I just started the Hacker's Diet 3 weeks ago (http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/), which is basically calorie counting. Although I'll obviously hold final judgment until I am able to reach my goal weight and hold it for a long period of time (considering how overweight I am, this will probably take around a year), I'm pretty convinced already that it will work.
I'm convinced not because of the measly five pounds I've lost so far (I know all too well how easy that can come back), but because of the change in my habits that I've noticed. I used to eat until full. Now that I'm calorie counting (and actually maintaining a pretty large calorie deficit), I finish eating what I planned to and feel a strong urge to eat more, but five minutes after stopping I realize I'm actually not hungry. I haven't had strong hunger in between meals since day 3 or 4 of the diet.
I should also note that I'm eating basically from the same two food groups I was before, namely processed/junk food and lots of carbs. I know that's it's own problem, but for me the idea of giving up baguettes is way more unthinkable and would require way more will power than simply eating less.
I recognize not everyone who is overweight is so for the same reasons I am. But for me, clearly portion control was an issue. Hopefully this can take me all the way to my goal weight, because honestly this has been a really painless process. If not, and I stall somewhere above it, I'll consider increasing my workout regimen and/or changing what I eat.
I'm convinced not because of the measly five pounds I've lost so far (I know all too well how easy that can come back), but because of the change in my habits that I've noticed. I used to eat until full. Now that I'm calorie counting (and actually maintaining a pretty large calorie deficit), I finish eating what I planned to and feel a strong urge to eat more, but five minutes after stopping I realize I'm actually not hungry. I haven't had strong hunger in between meals since day 3 or 4 of the diet.
I should also note that I'm eating basically from the same two food groups I was before, namely processed/junk food and lots of carbs. I know that's it's own problem, but for me the idea of giving up baguettes is way more unthinkable and would require way more will power than simply eating less.
I recognize not everyone who is overweight is so for the same reasons I am. But for me, clearly portion control was an issue. Hopefully this can take me all the way to my goal weight, because honestly this has been a really painless process. If not, and I stall somewhere above it, I'll consider increasing my workout regimen and/or changing what I eat.