Is it possible to eat all you want and still lose weight? (Dieting)

Member Name: velissaria

Product:	Dieting
Date:	05/09/09 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: YES

Disadvantages: You'll suffer

I was not sure how to rate this subject. Finally I decided to give it two stars because when used in the context of 'fad' dieting it can become a harmful habit. However, when used in the sense of a 'balanced nutrition regime', it is something we all should embrace.

But how to shed those extra pounds? In this discussion I will share my concerns and experiences.

My biggest concern is that 'optimum human nutrition' is a subject that is not fully scientifically understood. Medical doctors and dieticians come up with new advice every so often and that becomes confusing. I am also concerned that there are so many nutrition myths out there, mainly because we don't fully comprehend the value of all the different foods available today, why many of us develop food allergies or intolerances and how our metabolism works. Do we really get more overweight with age? Is it inevitable and irreversible? Does the Pill increase our weight? What is the best type of exercise to lose weight? and so on.

I am afraid I don't have a direct reply, but get your own conclusions after you read my experience:

I used to be slim no matter what I ate, and I never used to go to the gym. But after I hit my 30s I started putting weight on, slowly but steadily. My way of life became more and more sedentary but as it was only a few extra pounds initially, I did not worry too much. Two years ago I developed a back problem and my mobility became limited for quite a few months, so, to my horror, I put 2 stones on.

I have food intolerances, so eating certain food categories which are generally consider healthy is no good for me. This makes dieting a nightmare. Mind you, if you check the label on many 'free from' foods, you'll find that they are full of fat and sugars. Of course, I like sugar, chocolate, crisps and meat too much, and this is another problem. But I did not want to end up heavily overweight or obese, so I decided to take action before it was too late.

First, I had a full hormonal check up to make sure there wasn't a problem. If you read the links I provide below, you will realise why the check up is so important. I started yoga 3 times a week at the gym; sadly, yes, my body got toned, but the pounds were still there. Finally, I started counting my calories everyday with the help of foodfocus.co.uk. It was only then that I realised how much empty calories I got from my sweet snacks.

Counting calories is very effective for sedentary lifestyles, but nerve wrecking in my opinion and experience. As other members mentioned, if you follow a calorie counting programme (if I am not mistaken, the Weight Watchers' one is based on "point" counting, which essentially is a calorie counting one) then you can eat everything as long as it is in moderation. But of course, "moderation" is the key concept here.

However, can you eat *anything* you want and still not gain, but even lose weight?

Fifteen days ago I went with my partner on a (motor)biking holiday. We were on the road 5, 7, 12 hours a day. We got very wet, cold and now have aches and pains everywhere, but guess what: I weighed myself today and I have lost two pounds and 3% fat despite that for 10 days I was eating like a pig! Huge pub meals, desserts, fries, crisps, garlic bread, you name it. My leg muscles became very toned as well, as I was trying to keep my balance on the bike against the wind. I suppose the body burns many calories when you are out and about when it's cold and raining, and the helmet and padded bike gear add weight, so it is like you walk around with permanent weights on!

So, yes, I found out that it IS possible to eat whatever you want and still lose weight. This explains how past generations spent their days on horses and donkeys in the fields, ate full butter, cheese, black puddings etc. and they stayed slim. Unfortunately, today for most of us this life style is unrealistic.

What I can suggest if you need to lose weight is to follow a calorie counting diet during your normal week, but if you get bored, you can have days of "naughtiness" as long as you spend this time in a physically intense way: if you are not a bike fan you can try eco-tourism and frequent adventurous weekends away by joining e.g. a hiking club, going cycling, camping or visiting animal farms and get yourselves cold, wet and dirty. Maybe spending our holidays on the sofa sounds more relaxing, but no pain no gain!

Useful sites:

*Food faddism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_faddism
*Advice on diet and nutrition supplements: http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/
*Calorie counting: http://www.foodfocus.co.uk/
http://www.marieclairedietclub.co.uk/
* Search for a Sports club across the UK: http://www.sportsbase.co.uk/
*Ecotourism directory: http://uk.dir.yahoo.com/recreation/travel/ecotouri sm/

See also some not very well known aspects of weight gain:

Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol - download the free booklet here:
http://www.drhotze.com/EN/free_ebooks/index.html

Yeast and the Weight Connection:
http://drhotzeblog.netymology.com/2006/05/26/yeas t-and-the-weight-connection/

Summary: No pain no gain