I've had a lifetime of dieting, I think I have now come to the conclusion that it really is better to make a lifestyle change rather than a conventional diet. As I've hit my forties I've found my metabolism has slowed down a lot. I'm not spending as much time on the wii fit as I'd like to, about 3-4 days a week 30-45 minutes a session. I do however walk everywhere, so burn up a lot of calories there.

I think there is a hangover from the eighties, low-fat diets which have damaged the psyche of the general dieting public, the belief that all fat is bad. I don't think any one food group should be excluded from our diets. The 'diets' I find really suit me are the low GL and low Gi diets. The only foods that are discouraged are the very processed foods and those high in sugars.
It encourages fruit and vegetables, pulses and beans, and the 'good' carbs... wholewheat pasta, brown rice, seeded granary type breads, it also provides plenty of protein such as fish and chicken.

I think one of the worst things we can do is deprive ourselves of something we like. I still enjoy an occasional meal out or takeway and a few glasses of wine, the occasional bit of chocolate !

I am hoping to see my BMI go down, and will keep a record of it, as I said elsewhere, my graph has flatlined recently, hopefully It'll shift in the right direction soon.

good luck i am starting my lifestyle change too.

One thing that Wii Fit Plus has made me aware of is that I cannot exercise my way out of bad eating habits. The occasional treat or big meal, yes, but on a regular basis, no. I have switched my snacks to fruit and I find that helps quite a bit. I have also cut out fried potatoes: just puts the weight on me. An occasional treat, but no more than that. Then there's the mini donuts I adore, but again, I have learned to only eat a few of them once a month. And, as much as I love the bread in France, I have to avoid it as much as possible.

It's through long-term diet modification that I have made my way through Christmas without gaining weight. Indeed, I lost 2 kilos. And that's after all the holiday treats, a big meal at a very fancy restaurant and another big meal (with ice cream, even) at a very nice café.

Anyway, good luck. Keep us posted on your progess.

Hi L_J.

So you are in France? Yay, nice to meet you! I have read about the French diet and how it allows for savoring rich foods while portion control keeps weight down. Please don't pop my bubble. I have implemented those points into my lifestyle changes while also implementing things from other diet types (Fit for Life, Blood Type diet). I have found a very pleasing combination of foods that I can really enjoy while losing weight.

But I have to agree with you on the bread- which is contrary to the French Diet book. Maybe it is fine for some, but I do better without it. I recently gave it up for my skin condition and that has helped me in weight loss, too, I am sure. (I also had to give up potatoes and citrus for my eczema. .) But since reading the French diet book, I am eating more butter, cheese, fried foods, chocolate, etc. And losing.

Well done on losing Kescah. I've gone up since after Christmas, though not over Christmas.

I can imagine the French diet works, as allowing a certain amount of fat, gives a richness and a more fulfilling diet. If I eat too much bread I bloat.
Good for you for putting the things that work for you together. That's what I've done too.
I'm back to the GL principle mixed with my Abs diet book, as it works best for me. It cuts right down on refined carbs like bread and potatoes but you don't have to completely give them up. It also encourages healthy snacking to keep energy and blood sugar on an even keel.
Interesting about your skin, my OH has psoriasis and he lives on potatoes ! but will he listen ?

Good luck jesswagz, la jogguese.

Hi Alexa, nice to "see" you.

I just have to say that my weight is still dropping, though very slowly, but if it takes me till summer to lose it, that's fine. I figured it would. Our friends took us out to dinner tonight and it was such good food! All things that it was ok for me to eat and a little dessert that fit in too. So I'll work out a touch harder tomorrow morning. Good night!