Everyone is an Expert

As an overweight guy, I have read literally hundreds of diet and exercise books.  I've watched videos, talked to doctors and even checked out Overeaters Anonymous.  You could say that I probably know more about how to lose weight than most people.

Yet, with that knowledge, I have not lost one pound.  Sure, I may have lost a couple here and there through the years, but they came back with a vengeance.

The problem with weight loss, especially, is that everyone is different.  What may work for me may not work for you.  

Let me give you an example.  A lot of diet experts say that you should eat something every two to three hours.  Instead of having the typical three meals, have six mini meals.  I tried that and I wasn't losing weight.  Then I read "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan.  (At least I think this is where I got the information.  With so many diet books on my Kindle, I can't remember who said what.)  Anyway, he said to eat when you're hungry.  If you're not hugry enough to eat an apple, don't eat.

That was part of my problem.  I was basing my entire day around when I had to eat, so I could fit in my mini meals.  I would eat breakfast at say 6:00 and then I would watch the clock, maing sure I ate a banana at 9:00 and then lunch at noon and so on.  Even when I wasn't really hungry at nine, I would force down something, just to make sure I didn't let more than three hours pass.

After reading "Food Rules", I decided to try to eat only when I was hungry.  And you know what?  I started to lose weight.  

The point is, everyone seems to have an opinion on how to lose weight or what is the best exercise to do, but you have to do what works for you.  Try different things and see what works for you.

Remember, the only good exercise program is the one that you will do.  Even if running around the block is the best thing for you, if you can't or won't run, it won't do you a bit of good.  However, if you find something that you like to do that keeps your heart rate up, then do it and to heck with all the "experts".