To Diet Or To Lifestyle

[Ericksmadhouse]

Step one to a new lifestyle.
It seems there is always the latest frenzy of diets.
Brand name diets come and go as quickly as Octomom
is having babies. Then there are the “Extreme” diets.

I would say over 95% of diets out there work. I do
question ones health on extreme diets that
advertise losing 7-10 pounds per week; when a
healthy weight loss should be no more than
2-3 pounds a week.

The problem with the word “DIET” is that you can't
stay on them forever. One could end up with serious
health issues staying on an “Extreme” diet over the
recommended length of time.

Forget the diets, forget the calorie counting unless
you're a professional athlete. How about a lifestyle
change. Make a decision, a promise to change the
way you're eating, to excersie consistently, to have
a new LIFESTYLE on your own health.

Start by a decision. Write your goals down on a
3 x 5 card and place it on your bathroom mirror.
The goals should be:
How much do you want to weigh.
When do you want to achieve the new weight.

Be realistic on the time issue. You shouldn't be
losing anymore than 2-3 pounds a week after your
first 2 weeks of your new lifestyle.

Take a head to toe photo. Take measurements of
arms, chest, waist, hips (if female) and thighs. Get
serious, take your lifestyle by the horns.

[ecksman]

Thanks for the goal setting advice. Id like to add that people should also consider watching "The Secret". Its a movie about visualizing your goals in your mind to motivate you. After I watched it, I did what it said, and 5 hours later I found this forum!

I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but its enough proof to me that it works. Used your tips for the head to toe photo. :cool:

[valdezt]

Completely agree that it has to be a lifestyle change. I did Phentermine almost 3 years ago and lost 60 pounds at the time. I've kept off 50 pounds in the time since. I found Maintenance a struggle initially because I was more focused on the scale and "rigor" of losing weight as opposed to enjoying the lifestyle advantages that came as a result of losing the weight. Since then, I've biked with my kids on a regular basis, enjoyed walking for hours through the Mall with my girls - to buy or just to browse among a host of other things.
The "diet" mentality eventually faded and although I still weigh myself often, the lifestyle change is the new routine - not the diet.

[battleofthebulge]

The problem with the word diet is you die-while doing it. Then as soon as you reach your goal you go back to eating like you use to and gain all the weight back. Until a person who is over weight learns how to eat healthy and in moderation they will be forever on a diet of some kind. I am not on a diet this time around; I’m on a life style change. That is what has to happen for me to loose weight and keep it off for good.