Keep It Simple, Keep It Off Posted Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 12:20 pm PDT

1. Posted by David A on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 5:19 pm PDT

Thanks Debbie. I needed that re-assurance. I read your column online regularly and have been trying to lose weight and have struggled. I am 6ft tall and a year ago weighed 215(too heavy for my medium to small frame). I work out 5 to 7 times a week for 30 to 120 min. I reached 205 pretty easily. But then hit a plateau. I was there for about 5 months. Between Jan and now I have gotten to 195 but seem to have hit another plateau. I continue to go over my eating habits and everything I've read about the body sensing starvation and conserving fat and it sometimes leads to frustration. I just need to remember it is a long haul and slow steady process. Keep it simple. Move more, eat less. Got to get to my workout, Thanks Dave

Report Abuse

2. Posted by Mickey Bitsko on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 10:26 pm PDT

This is actually considered new information???

Report Abuse

3. Posted by sherry p on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 10:31 pm PDT

This realy helps allote thanks .

Report Abuse

4. Posted by Steve Parker on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 6:19 am PDT

Thanks, Debbie. Many people need a periodic reminder of the simple truth of the energy balance equation. Otherwise, more will fall victim to scams such as "Eat all you want! Just wear this tiny patch and the pounds will melt away!" I saw an add a few years ago for a shoe insert that stimulated the bottom of your foot, for weight loss. "Eat all you want, just wear this insert!" These ads are expensive, so they must work, i.e., generate revenue. When you try to utilize the money-back guarantee, the seller can't be found. -Steve Parker, M.D. Author of The Advanced Mediterranean Diet

Report Abuse

5. Posted by catluver42 on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 8:21 am PDT

I'm sorry but this was somewhat self-explanatory and somewhat confusing at the same time. I try to eat right and exercise more but my scale is like a yoyo, and I have to check it every day due to a medical condition. I guess I prefer tips with more examples in them.

Report Abuse

6. Posted by grayiron1 on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 9:31 am PDT

Thanks for the perfect explanation! My own experience in training overweight people is that cutting back on consumption (portion control) is the hardest part. Theoretically, you can exercise enough to create a calorie deficit. But in the real world, it just doesn't happen.

Report Abuse

7. Posted by scout on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 2:38 pm PDT

THAT WOULD ONLY MAKE SENSE. EAT HEALTHY BUT SENSIBLY. EAT LIKE A PIG , YOU LOOK LIKE ONE . EAT LIKE A BIRD AND YOU WILL LOOK LIKE ONE. (SMALL). COMMON SENSE WE SHOULD ALL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION. I ASKED MY HUSBAND HOW I COULD LOOSE WEIGHT. HE GAVE ME THE ANSWER-"QUIT EATING SO MUCH" DUH! SO MUCH FOR MY DIETS THAT DONT WORK ANYWAYS.

Report Abuse

8. Posted by KIAS on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, 2:40 pm PDT

Thanks a lot for that!

Report Abuse

9. Posted by Skeeter on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, 4:10 pm PDT

It is true that the information is not rocket science, but many people do not get the equation that you have to burn off 3500 calories to lose one pound of fat. I lost 45 pounds a few years ago and have maintained the weight loss with the exception of the few pounds I gain during the school year. During the summer I get back into my routine of exercising and healthy food choices and the weight comes off. I used to work at a fitness center for women and found it amazing how many of them became easily discouraged because they expected a lifetime of unhealthy habits to be reversed with a week or two of exercise. I used to explain that they need to see it as a journey and take it one day at a time.

Report Abuse

10. Posted by Gerad S on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, 7:54 am PDT

While the simple fact that "If you burn more energy than you consume you will lose weight." is true, you do need to consider the negative impact of not eating 'enough' food. Your body needs fuel to function. If you consume too little yet your body requires more to meet it's basic needs, you will not lose weight. In fact, starving yourself can actually cause your body to store more fat.

Report Abuse

11. Posted by Gerad S on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, 7:55 am PDT

While the simple fact that "If you burn more energy than you consume you will lose weight." is true, you do need to consider the negative impact of not eating 'enough' food. Your body needs fuel to function. If you consume too little yet your body requires more to meet it's basic needs, you will not lose weight. In fact, starving yourself can actually cause your body to store more fat.

Report Abuse

12. Posted by Shay on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, 8:20 am PDT

I think this will work. I am going to attempt your theory and get back to you. -Shaley Perez

Report Abuse

13. Posted by carolyn_r_martin@sbcglobal.net on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, 2:46 pm PDT

I love this column. Thanks so much! It provides the motivation I need to stay on track.

Report Abuse

14. Posted by gingerhohm on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, 10:45 am PDT

Thanks for the simple reminder! Do you have any tips on how to track what you eat/exercise? Sometimes it is really hard to keep this information in a central location. Also, is there a website you recommend to find the number of calories in different foods and calories burned doing different exercises? Thanks!

Report Abuse

15. Posted by shawnaschroepfer on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, 10:55 am PDT

Hello. Great info and so true.. but a note should be added about TOO much deficit and that you will NOT loose if you have too much defict and your body goes into starvation mode. Nothing is WORSE than NOT loosing cause your NOT eating enough! LOL Shwna

Report Abuse