How many of you are doing your "own" plan?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I was just wondering how many are doing their own plan versus following a set plan like WW, south beach, Atkins, etc.

What are you doing? What keeps you in check? What made you go out on your own? What kind of success are you having?


I am really struggling with finding what works for me. I am tired of putting $$$ into WW when I truly am not following their plan. I know that I am not an Atkins girl, I just don't know what to do!

 

[tiggerlover]

{{{{VIJA}}}} It is so hard to find what works for you with so many choices out there. I just hope with trial and error that you finally find something that works.

I claim to follow WW and I do, but I don't go to meetings, nor do I belong to the online group. Years ago I got the program material for 1,2,3 Success and I kept it so I have been working with those materials plus some that another WW friend sent me. I like the basis for 1,2,3 Success because it allows me more POINTS than any of the newer WW programs and even though I eat more POINTS I still lost weight. I actually bought the South Beach Diet book this summer and I liked a lot of what it said, a lot of things made sense, but I never jumped into the program. I have tried Richard Simmons Deal-A- Meal and Slim Fast and have found I do best with what I am doing. It is a lot of trial and error and you just have to see what works for you. Perhaps if you loosely follow a program you would have more success that following it to a "t". You can do this, you just need to find something that works with your lifestyle and perhaps that isn't one set program, but a combination of many. Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you!

 

[CheshireVal]

I cut calories and fat. I don't COUNT them per se, but I buy low cal or low fat things instead of full fat ones. That's a start. I've also switched to whole grains instead of white bread and rice. That, plus portion control, seems to be working!

I am very good about what I eat during the week, and then I let myself cheat a bit on weekends if I'm going out to eat or to a movie (buttered popcorn! )

 

[TigerBear]

I have lost 35 pounds on my own plan and have 8 more to go. I live alone...only with respect to eating is this a good thing!!! I basically live off lean cuisine frozen dinners when I am by myself. My DBF and I do eat out at least twice a week. That is where portion control comes in. I usually get what I want, but then eat half of it at the most. If it is unhealthy, I do not bring it home. When my DBF gets dessert, I eat two or three bites - not the whole thing.

We are also trying to incorporate more whole wheat products.
Last night I made soft tacos with lean ground beef, ww tortillas, light sour cream, and no cheese. We enjoyed them just as much as their full fat counter part. I also ate only one - made fairly full. I was quite satisfied.

I also make sure I eat breakfast. I used to not do this and have found that for me it makes a difference. I eat a bowl of cereal or a nutrition bar.

Exercise for me is critical. I have not been as consistent as I need to be, so now I have scheduled days to exercise. On Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday there can be no excuses. It seems to work for me.

Good luck!

 

[SRUAlmn]

I am! It's making me think of that Sesame Street song 'One of these kids is doing her own thing.' Anyway, I'm basically just counting calories along with WW points- not true WW, but just counting points- and exercising. I have lost a little over 35 pounds in a little over two months so I must be doing something right Now I just have to work on staying motivated so I can lose the other 45, especially with a trip to WDW coming up- YIKES

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks guys! I have to say that I kind of like the idea of incorporating things into my own plan, but loosely following WW. I would get cought up in trying to be "perfect" on a program, and ANYthing off the plan was bad...I was bad....binge.... I know it is just an excuse I used, so I have to conquer that! thanks for the advice and info!!!

 

[Princess Michelle]

Hi Vija!

I'm also not following any set plans. I try to keep my calories between 1200-1500 a day. I usually eat 5 times a day, 3 regular meals with two small snacks in between. I don't eat anything within 3 hours of bedtime so that my body can burn fat while I sleep. Drinking lots of water, but I do that even when I'm not trying to lose weight. I haven't cut anything from my diet I just try to make sure that it's well balanced. Equal amounts of fats, proteins and carbs. I've found that logging my meals into www.fitday.com helps a lot just for keeping track because it will give you graphs and charts to let you see exactly how you are doing.

Something that is a must for me is exercise. It really doesn't matter what I eat, if I'm not exercising I'm not going to lose much. On good days I get in between 90-120 minutes but even on bad days I try to get at least 30 in.

I think I've had good success so far. I recommitted myself 2 months ago and I've lost 8lbs. and 7 inches so far. That's with sickness, injuries and hurricanes! I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do when I'm not having such challenges!

I hope you are able to make a "plan" that works for you. Good luck!

 

[twotoohappy]

I'm doing my own thing. I've been at it for a year now. I just eat sensibly. Diet soda/not regular, lowcal/fat free, water, exercise(I need more of that) and I've lost just over 40 pounds. I've tried all the diets and I just rebound or can't stick with it. I also don't beat myself up if I have a "goody" here or there. I suppose if I was on a strict diet, the 40 pounds would have come off quicker, but with just watching what I eat, I don't feel like I'm dieting. And having a cheat free home really helps
Good luck!

 

[kayeandjim00]

I am on my own plan - 1200 calories per day and have tried to change to more healthy foods overall. More fruit, less candy. Some days I do great - other days not so great. I also give myself free days to eat what I want. I try to be pretty reasonable with my choices but sometimes I don't do as well as I should. It's gotten 50 lbs gone (100 lbs for DH!) and I have to get serious again as I know this plan works for me... when I do it as I should!! Exercise is key though I've been a little hindered with injuries the past few weeks. I do see a big difference in my losses when I do both the counting calories and exercise. I also drink as much water as I can. I average 6-7 16 oz bottles of water a day. The thing I like best about being on my own plan and counting calories is the sense of freedom and being in control of things. I can have a candy bar if I want but it means I won't be able to have something else later. Best of luck in finding the plan that's right for you.