another place to spread your liberal agenda.



Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 9:54 AM

Add comment
yeah, i posted the "offensive" comment. i wrote that numerous threads covered many different tactics that people used and searching would be a good place to start. i posted the same suggestion on a different thread, about olive oil, and it, too, got removed. what is the search supposed to be used for if not searching for a topic of interest? be forewarned-don't recommend using it or you will likely find yourself censored, as i did twice. ridiculous. i was too straightforward i guess.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 9:55 AM

Add comment
Thank You

This is the OP. Thank you all for your comments, suggestions, and support!!! I really appreciate it! It all looks so helpful!!! Hope you all have a good day! Ü

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 9:59 AM

Add comment
In what way did I spread a liberal agenda? Another assumption.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 10:01 AM

Add comment
why has the comment, which is OBVIOUSLY rude and malicious, made on wednesday, december 20 at 954 not been deleted? it is totally directed at someone in particular with no question of its intent to be rude. and it's not censored???!!! maybe it's the PT personnel posting and they control the path each thread takes? what other comments have been censored?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 10:02 AM

Add comment
your little tirade should be deleted for alluding to the word bulls**t and for your obvious intent to be rude to me. i was trying to offer advice. i'm just used to telling it like i see it. there may have been those who interpretted my words as harsh, but like it's been written on this forum before-words can be misunderstood on the internet and certain inflections are not present in order to help explain what one is trying to say. you obviously thought i was saying "are you kidding me" as an insult with a bit**y tone, but i meant it incredulously. there is soooo much info on these threads that is readily available to all who just use the convenient search area. just because i chose to use different words than you may have is no reason to remove a comment. i had no reason to have an attitude on this forum until my comment was removed. and i guess you're thinking you are polite by assuming the worst in me and then throwing your unseemly opinion about me in my face, right?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 12:39 PM

Add comment
too bad you can't see how much progress i have made by utilizing the same resource, namely this site, as you. i have not called names or ever been directly rude to anyone here on purpose. what is your problem? do you equate rudeness with being fat? why do you feel a need to personally criticize me?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 12:55 PM

Add comment
it'll be interesting to see if your comments are also deleted. after all, they do have an intent to be rude. may i suggest you use your time a bit more wisely and do some crunches or lunges instead?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 12:59 PM

Add comment
i am enjoying the opportunity for more rude comments to be added to each thread to see if they get deleted. and i am also trying to prove my innocence. how would you feel if the same comments were directed at you?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:03 PM

Add comment
um, the comment that i must be fat and eating donuts right now is rude, to point out one. and i did not invite anyone to be offended or defensive or rude to me. my original comment was obviously misinterpretted by many, but i do not understand its deletion. many of the comments made in the last 10 minutes on both of the threads in question should be removed if there is some kind of protocol we're supposed to follow. i think i have made my point. i need to get back to working.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:10 PM

Add comment
So - back to the original reason for this post... I personally am a big fan of weight watchers, I love the points system as it's much easier for me to track my food that way. I have lost 20 lbs on this system and don't feel that there is too much restriction. When I have a lot of foods restricted it makes me want to eat them, this way I know I can eat them but also that if I do the points are going to add up quickly and I won't be able to eat the rest of the day. While this system may not work for everyone it does work for me. Also, I think when you finish going to meetings and other things you still unconsciously count points, when you get used to counting them you know how many points things are without having to look them up, so when you eat throughout the day you unconciously know when you hit around the points you're allowed... I hope this is making sense. In any case, counting calories is not an ideal option for me so I choose not to do it. I also try to make myself aware of the amount of fiber, protein, and carbs that I take in... next I think I'll work on sugars!

I hope that you find this site as useful, helpful, and supportive as I have. There are some wonderful people on here and you can learn so much if you're open to it!

Best of luck,
Tamilynn

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:13 PM

Add comment
well then, and not to be rude, i am not directing these comments at you.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:14 PM

Add comment
Grow up, both of you.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:29 PM

Add comment
how about "all of you"?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:30 PM

Add comment
I take care of 2-year olds for a living. Anyone need a sitter?*




*yes, you are correct...this is, in fact, sarcasm!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:35 PM

Add comment
to the OP:
give it some time-you will find what works for you-i count calories, and exercise 5 times a week. i have lost 65 lbs over the last few years-the last 24 have been with the help of peertrainer. mostly focus on eating healthy no matter what type of "plan" you choose-high fiber, whole grain, fruits and veggies, and lean protein!! good luck!!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 1:54 PM

Add comment
What works for me is being vegan/vegetarian. I consider that I don't want to eat flesh or what comes from animals and that eliminates a lot of stuff that I don't miss. It's hard sometimes when it comes to cheese and sushi . . . I'm working on giving those things up again. The other thing that works is reading the advice of Marilu Henner--I really like what she's had to say. Trying to eat whole foods--the most natural--and less processed food works.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 5:00 PM

Add comment
I'm in love with eating according to my blood type... no wheat, no corn, minimal dairy. I don't count calories. I limit my grain intake. I don't care about fat grams, I care about what kind of fat I eat. I lost 40lbs and have kept it off for almost a year now.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 9:00 PM

Add comment
this is hilarious

I swear reading these posts is like listening to a couple of kids fighting. We are all adults so lets act accordingly. Ok so you weren't "trying" to be mean you were just "misunderstood" fine. For anyone on this site of all sites to say someone is probably fat and eating donuts right now is just plain mean. Both of you are in the wrong and you both need to get over it

Thursday, December 21, 2006, 12:33 AM

Add comment
Counting calories, daily cardio and 64-100oz of water has worked for me. Without all 3, I could never lose weight and keep it off.

Thursday, December 21, 2006, 4:44 PM

Add comment
The Leptin Diet

Mastering Leptin by Byron Richards is the first thing that has really worked for me and for a few other friends with weight that seems to stay "on" no matter what. WW Points only worked a little bit for me until I used the principles in the book - then the same points worked much better.

No snacks - just three meals - I'm not always perfect especially with the holidays - but the principles in the book work like clockwork - if I Ifollow them!

Friday, December 22, 2006, 2:43 AM

Add comment








Related Content:

How To Lose Weight- The Basics
Weight Watchers Points System
The Fat Smash Diet
The Eat To Live Diet
The Beck Diet Solution
How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight

 

How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer

How To Burn Fat
Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works
Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?
Tips On Using PEERtrainer
Visit The PEERtrainer Community
Diet and Fitness Resources

Fitness

Weight Watchers Meetings
Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are
Writing Down Your Daily Workouts
Spending Money On A Personal Trainer?
How I Became A Marathon Runner

 

Preventive Health

How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout
Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot?
Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer?
Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy
Reversing Disease Through Nutrition

New Diet and Fitness Articles:

Weight Watchers Points Plus
How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise
New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program
New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive
Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program
 

Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne:

Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough
How To Delay Short Term Gratification
How To Stay Motivated
How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule

Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions

Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight?
Are Protein Drinks Safe?
Nutrition As Medicine?
 

Everyday Weight Loss Tips

How To Eat Healthy At A Party
How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight
The Three Bite Rule
Tips On How To Stop A Binge