I'm wondering - after reading all kinds of stuff regarding diet rules for losing weight - much of it contradictory:

if some people are genetically predisposed to put on more weight from protein...

some from carbs instead...??

I know we're all better off being physically active - even in gentle, non-impact ways. And from eating more fruit & veggies... but it seems as if there are two dedicated camps, which I guess is based on some science or success, about proteins and carbs.

I don't know much about dieting because for years I never needed to worry about it - I went right back to being skinny after both kids even. It's only since I've past the half-century mark that it's even an issue.

So I wondered what everyone else's experience has been? What do you think? Do you gain more weight from eating meat, than eating carbs? or vice versa?

Of all the things I have done in my weight loss efforts, low carb eating and plenty of exercise is the best combo for me.

But in my circle of friends I have a few girls who can eat and drink whatever they wish and work their butts off with exercise 7 days a week. A few rarely work out and simply avoid some food groups altogether and are thin. A few of my thin friends drink a ton of coffee and also smoke (hence they don't snack, they smoke) and one of them quit smoking and has struggled with her weight for a couple years now.

And last but not least one of my friends swears by diet pills and looks awesome. BUT I would never take them. It annoys me though that she got so fit and takes them, it is tempting, but I think diet pills are scary. She has four kids and looks amazing though. She works out a lot, but I really think it is a combo of the pills and her routine that makes the difference.

I think it is weird how certain things work for some but not others and vice versa..

I think the only answer is burning more calories than you consume...

Really, I don't eat that much and that's kinda why I'm confused. Yeah I know, over 50 the hurdles are that much higher...

but one "expert" says wheat is the problem, because most of it's genetically engineered now... so I should avoid all the "whole grain" stuff...

the next one says hormone imbalances can be responsible... turning more kinds of calories to fat, quicker because of insulin spikes (even if you're not diabetic)...

and I'm not a slug. Even on days I consider myself a slug, I'm still up and walking a couple miles a day - just going out with the dog... up/downstairs... to pee... it's kind of a big house.

OH well. I just wondered if any of you smart folks who are losing weight had de-coded all the info out there and figured out how to tell which "type" you were. Sanddollar, you're right, it's always gonna be something different that works for each person. I just gotta figure what type I am!

I think the only answer is burning more calories than you consume...

That's not working for me unfortunately.

:(

Slow weight loss can result for a number of reasons and sometimes a combination of them. You have to be your own detective. Taking a salivary hormone test will let you know if your hormones are unbalanced. Your adrenals can be burned out causing your thyroid to struggle or your thyroid can be struggling for other reasons. Slow metabolizer. Parasites and Candida can both cause slow/no weight loss. There are adjustments/cleanses/supplements that can be taken to reactify these things. It's not always easy and can take some major perserverence but it's possible to overcome these challenges.

From experience (on a weight loss forum, listening to results of successful losers) I can tell you, it's normally a combination of protein, healthy fats, loads of vegetables and carbs that makes for successful weight loss.