trying to lose weight

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem - the rest of me is okay

when I was younger I had a good bod

am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

I'm on my 2nd day of this regimen - I'm hoping I can keep it up - drinking water helps reduce hunger

I'm really hoping that if and when I lose pounds my back pain will be reduced - it's very troublesome - too much weight can be a major cause of back pain

I exercise - rapid walking about 45 minutes each day - I've done that for a long time - haven't increased it so far

.

Exercise has little to do with anything with weight loss. It's what you shove in your pie hole that counts. If you're serious about losing weight you have to change what you eat and keep it changed forever. I'm under 180 lb I was 250 not that long ago, couple years. I eat I200 calories a day but I don't recommend that. I do low carb, very very little red meat, lots of veggies and low carb bread. Chicken and fish, avocados tomatoes onions cabbage bell peppers. I eat this stuff everyday. Walnuts and almonds, salads, you need to find the stuff that makes you fat and don't eat it anymore. I eat absolutely no processed food except for bread, I never eat out, I cook everything from scratch. At first it's a lot of work and then it turns into a routine and you lose the weight and it stays off and you feel, if you do this when you're older, you feel like you've never felt in your life, like you've literally taken out a new lease on life as the old commercials used to say. I now have tons of energy and I'm doing stuff all day long. It's true at any time of your life but especially true if you're over 60 that any extra weight you have is a tremendous burden on your system and you don't realize how big a burden it is until you get rid of it.

Find something you can continue to follow after you have achieved the goal and you have found the golden ticket. Spot reducing doesn't really work unfortunately. It always is coming off all over the usual places on the body as well.

Quote: lilredrooster

.
am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

As far as your body is concerned, OJ is pretty much pure sugar, and Cheerios and fruit (well, depending on the fruit) aren't that far behind.

The only thing that worked for me: cut carbs - and I mean total carbs, not just "net carbs."

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem - the rest of me is okay
link to original post

If it's just your gut that is too big, you may have lots of visceral fat, which is more dangerous and difficult to shift than subcutaneous fat.
It's a problem I had.
Exercise will do you some good generally, but Calorie input is the single biggest factor.
I successfully resolved my 'beer belly' shape with a few PERMANENT lifestyle changes. Mostly, I cut out drinking spirits which are chock full with Calories that go straight into storage. Couple that with significant reduction of sugars and pastry. Stop eating your partners and kids leftovers :)
To kick start my weight loss I did 'therationchallenge' but I then recognised how the whole hunger thing is supposed to work..... If you are not a little bit hungry at meal times, then you over-ate at the previous meal. Aspire to work up a hunger. Eat unlimited Veg, and almost unlimited fruit. Recognise that meat is a luxury and should be eaten only for its protien. not for its fat.
Use an 8 inch dish for main meals. You can fill the plate as much as you like and you will probably lose weight.
If you want to see results, you could try the foolproof weight loss diet. Weigh in each morning. If your weight is higher than the morning before, then you do not eat a single calorie of food that day! You'll swing widely into hunger and will feel like sh1t, but it CANNOT fail to lose weight. You may also lose consciousness.

If you want to be amused by diet, you could try the LCD Lettuce and Coffee Diet. It's a spoof diet from the creators of National Lampoon magazine. I recommend you to read it, but NOT do it.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/general/29527-health-and-weight-loss/26/#post652255

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem - the rest of me is okay

when I was younger I had a good bod

I have a similar issue. My stomach is too big but in my case the rest of me is too small. I have skinny arms and legs and a belly that is probably 10 pounds bigger than it should be. I got weighed at the doctors office last week and I was 170 which is near my all time high. My problem is that I am not "overweight" so I refuse to change anything. I usually average 165 and go up and down 5 pounds. Today was a Slimfast shake for breakfast, a bag of chips for lunch, and probably frozen corn dogs for dinner. Exercise is non-existent for me as I rarely leave the house anymore.

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem -
link to original post

I'm assuming from the posts you make and what you remember from the past that you're at least my age maybe even older. I'm telling you, losing the weight will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself you won't believe the changes it will make. For one thing will start thinking more clearly. I noticed after I lost weight that problems were easier to solve and I looked it up and sure enough, obesity affects your brain. If you have a fat body you have a fat brain and even my doctor verified that weight loss will give you clarity. How come nobody ever talks about this.

You will feel like you're 10 years younger and you might even give yourself 10 more years if you get down close to where you should be. If you could see the stuff I do everyday around here at 74 years old you wouldn't believe it. I've got the energy I used to have when I was in my 40s. I'm cutting down trees, clearing brush, last summer I built a garage.

Get rid of carbs sugar salt and fat, you won't regret it.

Quote: EvenBob

Get rid of carbs sugar salt and fat, you won't regret it.

So you are saying if you cut our carbs, sugar, salt, and fat that you will live longer. Why would you want to live longer if you can't enjoy the good things?

Quote: DRich

Quote: EvenBob

Get rid of carbs sugar salt and fat, you won't regret it.

So you are saying if you cut our carbs, sugar, salt, and fat that you will live longer. Why would you want to live longer if you can't enjoy the good things?
link to original post

If you think those are good things there is something wrong with you. You are a victim of the advertising you see on TV everyday of your life, you've been hypnotized into thinking that crap they're selling you is food.

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem -
link to original post

I'm assuming from the posts you make and what you remember from the past that you're at least my age maybe even older. I'm telling you, losing the weight will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself you won't believe the changes it will make. For one thing will start thinking more clearly. I noticed after I lost weight that problems were easier to solve and I looked it up and sure enough, obesity affects your brain. If you have a fat body you have a fat brain and even my doctor verified that weight loss will give you clarity. How come nobody ever talks about this.

You will feel like you're 10 years younger and you might even give yourself 10 more years if you get down close to where you should be. If you could see the stuff I do everyday around here at 74 years old you wouldn't believe it. I've got the energy I used to have when I was in my 40s. I'm cutting down trees, clearing brush, last summer I built a garage.

Get rid of carbs sugar salt and fat, you won't regret it.
link to original post

Damn. I find myself in agreement with EB.... Losing fat by cutting EXCESS carbs does make you feel and be more vibrant in so many ways.
Though DRich makes an amusingly valid point.
We won't mention the copious amount of Alcohol (spirits) that EB advocates.

Lilred was talking about stopping gambling? Did the weight gain increase after stopping the sports betting or whatever he does?

I have more of a tendency to lose weight than to gain, but when I am in Vegas and start playing a lot I will lose a little more weight than usual no matter how much rich resort food I am eating.

At least with me, stress leads to weight loss. Casino play may be stressful.
Lack of stress sometimes leads to weight gain.

Maybe PGrinder should weigh in on what I just said though. He travels the world going to lots of casinos. Does he gamble, or just duck into casinos to get chips and leave?

Quote: OnceDear

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem -
link to original post

I'm assuming from the posts you make and what you remember from the past that you're at least my age maybe even older. I'm telling you, losing the weight will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself you won't believe the changes it will make. For one thing will start thinking more clearly. I noticed after I lost weight that problems were easier to solve and I looked it up and sure enough, obesity affects your brain. If you have a fat body you have a fat brain and even my doctor verified that weight loss will give you clarity. How come nobody ever talks about this.

You will feel like you're 10 years younger and you might even give yourself 10 more years if you get down close to where you should be. If you could see the stuff I do everyday around here at 74 years old you wouldn't believe it. I've got the energy I used to have when I was in my 40s. I'm cutting down trees, clearing brush, last summer I built a garage.

Get rid of carbs sugar salt and fat, you won't regret it.
link to original post

Damn. I find myself in agreement with EB.... Losing fat by cutting EXCESS carbs does make you feel and be more vibrant in so many ways.
Though DRich makes an amusingly valid point.
We won't mention the copious amount of Alcohol (spirits) that EB advocates.
link to original post

Copious? Less than three drinks a day is copious? Less than 4 oz a day is copious? What world do you live in. No beer no wine just less than three drinks involving rum. Distilled booze has no carbs, no fat, no salt, and does not make you fat. That's why when you see a true alcoholic they're usually skinny.

Losing weight requires the one thing many gamblers lack: discipline, aka fortitude.

Eat sensibly and increase the amount you exercise: join a health club and do regular workouts with weights and cardio.

Ignore TV ads, e.g. "golo:" snake oil.

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Quote: lilredrooster

.
am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

As far as your body is concerned, OJ is pretty much pure sugar, and Cheerios and fruit (well, depending on the fruit) aren't that far behind.

The only thing that worked for me: cut carbs - and I mean total carbs, not just "net carbs."
link to original post

This was the best advice you have received from ThatDonGuy.. If you eat 20 or less carbs, do intermitting fasting each day a strange thing happens....you will not be hungry. I eat every day at 12pm and 5 pm. So I get 19 hour fast between meals. At 12 pm I have my main meal that is usually a meat like steak, beef, chicken, bacon or any meat you like. I will eat asparagus or any low carb vegetable. At 5pm I won't be hungry so I eat light, maybe a salad or some eggs.

No sugar, fruit or pasta. The key is to track your carbs and keep them low. I do 20 but even up to 50 is ok. Less carbs less hunger.

Quote: vegas

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Quote: lilredrooster

.
am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

As far as your body is concerned, OJ is pretty much pure sugar, and Cheerios and fruit (well, depending on the fruit) aren't that far behind.

The only thing that worked for me: cut carbs - and I mean total carbs, not just "net carbs."
link to original post

This was the best advice you have received from ThatDonGuy.. If you eat 20 or less carbs, do intermitting fasting each day a strange thing happens....you will not be hungry. I eat every day at 12pm and 5 pm. So I get 19 hour fast between meals. At 12 pm I have my main meal that is usually a meat like steak, beef, chicken, bacon or any meat you like. I will eat asparagus or any low carb vegetable. At 5pm I won't be hungry so I eat light, maybe a salad or some eggs.

No sugar, fruit or pasta. The key is to track your carbs and keep them low. I do 20 but even up to 50 is ok. Less carbs less hunger.
link to original post

I have been intermittently fasting for 4 years and I would never go back. I have my first meal at 1:00 p.m. And my last meal at 7:00 p.m. And for the 18 hours in between I eat nothing. And by nothing I mean nothing. And I'm never hungry. I only eat because it's time to eat.

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: vegas

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Quote: lilredrooster

.
am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

As far as your body is concerned, OJ is pretty much pure sugar, and Cheerios and fruit (well, depending on the fruit) aren't that far behind.

The only thing that worked for me: cut carbs - and I mean total carbs, not just "net carbs."
link to original post

This was the best advice you have received from ThatDonGuy.. If you eat 20 or less carbs, do intermitting fasting each day a strange thing happens....you will not be hungry. I eat every day at 12pm and 5 pm. So I get 19 hour fast between meals. At 12 pm I have my main meal that is usually a meat like steak, beef, chicken, bacon or any meat you like. I will eat asparagus or any low carb vegetable. At 5pm I won't be hungry so I eat light, maybe a salad or some eggs.

No sugar, fruit or pasta. The key is to track your carbs and keep them low. I do 20 but even up to 50 is ok. Less carbs less hunger.
link to original post

I have been intermittently fasting for 4 years and I would never go back. I have my first meal at 1:00 p.m. And my last meal at 7:00 p.m. And for the 18 hours in between I eat nothing. And by nothing I mean nothing. And I'm never hungry. I only eat because it's time to eat.
link to original post

I agree Bob as that is exactly how I am. Carbs want carbs and if you eat a carb laden meal a few hours later you are ready to eat again. Eliminate the carbs and you will feel full and no temptations to eat.

I was 202 pounds (only 5'6") and was always ready to eat. I hated that feeling. So learned about keto and decided I had nothing to lose so gave it a go. In two days my hunger cravings were gone. In 4 months I lost 40 pounds and felt great. You are also right about energy level increasing. I used to have trouble sleeping and losing the weight I am getting an unbelievable solid nights sleep.

Giving up sugar was the hardest thing to give up because everything that I used to like had sugar. However over time the cravings decreased and that also got easier. Now if I have something with sugar like say ketchup it tastes too sweet. If I would have known how easy it was once you reduce the carbs I would have done it years ago. By the way I am 71 years old.

Quote: vegas

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: vegas

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Quote: lilredrooster

.
am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

As far as your body is concerned, OJ is pretty much pure sugar, and Cheerios and fruit (well, depending on the fruit) aren't that far behind.

The only thing that worked for me: cut carbs - and I mean total carbs, not just "net carbs."
link to original post

This was the best advice you have received from ThatDonGuy.. If you eat 20 or less carbs, do intermitting fasting each day a strange thing happens....you will not be hungry. I eat every day at 12pm and 5 pm. So I get 19 hour fast between meals. At 12 pm I have my main meal that is usually a meat like steak, beef, chicken, bacon or any meat you like. I will eat asparagus or any low carb vegetable. At 5pm I won't be hungry so I eat light, maybe a salad or some eggs.

No sugar, fruit or pasta. The key is to track your carbs and keep them low. I do 20 but even up to 50 is ok. Less carbs less hunger.
link to original post

I have been intermittently fasting for 4 years and I would never go back. I have my first meal at 1:00 p.m. And my last meal at 7:00 p.m. And for the 18 hours in between I eat nothing. And by nothing I mean nothing. And I'm never hungry. I only eat because it's time to eat.
link to original post

I agree Bob as that is exactly how I am. Carbs want carbs and if you eat a carb laden meal a few hours later you are ready to eat again. Eliminate the carbs and you will feel full and no temptations to eat.

I was 202 pounds (only 5'6") and was always ready to eat. I hated that feeling. So learned about keto and decided I had nothing to lose so gave it a go. In two days my hunger cravings were gone. In 4 months I lost 40 pounds and felt great. You are also right about energy level increasing. I used to have trouble sleeping and losing the weight I am getting an unbelievable solid nights sleep.

Giving up sugar was the hardest thing to give up because everything that I used to like had sugar. However over time the cravings decreased and that also got easier. Now if I have something with sugar like say ketchup it tastes too sweet. If I would have known how easy it was once you reduce the carbs I would have done it years ago. By the way I am 71 years old.
link to original post

We live in a time where you can replace the food that you think you love with other food that you will love equally as much over a period of time. In the old days out West in the winter they basically lived on salt pork and biscuits and that was pretty much it. Today you can have literally any food in the world that you want so giving up cheeseburgers and fries and milkshakes and pizza and ice cream and all the crap that people eat is very very easy, you just have to want to do it. And the payoff for doing it is unbelievable, how much better you'll feel. And you do not miss that food you thought you could not live without.

I don't see it right off, but there was a story about guy who said he tried all the diets including keto and finally started not depriving himself of anything and just ate anything he wanted only when he was hungry. I think he said he lost 100lbs.t

So, two factors, he only ate when he was hungry, and he didn't limit himself in what foods he wanted. He might have kept track of calories, but I think he said he didn't even do that because he said he stopped doing almost all other typical diet recommendations. He strictly didn't eat until he was hungry and that was enough.

i'm just telling you what i read not the actual veracity of it.

Quote: rxwine

I don't see it right off, but there was a story about guy who said he tried all the diets including keto and finally started not depriving himself of anything and just ate anything he wanted only when he was hungry. I think he said he lost 100lbs.t

So, two factors, he only ate when he was hungry, and he didn't limit himself in what foods he wanted. He might have kept track of calories, but I think he said he didn't even do that because he said he stopped doing almost all other typical diet recommendations. He strictly didn't eat until he was hungry and that was enough.

i'm just telling you what i read not the actual veracity of it.
link to original post

Penn and Teller's Penn Jillette lost 100 lb eating nothing but potatoes. You can do stupid diets like that but you can't keep on a regimen of just potatoes for the rest of your life. If you're serious about losing weight you have to pick something that you can do for the next 20 years. No matter what diet you're on it always comes down to calories, you'll have to burn more calories than you take in.

I have always thought losing weight was easy. When I was young I wrestled and had to cut weight all the time. For me it was rather easy because I rarely get hungy. I would just stop eating until I got to my target weight. Obviously you lose muscle doing it that way but I never thought it was hard to lose weight. I once got busy working on a project and realized I hadn't eaten anything in four days so I just challenged myself to go another 3 days to make it an even week. I was having two to three SlimFast shakes a day to get some nutrients and calories but never had anything else.

Quote: DRich

I have always thought losing weight was easy. When I was young I wrestled and had to cut weight all the time. For me it was rather easy because I rarely get hungy. I would just stop eating until I got to my target weight. Obviously you lose muscle doing it that way but I never thought it was hard to lose weight. I once got busy working on a project and realized I hadn't eaten anything in four days so I just challenged myself to go another 3 days to make it an even week. I was having two to three SlimFast shakes a day to get some nutrients and calories but never had anything else.
link to original post

You should have looked for some TV show where the contest involves not eating for a big money prize.

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem - the rest of me is okay

when I was younger I had a good bod

am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

I'm on my 2nd day of this regimen - I'm hoping I can keep it up - drinking water helps reduce hunger

I'm really hoping that if and when I lose pounds my back pain will be reduced - it's very troublesome - too much weight can be a major cause of back pain

I exercise - rapid walking about 45 minutes each day - I've done that for a long time - haven't increased it so far

.
link to original post

1) throw away the oj, cereal and all the other crap in your kitchen

2) go to the store once a week and buy real fresh food

3) get some real exercise a few times per week like 10 sets of 10 squats/deadlifts

4) stop thinking of this in terms of “days on this regimen”. Being healthy is a way of life

If you want to lose weight it all comes down to calories in vs calories out.

There is a website called the hackers diet. It is completely free and NO ads, some engineer decided to make it to help ppl with no want for payment.

The biggest thing is changing your lifestyle (eating habits in this case) to match the number of calories you actually burn in a day. Since your body doesn't appear to be doing it for you. You could try to figure out why this is, possibly mental issues (depression/anxiety/etc) or physical issues (thyroid/pre-diabeties/etc), and attack the problem from that angle. If it's just getting older, then you need to start paying attention to calories till you can do it second nature.

One thing if all that sounds too complicated. You could just try eating half portions of whatever you normally would. Eat the SAME things, just less of them. Wasting food is OK, and if you are a part of the clean plate club, then that is a problem (if you are overweight).

https://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/

Quote: lilredrooster

.
my gut is way too big - I'm disgusted with it - looking in the mirror is a horrible experience - it's only my gut that's a problem - the rest of me is okay

when I was younger I had a good bod

am trying the OMAD way - just one satisfying meal a day - and only Cheerios in the a.m. and later after my one meal - am trying to cut out sugar almost completely - just get a little with my o.j. and some fruit

I'm on my 2nd day of this regimen - I'm hoping I can keep it up - drinking water helps reduce hunger

I'm really hoping that if and when I lose pounds my back pain will be reduced - it's very troublesome - too much weight can be a major cause of back pain

I exercise - rapid walking about 45 minutes each day - I've done that for a long time - haven't increased it so far

.
link to original post

The kitchen is where losing weight starts.
Its drinking more water.
It's not eating in the morning and waiting until at least 1pm to eat your first meal.
Eat whole foods, not junk
Eat every 3 hours with your last feeding no later than 9pm
from 9pm to 1pm the next day puts your body in a fasted state burning more calories and puts you in a state of ketosis.
When you get up in the morning drink some water, with supplements
Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep.

Here is what worked for me (and I am not living by it currently, I need to go back.)

I made this one change and transformed in a couple of weeks. Drink nothing except for water. No soda, no juices, no energy drinks, no coffee etc.... Most of what we drink is empty calories (actually it basically all is.)

When I did this, water would be the only liquid I would consume, and maybe make certain allowances for specific nights that I knew I wanted to go out drinking (so I guess you can say water and occasionally beer.)

But, every soda and energy drink you drink is an extra 200-400 calories, you drink a few a day, and well, you see where those numbers go. You can change nothing about your lifestyle and switch to only water and you will almost certainly lose weight. This is assuming your diet itself is pretty balanced (mine is, my main weakpoint is drinking -by that I mean soda and energy drinks.... etc.... not alcohol drinking-).

Right now I am back on the wagon of three Redbulls a day, and the occasional soda, so my gut has returned. I can make excuses about working more, feeling stretched out, and more stress, needing the caffeine etc.... But, it comes down to willpower, and I am losing. I am honestly mostly typing this to encourage myself to change.

My personal anecdote aside, you would be shocked how many calories just drinks can add (and they are virtually all empty calories.) And, caffeine really does not make you feel as great as you think.

You can workout all that you want, if you do not change your diet it is almost irrelevant (unless you are a gym lifer who can afford to do literally nothing but sleep and workout all day.) But, realistically most everyday people can not add enough to their workout to compensate for bad diets, so until you fix your diet, gym advice is irrelevant.

Also, I have had some results with this (but it is not realistic most days for me), but I know people who swear by it, is intermittent fasting, only eat at certain prescribed hours of the day (like 6pm-11pm and 7am-9am), and the rest of the day only outside of these blocks only consume water. I know this is a medically controversial topic (and there are certainly people who for obvious reasons should never attempt it), so I would be hesitant to say I recommend it, but some people love it and have results. Some of the most impressive weight losses I have seen firsthand are people who intermittently fast (sadly including one who should almost certainly not -at least in a militantly strict sense-, and occasionally has medical issues because of it -diabetic and if he has an indicator in fasting block, it gets hairy especially if getting stubborn about not consuming anything until the time-, but he lost weight despite medical events, so I guess it is a win even if risky.) But, this is why this is probably not something you should consider unless researching carefully and sitting down with your Doctor. Just switching to water is probably easier and safer advice.

Also, drinking nothing but water has the secondary benefit of saving crazy money. You may not think of it in the moment, but when you buy energy drink you are spending 2-4 dollars (or more) per can (even sodas can be pricey if bought from gas stations.) And sure, you can do things to save money like buying bulk cases when grocery shopping, but it is still many times more expensive than even buying cases of bottled water (or you can you know just drink tap water for even cheaper, though I tend to like bottled water for the convivence.)

At the end of the day diet needs to be the focus. You can tweak your workouts later (if you really need to, you likely may not need to unless you have other goals like muscle growth or whatever specific goal, but strictly for weight loss you probably don't need to as long as you are marginally active.) Though running can be a good calorie burn (and yes running sucks, everyone hates running even those who are forced to be good at it, but it is much more calorie burning efficient than walking.) But, even this can be a long-term goal, you don't have to start running to lose weight. Though the only people I know who can live like total slobs and eat terribly (while looking great), are those who go on crazy runs every morning -if not twice a day- (but this is probably not something most people can or should do -because excessive running can cause other issues-.)

Drinking nothing but water requires no effort and is an easy fix (and is relatively safe and risk free.)

Quote: Gandler

Here is what worked for me (and I am not living by it currently, I need to go back.)

I made this one change and transformed in a couple of weeks. Drink nothing except for water. No soda, no juices, no energy drinks, no coffee etc.... Most of what we drink is empty calories (actually it basically all is.)

When I did this, water would be the only liquid I would consume, and maybe make certain allowances for specific nights that I knew I wanted to go out drinking (so I guess you can say water and occasionally beer.)

But, every soda and energy drink you drink is an extra 200-400 calories, you drink a few a day, and well, you see where those numbers go. You can change nothing about your lifestyle and switch to only water and you will almost certainly lose weight. This is assuming your diet itself is pretty balanced (mine is, my main weakpoint is drinking -by that I mean soda and energy drinks.... etc.... not alcohol drinking-).

Right now I am back on the wagon of three Redbulls a day, and the occasional soda, so my gut has returned. I can make excuses about working more, feeling stretched out, and more stress, needing the caffeine etc.... But, it comes down to willpower, and I am losing. I am honestly mostly typing this to encourage myself to change.

My personal anecdote aside, you would be shocked how many calories just drinks can add (and they are virtually all empty calories.) And, caffeine really does not make you feel as great as you think.

You can workout all that you want, if you do not change your diet it is almost irrelevant (unless you are a gym lifer who can afford to do literally nothing but sleep and workout all day.) But, realistically most everyday people can not add enough to their workout to compensate for bad diets, so until you fix your diet, gym advice is irrelevant.

Also, I have had some results with this (but it is not realistic most days for me), but I know people who swear by it, is intermittent fasting, only eat at certain prescribed hours of the day (like 6pm-11pm and 7am-9am), and the rest of the day only outside of these blocks only consume water. I know this is a medically controversial topic (and there are certainly people who for obvious reasons should never attempt it), so I would be hesitant to say I recommend it, but some people love it and have results. Some of the most impressive weight losses I have seen firsthand are people who intermittently fast (sadly including one who should almost certainly not -at least in a militantly strict sense-, and occasionally has medical issues because of it -diabetic and if he has an indicator in fasting block, it gets hairy especially if getting stubborn about not consuming anything until the time-, but he lost weight despite medical events, so I guess it is a win even if risky.) But, this is why this is probably not something you should consider unless researching carefully and sitting down with your Doctor. Just switching to water is probably easier and safer advice.

Also, drinking nothing but water has the secondary benefit of saving crazy money. You may not think of it in the moment, but when you buy energy drink you are spending 2-4 dollars (or more) per can (even sodas can be pricey if bought from gas stations.) And sure, you can do things to save money like buying bulk cases when grocery shopping, but it is still many times more expensive than even buying cases of bottled water (or you can you know just drink tap water for even cheaper, though I tend to like bottled water for the convivence.)

At the end of the day diet needs to be the focus. You can tweak your workouts later (if you really need to, you likely may not need to unless you have other goals like muscle growth or whatever specific goal, but strictly for weight loss you probably don't need to as long as you are marginally active.) Though running can be a good calorie burn (and yes running sucks, everyone hates running even those who are forced to be good at it, but it is much more calorie burning efficient than walking.) But, even this can be a long-term goal, you don't have to start running to lose weight. Though the only people I know who can live like total slobs and eat terribly (while looking great), are those who go on crazy runs every morning -if not twice a day- (but this is probably not something most people can or should do -because excessive running can cause other issues-.)

Drinking nothing but water requires no effort and is an easy fix (and is relatively safe and risk free.)
link to original post

Intermittent fasting isn't controversial. 1000's of years ago humans hunted and gathered for food. First they hunted in the mornings and didn't eat their prey until later. Human beings did this for 1000s of years. They ate in the afternoon usually one good meal and went to sleep, woke up the next morning, hunted again..ect. Today we don't need to hunt at all. We just drive a couple of miles and pick up our food without any physical activity whatsoever which is why obesity levels have skyrocketed.

Quote: GreenZero

Quote: Gandler

Here is what worked for me (and I am not living by it currently, I need to go back.)

I made this one change and transformed in a couple of weeks. Drink nothing except for water. No soda, no juices, no energy drinks, no coffee etc.... Most of what we drink is empty calories (actually it basically all is.)

When I did this, water would be the only liquid I would consume, and maybe make certain allowances for specific nights that I knew I wanted to go out drinking (so I guess you can say water and occasionally beer.)

But, every soda and energy drink you drink is an extra 200-400 calories, you drink a few a day, and well, you see where those numbers go. You can change nothing about your lifestyle and switch to only water and you will almost certainly lose weight. This is assuming your diet itself is pretty balanced (mine is, my main weakpoint is drinking -by that I mean soda and energy drinks.... etc.... not alcohol drinking-).

Right now I am back on the wagon of three Redbulls a day, and the occasional soda, so my gut has returned. I can make excuses about working more, feeling stretched out, and more stress, needing the caffeine etc.... But, it comes down to willpower, and I am losing. I am honestly mostly typing this to encourage myself to change.

My personal anecdote aside, you would be shocked how many calories just drinks can add (and they are virtually all empty calories.) And, caffeine really does not make you feel as great as you think.

You can workout all that you want, if you do not change your diet it is almost irrelevant (unless you are a gym lifer who can afford to do literally nothing but sleep and workout all day.) But, realistically most everyday people can not add enough to their workout to compensate for bad diets, so until you fix your diet, gym advice is irrelevant.

Also, I have had some results with this (but it is not realistic most days for me), but I know people who swear by it, is intermittent fasting, only eat at certain prescribed hours of the day (like 6pm-11pm and 7am-9am), and the rest of the day only outside of these blocks only consume water. I know this is a medically controversial topic (and there are certainly people who for obvious reasons should never attempt it), so I would be hesitant to say I recommend it, but some people love it and have results. Some of the most impressive weight losses I have seen firsthand are people who intermittently fast (sadly including one who should almost certainly not -at least in a militantly strict sense-, and occasionally has medical issues because of it -diabetic and if he has an indicator in fasting block, it gets hairy especially if getting stubborn about not consuming anything until the time-, but he lost weight despite medical events, so I guess it is a win even if risky.) But, this is why this is probably not something you should consider unless researching carefully and sitting down with your Doctor. Just switching to water is probably easier and safer advice.

Also, drinking nothing but water has the secondary benefit of saving crazy money. You may not think of it in the moment, but when you buy energy drink you are spending 2-4 dollars (or more) per can (even sodas can be pricey if bought from gas stations.) And sure, you can do things to save money like buying bulk cases when grocery shopping, but it is still many times more expensive than even buying cases of bottled water (or you can you know just drink tap water for even cheaper, though I tend to like bottled water for the convivence.)

At the end of the day diet needs to be the focus. You can tweak your workouts later (if you really need to, you likely may not need to unless you have other goals like muscle growth or whatever specific goal, but strictly for weight loss you probably don't need to as long as you are marginally active.) Though running can be a good calorie burn (and yes running sucks, everyone hates running even those who are forced to be good at it, but it is much more calorie burning efficient than walking.) But, even this can be a long-term goal, you don't have to start running to lose weight. Though the only people I know who can live like total slobs and eat terribly (while looking great), are those who go on crazy runs every morning -if not twice a day- (but this is probably not something most people can or should do -because excessive running can cause other issues-.)

Drinking nothing but water requires no effort and is an easy fix (and is relatively safe and risk free.)
link to original post

Intermittent fasting isn't controversial. 1000's of years ago humans hunted and gathered for food. First they hunted in the mornings and didn't eat their prey until later. Human beings did this for 1000s of years. They ate in the afternoon usually one good meal and went to sleep, woke up the next morning, hunted again..ect. Today we don't need to hunt at all. We just drive a couple of miles and pick up our food without any physical activity whatsoever which is why obesity levels have skyrocketed.
link to original post

Yeah, that is probably fair, I just am hesitant praising it too much because I always hear about the risks that get stated. I agree it almost certainly works (and of course there are levels, everyone "intermittently fasts" between when they are eating. But, having more obtainable goals may be more realistic versus starting off only allowing food consumption within 1 hour of the day.)

If you don't want to do something this extreme, I think most people would be shocked how much weight they can lose switching to only drinking water (and being strict about it.) This is probably the most low effort way to lose weight without having to think about anything or do anything (heck you don't even have to get water, you certainly already have an endless supply.)

Quote: Gandler

Quote: GreenZero

Quote: Gandler

Here is what worked for me (and I am not living by it currently, I need to go back.)

I made this one change and transformed in a couple of weeks. Drink nothing except for water. No soda, no juices, no energy drinks, no coffee etc.... Most of what we drink is empty calories (actually it basically all is.)

When I did this, water would be the only liquid I would consume, and maybe make certain allowances for specific nights that I knew I wanted to go out drinking (so I guess you can say water and occasionally beer.)

But, every soda and energy drink you drink is an extra 200-400 calories, you drink a few a day, and well, you see where those numbers go. You can change nothing about your lifestyle and switch to only water and you will almost certainly lose weight. This is assuming your diet itself is pretty balanced (mine is, my main weakpoint is drinking -by that I mean soda and energy drinks.... etc.... not alcohol drinking-).

Right now I am back on the wagon of three Redbulls a day, and the occasional soda, so my gut has returned. I can make excuses about working more, feeling stretched out, and more stress, needing the caffeine etc.... But, it comes down to willpower, and I am losing. I am honestly mostly typing this to encourage myself to change.

My personal anecdote aside, you would be shocked how many calories just drinks can add (and they are virtually all empty calories.) And, caffeine really does not make you feel as great as you think.

You can workout all that you want, if you do not change your diet it is almost irrelevant (unless you are a gym lifer who can afford to do literally nothing but sleep and workout all day.) But, realistically most everyday people can not add enough to their workout to compensate for bad diets, so until you fix your diet, gym advice is irrelevant.

Also, I have had some results with this (but it is not realistic most days for me), but I know people who swear by it, is intermittent fasting, only eat at certain prescribed hours of the day (like 6pm-11pm and 7am-9am), and the rest of the day only outside of these blocks only consume water. I know this is a medically controversial topic (and there are certainly people who for obvious reasons should never attempt it), so I would be hesitant to say I recommend it, but some people love it and have results. Some of the most impressive weight losses I have seen firsthand are people who intermittently fast (sadly including one who should almost certainly not -at least in a militantly strict sense-, and occasionally has medical issues because of it -diabetic and if he has an indicator in fasting block, it gets hairy especially if getting stubborn about not consuming anything until the time-, but he lost weight despite medical events, so I guess it is a win even if risky.) But, this is why this is probably not something you should consider unless researching carefully and sitting down with your Doctor. Just switching to water is probably easier and safer advice.

Also, drinking nothing but water has the secondary benefit of saving crazy money. You may not think of it in the moment, but when you buy energy drink you are spending 2-4 dollars (or more) per can (even sodas can be pricey if bought from gas stations.) And sure, you can do things to save money like buying bulk cases when grocery shopping, but it is still many times more expensive than even buying cases of bottled water (or you can you know just drink tap water for even cheaper, though I tend to like bottled water for the convivence.)

At the end of the day diet needs to be the focus. You can tweak your workouts later (if you really need to, you likely may not need to unless you have other goals like muscle growth or whatever specific goal, but strictly for weight loss you probably don't need to as long as you are marginally active.) Though running can be a good calorie burn (and yes running sucks, everyone hates running even those who are forced to be good at it, but it is much more calorie burning efficient than walking.) But, even this can be a long-term goal, you don't have to start running to lose weight. Though the only people I know who can live like total slobs and eat terribly (while looking great), are those who go on crazy runs every morning -if not twice a day- (but this is probably not something most people can or should do -because excessive running can cause other issues-.)

Drinking nothing but water requires no effort and is an easy fix (and is relatively safe and risk free.)
link to original post

Intermittent fasting isn't controversial. 1000's of years ago humans hunted and gathered for food. First they hunted in the mornings and didn't eat their prey until later. Human beings did this for 1000s of years. They ate in the afternoon usually one good meal and went to sleep, woke up the next morning, hunted again..ect. Today we don't need to hunt at all. We just drive a couple of miles and pick up our food without any physical activity whatsoever which is why obesity levels have skyrocketed.
link to original post

Yeah, that is probably fair, I just am hesitant praising it too much because I always hear about the risks that get stated. I agree it almost certainly works (and of course there are levels, everyone "intermittently fasts" between when they are eating. But, having more obtainable goals may be more realistic versus starting off only allowing food consumption within 1 hour of the day.)

If you don't want to do something this extreme, I think most people would be shocked how much weight they can lose switching to only drinking water (and being strict about it.) This is probably the most low effort way to lose weight without having to think about anything or do anything (heck you don't even have to get water, you certainly already have an endless supply.)
link to original post

More water is always excellent. I started my weight loss journey on Jan 1st and I lost 56 lbs in around 90 days. I have been able to keep the weight off but only drinking water in the morning and eating at 1pm, 5pm and last meal at 8pm. There is a 17 hour window (8 hours of sleep) of not eating food which puts you in a fasted state daily. That is the key to keeping it off. I stick to routine. Creating a good schedule will help you with discipline.

Gandler,

Obviously you can’t be drinking junk sodas/etc all day. For most Americans, the easiest, most impactful change they could make today is to quit soda. That said, it’s only one step in the right direction. Eating properly is what really counts

Fruit juices can be even worse than soda. The vitamins are irrelevant if they come with 60g of sugar. Avoid artificially sweetened drinks as they keep you addicted to everything tasting sweet

Totally disagree about no coffee. Most of what I read says it’s quite healthy in moderation. I mean black coffee not a frappacino sundae with whipped cream and 50 grams of sugar. Unsweetened black/green tea is also great. I probably drink around three liters of water per day but the daily coffee and tea are also enjoyable and healthy. 100% water will eventually make you snap and get Red Bull, just like a bland diet of 100% steamed vegetables is eventually going to make you snap and get a dominos pizza. We need some flavor and variety. Healthy doesn’t have to be boring and bland

A whiskey or two at night can also be healthy. No mixers or ice

I once lost weight without really trying. Ran 4 miles every morning before breakfast. I know that sounds like something, but I wasn't trying to lose weight at the time. I was running with a young lady whose pace didn't allow me to run as fast as I normally would. In 3 months I was way skinnier than I had ever been in my life. Probably underweight.

What I’ve heard works…..
1. No calories from liquids. (The water concept being touted here)
2. No calories after 8pm

My story…. Was around 195 or so at max. Was drinking liters of sugared soda and Frappafattos every day. Gave up both when I got my diabetes diagnosis. Was hovering around mid 170s then got CGM. And was put on Mounjaro. I think I lost more weight due to the CGM. I’d check my glucose and if high or high normal I’d pass on desert. Or choose almonds instead of fruit layered cheesecake. I’m in the 150’s now.
I think my portion size is down as well. They say that may be due to an effect of the Mounjaro. I think I am now able to stop eating easier and not always ‘clean my plate’.

The water only thing is good. Water is probably the most healthful of beverages.

Where it gets hard is all these health drinks like cold pressed juices, Kombucha, etc. And then smoothies and such. I understand that eating the whole fruit or vegetable somehow releases less "free sugar" into the system, and perhaps less controversially, almost no one would sit down and eat an entire bag of fruits or vegetables while the contents of a single bottle of juice might contain dozens of fruits or vegetables, but still it's tempting to think that drinking those health drinks is healthful, and maybe they are. And for sure if someone isn't going to eat any fruits or vegetables versus drinking them, I can't see how none is better than too many, even if processed.

As far as the calories after 8pm, as far as weight gain does it really matter when consumed or is it just about the total amount of calories per day?

Quote: MDawg

The water only thing is good. Water is probably the most healthful of beverages.

Where it gets hard is all these health drinks like cold pressed juices, Kombucha, etc. And then smoothies and such. I understand that eating the whole fruit or vegetable somehow releases less "free sugar" into the system, and perhaps less controversially, almost no one would sit down and eat an entire bag of fruits or vegetables while the contents of a single bottle of juice might contain dozens of fruits or vegetables, but still it's tempting to think that drinking those health drinks is healthful, and maybe they are. And for sure if someone isn't going to eat any fruits or vegetables versus drinking them, I can't see how none is better than too many, even if processed.

As far as the calories after 8pm, as far as weight gain does it really matter when consumed or is it just about the total amount of calories per day?
link to original post

By definition you will lose weight if you burn off more calories than you consume. The ‘no calories after 8pm’ just makes it easier to accomplish that. If you ate one 2000 calorie meal at 9pm but burnt off 2500 calories a day as your sole intake you would of course lose weight.

Eat all fresh food, absolutely zero processed food. Nothing with an ingredient list

Fruit: no more than two pieces per day

Don’t count calories. No schedules

I challenge you to gain weight

Limiting fruit and vegetable intake isn't such a good idea health wise.

As far as the gym, I usually go every other day. During short bursts I'll go every day, for up to a week straight. These are two hour workouts of cardio plus heavy weights. It's hard for me to miss a workout when I am going regularly.

But if I miss two days, especially if I am traveling, somehow then I don't even want to go and have to drag myself in.

The same might apply to some people and their diets - stay on track and it's easy to keep on track, but start eating not right and it keeps going badly.

Red meat - I haven't eaten any in about five months now. Just an experiment I am trying. Chicken and fish instead. Don't miss it, but if I ate a steak tonight I'd probably start devouring red meat daily for a while. I actually bought dry aged ribeyes for a family event recently but didn't eat any of them myself it's easy to drop a habit after a period of abstinence.

Some things to consider, is two people sleeping can have different metabolic rates. So even when you're doing the same thing as another person your burn rate of calories can be different. Likewise, people experience difficulty losing weight if the body begins to react to feeling starved. Generally avoiding fast weight loss helps prevent this.

You also have things like how fast your particular body is repairing itself if you're doing any kind of heavy exercise. Some people will recover faster than others. Also ingrained habits are going to require more modification for some than others. The more bad food habits you have, the farther you're starting back and the more you have to change.

So, you might wonder why weight loss is more than simple calories in and calories out. It is, but it also is true people aren't machines who can just reset all the controls. This is why the diet industry makes millions every year. (IMO)

Quote: MDawg

Limiting fruit and vegetable intake isn't such a good idea health wise.
link to original post

Wrong. Let’s say you ate four apples, oranges, bananas or any combination of them each day. That would be about 70g of sugar which is way too much sugar. Thing is, as long as you’re eating the fruit whole (not juicing or dropping in a smoothie), you won’t want more than a couple pieces in a day. When I eat an orange I’ll generally just eat half…not because I’m restricting myself but because half is satisfying. Actually goes quite well right after a meal as a dessert and palate cleanser

Some fruits like strawberries and raspberries are much lower in sugar. You can grab a handful whenever you want

Most vegetables, however, could be eaten without limit. If you want to eat a wheelbarrow full of spinach (not like anyone would), then go for it

I still find the easiest way to lose weight is to just quit eating until you have reached your goal.

Quote: Ace2

Quote: MDawg

Limiting fruit and vegetable intake isn't such a good idea health wise.
link to original post

Wrong. Let’s say you ate four apples, oranges, bananas or any combination of them each day. That would be about 70g of sugar which is way too much sugar. Thing is, as long as you’re eating the fruit whole (not juicing or dropping in a smoothie), you won’t want more than a couple pieces in a day. When I eat an orange I’ll generally just eat half…not because I’m restricting myself but because half is satisfying. Actually goes quite well right after a meal as a dessert and palate cleanser

Some fruits like strawberries and raspberries are much lower in sugar. You can grab a handful whenever you want

Most vegetables, however, could be eaten without limit. If you want to eat a wheelbarrow full of spinach (not like anyone would), then go for it
link to original post

Well, anyway your "limit fruits" is not counter to the "eat a lot of ribeyes" diet.

Quote: DRich

I still find the easiest way to lose weight is to just quit eating until you have reached your goal.
link to original post

I'm not suicidal.

I do agree that the correct first step is to make water your only drink. Yeah, okay, green tea or something similar might be okay occasionally but absolutely no soda pop, fruit drinks, etc.

No dried fruit.

Then eliminate pastries. That is the hard step for some of us.

No Fast Food.

I elected to eliminate cereals.

Cut down on frequency and portion size of pastas and potatoes and pizza.

As several people have said, go with real foods rather than processed foods that come in a box.

Quote: gordonm888

I do agree that the correct first step is to make water your only drink. Yeah, okay, green tea or something similar might be okay occasionally but absolutely no soda pop, fruit drinks, etc.

No dried fruit.

Then eliminate pastries. That is the hard step for some of us.

No Fast Food.

I elected to eliminate cereals.

Cut down on frequency and portion size of pastas and potatoes and pizza.

As several people have said, go with real foods rather than processed foods that come in a box.
link to original post

Green tea occasionally? Why not every day?

Regarding dried fruit: I add a palmful of raisins to my spinach/basil/Parmesan/olive oil/balsamic salad. Takes it to the next level. But that’s the only time I use them

Looks like you’re overcomplicating this. Just stop eating garbage. A little bit of fruit is okay. Potato is fine but make sure you’re buying organic (probably less than half the size of your fist). Nonorganic ones remind me of nonorganic chicken breasts: so huge like from another planet

With me it's not about the weight but about eating healthful food.

None of that junk food appeals to me. But when you start talking about dried fruit or cold pressed juices, as I mentioned, it's hard for me to justify setting them aside. However it was a bodybuilder friend of mine who first pointed out to me how much sugar there is in fruit juices. And I had always heard about how it is unnatural to sit down and eat, say, a half dozen oranges, simply because of how all that might spike the acidity in your blood chemistry (whether that is true or not, I don't know), but the contents of a half dozen oranges might be in a glass of orange juice.

Over all though it does make sense that you wouldn't sit down and eat dozens of apples, oranges, apricots, pears, cherries, etc. in one sitting, but then when you drink bottles of cold pressed juices or handfuls of dried fruit that's what you are doing.

Get rid of sugar and limit your carbs to 30 a day and you will lose lots of weight. If you limit carbs your hunger goes away and it will be the easiest diet you ever tried. You will also have tons of energy and sleep will improve. Many diabetics are put on this regiment and some even are no longer diabetic.

Quote: MDawg

With me it's not about the weight but about eating healthful food.

None of that junk food appeals to me. But when you start talking about dried fruit or cold pressed juices, as I mentioned, it's hard for me to justify setting them aside. However it was a bodybuilder friend of mine who first pointed out to me how much sugar there is in fruit juices. And I had always heard about how it is unnatural to sit down and eat, say, a half dozen oranges, simply because of how all that might spike the acidity in your blood chemistry (whether that is true or not, I don't know), but the contents of a half dozen oranges might be in a glass of orange juice.

Over all though it does make sense that you wouldn't sit down and eat dozens of apples, oranges, apricots, pears, cherries, etc. in one sitting, but then when you drink bottles of cold pressed juices or handfuls of dried fruit that's what you are doing.
link to original post

Yeah that’s why you don’t juice fruit. Eat it whole

I always have oranges and apples in the fridge. After eating one it’s never once occurred to me to eat another one. You drink a glass of orange juice made with five oranges…you just drank two cans of coke. 80 grams of sugar. OJ is a big scam industry

It's all genetic.

Quote: Ace2

Gandler,

Obviously you can’t be drinking junk sodas/etc all day. For most Americans, the easiest, most impactful change they could make today is to quit soda. That said, it’s only one step in the right direction. Eating properly is what really counts

Fruit juices can be even worse than soda. The vitamins are irrelevant if they come with 60g of sugar. Avoid artificially sweetened drinks as they keep you addicted to everything tasting sweet

Totally disagree about no coffee. Most of what I read says it’s quite healthy in moderation. I mean black coffee not a frappacino sundae with whipped cream and 50 grams of sugar. Unsweetened black/green tea is also great. I probably drink around three liters of water per day but the daily coffee and tea are also enjoyable and healthy. 100% water will eventually make you snap and get Red Bull, just like a bland diet of 100% steamed vegetables is eventually going to make you snap and get a dominos pizza. We need some flavor and variety. Healthy doesn’t have to be boring and bland

A whiskey or two at night can also be healthy. No mixers or ice
link to original post

I agree with virtually all of that, I simply say water only because it is easier with making exceptions. Coffee if you drink it black is probably the safest way to consume caffeine (except maybe caffeine pills which are virtually zero calories.)

I definitely agree that eating healthy and (-for many-) less is also important. But I know that I personally have a healthy food diet (small meals and balanced.) What gets me is liquids (soda -actually not so much- mostly energy drinks -two- three day- and when I drink alcohol I only drink beer -not a liquor person-) So for me switching to just water solves 95% of my problems.

I also agree that whisky is probably one of the more caloric effective ways to consume alcohol (I just am a beer person -generally IPAs which are probably the worst for calories- ) But, if you are already having some whiskies at night why not ice? This does not add to the calories (if anything it probably slows down the drinking speed and further dilutes it?)

I actually think many Americans eat healthy enough and are at least active enough that simply switching to 100% water will cause weight loss. But, you can have an awesome (food) diet, if you are just nonstop drinking soda (or whatever beverage of choice) all day, it is almost meaningless. If anything, this is a strange cultural thing, because even at dinner if you order water people will think you are being cheap or a weirdo, water is just looked down upon (I think this is certainly getting better, but still very behind the curve.)

My list was meant to be a phased-approach. Most people agree that if you eliminate everything onjectionable from your diet all at once, and just start eating beef broth and kale, then you are very likely to give up on the diet. It's too severe a change.

1. The most important thing is to drink "all water." I don't care how many times you drink tea as long as there is no sugar.

2. Eliminating pies, and donuts and cheese danishes and cheesecakes and muffins is very important. I make it #2 for weight reduction.

3. Eliminate fast food. If you must eat fast food occasionally, go with an Arby's roast beef sandwich with NO FRIES and NO Onion Rings.

If you don't do those three things, you are unlikely to lose weight without cancer or olympic level workouts.

4. Fourth is: Greatly reduce or eliminate the five P's: Pizza, Potatoes, Pasta, Potato Chips and Popcorn.

5. Here in the south Barbeque Sauce is a pandemic: its a great source of wide asses. Minimize it.