Are cliche diets really practical?

[amber]

With all of the cliche diets out there like Atkins and such, I am wondering how practical most of them are?

Every large person says they have tried a zillion diets and haven't been successful. Is this because the diets they tried did not fix their issue or because they didn't put enough effort and dedication into it?

I would think everyone's diet and diet problem is so specific to them that following a generic plan would not be very efficient?

[bronson]

Originally Posted by amber

With all of the cliche diets out there like Atkins and such, I am wondering how practical most of them are?

Every large person says they have tried a zillion diets and haven't been successful. Is this because the diets they tried did not fix their issue or because they didn't put enough effort and dedication into it?

I would think everyone's diet and diet problem is so specific to them that following a generic plan would not be very efficient?

I have also seen many diets fail. You have to make your eating a way of life and not just call it a diet. You can eat clean and still gain weight if you have a large calorie increase. And to lose weight you have to diet down below your maintenance level or if your food intake is at a level to maintain your weight, then you have to increase your activities to burn up the energy or fat. I have seen people increase their thyroid activity naturally and with drugs. This can be effective in weight loss, but like everything else risk can be involved. There are a number of ways people can lose or gain weight. But I feel the important thing is to educate yourself. Read, ask questions, understand BF%, learn what ratios of protein, carbs, and fats are good for your goals or body type. I am doing fine right now at 40-40-20% ratios. Someone else might do good dieting at 55-30-15% ratios. Everyone is different and responds to exercise, diet, drugs, supplements ,ect in a different way. There is no here it is for everyone answer. Know yourself and what does and dosn't work for you and have a drive to meet your goal, and you will meet it.

[fitnesscrazed]

Originally Posted by bronson

And to lose weight you have to diet down below your maintenance level or if your food intake is at a level to maintain your weight, then you have to increase your activities to burn up the energy or fat. I have seen people increase their thyroid activity naturally and with drugs. This can be effective in weight loss, but like everything else risk can be involved. There are a number of ways people can lose or gain weight. But I feel the important thing is to educate yourself.

What is "thyroid activity"? heh

[bronson]

Originally Posted by fitnesscrazed

What is "thyroid activity"? heh

Your thyroid is a gland in your neck. Some people try to manipulate their thyroid with drugs or naturally with kelp or other sups to try and speed up their metabolism. You take the chance on being on meds the rest of life if you don"t know what your doing. And even if you know how the drugs work this is still a risk. Some people choose this aproach, some go to extremes, and some simply learn how to eat clean and get their diet and exercise program down to achieve their goal.

If you did a search on your thyroid it would explain how it works, where it is located, iodines involvement in activity,people with hypothyroidism and how their treated and with what drugs, all kinds of info.