Mike in NC's Notizen, 18 Feb 24

Nothing magical. They are a form of calorie control without actually counting calories by being less palatable. That’s why some gain weight from those cuz they actually like to eat that way. Not cuz they need to shock their metabolism… That being said most fail cuz of the non palatability, you can do it for awhile but not forever. 

Diets fail. Changing your way of life and mental approach to your way of eating is a win!  

I followed a plan, not so much a diet and lost 60 lbs. I continue to follow the same general plan, but am able to be a little looser in regards to food choices. It works well for me. 

I considered a few of the biggest culprits - Sugar and processed flours - each affect the brain in contributing to Cravings which are affected by the chemical makeup in the brain (Dopamine) Feel Good function. When we feel down...what is the first thing we reach for? Sugar! or maybe...something Carby...like Bread? When I eliminated sugars AND white bread - the cravings went away, and I felt better. The one Program that worked, was Bright Line Eating :-) Just note that I didn't say, Eliminate CARBS. Just Fake Sugars, processed flours - which is not the same as Whole Grains. My breakfast is Ezekial bread, avocado, maybe an Egg or two. Whole Foods work, but I do limit the amount of Red meats. 4oz of meat per serving is enough for most women.  

By the way...I do make a food plan which helps eliminate making hasty decisions. I also DO NOT Exercise when I first start dieting. IT contributes to Will Power Losses. Focus on the Food First....then work in an exercise plan slowly. 

I follow portion sizes, gluten free and low fodmap diet I also follow carbs and calorie diet plans; about to start probably next week slim fast or atkins shakes daily for a little bit. Will know for sure on Tuesday. My biggest issue was overeating and not being active. I started this past January 16; and lost 17lbs in a month, not sure what my weight will be Tuesday, but have been actively burning around 1400 calories per day over the last week. Tuesday will definitely tell the truth if I’ve been doing the right things. 

I think the Mediterranean diet is the most sustainable. 

I don't like the word DIET... The issue with diets is that once you lose the weight you want.. you go back to eating how you were prior... If you want to lose weight change your DIETARY LIFESTYLE ... when you get to the weight you desire... eat the same diet just had more calories slowly daily till you start maintaining your weight without losing nor gaining weight... 

It is good to know what Foods are a Trigger for any weight loss journey. For some folks, SUGAR and Processed FLOURS affect Brain Dopamine levels - the Feel Good part. Much like Alcoholics need that drink. IT has been scientifically proven to be true, for some. I notice that when I'm depressed...I reach for a treat. BUT - when I got off sugar entirely...I no longer felt depressed, nor CRAVED the sugary treats. So - I began to eliminate Trigger Foods - and lost over 50 lbs in 4 months time. I did not feel deprived either. Since then, I changed alot of eating habits, and do not even go down the AISLE of foods that invite those type of food choices. IT is always good to have an idea or PLAN to know what you will eat each day. Take away any temptations that would cause you to FAIL! AND I did that too. So when my WILL POWER is at a low ebb, I am not tempted to cross the Line. There is much to be said about how our Brain Works, with the foods we eat - THAT too have been proven to be a real issue for many. FAST FOOD Places know the affect of FAST FOOD on our bodies, AND our Brain. 85% of our food has sugar additives!!!...for a reason. Just saying - IF YOUR HEALTH is important??? Then shouldn't we make more of an effort to avoid being sick later in life - or Even Now - CHANGE the Direction of our illnesses?? Type 2 DIABETES can be Stopped - IF we change the way we eat...I know this to be TRUE ! And I was so affected by the way my Father lost his legs - I just didn't know IT was not Hereditary. WHAT happens is the Lifestyle is problem, One of which we learn as a Kid...follows us into adulthood. CHANGE THAT, and YOU can change your Future health.