I am fooded out. My head is spinning like a whirling diva and my Facebook feed is jammed with this or that expert telling me NOT to eat certain food combinations or it will cause x, y or Z. These so-called experts are all pulling silly faces to attract your attention. Claims such as if you go on an anti-inflammatory diet, you will lose zillions of pounds in just a few weeks, and like a muppet, I clicked on the link, and of course, they wanted money. Then there are Keto, Mediterranean, low-fat, high-fat, and low-carb diets, among others. The list goes on and on. IT’s BIG business.
I finally spoke to my doctor this week about my anxiety issues regarding being overweight and the lack of success in shedding the stubborn pounds. Should I follow the anti-inflammatory diet, or which is the best diet? Should I see a dietician? Blah, blah, blah de BLAH!! I rattled on for about ten minutes, and she listened as my reasoning became circular.
Her advice: Ignore the so-called online experts. Only eat natural foods (I do this anyway). Significantly reduce portion size (advice my daughter had already offered by serving up meals on tea plates) and stop drinking alcohol, and absolutely NO desserts. AND dance for exercise. She knows I love dancing and lectured me to keep active, not just to help me lose weight but for my overall mental and physical well-being.
I blew a sigh. I know what to do … there is no magic pill … well there is but I won’t take Ozempic… I just wish there was a magic pill called MOTIVATION or WILLPOWER. Well, there’s not, Piglet, so stop feeling sorry for yourself. Either lose weight and enjoy the health benefits or continue yoyo dieting and stop complaining. Your life, your choice.
Piglet in Portugal 
For me the smaller eating window (12-19 usually) and be aware of how to minimize glukos spikes are the best decisions I have ever made. No more diets, no more restrictions. Just enjoy to eat, and yes I do avoid ultra processed, but its not forbidden. And I grow almost all our veggies, which is a biggie for me as a vegetarian of course. The mental gain is magic.
I wish you the best luck to find the way forward for you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Anna, I have tried the eating window but I can’t keep it up. I need food to take my bloodpressure pill when I get up so it is not on an empty stomach. I have heard the fasting diet is succussful but I had to accept it was not for me. what are the spikes you mention. How do you identify those? I often get a desperate craving for something seet and it takes ALL my willpower to resist.
My veg growing was a disaster this year (apart from the strawberries and aubergine). I seem fated 🙂
LikeLike
I have written about glukos spikes and how to minimise them here https://www.anna-forsberg.se/om-vikten-av-att-plana-ut-glukostopparna/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. I had a look. Interesting. I have found light exercise shortly after eating does help.
LikeLike
It is hard to love food and be sensible about eating it!!!!
LikeLike
hi Pam, it certainly is. My only hope is small plates to try and reduce my appetite and up the exercise to burn calories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a very good plan!!!
LikeLike
I literally was just thinking today I hate this damn yoyo lifestyle. Why do I do this to myself? I felt so good last year, but now 15 up again. I think your doctor has good advice. YOLO is a great perspective that one should not give it all up for the almighty slim.
LikeLike
Bernie, I remember you were doing so well and you were so fit with all that cycling! I am sorry to hear you have put on 15I hope thats lbs not kilos?I sometimes think we are own worst enemy. Are you back on track to shed the extra pounds?
LikeLike
Sigh. I have been dealing with the same problem for many years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you, Laurie. I still live in hope we will crack it. IT would certainly take the pressue off our creaky knees.
LikeLike
only way to lose weight is to have a calorie deficit.
diets are hard but what I do is try to limit to 1200 calories of healthy food ensuring I have sufficient protein that I won’t lose muscles as I drop the weight.
also there is a thinking that by allowing 20% of your daily calorie allowance to YOLO (you only live once) foods eg things you really enjoy that might not be too healthy eh chocolate, dessert, crisps etc then you are more likely to stick to the regime.
works for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HaHA I love YOLO … 20/80. I lost weight under that regime last year. I think the ALL or nothing approach is not going to work for me 100% of the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s tough to know what to do with all of the “experts” out there, Carole. You’re 100% right about the motivation bit. That’s truly the ticket – at least it is for me. I also agree with your refusal to go the Ozempic route. My sis in law has to take that for her diabetes. She’s always nauseated for the first few days after her shot. Who wants that? The motivation will likely hit unexpectedly. When it does, you’ll feel better about everything. Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Motivation and will power … I was thinking maybe I should hang a pair of trousers up on display. Tousers I really love. Just a little bit too small …. I read up on the side effects of Ozempic and they are not good. I won’t take ANY meds unless I have to. Even then we look at all the various side effects. I pity your pur SiL. I hope her doc tried other alternatives.
Thanks for the virtual hugs. x
LikeLiked by 2 people