Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

As far as what you're willing to try and what you know works for you, which do you prefer...

The old diet-and-exercise route? Eating smaller portions, eating less fatty / unhealthy foods along with increased exercise? (I count WW in this category)

Or everything else... Fat burning pills, fad diets (cabbage soup diet and the like), cleansing diets, even as extreme as elective surgery?

I've never been thin - maybe as a child. I'm a large girl, tall, big frame, etc. I've tried fads and pills, and I always come back to the high-protein, low-fat, low-carb lifestyle with increased exercise as my winner. I lost almost 50 pounds for my wedding two years ago and now that I've ballooned again this is what I'm back doing.

It's what works for me - I'm not going to assume if it's what really works for everyone else. I just see so many people getting sucked in by the get-thin-quick route these days, and I feel old. Like I'm the one stuck in the past idea of diet and exercise.

(btw, I put "other" in because I wasn't sure if there was more to choose besides these two general ideas so forgive me if your choice doesn't fit into one of them)

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Where is the 'it depends' option.

I have so much weight to lose, and it takes such a long time that sometimes I'll mix it up, just to keep myself interested and my body guessing. (I've lost 48 pounds; have another 110 to go to be considered average weight)

I used Alli for a while, and I've done Atkins. Never went so far to go to extremes and really fad diets (master cleanser, cabbage soup, etc) because I don't think I'd feel good on it. And dieting is supposed to make me feel good! So I primarily do WW; but mix it up every once in a while.

And I definetly would qualify for weight loss surgery, but I've lost the weight before, so I know I can do it again. My issue is not losing the weight - my issue is long term keeping it off. Since I'm worried about the long term health risks and surgery complications, I'll just stick to my diet. If I had an immediate, life threatening issue - then I'd go for it. But luckily I don't fit into that category at this time.

WW makes me feel the best, and it works long term. To think that you can eliminate all foods with carbs or all foods except cabbage soup long term is just setting yourself up for disaster and rebound weight gain IMO.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

I'm a diet and exercise girl - I've had friends chow down on trimspa and stacker two and alli only to have whatever weight they lost come right back on. I guess I feel that fad diets work, but the weightloss won't be long term. Plus I'm into nutrition and working out for health reasons, not just weight loss. I wouldn't get the same health benefits from a fad diet.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

at my age- I know what works for me

avoid sugar/bad carbs

drink water

watch the wine

and run

I would love to do WW- but I know I would over eat-

I am also taking 1 Hoodia pill a day before lunch- and I swear it's really helping me

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

does it give you jitters?


nope

How Hoodia Works
It essentially stunts the appetite by tricking the brain into thinking that you’re full when you're not:
Scientists explain it this way. They say the chemical constituents in Hoodia work within the satiety center of the brain by releasing a chemical compound similar to glucose, only much stronger. The satiety center which they identify as the hypothalamus receives this signal as an indication that enough food has been consumed which in turn stunts the appetite.


African tribemens would chew on it when they were going on long trips-

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Out of all the diets out there I also feel that WW is the best as long as you stick with it. However for me I know myself and I'm a big junk food / carb eater so that's why I started jogging. I know I am not ready to give up what I eat, I just enjoy it too much Therefore by exercising I should be able to stay the same or go down a little. I also try to make little goals like not eating past 9pm because dh & I will normally eat snacks at 11pm Maybe one day I will be ready to start WW but for now I'm going to jog and enjoy my Italian ices

Message edited 7/25/2008 12:59:23 PM.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Ive lost and kept off about 40lbs, and probably should lose about 20 more.

I kickstarted it 6 or so years ago with a few months of Atkins and then switched to eating healthy and exercise, which I have done ever since.

I cant IMAGINE doing ww or any other program that requires me to count, measure, etc. my food. I know it works for people that need it, but it would suck all the fun out of something I love...food!



I just try to be reasonable with portion sizes. I also know that if Im going out to dinner, I should have a light lunch. I do 40mins of cardio 4-6x a week. Im also pretty strict during the week and piggy on weekends

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

I have A LOT to lose..What I'm trying to do now is get a little below my pre-preggo weight (hopefully this Monday, I have met that goal), before we TTC again.
I want to TTC, then keep saying "Let me lose 10 more lbs"..etc.
We'll see.

For me, it's diet and excercise. I basically got off my butt and started doing something about it. I try and walk at least 1.5 miles a day.
I cut portions.
When I'm grocery shopping or CVS shopping, or whatever, I no longer reach down for that candy bar. HUGE weakness for me when shopping.
If I want something sweet, I split it, share it or save the rest for the next day.

I don't take any diet pills. I had an allergic reaction to meds (ibuprofin) a few years ago and it was scary. Blacked out and all, therfore, I trust NO meds unless a Dr. can 100% gaurentee (sp?) I will be OK..
You had to see me flipping out with my C-section and gall bladder surgery..LOL..
I know nothing is 100%, but, I feel comfy with a Dr.s OK..
To me diet pills are not worth it.
I'd rather do it the "Healthy" way.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Ok so I'm not as alone as I thought! Thanks for replying ladies. I didn't think there were many diet-and-exercise people left out there.

Posted by my3boys

I also try to make little goals like not eating past 9pm because dh & I will normally eat snacks at 11pm Maybe one day I will be ready to start WW but for now I'm going to jog and enjoy my Italian ices

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

I think MOST people know that diet and exercise are the only really effective ways to lose and maintain weight loss... but when you are overweight or obese - watching that weight slip off slowly can be very discouraging. I mean - 2lbs on a 300lb man is not going to be evident in the way he looks or feels. Sometimes you really need that kickstart to make you remember WHY you want to lose the weight and encourage you to keep going.

I did the Master Cleanse. I did it to kind of reset my body a bit. I had become so used to processed foods, sugar and just nutritionally bankrupt foods that I was GAINING weight even after I thought I couldn't gain another pound! I lost weight - which almost a month later is still gone plus another 5 lbs - but more importantly I got to really see that I COULD do it. I challenged myself and I persevered. And I find that I am now better equipped to turn down foods that are bad for me. I am like "I went TEN DAYS without ANY solid food - I am sure I can survive without that Big Mac!"

This weekend I was on vacation. I would normally eat everything under the sun - a non-stop snack and junk food binge. And I wasn't perfect and I ate ribs and a burger and egg sandwiches with bacon, etc... but I controlled my portions in a way that I would not have thought to do in the past.

So the upshot for me is that diet and exercise work best - but some people (like me) need a little more motivation and a bit of s jump start.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

For me, although exercise is important, it's really watching what I eat. I find if I concentrate on exercising, then I'll give myself space to eat more or poorly because "well, i worked out today" -- I am just not programmed to think "i shouldn't eat that BECAUSE I worked out today"

For me, low-carbing worked so well and I regret going off of it after the wedding.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

I rely primarily on exercise and eating healthy. With this in mind, I would rather run a few extra miles a week then deprive myself of yummy food.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

For me, it's exercise!!!! I need to exercise!

ETS: When I exercise, my eating just falls into place. When I don't exercise, my healthy habits go out the window.

Message edited 7/28/2008 8:32:44 PM.

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]

Posted by melbalalala
I just try to be reasonable with portion sizes. I also know that if Im going out to dinner, I should have a light lunch. I do 40mins of cardio 4-6x a week. Im also pretty strict during the week and piggy on weekends

Re: Diet-and-exercise versus everything else [POLL]