Dieting Woes

thisismynickname2 · January 2016

It is my opinion that dieting only with no workout schedule is a disaster waiting to happen. As women we have hormone fluctuations. I can eat fairly decently for 3 weeks and turn into a raving bitch cow while PMSing where I just HAVE to have a huge chocolate cupcake or I'll slice someone. There is no way I could diet. Plus, restricting ourselves or punishing ourselves for bad eating is just psychologically not fun. Working out, on the other hand, always feels good when you're done. The only workout you regret is the one you don't do.

I'm with you on the group classes. I see people at Zumba and wish I could join but I'm so uncoordinated I'd embarrass myself. Yoga is ok but not the calorie-torching exercise you want if you want to lose weight (unless you try something like Core Power and then, again with the coordination and intimidation of perfectly sculpted women in your midst).

I run. Go out alone, go as far as you want, push as hard as you want or don't want. The trainer taught me to use weights (free and machine) properly so I also lift weights. I don't feel intimidated lifting weights because obviously the meathead dude to my left could bench me; there's no logical comparison. Lifting is good for your bones and ups your metabolism. Take brisk walks, alone or with a best friend or spouse. I also love the idea of workout videos though I've never tried it. There are a million ways to work out that don't involve being forced to look in a mirror.

themosthappy91 · January 2016

Guys I totally get that working out is an important part of losing weight and being healthy (as I feel I pretty explicitly stated, my goal for this year is not just to lose weight but also to get strong/fit). But I feel okay with my choice to delay starting that part of my journey for a little while, even if that means I lose the weight slower. It's easier for me to stabilize what I'm eating first and add in the exercise component later- in the past I've actually ended up gaining weight rather than losing when I've started a new exercise routine because I've ended up overeating in response to feeling like I've burned the calories to "deserve" more food. I feel confident it's going to work better for me personally to get to know my "new norm" in terms of how much food I should be eating daily before returning to the yoga and barre classes that I did before (both moderately intense workouts).

Anyway I get that some people might totally thrive on starting both a serious diet and serious new workout routine at the same time, but I don't really think doing them in a staggered fashion is "the stupidest plan ever." Yeesh.

I like the idea of doing some little exercises at home though like @missfrodo was suggesting, just to not be completely inactive in the meantime. Also I certainly hope what you said is true about losing from the bust quickly because that's one of my biggest problems- my boobs have gotten huge and it really is an impediment! Anyone have recommendations for good, inexpensive sports bras for large-chested ladies?

AW3380 · January 2016

I have battled with my weight for many years and my doctors always told me that losing weight is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. I tried to deny that for many years eating whatever I wanted within a set calorie limit. But one day I decided to try it their way. I try to eat very clean (no bread, grains, pasta, added sugar, processed foods) sticking to meats, veggies, healthy fats and fruits with an occasional indulgence. While the process is still slow, the weight is coming off much faster than when I did things "my" way. And that is without doing much exercise at all. I lost about 30 pounds in the first four months.

lyndausvi · January 2016

For almost 2 years I've seen this guy walking on our bike/walking path nearly every single day. Mostly in jeans or street clothes. I do not know him personally, but I have to guess he has dropped over 60 lbs since I started noticing him. I have no idea what other things he is doing. I just know I see him nearly every day power walking.

Exercise comes in many different forms. Just walking around the block can have an impact. No special workout clothes needed.

julieanne912 · January 2016

OK so, I lost like 60lbs a few years ago SOLELY through diet. But it was very slow going. I never once had 10lbs of weight loss in 2 weeks. It took me about a year and a half to lose that 60lbs, so you can do the math there.

I also think any "diet" that limits what types of foods you can eat is setting yourself up for disaster later. What happens in 3 months from now when you add back in things you aren't "allowing" yourself now? I think a better way is to teach yourself how to eat a healthy regular diet, without cutting out whole food groups, but that's just me. Obviously this doesn't apply if you have certain food allergies/sensitivities. Basically, if you're not willing to eat that diet the rest of your life, don't bother.

My issue was and always has been portion control. When I count/track calories, it keeps me very mindful of my portions. When I stop tracking is when I get myself into trouble and started overeating again. It's hard sometimes, and mind-numbing, but it really does work in my opinion.

But on the workout topic, I do think it's important, especially as I age... it's harder to lose just by diet alone now that I'm approaching mid 30s. There are TONS of free workout videos online, either via youtube, or a site called Fitness Blender. I like Fitness Blender a lot because you can make selections based on the type of workout you want to do, the time frame, etc. And, since you can do the workouts at home, "cute" workout clothes don't matter. When I do work out, I wear some old capri pants that I got at Target, one of H's tshirts, and a sports bra. I don't look cute, but who cares.

PamBeesly524 · January 2016

Maggie0829 said:

I agree with Starmoon. Sorry, but not spending money on workout clothes to fit your body now and waiting to start a workout regime after you lose X amount of weight is not the smartest. When you buy clothes that actually fit your body you will be surprised how good you look and how much more comfortable you are to do things. I know that when I was trying to shove my ass into too small pants that I was very self-conscious. But when I went up a size and the pants actually fit without any muffin top bulging over I felt that I looked skinnier and I felt a lot more comfortable in my skin.

I get being uncomfortable in group settings when you aren't at a weight you are happy with. But everyone needs to start somewhere. First I think OP should go out and buy 2-3 workout outfits in her size now (and make them outfits that you love and feel good in right now not something that you may feel good in later). Then instead of group classes start working out at home by pulling videos off YouTube. But exercising is important and will help with the weight loss. These outfits don't have to be expensive but to not include working out in your weight loss journey because you don't want to spend a few bucks on clothes that fit is not really smart.

See, when you put it this way, I agree!

nerdwife · January 2016

Honestly, counting calories and weighing myself daily (or weekly) drives me crazy. I mean, I have a history of eating disorders, so I mean that somewhat literally, but also just in general. After struggling with my weight and body for basically ever, a few years ago I just learned to let it go. I don't count calories and I definitely do not own a scale. I can tell when I'm gaining or losing weight based on how my clothes fit. Over the past few months, my pants have been getting tighter and tighter, so I knew it was time to rein it in. FI (who is actually really tall and thin) felt the same way, so we kind of just decided to eat healthier. He is a baseline healthy eater (genuinely loves fish and kale), so that has actually always been helpful to me.

Anyway, since I don't count calories and don't participate in any diets that flat out restrict a food or food group (like @julianne912 said, if I can't do it forever, I'm not doing it now), it became more of just adding more produce into my day and making healthier meals. We love ice cream and won't give that up, but in the long run that's okay as long as we eat healthier elsewhere. We also really stepped up our gym game - going together is really motivating, and we run through a handful of exercises and head home.

It's also helpful that we don't have goals like X pounds in X time period - I definitely want to lose some weight, but it's more important to me that I feel better about myself and also get stronger and healthier.

Finally, I think a big dieting mistake that people tend to make is slipping up and being all like WELL THAT'S IT I FAILED, BETTER EAT ANYTHING ELSE I WANT. Yesterday, FI and I ended up at Crumbs and I ate a cupcake. Not exactly in my plan, but the world did not end and I know from experience that if I tell myself NO SWEETS EVER it will be all I can think about and I am doomed to fail. I just ate normally besides that one cupcake. My mom used to always do this ("guess my diet starts Monday") and she has struggled with dieting/her weight for as long as I've known her. It is not a good time.

I'm definitely not a diet expert but I hope at least some of that information was helpful to someone. I know it's so hard to make these kinds of changes, especially when you just want to lose weight like yesterday. But if I can go from thinking about basically nothing besides food/dieting as a teenager to an adult who has a healthy weight and attitude about food, I know it's doable.

wandajune6 · January 2016

I hate group classes. I always feel like I'm embarrassing myself and try to avoid them. However, I agree that you can't lose weight from dieting alone.

We're doing Weight Watchers again right now. It's DH's first time, my 2nd. Due to recent injuries that we've both sustained (DH hurt his back shoveling snow, I fell hard on ice), significant exercise just isn't happening. We've been doing yoga poses that were suggested by the chiropractor and, while I'm sure that they're not doing much for weight loss, the movement is helping a lot. I'm expecting to start yoga tapes at home in the next week ago and think they're a great way of easing into exercise.

Plus, you can do it in your jammies in the living room.!

themosthappy91 · January 2016

nerdwife said:

Honestly, counting calories and weighing myself daily (or weekly) drives me crazy. I mean, I have a history of eating disorders, so I mean that somewhat literally, but also just in general. After struggling with my weight and body for basically ever, a few years ago I just learned to let it go. I don't count calories and I definitely do not own a scale. I can tell when I'm gaining or losing weight based on how my clothes fit. Over the past few months, my pants have been getting tighter and tighter, so I knew it was time to rein it in. FI (who is actually really tall and thin) felt the same way, so we kind of just decided to eat healthier. He is a baseline healthy eater (genuinely loves fish and kale), so that has actually always been helpful to me.

Anyway, since I don't count calories and don't participate in any diets that flat out restrict a food or food group (like @julianne912 said, if I can't do it forever, I'm not doing it now), it became more of just adding more produce into my day and making healthier meals. We love ice cream and won't give that up, but in the long run that's okay as long as we eat healthier elsewhere. We also really stepped up our gym game - going together is really motivating, and we run through a handful of exercises and head home.

It's also helpful that we don't have goals like X pounds in X time period - I definitely want to lose some weight, but it's more important to me that I feel better about myself and also get stronger and healthier.

Finally, I think a big dieting mistake that people tend to make is slipping up and being all like WELL THAT'S IT I FAILED, BETTER EAT ANYTHING ELSE I WANT. Yesterday, FI and I ended up at Crumbs and I ate a cupcake. Not exactly in my plan, but the world did not end and I know from experience that if I tell myself NO SWEETS EVER it will be all I can think about and I am doomed to fail. I just ate normally besides that one cupcake. My mom used to always do this ("guess my diet starts Monday") and she has struggled with dieting/her weight for as long as I've known her. It is not a good time.

I'm definitely not a diet expert but I hope at least some of that information was helpful to someone. I know it's so hard to make these kinds of changes, especially when you just want to lose weight like yesterday. But if I can go from thinking about basically nothing besides food/dieting as a teenager to an adult who has a healthy weight and attitude about food, I know it's doable.

Yep, I have definitely been guilty of this a lot. It's so easy when you are one or two days into a diet to be like "I'm just going to eat this thing now and restart tomorrow"- honestly it was SO hard not to do that this time, but the first few days are my danger zone and once I got past that the temptation to throw in the towel died down. I was very proud that the other evening when I cheated with what was supposed to be two glasses of wine but turned into three (whoops) I was able to get right back to normal the next day without feeling a bunch of negative emotions and the urge to quit!

Here's a question- do y'all talk to any people IRL (besides yours SOs, presumably) about dieting and weight loss?

nerdwife · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:

nerdwife said:

Honestly, counting calories and weighing myself daily (or weekly) drives me crazy. I mean, I have a history of eating disorders, so I mean that somewhat literally, but also just in general. After struggling with my weight and body for basically ever, a few years ago I just learned to let it go. I don't count calories and I definitely do not own a scale. I can tell when I'm gaining or losing weight based on how my clothes fit. Over the past few months, my pants have been getting tighter and tighter, so I knew it was time to rein it in. FI (who is actually really tall and thin) felt the same way, so we kind of just decided to eat healthier. He is a baseline healthy eater (genuinely loves fish and kale), so that has actually always been helpful to me.

Anyway, since I don't count calories and don't participate in any diets that flat out restrict a food or food group (like @julianne912 said, if I can't do it forever, I'm not doing it now), it became more of just adding more produce into my day and making healthier meals. We love ice cream and won't give that up, but in the long run that's okay as long as we eat healthier elsewhere. We also really stepped up our gym game - going together is really motivating, and we run through a handful of exercises and head home.

It's also helpful that we don't have goals like X pounds in X time period - I definitely want to lose some weight, but it's more important to me that I feel better about myself and also get stronger and healthier.

Finally, I think a big dieting mistake that people tend to make is slipping up and being all like WELL THAT'S IT I FAILED, BETTER EAT ANYTHING ELSE I WANT. Yesterday, FI and I ended up at Crumbs and I ate a cupcake. Not exactly in my plan, but the world did not end and I know from experience that if I tell myself NO SWEETS EVER it will be all I can think about and I am doomed to fail. I just ate normally besides that one cupcake. My mom used to always do this ("guess my diet starts Monday") and she has struggled with dieting/her weight for as long as I've known her. It is not a good time.

I'm definitely not a diet expert but I hope at least some of that information was helpful to someone. I know it's so hard to make these kinds of changes, especially when you just want to lose weight like yesterday. But if I can go from thinking about basically nothing besides food/dieting as a teenager to an adult who has a healthy weight and attitude about food, I know it's doable.

Yep, I have definitely been guilty of this a lot. It's so easy when you are one or two days into a diet to be like "I'm just going to eat this thing now and restart tomorrow"- honestly it was SO hard not to do that this time, but the first few days are my danger zone and once I got past that the temptation to throw in the towel died down. I was very proud that the other evening when I cheated with what was supposed to be two glasses of wine but turned into three (whoops) I was able to get right back to normal the next day without feeling a bunch of negative emotions and the urge to quit!

Here's a question- do y'all talk to any people IRL (besides yours SOs, presumably) about dieting and weight loss?

That's great! I've always found that those small moments where you get passed those obstacles are what add up and matter in the end.

I actually don't talk to people about dieting in real life. I find people are always talking about the newest fad diet and how cavemen ate this so they are going to do that and it is super hard for me not to say things like, uh, you know caveman died by like age 30, right? Also, I don't like to get caught up and compare myself to other people - it can get too triggering for me. And so many people have so many opinions that they have no problem sharing, like, oh I thought you were on a diet, or things like that. I was talking to my co-worker/friend about how I'm just trying to eat more produce and eat generally better, and at the time we were at CVS and I was buying skinny pop (the popcorn, solely because I genuinely like the way it tastes and was craving it), and she was like, I guess you mean starting tomorrow? I just said that that's not how I work - that it's just making gradual, doable changes. But it was an unwelcome intrusion/comment.

Maggie0829 · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:

Here's a question- do y'all talk to any people IRL (besides yours SOs, presumably) about dieting and weight loss?

Yes. My Mom and I talk about it (because we are both always wanting to lose 5-10 pounds). Basically we always come to the same conclusion. We need to eat less/better and start exercising more. I mean, that is really the only thing that will work in the long run. Of course it is easier said then done.

lyndausvi · January 2016

I'm heavier than I want, but not overweight. Never have been.

I pretty much average out my meals.

I never have "cheat days". That is too negative to me. Like I'm doing something wrong that I have to correct. I just call them "just life days". There will always an anniversary, birthday, work event, BBQ, holiday, etc. They are part of living. I'm not going to feel guilty for having birthday cake.

To counter those "just life days" I cut back on other meals. Sometimes it's the same day, others times it's a few days later. I knew last night I was going out to dinner with OOT friends. So I had yogurt for lunch. Apple for a snack and then a big yummy dinner of my choice. Our OOT guests left today. I will be eating a lighter dinner tonight compared to the last few nights. Maybe even tomorrow.

It's all about balance.

themosthappy91 · January 2016

@nerdwife I have a question based on you mentioning your past eating disorder issues- feel free to not go into it if you don't want to.

My BFF lost a large amount of weight several years ago, which she eventually confided in me was mostly from making herself throw up. Obviously it broke my heart she did that- but I also felt awful because all along her weigh loss journey I was complementing her, telling her how great she looks etc (as was pretty much everyone else in her life). I felt so bad that I was maybe encouraging that behavior or making her think it was worth it without even realizing it.

Do you, as someone who has been on that side of things, think there is any truly safe way to complement or encourage people you are close to when they (on the surface) appear to be getting healthier (but maybe they aren't really...)? I would never say anything about anything weight-wise to someone who wasn't a good friend, but do you think it's best in general to not acknowledge any weight/appearance changes for better or for worse even to the people you're closest with? I just always wonder so much how all of the praise and complements that were piled on my friend when she lost weight may have fed into her disorder.

nerdwife · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:

@nerdwife I have a question based on you mentioning your past eating disorder issues- feel free to not go into it if you don't want to.

My BFF lost a large amount of weight several years ago, which she eventually confided in me was mostly from making herself throw up. Obviously it broke my heart she did that- but I also felt awful because all along her weigh loss journey I was complementing her, telling her how great she looks etc (as was pretty much everyone else in her life). I felt so bad that I was maybe encouraging that behavior or making her think it was worth it without even realizing it.

Do you, as someone who has been on that side of things, think there is any truly safe way to complement or encourage people you are close to when they (on the surface) appear to be getting healthier (but maybe they aren't really...)? I would never say anything about anything weight-wise to someone who wasn't a good friend, but do you think it's best in general to not acknowledge any weight/appearance changes for better or for worse even to the people you're closest with? I just always wonder so much how all of the praise and complements that were piled on my friend when she lost weight may have fed into her disorder.

I think this is tricky. If someone is losing weight in a healthy manner, then of course you want to compliment them. However, complimenting someone who is losing weight due to some eating disordered behavior can be a HUGE motivator for them to keep doing what they're doing. I know someone who, along with her then-FI, went on a diet for their wedding. At first they looked good, but now - more than a year after their wedding - they look terrible, particularly the woman. People were complimenting them like crazy when they went from somewhat overweight to a healthier weight and I think that helped spiral them.

Of course, eating disorders are not caused by compliments, so you aren't going to cause an eating disorder by complimenting someone's weight loss. And I think most people who lose weight do not have eating disorders. So, in general, you should be safe. However, if you have even an inkling of concern that someone is going about it in the wrong way, I would resist the urge to comment, either negatively or positively (even negative comments, like you look too thin, can motivate someone).

Hope that helps!

julieanne912 · January 2016

I try not to make a big deal about someone's weight loss, other than "Hey, you're looking great!" or some other generic type comment that isn't directed at weight loss.

I got a lot of comments from family members when I lost all that weight, all compliments on how "tiny" I was (I wasn't really... like I was barely into the healthy BMI range at my lowest weight). But now that I've gained half of it back, I feel like I've let them down.... silly I know, but that's how I think sometimes. So anyway that's why I try not to focus on someone's size when giving compliments, I don't want them to feel bad if/when they gain some of it back.

ETA: I don't really talk to most people about it IRL. Obviously H hears some of it, but he doesn't really get it as he's very thin due to his Crohn's disease. He has different types of food issues so he doesn't really understand mine. I talk to my mom sometimes about it, but she can be a bit negative about weight gain (her mother was too).

missfrodo · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:

Here's a question- do y'all talk to any people IRL (besides yours SOs, presumably) about dieting and weight loss?

I do, just because of my background--especially since I'm not working as a trainer anymore, whenever someone mentions health/fitness I get word vomit and can't shut up about stuff! Every time I see my mom, I think I give her the same workout stuff to do, and she never does it. I'm thinking I'd have to call her every night to get her to remember and motivate her. Do you have a friend or family (or FI) who would be willing to call/text you every day at the same time, to make you accountable? I recommend someone other than FI, as my DH too easily will say "oh ok you can work out another day" if I give him excuses.
I"m glad you like my idea of starting small with a workout--seriously, if you would just do 10 squats, 10 lunges, and 10 pushups to start, soon you'll find yourself motivated to do more. Just make sure you have proper form, otherwise you'll kill your knees.

anjemon · January 2016

nerdwife said:

themosthappy91 said:
Yep, I have definitely been guilty of this a lot. It's so easy when you are one or two days into a diet to be like "I'm just going to eat this thing now and restart tomorrow"- honestly it was SO hard not to do that this time, but the first few days are my danger zone and once I got past that the temptation to throw in the towel died down. I was very proud that the other evening when I cheated with what was supposed to be two glasses of wine but turned into three (whoops) I was able to get right back to normal the next day without feeling a bunch of negative emotions and the urge to quit!

Here's a question- do y'all talk to any people IRL (besides yours SOs, presumably) about dieting and weight loss?

That's great! I've always found that those small moments where you get passed those obstacles are what add up and matter in the end.

I actually don't talk to people about dieting in real life. I find people are always talking about the newest fad diet and how cavemen ate this so they are going to do that and it is super hard for me not to say things like, uh, you know caveman died by like age 30, right? Also, I don't like to get caught up and compare myself to other people - it can get too triggering for me. And so many people have so many opinions that they have no problem sharing, like, oh I thought you were on a diet, or things like that. I was talking to my co-worker/friend about how I'm just trying to eat more produce and eat generally better, and at the time we were at CVS and I was buying skinny pop (the popcorn, solely because I genuinely like the way it tastes and was craving it), and she was like, I guess you mean starting tomorrow? I just said that that's not how I work - that it's just making gradual, doable changes. But it was an unwelcome intrusion/comment.

This is the exact reason I hate talking to people about my diet/weight loss plans. If I'm going to eat something, I almost always know if it's good/bad or on diet/off diet. I don't need people reminding me that I'm eating something I shouldn't. Because it won't make me stop eating it, it will just make me start to be sneakier about when I eat bad things. And that helps no one.

lovesclimbing · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:
Guys I totally get that working out is an important part of losing weight and being healthy (as I feel I pretty explicitly stated, my goal for this year is not just to lose weight but also to get strong/fit). But I feel okay with my choice to delay starting that part of my journey for a little while, even if that means I lose the weight slower. It's easier for me to stabilize what I'm eating first and add in the exercise component later- in the past I've actually ended up gaining weight rather than losing when I've started a new exercise routine because I've ended up overeating in response to feeling like I've burned the calories to "deserve" more food. I feel confident it's going to work better for me personally to get to know my "new norm" in terms of how much food I should be eating daily before returning to the yoga and barre classes that I did before (both moderately intense workouts).

Anyway I get that some people might totally thrive on starting both a serious diet and serious new workout routine at the same time, but I don't really think doing them in a staggered fashion is "the stupidest plan ever." Yeesh.

I like the idea of doing some little exercises at home though like @missfrodo was suggesting, just to not be completely inactive in the meantime. Also I certainly hope what you said is true about losing from the bust quickly because that's one of my biggest problems- my boobs have gotten huge and it really is an impediment! Anyone have recommendations for good, inexpensive sports bras for large-chested ladies?

--------boxes------

Well, I don't know what inexpensive is in your book. I love the brand Moving Comfort. My last bra was about $45-$50 I think. So amazing! (I've got D's, but hopefully I'll lose some weight in the next few months and lose a cups size or even two.) They even have racer back styles that are supportive so I can wear those kind of tops with it easily. I recommend ordering a size down to help keep stuff from jiggling.

Viczaesar · January 2016

thisismynickname said:

It is my opinion that dieting only with no workout schedule is a disaster waiting to happen. As women we have hormone fluctuations. I can eat fairly decently for 3 weeks and turn into a raving bitch cow while PMSing where I just HAVE to have a huge chocolate cupcake or I'll slice someone. There is no way I could diet. Plus, restricting ourselves or punishing ourselves for bad eating is just psychologically not fun. Working out, on the other hand, always feels good when you're done. The only workout you regret is the one you don't do.

I'm with you on the group classes. I see people at Zumba and wish I could join but I'm so uncoordinated I'd embarrass myself. Yoga is ok but not the calorie-torching exercise you want if you want to lose weight (unless you try something like Core Power and then, again with the coordination and intimidation of perfectly sculpted women in your midst).

I run. Go out alone, go as far as you want, push as hard as you want or don't want. The trainer taught me to use weights (free and machine) properly so I also lift weights. I don't feel intimidated lifting weights because obviously the meathead dude to my left could bench me; there's no logical comparison. Lifting is good for your bones and ups your metabolism. Take brisk walks, alone or with a best friend or spouse. I also love the idea of workout videos though I've never tried it. There are a million ways to work out that don't involve being forced to look in a mirror.

This isn't universally true. It may be true for you, but it's not necessarily true for people who, for example, have chronic pain, long-term injuries, or asthma.

PrettyGirlLost · January 2016

thisismynickname said:

It is my opinion that dieting only with no workout schedule is a disaster waiting to happen. . . . Working out, on the other hand, always feels good when you're done. The only workout you regret is the one you don't do.

It could be, but here's the thing- the ONLY way anyone loses weight is to expend more calories than they consume. Period.

Some people might be able to do that, if they have a fairly active lifestyle already, by simply reducing portions and reducing calories. I think most of us have to go walking each day, do cardio, Zumba, something other than Knot :-P

And physiologically, our bodies evolved to NEED carbs, and proteins, and fiber, etc. So eliminating carbs is a "get rich quick" kind of dieting scheme; You'll drop weight initially because your body is going into starvation mode and metabolizing your fat reserves, but once you start eating a normal, balanced diet, you are going to start putting the weight back on because your body is going to go back to processing carbs as normal.

So like PP's have stated, the key is to eat a balanced diet- carbs and all- in smaller portions, and to expend more calories than you ingest.

There's no such thing as good food or bad food, good carbs or bad carbs, good sugars or bad sugars.

Interestingly enough, there are a growing number of evolutionary biologists, physicians, nutritionists, etc. who believe that it's partially in our genes that we tend to have weight issues- that the humans who survived the tough conditions during our formative evolutionary process had genes that allowed us to retain weight in adverse conditions so that they could survive, and since they lived and the rest dies off, they passed their genes on down the line to us. . . who now don't live in such adverse conditions so we tend to pack on the weight ><

An example: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316236810/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687542&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0786886242&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15YXFWRCKABWEPZ6596D

And I hate working out. HATE it. It never feels enjoyable while doing it- no such runner's high BS for me, and I don't feel particularly good after I'm done. I'm happy that I did it, but I wouldn't say I particularly feel good.

GL to everyone in 2016 with their fitness and health goals!!

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