As I mentioned, last week I tried something different as far as eating was concerned. I followed a computer generated meal plan that was based on my current stats and the time line I gave to get to my goal. It was filling enough, and was probably what I needed to get my but back in gear, but during the 7 days I followed it I noticed a couple of things. I ate A LOT of bread. Whole wheat bread, but bread just the same. I skipped the prepackaed snacks recommended and stayed at or below my suggested calorie intake, but every day at the bottom of the page when it totaled up my carbs, protein and fat I was almost to the top of my recommended carbs and well within the recommended protein but far FAR below even the lower limit of my recommended fat intake. And during those 7 days I lost far less than I ever averaged priviously. 

For the last 4 days I have been back on my modified core plan, and every day I have been comfortably within Protein and fat, but under or just barely at my carbs. I have taken in almost double the fat as I did last week, and yet this week the weight is falling off. On Sunday I weighed 172.4. This morning I weighed 169.2. That's 3 pounds in 4 days. And I promise you I am not starving myself. I have eaten at least 1200 calories a day and have not let myself get hungry. I had Swedish steak tips over pasta for dinner last night (and again for lunch today), so I am eating "real" food.

So many people get hung up on cutting the fat totally out of their diet when they are trying to lose weight, and I think this is a huge mistake. Of course, people many people who eat out or eat a lot of prepackaged foods get far too much fat, and it is neccicary to keep an eye on how much and what kind of fat goes into your body, but it is important to have enough fat in your diet for two reasons: Firstly, I sincerly believe that the right amount of good fat helps you lose weight. Secondly, fat tastes good, and in order to keep up with an eating plan long term it needs to be tasty foods that don't feel diety. 

The fat in my diet comes from good oils (mostly olive), nuts, meats, (lower fat) dairy (even eggs!), and veggies like Avacado. I don't really plan my meals around fat content, but usually fall between 30-40 grams a day. My fatty acids (or bad fats) are almost always under 10 grams. I avoid Breads, chips, and crackers---even the whole wheat varieties. I don't eat refined sugar or things with added sugar. I eat a big salad and tons a lot of fruits and veggies every day. I eat when Im hungry and I stop when Im satisfied. Right now I am not working out like I used to, but I do something every day. When I am on plan it's increadably simple and straightforward. And I lose weight easily.

This is what works for me. I know it wont work for everyone, but if you are struggling, take a look at what you are doing and change it if it's not working for you. Try more fat or less carbs. Or try less fat and more carbs. Find what works for you and go with it, no matter what the plan your on says to do. Make it your own and learn about what is best for your body, it will take you much farther for much longer.

PS: I am having issues with my weight graph. I have updated it with the most recent stats, but it hasn't updated. Any suggestions?