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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My experiments with diet changes and exercise https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:17:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1774736 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 16:37:51 +0000 Maneera 1774736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="http://www.edify.net.au/low_carb_recipes_list.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.edify.net.au/low_carb_recipes_list.php</a> Full of ideas for a delicious LCHF meal. I recently discovered the 'cauliflower rice' & 'cauliflower mash'.....and let's just say - I've never eaten cauliflower as regularly as I do now!!!! Cauliflower is commonly used in many Indian dry veggie dishes, curry dishes & pilaf but THIS version blew my mind. Swap cauliflower as the base carb??!!!! How brilliant is that?! <a href="http://www.edify.net.au/low_carb_recipes_view.php?id=33&type=Dinner&name=Cauliflower%20Rice" rel="nofollow">http://www.edify.net.au/low_ca.....wer%20Rice</a> Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1774735 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 16:33:47 +0000 Maneera 1774735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For all those of you who enjoyed the diet doctor, here's links to another blog I found & truly truly enjoyed reading. (So informative!) And since many of us are struggling with weight loss, here's some great advice: <a href="http://graemethomasonline.com/the-role-of-exercise-in-weight-loss-part-1/" rel="nofollow">http://graemethomasonline.com/.....ss-part-1/</a> <a href="http://graemethomasonline.com/the-role-of-exercise-in-weight-loss-part-2/" rel="nofollow">http://graemethomasonline.com/.....ss-part-2/</a> <a href="http://graemethomasonline.com/the-role-of-exercise-in-weight-loss-part-3/" rel="nofollow">http://graemethomasonline.com/.....ss-part-3/</a> AJ on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1770670 Sat, 21 Jan 2017 19:40:43 +0000 AJ 1770670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maneera, thanks so much for posting this and linking to the website!  When I came back for Christmas vacation, I was not happy with my weight gain.  After reading your post and looking through the website, I started two weeks ago by heavily cutting back on sugar and processed carbs.  In the first week, I noticed that my hips seemed smaller, but the low carb count left me constipated.  During the second week, I started keeping the processed carbs under 40 g per day and that has helped a lot.  :) I've lost about 4 pounds in two weeks just from mindful, healthy eating.  This morning, I was able to zip up a dress that I have not been able to wear in 2 years!  This has inspired me to look for an excercise routine to add to week 3. So thank you again for posting about your healthy changes!   Sal on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766655 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 20:41:20 +0000 Sal 1766655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting to read, and I am delighted you are feeling so healthy, fit and strong Maneera.  I love the way you focus on that rather than the size of your jeans or your weight. I can empathise with the beer part - in the heat I also love a cold beer!!   Laurinda on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766654 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 20:39:51 +0000 Laurinda 1766654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on finding a healthy WOE. I met the criteria for pre-diabetes when I decided to go against my nutritionist's advice ('Just eat less and move more, and avoid fat') that left me hungry and gaining weight on 1500 cal/day. Instead I cut out most sugars and starches -- trading them off for foods with increased fats including saturated fats. LCHF worked well for me, not only for fat loss, but for decreasing my blood triglycerides and increasing my HDL (both more linked to CVD risk than BMI or weight). After six years of a diet I enjoy I am no longer hungry or pre-diabetic. ETA: Dietdoctor.com is a great source of info. A good read on the science (and history of US diets) is Gary Taubes' <a rel="nofollow" href="http://garytaubes.com/works/books/good-calories-bad-calories/">Good Calories Bad Calories</a>; or his more accessible <a rel="nofollow" href="http://garytaubes.com/?s=why+we+get+fat">Why We Get Fat and What To Do About It</a>. Jaime on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766465 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 03:05:22 +0000 Jaime 1766465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Manny! I have also started this way of eating about a month ago and it is going really well for me too. I don't have diabetes concerns, but going through menopause has wrecked havoc on my appetite, weight, mood and so on and this seems to be the best solution for me. I am more of a salty fried food type to begin with anyway. I don't do Zumba but do do yoga most days as well as walk quite a bit. The main thing is I no longer have the crazy hunger, like permanent PMS, I was experiencing. My husband is a foodie and an excellent cook, and, most importantly, very indulgent, so makes me delicious fat bombs, cloud bread, zoodles, cauli-rice, coconut concoctions as needed. I have very dark chocolate bar that I slowly work through and am pleased with both my mood and my weight direction. Mochi on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766463 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 03:00:43 +0000 Mochi 1766463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks. I already do have a lot of compatible recipes. Having some leeway with dairy will probably make things a bit easier. And I'm curious to see how really going low-carb (no sweet potatoes, carrots, especially fruit) would change the results.  Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766450 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 02:11:03 +0000 Maneera 1766450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love reading everyone's thoughts! @Mochi - I come up with my own recipes. I have decided which carbs I will eat (brown rice, oats and quinoa, veggies and potatoes) and I stick to just these. Based on what meat I want to cook on any particular day, I may use an old recipe or browse for a new one. I just keep the principles of LCHF diet in mind....I don't search for specific recipes. Example- if I want to use broccoli and fish for dinner, I'll find 'healthy recipes' for that. Mochi on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766415 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 21:31:37 +0000 Mochi 1766415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really inspired by your results and how great you feel, Maneera! I read through the entire link. It makes a lot of sense. One thing I noted that this doctor wrote, about how if you're severely insulin-resistant (I might be), it could take up to three months before you start seeing results, but then it will happen. That gave me some reassurance. I've done Whole30, which gets rid of refined carbs, though is not super low-carb; it allows for fruit and potatoes. I did it for the challenge and I lost a bit of weight, though I never felt that energy surge about two or three weeks in that they mention. This plan also seems a little less rigid. It's just really hard to be that strict (not allowing any trace of sugar, dairy, soy or things like that into your diet).  I'd like to ask where you got recipes from. I noticed the doctor has some on his site. Did you find any elsewhere?  I really like the food on these programs; the lifestyle requires a lot of advance meal planning, for me, to ensure success.  Thanks!  Carla on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766347 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 16:33:11 +0000 Carla 1766347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I applaud your jump starting a plan in November instead of waiting 2 months for the start of the new year, Maneera. My 'philosophy' about diet and exercise is to eat what you like and do what you like! There are plenty of healthy food choices, so no need to eat things you don't like and there are plenty of fun ways to use your body that you needn't do something that becomes a chore! I know folks who work hard at their ballroom dancing skills (a class, practicing, and dancing on the weekends) , or golf (a 4 hour walk if you eschew the cart and carry or push your clubs), or yoga (studio and home practice), play tennis, hike forest trails, fly fish, push a baby carriage or walk a pet. Just do something for at least an hour a day, every day. I would also suggest keeping a fitness journal. I found keeping a journal, and going back over it a revelation. I learned how much time I spent in activity and which types of activities I did the most (or the least!). At the back of the book I kept a chart of weekly weight, including data on body composition: muscle mass, fat, bone, and h2o. (I have a fancy scale-about $60. CA) I believe eating strategy is personal and different things work for different people. I get my carbs early (breakfast, lunch) and taper off over the course of the day so that the evening meal is mainly protein and veg. I do eat 5 or 6 times a day - smaller servings at meal times and usually protein based snacks (or a sweet treat!) between the meals. Helen11 on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766316 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:46:21 +0000 Helen11 1766316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such good news, Maneera!  I'm thrilled that you are feeling so much better in yourself. I have a friend who also enjoys a LCHF (she prefers the H stands for 'healthy'!) diet and she has been steadily losing weight. For me, increasing protein in my meals really helps prevent snacking.  I've been vegetarian for many years, lentils and legumes are my friends : ) Time to think about our shopping and cooking habits in our house, processed foods have been increasing so it's time to wind them back again. Thank you for sharing what has worked so well for you! Classically Casual on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766245 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 02:42:12 +0000 Classically Casual 1766245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another LCHF convert here. I also started in November. This is the first holiday season in my life I've lost weight! I'm also working out more than before. I keep a food journal and test my glucose which is interesting, as I'd never done it. I hired a nutrition coach, and have learned that the extra reinforcement and support really helps. I don't want to let her down! I'm also regularly making bone broth from grass fed animals. All in all it's working; I haven't felt this good in along time. RobinF on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766205 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 23:57:55 +0000 RobinF 1766205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you! Sounds like a great way for you to eat and stay motivated and healthy. I also think it is a very individual thing. Personally I am not a huge meat lover by itself, I like pastas and casseroles. But I am also trying to cut back on carbs because I know that is part of the reason for my stubborn weight gain (and also because I am almost 55-ugh!). I am a believer in moderation as the key for me. I don't usually like the "light" versions of foods and would rather eat less of the regular versions. It is hard to give up the old beliefs about fats but I'm working on that too. I am also going to a small weight lifting class a couple times a week (along with walking on the treadmill on the other days) and really like it. It's so nice to feel my body getting stronger! Good luck to all of us as we restart better habits! kerlyn on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766181 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 22:42:57 +0000 kerlyn 1766181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Way to go, Maneera!  Your enthusiasm is contagious!   I wholeheartedly agree on the low carb/high fat way of eating.  I reduced the grains (especially wheat) in my diet a couple of years ago, and have been focusing on lots of veggies and plenty of protein.  I also don't shy away from fat.  I eat lots of avocado, nuts, whole eggs, and I use olive oil and butter in my cooking.   I feel great and maintain a regular running and workout regimen.   That said, my hubby and I both love beer.  And craft beers have exploded in my city recently, so there is a plethora of great beer available!  My goal has been to limit beer consumption to once or twice a week.  I do enjoy red wine as well, so I allow myself to have that on the other days.   Anyway, just wanted to say I enjoyed hearing your great results.  I love to read about nutrition and health.  Keep up the great work! Suz on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766177 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 22:28:22 +0000 Suz 1766177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Manny -- it sounds as if you are feeling positive and energized by this change. Yay for that! Also, I am chuckling with LisaP...she and I could be zumba sisters. I went to a class with a friend of mine a few years back and it was a hilarious experience. But I had fun and so did everyone else, laughing at me. :)  As you know, I worked for a fitness company for several years. I actually began there as a client and lost 35 pounds through small nutritional and exercise changes. The changes more or less amounted to what you are talking about -- eating more mindfully, reducing processed carbs, increasing protein and fresh veggies. I still eat this way (although in a more relaxed way, e.g. I do occasionally eat pasta and bread, I do drink wine, and lately I have been eating quite a lot of holiday cookies!). But always in my mind the focus is on enjoying food, ensuring I maintain energy (which for me means reducing carbs and increasing proteins and maintaining healthy fats). I guess that's just a long way of saying, we are on the same page!   I think for people with this type of metabolism, getting enough protein is key. I know for me that is true.  I exercise a lot as well, and twice a week go to a class (but not zumba!)  Lately I've been ice skating a lot. There is a small rink in our market square and I go there daily when weather permits.    Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766039 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:43:25 +0000 Maneera 1766039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your method sounds quite good, tex style. I don't 'track' anything. I only make healthy choices. The one thing I learnt from the article I've linked to (something that really made a difference) is : Eat When You're Hungry. So many of us get caught up in the 'must eat 6 small meals a day and not 3'. But 'small' is such a relative term! What was a small snack for me may be a whole meal for another person! I realized I was overeating just because I thought it kept my metabolism revved up. Not true. Now I eat 3 meals, and only eat when I'm hungry, and my metabolism is doing just fine! I snack if I feel hungry in between meals but I'm surprised to notice that more often than not, I'm just not actually hungry. I was eating 'snacks' out of habit. And I had a fairly large appetite for years. It's all changed now. Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766032 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:36:11 +0000 Maneera 1766032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaileen - you should def read the link in my original post. LCHF diet is very helpful for reversing diabetes. One of the main reasons I was motivated to change my diet was the same ---- both my parents have diabetes. I had started to notice a layer of fat accumulating on my belly - a sure shot risk factor for so many health ailments. I wanted a diet I can eat forever, not something 'to try to lose weight' and LCHF fit the bill. Thanks LisaP! I'm no dancer either, but I just love Zumba. The best way to enjoy the class is to not care about looking silly! And you DO get better in time. I started out with 3 classes a week but now do 5 classes every week and a 1hour brisk walk every evening (I also walk my dogs, but that's separate) Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766028 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:31:01 +0000 Maneera 1766028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's great to hear from everyone! Meredith - you're totally right. I grew up thinking 'fats are bad'. You'd be surprised to know how many ppl still think of 'fats' as the villains....when the real villains are processed carbs and sugars. My own sister refused to eat chicken I made using a spoon of butter! For her butter equals bad.....though she had no problem eating lots of bread! LCHF diet works for me too. I feel full with lesser food and don't experience the 'crash' that eventually follows a high-carb meal. Since I exercise everyday, I eat sufficient proteins too. Also, for the first time in my life, I'm enjoying salads!!! Most diets try to make salad feel like a 'meal' but I just can't eat just salad everyday! But as a side with my meat dish, it's just perfect. I don't miss the carbs at all! Diane - you have been so supportive of my diet changes. Thanks! And yes, THE right fats are ESSENTIAL! I enjoy snacking on nuts and dried blueberries/cranberries these days. So yum and so satisfying:) Aziraphale - you're so right! I do love beer though :/ I try to not drink it more than once a week now. And that too, just a pint. I think what's helping me a lot is drinking copious amounts of green tea! Angie - I cook everything from scratch too. Cooking is a hobby for me, always has been. I do eat carbs as well.....just the ones that agree with me. Brown rice, quinoa and steel cut oats are my favorites. Since I have given up most legumes and lentils, I get my proteins from meats. I do eat lean red meat (lamb) but only once a week. And no processed meats. Mostly fresh chicken & fish. I have not given up on occasional indulgences either. What this diet has done is change my relationship with food. Eating anything and everything in moderation is quite easy for me now texstyle on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1766025 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:29:58 +0000 texstyle 1766025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More agreement here and way to go Manny! - especially on cutting the alcohol. Alcohol seems to really effect belly fat in particular I believe due to the toxic nature of it on your liver. I've started taking a liver assisting supplement called NAC n-acetyl-cysteine (derived from the amino acid Cysteine) after doing much research and I think it's probably a good idea for most people who have been drinking alcohol regularly over the years. You can easily look it up online as there are MANY medical studies done over the past 40 years on NAC and it's amazing ability to assist the body in detoxification and in reducing inflammation. I do love home baked bread but have been reducing the amount of it I eat and reducing the amount of pasta as well - having pasta once in a week is okay for me but that's about it. I've been doing something different recently - tracking the "nutritional" content of my food instead of looking at the fat or calories. For me, I want to be sure I'm getting plenty of iron, protein, magnesium, zinc, selenium, C, E and Omega 3 fats in particular. I don't just do RDAs but I use levels recommended via many different nutritional specialists recommendations (often much higher than the RDA). I also typically eat organic and low sodium choices by habit. Funny thing is that if I only track protein and iron, it pretty much dictates that I don't overeat. I know I need about 80 gms of protein a day for my size and activity level so if I get 20 gms each meal and 20 gms divided in my snacks, I'm good to go. I don't like sweets much so that's not a craving issue for me. I prefer to snack on a fresh orange, a handful of pumpkin seeds or a small serving of organic yogurt with a few fresh berries. Anonymous on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765994 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:22:26 +0000 Anonymous 1765994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Manny - you sound so positive and motivated here - and that's so great to read! I love reading health and nutritional success stories - they are always so great to learn from.  I had to laugh though - I tried one Zumba class and nearly died laughing at myself - I am NO dancer, that's for sure. But what a great workout it is!  Way to go! JAileen on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765993 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:22:17 +0000 JAileen 1765993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats! I've done weight watchers in the past and lost weight, but gained it back. I think they've changed, but their points didn't distinguish between good and bad carbs. This holiday season I lost weight (8 lbs!) rather than gained weight by cutting alcohol, sugar, bread, potatoes, and other high glycemic carbs. I did this because of lab tests that revealed slightly elevated blood sugar. My grandmother had Type 2 diabetes but controlled it through diet. She lived to 97. I figure if she could do it, so can I. My experience has been like yours: it was easy, and I have no desire for the things I gave up. I'm even sleeping better! Angie on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765991 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:16:29 +0000 Angie 1765991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (There you are! Did you see Sam dressed up in his Xmas outfit that he did not like? I think you'll like it).  I agree with all that you wrote, Manny. LCHF diets are effective weight loss strategies, and make you feel energized and healthy. I'm glad to hear it's working for you, and that you're feeling great. A fabulous reward for your efforts. Satisfying.  We've been detoxing this week, and it feels really good. Back to regular food over the weekend (hosting a dinner party).  I take food, cooking, nutrition, and eating seriously - it's a hobby of mine, (and we are foodies). I believe in healthy choices most of the time, but indulgence some of the time. We will not give up carbs, but  we are moderate about them, and it works for us.  I do not touch: <ul> <li>alcohol (can't stand the taste)</li> <li>coffee (can't stand the taste)</li> <li>mammals (an emotional thing)</li> </ul> I walk Sam daily, and go to yoga regularly. I cook a lot - all from scratch, and go to great efforts to make healthy food tasty and interesting. It's time consuming, but worth it. I see it as part of my job and a priority. It works for us.  Aziraphale on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765978 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 14:08:40 +0000 Aziraphale 1765978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done! Sounds like you have discovered a method that works. I've heard lots of good things about reducing carbs -- especially sugar and plain starches, like white flour and white rice -- without worrying too much about fat and protein.  The other thing that's probably helping more than you think is reducing your alcohol consumption. Beer is easy on your teeth compared to most other beverages, but it has tons of calories at don't "feel" like calories. I read once that Ewan McGregor, in order to attain the emaciated look required for his role as heroin addict in Trainspotting, simply cut beer out of his diet for six months. Anonymous on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765974 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 13:53:03 +0000 Anonymous 1765974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so pleased for you Manny and I know from our chats how much better you've been feeling lately. To Meredith's point...I remember all the low fat diets that were the rage at one time....funny how recent research and new thinking has changed about how our bodies work and what benefits us the most. I think the right sort of fat is essential for so many bodily processes.  I'm definitely a believer in not reducing fat but reducing the carbs instead. Keep up the good work sweetie! Meredith on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765969 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 13:22:10 +0000 Meredith 1765969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey Maneera, that's great! It sounds like you have a very mentally healthy approach to diet and fitness. I like that you call your process "experimenting" because I think everyone needs to figure out what works best for THEIR bodies. I'm also a fan of lower carb, higher fat eating (for me, not saying it's right for everyone). I believe you and I are around the same age and am curious whether you grew up with the same "eliminate as much fat as possible" messages in your culture. As a college runner there was extra pressure to eat low-fat foods. I'm sure there were days I had less than 10 grams. Focusing on more fat in my diet has been liberating and sustainable long-term. Maneera on "My experiments with diet changes and exercise" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-experiments-with-diet-changes-and-exercise#post-1765955 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:34:22 +0000 Maneera 1765955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know that a lot of us here on YLF like to talk about healthy lifestyle changes. So I decided to write this post, based on my experiences of 2016. I started the year with a long break from work. I was supposed to 'get fitter' during this break (since I had more free time) but that did NOT happen. I started to snack mindlessly, give into the 'eat more often' misconception, and started drinking very often. Not that I was drunk everyday, but I was definitely drinking beer too often. I didn't make any substantial diet modification. I 'tried' eating healthy but it didnt work. Was too extreme. I walked more in evenings but that too wasn't helping. What started the change was joining Zumba classes. I noticed my muscles were beginning to strengthen and my body was toning. Still, I was not losing any considerable weight. It was apparent to me that exercise is only 20% of the equation. Our diet plays a 70% role in our weight loss/gain, and genes another 10%. Then someone recommended the LCHF (low carb-high fat diet) to me. In general, diets don't work well for me. Extreme diets are not sustainable, and the weight comes back with vengeance when you go off them. I read this: <a href="https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight" rel="nofollow">https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight</a> And this changed my relationship with food completely. I've been eating a LCHF diet since November now and it's now become an easy lifestyle choice. I also cut out all foods that made me feel iffy afterwards (legumes, lentils and wheat for example). And I've noticed a HUGE difference. Not only am I losing weight, I also have no desire for fast food/junk food. Or desserts. Or mindless snacking. I have a lot more energy. I have fewer pains and aches. My mentrual cycle gives me no grief. Even my skin & hair looks better! I sleep better too, and I feel a lot more peaceful. My appetite has reduced a lot (all naturally) and I really enjoy the delicious food I cook. (I mean, who doesn't love chicken and mushrooms in a cheesy sauce for dinner?) I highly recommend a LCHF diet. And I also recommend joining group classes for anyone who is looking to shake off excess weight. Also - be patient with yourself. I stopped thinking about 'weight' completely. I just enjoyed the process....the exercise, living in workout gear (yes, I updated my capsule. It makes me feel FAB), and cooking healthy food that looks and tastes just great. So that's about it from me. Have you tried anything that helped you along with your fitness goals? Would love to hear!