I agree that there seems to be a one-size-fits-all metality about a lot of things.

There are too many people who get wrapped up in the hype of a “new” way of eating. My Uncle is great at talking the talk about new diets and the science behind it. The science may be fairly sound and in theory behind the approach should work. The problems lie in the fact that the next new “scientific” diet is right around the corner! Lack of consistency is a BIG issue! And unrealistic expectations! People want a quick fix, which doesn’t exist. You didn’t get fat in a week or two, so why expect to lose it any quicker?

At the end of the day, no matter the diet or the approach, weight loss is a very basic equation. Less energy in, more energy out. Whether the weight loss is going to benefit your muscle : fat ratio, depends on the exercise you do along with ensuring adequate calories and nutrition for muscle growth and repair.

Getting too caught up in “what diet approach” can be a fatal flaw. There are so many to choose from and diet “jumping” may occur when the result don’t come fast enough.

Too much choice = indecisiveness = a lack of true commitment, so keep it simple

Sorry for the essay

Cheers
Marianne
.-= Marianne´s last blog ..The Push Up – Exercise Tutorial =-.

Great post. I just found your site. I started my own health website a few months ago and I am getting accustomed to the health blogging community. I really enjoy your simplistic, but valuable posts and your photos add such a personal value to it. What other sites do you enjoy reading that are health related? I am excited to be a part of your community.

Cade

Have a look at the Paleolithic Diet. I had GERD, constant anxiety and depression for years. I would also gain weight despite going to the gym (a lot) and suddenly started feeling fatigued all the time and my insulin was out of whack. Then I got a bad blow to the head and through rehabilitation I learned a lot from a doctor about nutrition. I then stumbled upon the Paleo diet. I was intrigued and went on it. The first couple of days I felt feverish, which turned out to be withdrawal from all the sugar, grains and other junk. But then ALL of my previous problems vanished along with my weight returning to normal in days to weeks and I felt like a million bucks. Still the case several months later. I just can’t believe how I’ve been duped all these years into believing this non-sense about whole-grain this, enriched that. It’s all non-sense.

The Paleo diet isn’t just some diet like Atkin’s or whatever. This is actually a reference to how we actually should be eating. I eat lots and often, and do a bit of exercise, and my weight is maintained and I feel GOOD. Which in turn further motivates me and gives me the strength for the next day. Before, it felt like a self-fulfilling spiral…hard to break.

Cheers,
Tarek

You mentioned feeling sick if you don’t eat, or when you don’t have food around you. What kind of foods are you eating mostly?

In terms of exercise, have you ever tried to lift weights? Or what about an aerobics DVD or something similar?