The "D" word - Diet

[Sarah]

Hi Everyone,

I'm exploring diet options (I've put on a lot of weight due since suffering with chronic fatigue), and I've been wondering what works for you?

There is just so much out there these days!

Has anyone ever tried Optifast?

:)

[Naomi]

I guess I don't diet as such, but try to eat fairly healthily (and often fail :blush: ). We tend to eat low GI foods and fresh produce, and try to avoid too much over-processed stuff.

I find it harder to find the motivation to do exercise which is what makes the difference for me.

What's Optifast? (Is it a supplement or a food plan?)

[PinkDot]

I have never been on a "diet" and I dont think I ever would. I think dietting puts you under too much pressure and a lot of diets as soon as you stop the weight comes back. Although its your personal choice, and sometimes it might be good to kick start the weight loss.
Personally I think a healthy lifestyle, exercise and healthy eating is a lot more effective. My partner had chronic fatigue and we go to the gym, it has helped him a lot with his body, but also gives him a lot more energy.

[Monty]

I don't think those plans are very cost efficient but whatever helps you personally.

I've lost 4 kgs over the past 3 weeks just by cutting out sweets, chocolates and most fats out of my diet. I'm trying to work on carbs and processed foods now.

Good luck!!

[MissieK]

I've been told that some carbs are essential in your diet.

I've lost 5.9kg in the last few weeks by cutting out suggary snacks, eating more fruit & veg, reducing my portions, not eating after 7.30pm (where possible) and going to skim milk.

Oh, and exercising more.

Melissa

[Colby]

Hi Sarah,

I think Weight Watchers is a really good guide to help you loose weight... they work on a points plan - you eat so many points based on your weight and every food has points so all you do is add up your points for the day. They suggest receipes etc and offer support.

Best of luck :)

[Chrystal]

I've been trying to release some weight myself, 6.5kgs down, 15.5 to go. I've basically just been eating better, cut out the takeaway and fried stuff, and also the sugary stuff. I make sure I get my 5&2 (fruit and veg) everyday, and also lenty of low fat dairy, and low GI's - especially in the carbs. But I also allow myself my one day a week where I have my coffee and cake, or else I cave and go back to the crap food. The most important meal is lunch for me, if I do it right the rest of the goes smoothly, I must have protien at lunch time or else I get the sugar/carb craves in the afternoon.

And water, need the water too.

[sarz]

I'd have to agree with most of you. The best way to lose weight is to cut out the bad foods (easier said than done!) and do more exercise. Reducing portions is a good idea too. Good luck!

[Misha8]

:) Hi I am on weight watchers and for me it's a fantastic program.
Like anything,you get out of it what you put in.
You need to exercise, eat right and forget about the word "diet".It's a dirty,evil word that needs to be disgarded from the English language. :eww:
weight Watchers is about finding a better way to live and not missing out on the things you like, like chocolate.
Everything in moderation is the key.
Good luck with whatever you choose, and yes I tried optifast,might work because you are replacing a meal with a drink (??) but you will gain again once you stop and that is not good for you.
Michelle Bray
Lingerie & Adult Party Plan Consultant
Avon Rep. V412

[shelli]

Hi there. I dont diet at all, I just seem to be able to stay the same size. After having Peter, three months ago now, I found that I lost the weight pretty easily - not that I put that much on, anyway. I dont mean to brag, but that is the way that I am. I also have 3 other kids to chase after, so that helps.

My 'diet' is just a lot of unprocessed foods - making things from scratch. We also have a lot of fruit and veg in the house all the time and milk, meat, etc. My exercise is just running after the kids and doing the housework - when I get time for that!! Eating after tea is finished is a no-no for me - I just cant do it. I grew up where, if I didnt fill up at tea time, then that was just too bad, so it has continued onto adult life for me. I try to go to bed at about 10:30 most nights, but sometimes that doesnt work...lol.

I have heard some bad things about that Optifast and Slimfast (these are the same thing I take it? Milk drinks instead of food?) I suppose, if you use it right and, when you decide that you dont want to use it anymore, you substitute food for it (reverse process of what you started with), and it was the right type of food, then, I suppose, that would work. My mother-in-law was using it for a little while, but just as a kick-start on to a healthier diet than the one that she was originally on.

shelli