christinadei said:
I have been eating sensibly for a month or two and am not really losing weight. What type of diets/eating plans are you all doing? I've done weight watchers before, but don't really have the time. Though I guess I could join again if I don't find anytihng else that works, becuase I do know that it does. Plus, I'm joining curves today and that's going to be $30 a month, I'd really rather not spend another $40 on weight watchers. I could do it at home, but I dont' think I kept any of the materials. I've done atkins and south beach and neither of them worked for me, way too limited. Anyway, waht does eveyrone else do? count calories?
Wow!
I am basically right where you are!
I've just lost 19 lbs in the past 5 1/2 months but it's been slow going and I've had a few cheat days (my birthday, a few dates, etc.) I was basically following the low carb low calorie Curves diet. 3 years ago I lose 17 lbs with weight watchers but quit in the fall. I liked it, but it allowed me to eat too many trigger foods. I found myself unable to stop at the tiny portions of high carb or sugary treats and it wasn't good. I find for me it is better to simply not have something than to have a taste and want more. (ie: I'm allowed 3 cookies. Well, I ate three, why not one more? Well, I ate four, why not one more? Ok, just one more . . . You see where this is going.)
I am a member at Curves for 2 yrs and I have done very well there. I have to diet to lose the lbs, but in terms of simply exercising, I have toned up, lost bodyfat and reduced my measurements. I LOVE my Curves! It has helped me endlessly. I wouldn't stick with any other gym!
Anyway, Curves has a diet, but they have temporarily stopped their classes (which I LOVED!!!) because a new program is coming out in Sept, with new books, videos, etc. Since I am close friends with my Curves manager, and even went to a training seminar when she had to miss it, I know a lot about their new program and I cannot wait until it's completed!!! Gary Heavin runs a research facility out of Baylor University and all day those students research exercise science and physiology and nutritional science. People lose weight and raise their metabolism on it and it's awesome.
Currently, I am staying within my calorie range as prescribed by the old Curves diet BUT since I know the new one is changing a few things, I am also following a lot of the principles of the original 1966 weight watchers book as well as Richard Simmons' deal a meal. I basically allow myself 2 dairy servings, 2 grain servings, 2 fruit servings, 4 meat servings, 2 fat servings and unlimited vegetable servings. It works out to about 1400-1500 calories a day, which is right with my "under 1600 cals" recommendation for Curves. It also ensures I get at least 100-150 grams of protein per day. We're supposed to have .8 gram of protein per pound of body weight. I never make it that high, but 100-150 ensures I'm coming pretty close at least.
Although I don't personaly add up calories, just servings, every day I put my food into Fitday and it calculates it for me. This way I can see exactly what I ate- it usually comes out close to the 1400-1500 mark and I can see my weekly averages- calories, fat, protein, carbs, etc.
I've also done Atkins and South Beach. They just didn't really work for me either. I liked doing them because I felt like I didn't have to count amounts or measure or limit my intake, but I lost a few pounds and then stopped so I think I was just eating too much. This is why I measure my portions now. Nothing is free except veggies, water, spices, vinegar, etc. I count it all. I've just begun this week (started Mon.) so I can't really tell you how I'm doing, but I spent all last week researching and reading and deciding what would be the best diet plan for me to follow. I really thought long and hard about what I could do now since it will be another month before Curves' new diet comes out and if I waited another month, staying this size, I would scream. (PS Curves is 60 dollars for 7 weeks, you get a shake mix, a shirt, a bag, a book, some other goodies and my owner at least doesnt make repeaters pay. That is, I signed up, paid 60 dollars and after the 7 weeks, I never paid another dime. Other owners might be different, though, I guess. )
Well, this is where I am! I think everyone really needs to look at lots of different approaches before they find one that works with their taste, lifestyle, budget, etc. and then is ready to commit to it. It's just as hard as finding a good husband! Good luck with your decision!
