[joojee]

This question may sound silly, but what is more important when you are dieting?

Is it best to go by calorie count only/ mostly? Or is it best to look at the fat content or barbs, etc?

I am wondering because I can count calories, easy enough....but just because something may not be real high in calories, it may be high in fat.

So it simply staying on a low calorie diet good enough??

[slim4summer]

The general rule of thumb in dieting is to stay below 1500 calories. I stay under 1200. I also limit my carbs to no more than 100 max per day and consume most/all of those before 2pm. My dinner is virtually carb-free (meat and veggies - no pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, etc...). I also am aware of how much sugar I take in. I don't drink anything but water and crystal light (everything else has sugar). Drink as much water as you can! I do on occassion treat myself with something like sugar free/fat free pudding cups, or a 100 calorie snack pack of cookies

[msmartini]

What you're trying to do is re-train yourself how to eat. Slim is correct on the calorie count and I like how she distributes her carbs(I do pretty much the same). Within your 1200-1500 calories a day... the breakdown needs to be about 40% carbs; 30% protein and 30% fat. You want to eat now how you will eat when you are done losing the weight.

Good luck to you!

[mojoar]

low-carb is the only way that works for me. but, it doesn't work for everyone (or it may work, but some people really can't make themselves live that way long-term, which is understandable - it's a total change in how most people think about eating!). but for ME, it's the best. my parents and other relatives and friends have also used it with success. i've lost so much weight on it, it's insane! but i end up gaining it back when i let myself go back to typical eating habits. it's really a lifestyle change that you have to commit to, whereas some people have success maintaing their weight when they go off and on low-fat/low-cal diets (like letting yourself have a naughty treat once in a while but then being strict and exercising more later... it doesn't really work that way with low-carb, if you eat something really sugary you blow it and kinda have to "start over" in a way). anyway, it totally depends on what feels right to you, what WORKS for you, and what you think you can stick with for the long haul.

[susanpesek]

For me, lowering calories was the best way. I ate about 1200 calories a day and was DETERMINED( with a capital "D") to relearn new and healthy eating habits.

Here is a list of some foods that help supply all the daily, necessary nutrients and it is sustainable for a life-long and healthy pattern of eating. THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT!

[dlm432]

I use a website called The Daily Plate to track my food intake. You tell it what you are eating and it calculates the calories, fat, carbs, sugars, etc. for the day/week/month. I have found it really interesting that when I keep my calories low through a healthy food diet that the rest of the categories just kind of fall into place.

The only thing I really have to watch is when I try to eat processed foods that are low in calorie (lunch meat, smart one dinners, lean pockets, etc.), my sodium gets kind of high. But other than that, my carbs, fat, etc. are usually at acceptable levels if I am eating lean meats, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Good luck with your weight loss!