I have a new GP from a Prestigious school. I'm on some meds that might cause weight gain. I'm over fifty and menopausal. I'm hypothyroid. I use to exercise, but it is a huge problem now due to health problems. I rarely exercise now. Ive gained a good twenty pounds.

To my surprise, she told me if I wanted to lose weight, I must do the following:
1. Eat 900 calories a day. This is due to what I said above and the fact that I'm barely 5'2". Bottom line is I think she was saying that multiple problematic factors might require shaving off some calories.
2. All calories must be super duper high quality. This means lots of green veggies, veggies in general, best meats available, some fruit, some nuts, etc.
3. No sugar, no alcohol, no processed foods, no junk food
4. Avoid gluten, breads, flour...actually NO flour products
5. Reduce starchy carbs like rice and potato...ok in small amounts
6. Reduce dairy (the only dairy I eat is an occasional Greek yogurt and occasional feta cheese)
7. Drink lots of water between meals
8. Record food intake/calories
9. Moderate fruit intake is ok (preferably low glycemic ones) and small amounts of nuts for snacks are also a good snack
10. Most healthy food is fine...no gluten, sugar or junk. Moderation is important.

Well...this is hard as heck. But, I've been doing it and knock on wood, I've been losing weight. Knock on wood, I've lost close to fifteen pounds since February. It would be more, but I had a few chocolate binges. However, I always get right back on my diet. Motivating me is not just the weight loss, but I find I have more energy and less body aches eating this way. I'm eating a LOT of vegetables now both cooked and raw. I recognize that when it is time for maintenance, I very likely will not be able to eat a lot of calories...there likely won't be much of an increase. But, I'm ok with this.

I use an APp on my phone to record calories...has been very helpful.

Wishing everyone good luck with this important endeavor.