CatHerder's Journal, 26 Mar 16

I've been relatively quiet so as to try to relax about some comments made in this forum. I assume that most people mean well but can cause issues not so much with what they say but more in the way they say it.

I would like to preface my comments with the statement that I support all diets that lead to a sustainable caloric deficit that can be transitioned into maintenance. I even support medical interventions such as HcG, stimulants and bariatric surgery. I know the desperation that can come with repeatedly failed diets from personal experience so I have a feeling for the mindset of a dieter. I am here to support people no matter which path they choose.

[rant]

Dispensing Medical Advice

I have read several comments over the past months where people have said to try a certain diet to correct medical issues. This can cause issues on several fronts.

People with chronic condition, especially if you are on medication for diabetes and thyroid issues, need to discuss dietary changes with their doctor. Just because someone says that you should be on X diet or Y meal pattern doesn't mean it is safe for everybody all of the time. This can have serious consequences for those on medication that causes changes in glucose metabolism (diabetics). Can you imagine what would happen to an insulin dependent diabetic reduced carbs without adjusting dosage? Even metformin can cause issues as it reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver (reduces gluconeogenesis).

While it is appropriate to suggest looking into a particular diet, I think stating unequivocally that a certain diet can correct medical issues is very dangerous.

Saying Calories/Calorie Counting Doesn't Matter

This is a pet peeve of mine. The one thing I notice is that the people saying this have what looks like pretty complete food logs or eat the same thing day-in/day-out, indirectly controlling calories.

If you are just starting weight loss or are having trouble loosing weight then you need to log what you are eating to see where you are at. I also recommend weighing and measuring foods at least for a while until you get better at estimating. It has been shown that most people are notoriously bad at estimating the amount of food they eat. Without seeing what a certain portion size really is it's hard to get a handle on estimating. Also the need for accurately logging everything you eat cannot be emphasized enough. You can probably go to estimating after about amount of measuring. Or you can be OCD like me and only estimate when eating out, measure when eating at home.

Personal Bias

This is another peeve. This one is repudiation of research that does not support a persons dietary dogma. They would rather believe people like Jimmy Moore (who, by the way has dealt with weight issues recently oddly enough) and Gary Taubes. These so called experts use anecdotal evidence, epidemiological and rat studies to prove their point. This is the worst type of evidence to believe but they have no problem with that.

I'm a tech geek and like to have a sound reasoning for trying something rather than just poorly supported speculation.

[/rant]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend! May whatever diet deity you believe bless your weight loss journey.

98.1 kg Lost so far: 7.6 kg.    Still to go: 7.3 kg.    Diet followed: Reasonably Well.

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1607 kcal

Fat: 36.90g | Prot: 127.08g | Carbs: 217.47g.   Breakfast: Now Foods Psyllium Husk Powder, Now Foods Inulin, GNC Salmon Oil 1000, Now Foods Apple Fiber Powder, Country Farms Super Greens. Lunch: Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa - Medium, Great Value Sliced Jalapeños, Quinoa (Cooked), Great Value Lentils, Butterball All Natural 93% Fat Free Ground Turkey, Baked Sweetpotato (Peel Eaten, Fat Not Added in Cooking), Cooked Beets (from Fresh), Cooked Turnip (from Fresh), GNC Salmon Oil 1000. Dinner: Quinoa (Cooked), Butterball All Natural 93% Fat Free Ground Turkey, Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce, Pickles, Bolthouse Farms Classic Balsamic Dressing, Marketside Premium Romaine Salad, Cooked Green String Beans (from Fresh, Fat Not Added in Cooking), GNC Salmon Oil 1000. Snacks/Other: Kirkland Signature Chunk Light Skipjack Tuna in Water. more...