Weight Loss:Which is the better way to lose the pounds??

Question

I've fought my weight all my life...up and down on the scale and right now unfortunately, I'm up...way up. I'm sick of being overweight, but I love food.
Which is the best way to lose weight (and the easiest)?

** Eating what I want, but cutting down on portion size
OR----
** Going on a strict diet

I love salad, but I've tried that approach, eating healthy, and I felt like I was starving and hated having to eat something different than everyone else. I've tried exercising, but I get sick of the same workout and get tired really fast.After I work out, I just want to lay down and go to sleep!
I cannot take any pills with stimulants, not even green tea.I have an irregular heartbeat, and stimulants worsen this.
Is there a safe pill that will make me feel full without having stimulants?
Oh, I also don't drink any soda. I am addicted to ice water..
I don't eat sweets...my weakness is meat and potatoes-hearty mmeals. I don't snack between meals, either.

Thanks to all in advance

Answer 1

Forget pills. They are no good and won't help you. Think of it this way...that is like thinking taking a pill will help to shrink your hand's size.
The trick to losing weight is UPKEEP. Do not stop. I eat 5-6 small meals a day. Cut out soda, eat healthy (but good stuff). I am forever snacking but healthily. Like, trail mix, granola bars, fruit, string cheese, goldfish, veggies, etc. LOVE IT. and then treat yourself every once in awhile.
You MUST do cardio in order to lose weight. NO way of getting around that. I walk a few times a week for 45 minutes. Easy.
Drink lots of water and log everything you do. It helps immensely.
You CAN do it. if you want to, you can. TRUST ME.

Answer 2

Weight Watchers is the way to go! I lost 200 lbs on it in less than 2 years and I have kept off (for the most part). THERE IS NO EASY WAY. Not even the surgery everyone is getting. WW provide you with knowledge and tool that will allow you to take the weight off, keep it off without starving or totally depriving yourself. It is NOT EASY but it works and it takes discipline. As for which way is better.....I say BOTH. You have to eat healthier, there is no way around it but you do not have to only eat salad and give up the goodies altogether. There is one other VERY important thing that you did not mention....EXERCISE. Again, you do not have to become a gym rat but it is important. Not so much in the beginning but once you get going you will need to do some kind of work out. The first year I only walked for about 1-1.5 hrs 3 times a week and lost a hundred pounds before stepping it up. I hope it helps and feel free to ask me for help if you need it. When people ask me the secret I tell them that it is 90% mental! If you don't want it bad enough nothing will help you. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I have struggled with weight loss all my 40 year life. The BEST way to make sure your caloric level is low enough to lose weight is through strict reductions. BUT, experts and by my own experience say this may be short lasting and if you "fall off the wagon" are likely to gain back the original weight plus some. The best advice I have heard is from years ago "Keep moving with Oprah" - stay as active as possible - doesn't have to be at the gym everyday (although that would be ideal) - but gardening, walking instead of driving to the corner store/school, etc. - also, some fad diets have been shown to work for a quick fix - Atkins, etc. but may come with additional health problems and are more generally shorter lasting- The good things about Nutrisystem type diets is that they are for the most part "no brainers" - you eat what they say, but that is that - The good part of Weight Watchers and Overeaters Anonymous is they provide a network of human support system to encourage you in your efforts and people to help you when you are feling down or discouraged- As above, make sure you have had all of your blood levels checked for thyroid deficiencies, etc. so you are not fighting a loosing battle because of something your body is doing/not doing on its own. Also, doctors may be able to suggest some pill that might be safe with your heart condition - some anti-depressants are known to have weight loss as a side effect (but come with other side effects too). Your first approach seems sensible - cut down on portions sizes - I have know it to be better to eat smaller portions more times in a day - the biggest thing about your food choices may be what you are cooking with - for example, reduce oils and replace with cooking sprays - use the lower calorie breads, eliminate mayonaise, skip the butter, use lower fat milks and products, cut the fats and skins from your meats- these are the ways to still eat the food you want without the "hidden" calories you dont really see but taste - the food might not be as tasty, but will be less caloric. Lastly (but far from leastly), positive mental affirmations can help you through telling yourself that you want to crave and eat the things that are the best for your body and you are feeling great and energized, etc. (instead of "I am really fat, I need to lose weight, I can't stand being this big, I don't really eat that much" etc.). Anyway, wishing you luck - now, the next step is: how can we convince the world that a little extra fat is in and healthy - then we could live our happy, delicious lives without so much worry or concern?

Answer 4

There are many things you can try but you have to be consistent for many weeks. The main key for weight loss is keeping your metabolism working. More often, than not, eating 6 small meals a day keeps your metabolism working and your cravings down. If you skip a couple small meals you will splurge and have one big one, not good when trying to lose weight. You must eat breakfast and try to replace the snacking with a low carb protein bar in between. Protein helps cut down the cravings for bigger meals as it gives your body the sense of being more full. Cut out as much bread as possible only eating 100% whole wheat if you have to eat bread. It is good that you don't like sugar or soda as the average person gains 16 pounds/year drinking soft drinks. Again, try several things and stick with them for several months to see what works. Don't starve your body as the metabolism is your best friend. Lastly, get your Thyroid blood test to make sure that it is in good working condition. As well as buy the womens health magazine for good weight loss diets and workouts. Keep the faith - You Can Lose The Weight!!!

Answer 5

I found the book to be very informative and easy to read.

I've lost 17 pounds in 12 days, I'm just concerned that I'm losing too much weight, too quickly. I will admit I haven't followed the guide exactly. I'm not sticking perfectly to the listed foods and meal plans (but mostly) and doing very little exercise, but the weight keeps flying off.

It clearly works and if I'd followed it exactly I think it would scare the living daylights out of me because of the amount that I'd lose. So thanks again for the information. I've never purchased anything like this before because they are usually full of trash, but 3WD has been a pleasant surprise.

Get started today!

Answer 6

I am in the same boat as you. I have tried everything and the only thing that worked for me was Weight Watchers. I lost over 20 pounds on it. I could still eat my mashed potatoes and my steak. It worked fabulous. I say worked because due to the weight loss getting pregnant was EASY and I can not be on a diet while pregnant so here I sit fat again. I will go back on it once the baby comes. It also worked for my mother and older sister. They have both kept their weight off for over 2 years. And it doesn't cost too much. Good luck

Answer 7

I finally got sick of my weight too, and here's what I did. I order Nutrisystem. Not joking. It was mildly expensive ($289.00) for 5 weeks of food. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. They send you perfectly proportioned meals, and you get to eat fruits and vegetables in between meals. The food tastes fantastic as well. I'm a sucker for Italian food, and I haven't had Nutrisystem dish that I've not liked. They are all great tasting, and calorie controlled. As for working out, try to make every day a little bit different. If you ran on the treadmill on Monday, ride a stationary bicycle on Tuesday. Then use the elliptical trainer on Wednesday. Try not to do the same thing twice in a row. It will make losing weight easier, as well as spice up your routine. Good luck on your journey to a better you!

Answer 8

I will try to keep it simple. Your metabolism is basically the rate at which your body burns calories to create energy. So the faster your metabolism, the faster you burn calories and the easier it is to lose unwanted weight. To boost your metabolism naturally you just need to eat the right foods.

You can sit down and literally eat a 1,000-calorie dinner and yet be absolutely starving just a few hours later and the reason is simple: Because your body didnt get what it needed in those 1,000 calories so it sends signals to your brain telling you to ingest more calories and thus, the late-night cravings. That means that the surest way to end those late-night cravings and keep your weight loss goals on track is to eat a more balanced, nutritious diet that actually gives your body what it needs.

It's VERY EASY to lose weight if you eat the right foods. Check out Dr. Charles Livingston's video here: http://www.sexyjese.com - it will blow your mind.

Answer 9

Cutting down on portion sizes would be the better way to go. The eating habits that you describe seem to be very sensible and pretty healthy as they are. If you go on a strict diet, you will probably end up hating it and giving it up.

You will still need to balance this with regular exercise though. You could go for walks, take yoga classes, go dancing... There are lots of different options for exercising that doesn't involve sticking to the same old workout every time or doing anything that tires you out too quickly.

Answer 10

I say to diet at first in the proper manner for health reasons and if your body can adjust to that well you could loose some pounds. Then in the future just eat what you like with portion control. Not all bodies work the same but. Its good to see you don't like much sodas or sweets. you seem to just be eating alot of meals..but portion control is the key with exercise to keep healthy and going. I wish you luck.