I'm on a diet - (read short details) is what I'm doing good or bad?

Question

In short, I've always been able to eat whatever I want, never exercise and not gain a pound. I'm 23 and my metabolism has rapidly changed - I eat a chocolate bar and I gain 3 lbs..etc. I've put on 20lbs out of nowhere just by doing my normal 'thing'. So as of 1/1/07 I've stopped drinking soda, stopped drinking coffee, and stopped eating fast food. I do not eat fatty snacks or chips, etc..I've been eating pure steak, potatoes, veggies & fruit. For breakfast I eat 2 boiled eggs & drink green tea...etc...is this good? I've never dieted before so I'm clueless.. :-\ I am going to work exercise into my 'plan' soon but I wanted to give myself time to adjust to the new diet first. I feel great so far, my energy level is through the roof, I even sleep better.

Answer 1

First off - forget about 'dieting'. It sounds like you're on the road to eating more healthy, and whether that's motivated by weight or not, it's a good thing. Nixxing caffeine and sodas is great. Fresh vegies, fruits... also great. I'd focus more on foul & fish for protein sources, rather than red meat, but that's about it.

Whether you're dieting, maintaining, training, or just trying to eat right... a mix of about 60% carbs, 20% protein, and 20% fat (by weight) is in the ballpark of what you should be aiming for. For the carbs - stick to complex carbs, preferably unrefined... ie. pastas, whole-wheat breads, etc. stay away from refined sugars. For fats - shoot for vegetable sources...

My main concern is the quick change you mention. Maybe you left some information out, but if you really feel your metabolism has changed this drastically, I'd investigate the issue with your doctor, particularly if your family has a history of thyroid disease or other metabolic disorders.

Answer 2

It sounds like you're on the right track. The essense of weight loss is burning more calories than you consume. Cutting back on the food you eat is a great way to start. Exercise is good, but I find it's easier to eat less than it is to exercise on a regular basis. Many people have found that eliminating carbohydrates from their diets results in quick weight loss, but beware replacing those carbs with fat. If you do eat carbs, eat the complex ones such as fruits, veggies and whole grains. As for the eggs, they're a great food for dieters, but like everything, eat them in moderation. You don't want to be skinny with outrageous cholesterol levels. Based on personal experience, I've found that eating 5 or 6 small meals a day is better because you don't get as hungry and end up eating too much. Anyway, that's my two cents. I hope it helped.

Answer 3

It's so problematic! I know! But if your healthy eating plan I recommend you provide your self a cheat day once a week-this relatively helps due to the fact you might be human and whilst you swear off "dangerous foods" it appears you crave them more! This will give you a day to seem forward to-additionally component manipulate and picks aid-like you could have a slice of pizza (cheese or veggie) dab the grease off with a napkin and have a small salad with it-then its now not horrible-however save the twix for your cheat day! Additionally if you happen to do eat unhealthy for lunch-be certain you have got a healthful low fat dinner- this fashion you wont feel like you wasted the entire day- perhaps you must expand your calories to maybe 1800 daily (your generally hungry!) however I consider a cheat day would work for you! **oh and for speedy meals-there are smart picks that you can make there--no french fries but McDonalds hamburger is only like 7 grams of fats add a fruit n yogurt parfait with that and you received your speedy meals fix with out the entire further energy from cheese and grease!

Answer 4

If you can keep that up, your a stronger person than anyone i know.

Only thing i would suggest is a multi-vitamin. Any vitamins your lacking for the day should be covered by it. I use a "mens multi-vitamin" that i have to get more of ever 2 months from a vitamin shop. works wonders, and there are also "womens multi-vitamins" available. But read before you buy. Some vitamins are like 3 times a day, 2 times a day, or 1 time a day. 1 time a day is usually "less efficient" but it's easier to remember, and it'll work better than if your forgetting the other ones.

Answer 5

I wouldn't call this a "diet". A diet is a quick-fix that usually never lasts for long. It seems as if you've changed your lifestyle which is the way to go. You're feeling better for a reason. Your body is getting all the nutrients it needs and none of the crap it doesn't. Keep it up! You're doing a great job so far by not falling into that diet crap!

Answer 6

Your doing well except I would get rid of the potatoes for now. Eat more but smaller meals. Eat almonds or walnuts if you have to snack. Add sum fruit to your diet like grapefruit and apples.

Of course excersie is key.

Drink a gallon of water a day.

Good luck!!!

Answer 7

i dont think its what you eat, its more of how much. have a piece of the chocolate bar, or a piece of cake, or a chip, etc, but just make sure that you arent eating to much candy or junk food and that what you do eat has tons of color (veggies, fruits, etc)

Answer 8

Sounds like you've made some very good changes. I personally don't eat meat.

Answer 9

to add to what you are doing, dont eat potatoes, rice, or bread, basically dont eat starches, they make you gain wieght like crazy

Answer 10

You are doing good. Also, drink lots of water.