Diet Time!!! I'm starting, you're invited...

Today was just one of those weird days... I was scrolling through some old photos from not too long ago and it finally hit me: enough is enough. For nine years now, I’ve been stuck in this exhausting cycle of weight fluctuations—and I’m not talking about a couple of pounds, I mean swinging 35 to 45 pounds up and down throughout the year!
I can't quite put my finger on why today felt like the turning point... but I know deep down it's time to overhaul my entire life and my habits. All those fad diets, all those "quick fixes" marketed to us by people who probably just gained a few extra pounds over the winter—imagine thinking you're struggling when you're only carrying an extra 7 or 8 pounds! Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to judge anyone, it's more like this sudden burst of anger finding a way out because, honestly, let me be real for once: I'm actually jealous of those people who only have a tiny bit of extra weight on them. Ugh...
It would definitely be easier, yeah... I really should have just admitted that a long time ago.
Anyway, I went for a walk today, feeling the rain hitting my skin, and I decided that tomorrow is officially DAY ONE!
I've never really used a forum like this before, but I figured I'd look for some people dealing with the same struggles. Maybe if we pool our strength, we can navigate these rough patches a little better...
If you're feeling the same way and actually want to do something about it... reach out. 🙂

Look, I'm rooting for you!!
But what kind of diet are we actually talking about 🙂 ??

Hey there!
Seriously, bravo... you finally got your head on straight, and there is absolutely no way anyone is talking you out of this decision!!
I'm so glad.. just don't let hunger get the best of you.. or better yet, don't put yourself in a spot where you're actually starving.😈

Maybe you should look into UN? There’s a whole group of girls on the forum who help each other through those rough patches, and with UN, you're actually losing weight while totally resetting your relationship with food.. plus, those healthy habits actually stick.😘

When we're discussing the UN, I have to admit that I’d really love to lose some weight too, but since I follow a vegetarian diet,
I'm just not quite sure what my best move is...

I haven't had any luck with diets before, but honestly, I was so fed up that I finally tried the Atkinson plan. In about ten days, I managed to drop maybe 10 pounds, though I know I have to be careful not to slip up too much. I guess I don't really care if it's the healthiest way to go, I just can't stand looking at myself at this weight anymore.

Linda Diaz3 said:When we're discussing the UN, I have to admit that I’d really love to lose some weight too, but since I follow a vegetarian diet,
I'm just not quite sure what my best move is...

Wait, what's the issue there?
What does being a vegetarian have to do with any of this?

You know, I feel like kids are just like our politics. Everyone has their favorite party they swear by, but once election season actually hits, none of them really seem to hold water anymore. 🙂
I’ve tried all sorts of "miracle" fixes, and honestly, I've realized there’s only one recipe that works for me: eat a smaller pile of stuff and then go run, swim, jump... basically anything that makes me sweat!!!
Laura Ramirez10, thanks for the tip... I've been hearing a lot about that UN diet lately, but something about it just feels off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's just not it... Sure, I've heard of people getting great results, but I've heard some horror stories too. Like this friend of mine who could barely last a month; she says trying to stick to it is brutal because you just want to eat everything in sight. Anyway, setting that aside, it just didn't sit right with me!
Linda Diaz3... Hihihihih... Let's go running together! 👍 So, tell us how it's going for you? With the vegetarian thing, I mean... 🙂
ironnomad14... Hang in there, but watch yourself... How is it that your diet hasn't helped you? Just vent, go ahead... I've decided that whenever those unnecessary hunger pangs hit me, I'm going to bombard you guys with a massive wall of text (more or less meaningful) 😈
My advice? Find an activity that relaxes you but also goes toe-to-toe with those fat deposits 👋. For me, everything was a win—fitness totally blew me away. I loved hitting the gym, and I looked amazing! It wasn't just about the physique, either; I felt spiritually stronger (Yeeee, build that spirit!). And even if I overdid it on the food once in a while, I'd just burn it off the next day along with twice as much guilt, yeah...
Alright, I'll stop acting like a know-it-all before you think I'm some kind of doctor. It's easy to talk the talk, but character counts, or so it seems 😵
Anyway folks, have a great day!
AND THANK YOU, I WAS BEING A SKEPTIC... BUT YOU GUYS STILL SHOWED UP, THAAAAAAANK YOU... KISSES

I guess I'm becoming more convinced that blood types play a role, and maybe everyone just needs a specific type of diet tailored to them.
People wouldn't believe it, but I don't actually eat much. I was even tracking my intake, and my doctor sent me for thyroid hormone tests once she saw how little I was consuming. They're right at the lower limit, but they're still within range.
All those rules—eating less, eating more frequently, cutting out fats—they just didn't work for me. My biggest success was actually doing a hospital diet for 15 days while riding my bike for 9.3 miles a day. Just 15 days of that bland food and I was down 4 or 5 pounds... though it was incredibly boring.
I've cut out carbs now, but it's not really an issue since I've never had a sweet tooth anyway. I love salads, so pairing them with meat works well, and I haven't gotten tired of it yet.
Fitness is a struggle for me. I can't stand aerobics—having twenty women jumping around trying to follow someone's lead isn't my thing. And honestly, I feel a bit self-conscious going to the gym when everyone else seems to have such perfect bodies. 🙂
Cycling is the only thing that works for me because I can just put on some music and zone out without worrying about anyone else. 🙂

The Montignac diet approach and the Zone diet are both quite decent options.
For me personally, the Zone diet can be a bit of a headache to manage, but it certainly delivers results (I saw this firsthand with a friend 👍 ).

I am on board!

Do you have a detailed plan in place?

Hey my crew, thanks again for all the messages!!! It seriously means the world to me...
ironnomad14, you're driving me crazy!!! We'll figure something out for you too, don't worry!!! You're totally right about how it's a human thing; I mean, if I ate as much as my mom, I'd be a literal ton, but she stays thin just by chewing and chewing... We actually thought she was sick at first, but turns out the woman just has a metabolism like Michael Schumacher!!! Pffft... Anyway, I definitely took after my dad 🙂 But hey, it is what it is. We are who we are, and it's up to us whether we deal with it properly or just blame our genes. I'm telling you people: FIGHT FOR IT!!!
ironnomad14, if you love cycling, then get out there and ride, ride, riiiiiide... Make it a habit (after 21 days of doing the same thing every day, you get a short-term habit, and after 6 months, it becomes permanent). Now, I know that sounds like a MASSIVE amount of time, but is it worth it for you?!
For me, I had to stop going to the gym, and even after a year, I miss it so much. I'm already looking forward to autumn when I can head back... 🙂
I'll write to you guys another time about this nutritionist I met—she works for the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (which gives her some serious street cred, right?!) 👏
Ultimately, everything starts in our heads, and if we start there, maybe the wheels will finally line up. We have to do the research to find what actually works for us.
Honestly, my only real weakness is that my willpower fails me whenever I see a delicious deli salami, and don't even get me started on pizza, ugh...
Whatever, it's fine... Today's menu is chicken breast (of course, it's as dry as a desert), but I've got cucumbers, mmmmmm... Comfort me, peopleeeee, Hihihihih...
That's all from Pope Smurf, bye y'all... 🧐

It seems I am also destined to embark on a diet... though I haven't quite decided if I should follow the UN guidelines, as I'm still feeling rather indecisive about it all ;-) Please, do let me know when you all plan to start your own regimens... I shall be spending some time contemplating what might truly suit my needs... kiss

Honestly, I’m thinking about starting a diet too... but there is absolutely no way I'm doing UN again. I did it ages ago and I am totally over it. Does anyone have any fresh suggestions??

🎉
Best of luck with the kids 👍 hang in there, but please don't starve yourself. You’ve got to stay active; diet alone just doesn't cut it... exercise is key. For instance, maybe pick a specific route—like your commute to work or back home—and walk it at a brisk pace. And for heaven's sake, take the stairs... it works, eventually... it's not instant, but it adds up over time... if you're looking for those "crash diet" results, just know the weight will come right back... so, patience is everything. And stay off the scale!!! More small meals, plenty of fruit, lots of water—especially now since it's summer... just sip slowly, constantly, don't let yourself get dehydrated...

just stick to it... 👍

if you slip up once in a while, don't sweat it. Just keep moving forward, no need for the heavy guilt trips...

you have my support 👋

Look, you've got my support too..
One day it just clicked for me—suddenly decided I was done with the old me, started today, and actually stuck to it..
I dropped 13 kg using UNk (and no, don't go thinking I'm pushing UN on you)..but honestly? I finally feel happy and satisfied with myself..Now, if I gain even two pounds, I drop it immediately because I am never letting myself look like a total wreck again..
Good luck, and just take it slow..

There is no magic child or secret formula—only one rule: watch your calorie intake. Cut out the high-calorie stuff (fats), empty calories (like soda or alcohol), and those hidden sugars tucked away in everything from cereal to flavored water... then try to load up on fruits and vegetables (especially low-glycemic ones), eat five meals a day, and get moving. It doesn't have to be a gym session; simply walking instead of driving or taking the bus, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or a quick bike ride—it all works. Results might not be instant, but they tend to stick.

My weight has fluctuated my entire life—standing 5'7", I've gone from a low of 105 to a high of 158 lbs—and I carry more weight in my lower body. Those shifts were relatively easy to manage when I was younger, but once I hit 35, the scale mostly goes up, and coming back down becomes a struggle, regardless of the diet. Because of high cholesterol a few years back, I had to overhaul my diet completely, and I’ve stayed steady at around 128 lbs since. After a few months of this new way of eating—slashing fats, sticking to turkey or chicken breast, plenty of fish, veggies, and fruit, and drinking nothing but water or sugar-free coffee—my palate shifted entirely. I used to crave chocolate; now, I can't even look at it, though I'll lose my mind over a bowl of strawberries...

Work keeps me busy, so I don't have time for constant workouts, but I never use the elevator, I park far away from my office entrance, and I try to find time at least three times a week to go rollerblading through Central Park—it's much more my speed than the gym. 👍

I’ll be posting an update tomorrow to let you all know if DAY ONE was actually a success, hihihihi...😛
Benjamin Grant6 and INAČICA, seriously, just listen to what AMISA, mistywalker46, and Gerald Kern77 have been saying... They hit the nail on the head! Honestly, I’ve tried a mountain of different stuff before, but nothing compares to the advice they gave!!! 🙂
The whole point of this thread I started is for us to vent or brag to one another—just jump in. It doesn't matter how you start, things will naturally fall into place if we stay consistent...
Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good about what I did (and didn't) eat today. Plus, I actually walked to the corner store on foot. Usually, I get totally worn out and struggle carrying bags, but today I just threw my backpack on and... powered through. No complaints here 😁
Full disclosure: I had a major craving crisis around 9:00 PM. That’s usually my prime time for raiding the fridge, but my boyfriend was there and, well, sex solved the problem 🙂 Just call it a two-for-one deal on cardio 😈
Gerald Kern77, please keep posting if you have the time or energy—it looks like you really know what you're talking about 👏
Alright people, I'm off to read and try to get some sleep 🙂 since I can't seem to drift off any other way...
Goodnight everyone...

Hey there. Thought I’d jump in and join this conversation too. Honestly, I really ought to start looking into some kind of diet... I'm carrying a bit more weight than I should be for my age.

😘 Sending everyone here my love and wishing you all nothing but success on your weight loss journeys. 😉
I actually started my current regimen back on August 2nd, and honestly, things are going pretty well so far. 👍 (at least from my perspective)
Like I’ve mentioned elsewhere before, I don't think the specific diet matters as much as whether we can actually "rise to the occasion" and stick to it.
I’ve cycled through all sorts of diets over the years, but the results were always hit or miss. I’d lose a few pounds, then gain them right back; in fact, back when I was about 11, I ended up gaining 21 pounds just by constantly starving myself and cutting out everything I actually enjoy eating. I feel pretty good about this approach, though, and I really believe I can see this through. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.
It might actually be a great idea for you guys to start a support group or a little community here—something where you can build a circle of people who truly get it and can help pull you through those rough patches. I think having like-minded people available to talk to every single day is vital, especially since you might not find much understanding at home regarding your dietary changes or nutritional needs.
Once again, I’m rooting for all of you to reach your target weight and achieve that look you’re going for—along with all the perks that come with it, like feeling more confident and satisfied with yourself.
Best,

I’m not here to lecture anyone on dieting, but I can say a few things about cooking healthy. A few years back, when my husband fell ill, I had to switch to a really strict meal plan for him. Honestly, making diet food was a struggle because we’ve never been big foodies—my husband never struggled with his weight, and we don't overeat—but still, changing our entire routine was a lot. And mind you, I actually love to cook; it’s more of a hobby than a chore for me. I started getting creative with pasta and veggie combos, whipping up different vegetable soups, and mastering meat dishes with almost zero fat. We never ended up eating anything bland or unappetizing. Once his health issues cleared up, the habit stuck. You realize you can make great food without all the sautéing and frying. Plus, both of us are fine with just steamed veggies and a tiny drizzle of olive oil. I doubt everyone enjoys steamed cauliflower as much as I do, but a lot of what we eat is just habit. Like the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.
When I hit the grocery store, I keep in mind that I wasn't born with those slim genes—I have the kind that turns you into a pear the second you slip up. Because of that, I steer clear of certain aisles entirely. I just don't buy the stuff I know I can't resist, like Twix.
Even though my meals are "lighter" than average, I think it's vital not to deprive yourself. If you tell yourself you can't have something, you just end up obsessing over it. For example, I have this ritual where I have coffee and a piece of cake every single afternoon. That is the *only* time I eat sweets, even during Christmas when the house is overflowing with treats. It’s such a deep-seated habit that I don't even think about eating dessert outside of that window. I don't crave it at other times; it's just my 5:00 PM sweet treat.
I also think people make a mistake when they start a diet by buying all these "weird" specialty health foods they wouldn't normally touch. Isn't it better to just stick to seasonal fruits and veggies from the local farmer's market and prepare them in a healthy way?