I'm lost

[Gette88]

I want to start a diet and I'm totally lost. I was hoping for some advice. I'm a 35 yr. old SAHM. I can't really get a sitter often so I don't think meetings would work. I do have an exercise bike and DD 4 loves taking walks. I've never measured food and don't think I'd stick to that type of program. I don't think I'd do good on a diet that prohibits carbs. I'd like to try something that includes the 4 major food groups. This is very confusing and I'm not have any luck with just watching what I eat. I'd love to hear your suggestions. TIA

 

[AprilN]

While I'm not doing WW (or any "plan" for that matter), I know there are others on the WISH board who are doing Weight Watchers Online - no meetings necessary! That might be something to look into. I think measuring portions is part of the program - but at least it doesn't exclude any foods!

http://www.weightwatchers.com/plan/www/online_01.aspx

Good luck finding the perfect plan for you - I'm sure it's out there!

 

[kayeandjim00]

I agree with April most any plan will require some portion control or measuring. I am counting calories (1200 per day)- for me it's the easiest plan as I can truly eat ANYTHING I just have to account for it, have salad for lunch if I know I'm having pizza for dinner, etc. I also have days where I am "off plan" all day and eat what I want. We call them "free days." I try not to go too overboard but it helps me to have those days where I know I'm going to do that because it helps me fight cravings the rest of the week. I try to stay very strict the rest of the week and it seems to make up for those days when I am eating without counting the calories. I also exercise but didn't at first. I think it's easiest to take one step at a time, get the plan figured out and get into a routine then incorporate exercise as soon after as you can so you aren't overwhelmed with doing it all at once. Also drink LOTS of water. For optimum weight loss they say 1/2 of your body weight in oz per day.
I think the hardest part of a diet plan is finding the perfect one for you. I have lost 53 lbs on this plan since August so it's working for me. Best of luck in finding the one for you. You made an important first step by posting here - WISH is full of support and encouragment and made up of people on virtually every diet plan so there's lots of advice to draw from!!

 

[TTFN]

I have been on WW online for 10 weeks now. The program does not disallow any foods, but does assign them a point value based on calories, fiber and fat. Based on your weight, you have a set # of points to eat each day. I've lost 15 pounds and have eaten out at least once a week. I'm healthier (no more achy knees, no more acid reflux), and my clothes fit better. I love it!

 

[Gette88]

Thank you all for your reply's. I just read the WW's thread and I'm thinking the WW's online might be good for me. I'm not going to rush into anything but I definitely want to read more about all the diet plans. The WISH board seems so open and I think no matter what I decide on, being here will help ALOT. Thanks again.

 

[wiskband]

HI...I too tried WW and I am too busy for counting portions and I guess you can say lazy.....
I thought I would never survive low carb but truth is (my opinion) that it is easier to follow..I mean you know your DO's and Don't easier...I have become very used to it and although, I do go off plan occasionally, I still find myself "not eating the bread" on the whopper.etc.
Its like once you know all about the carb thing its hard to actually eat it becasue you become used to it!
I have heard about the WW on line also, that would be an option...
AND of course, different things work for different people.....Perhaps you can give them each a trial period and then figure out what your most comfortable with.
goodluck
renee

 

[HappyMommy2]

You have gotten some great suggestions. Weight Watchers online sounds like it might be a good fit for you.

I was looking for a lot of the same things you are looking for when I selected my program about 7 weeks ago. What I decided on was Body for Life. I eat high-quality, lowfat proteins and moderate carbs (good carbs, like whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals, fruits, etc.). Portion control is very important but not too exact; a portion of meat is the size of your palm, etc. I exercise 6 times per week (alternating days of weights--about 30-40 min.--and cardio--about 20 min.) One day a week is a free day, which as kayeandjim00 mentioned, is a wonderful thing; it is so much easier to entirely avoid junk food during the week since I know I can whatever I want on my free day

I am getting great results. After 6 weeks I have lost 10 pounds, have gone from a tight size 16 in jeans to a loose 14, have increased my strength a great deal, and for the first time in my life am getting definition in my arm and leg muscles! Also, the chronic acid reflux that bothered me so much before is GONE. For me, this program works because it doesn't entirely eliminate any foods, it doesn't require a great outlay of time or money (I do the workouts at home with cheap dumbells and a stepper machine or aerobics video) and it is fairly structured--I need structure!

Anyway, best wishes with your new healthy lifestyle! Everyone here is so encouraging and supportive, I hope you will visit often.

 

[TonyS20]

I have been lurking on this board quite a while trying to see what would be a good plan for me. I have recently switched from Curves to Contours Express, but I know I need to make some changes in my eating habits. I have tried low-carb and I know it is not for me.

Several of my former co-workers did WW (on-line and the meetings) and had a lot of success. I have talked to several of them to get their recommendations. I'm still undecided, but I've decided to follow my own plan of counting calories like kayeandjim00 and incorporate a "free day". If I don't see good results in 3 months, I will reevaluate the plan.

Good luck in finding the right plan for you, Gette88. You are not alone!

PS Tony Rocks!

 

[clarabelle]

I too resisted the idea of counting calories. Now
I like to think of calories like money. No matter how wealthy you are you still need to budget and have an idea of how much money you are spending right?
Well now I have decided that I have to budget my calories and measure my portions. Just like I have to budget my money and balance my checkbook.
I discovered my portions were WAY too big and that I was eating WAY too much. It's really not too bad once you get used to it.

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to WISH, <b>Gette88</b>, it's great to see you here.

Finding the plan that is right for <i>you</i> is more than half the battle I think. Let us know what you decide to do.

Visit us often, too, okay?

Katholyn