Okay, I know that we all have generally not succeeded in the old "diet" arena, however, now that I have my new best friend I think I would like to look at some good eating plans. I think the old addage, "if you fail to plan then your plan with fail" really means something. I'd like to have a plan to work with.

Any suggestions on diets/plans that you guys either like or don't mind? Weight watchers??? e-diets? books? No way in heck I'm doin' South Beach. Too much work.

Three hour diet by Jorge Cruise looks good (I bought the book) and then I bought another book, Picture Perfect Weight Loss. I love his philosophy of making a choice between a high calorie food for a meal or lower calorie foods for a meal so you can eat more with the lower calorie-healthier foods.

Vanessa,

I was wondering what you find hard about south beach? I did it for awhile and had success with it but found it to be very easy! Of course I did not maintain. I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday and my doc says after that it is a great diet to follow because of the Protein factor. I don't know that I will follow south beach or atkins, but i like the high protein, low carb idea.

Kim

My step mom and dad did South beach and it just seems like sooooo much prep work.

I like plain ole Richard Simmons food Mover. You eat the food you normally eat (with better choices, of course) and close the windows as you do. It helps me do several things: get my dairy and fruits in every day, don't go over on the carbs, keep up with my Water, plan ahead. If I want a snack, I see what I have left for the day and it helps me choose better. Also, there are several cards for calorie counting...1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, and 2000 calorie cards. If you wanted to do high protien, just open and extra protien window and close a carb window or two...you get the pic. I'll admit, I do it every day for 4-5 days faithfully and then I have a broad idea of what to choose and I do better for weeks. I haven't moved a window in months and it's showing on a slow moving scale.

For me, it's good direction, accountability, no menus and crazy food prep, low calorie, low fat, adjustable. Richard Simmons rocks! And you could probably get one used on e-bay for cheap cheap cheap.

I'm following what Michelle does. She was banded and lost over 100 pounds, then had her band removed over a month ago and is still maintaining. Since Michelle and I were banded around the same time, and since she's lost over 30 pounds more than me, I asked what she's doing. It's very simple.

Only Protein for Breakfast (For example, she has 2 bacon, 2 eggs; I have smoked salmon with a slice of cheddar.)

salad with protein for lunch. I enjoy 2 tablespoons real dressing, diluted with a little Water to go farther.

dinner - whatever my husband is having on a small salad plate

I don't follow any diet at all, just eat my protein first, followed by veggies, and sometimes a few bits of potato. I pretty much eat what I want to only smaller portions.