How long do we stick with things?

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 1:03 am

I was just wondering if there's anybody out there that's full of data about how long people generally stick with a diet and/or exercise plan. I was thinking about that today, and then saw NoSnacker's post about sticking with NoS 5 or 6 months in previous attempts.

What is your own experience.. and/or what have you heard about research findings about this?

NoSnacker · Post by **NoSnacker** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:20 am

Hi there, I think I've read here some people get it right away! You may be totally different than I was and make it work from the start.

I think my perfectionism worked against me when it came to seeing a red day on my habitcal..but I'm so glad I went back over the data and found what I shared.

And of course the two questions you posted there for me to think about...so right on you were.

I'm also the type of person that goes full force only to peter out..so I know this too..which will help me to divert my obsessive thoughts elsewhere.

You can do it first time around!!!

Blithe Morning · Post by **Blithe Morning** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:46 am

Are you talking about traditional weight loss regimens or No S?

Let's see, I've been on the forum since April 2008 and I know I was reading the boards before then. So I have been doing this for close to six years.

I've been exercising regularly for at least 20 years. Currently, my regimen is walking 45 - 60 minutes most days (I like to get in 5) of the week. I don't always do it all at once, usually two walks a day. If possible, I go outside. No proof, but I think this makes a difference. I've done more intensive workouts and I may yet again.

I have guidelines in addition to the rules, namely half my plate is veg at dinner and I eat vegetarian for the other meals, easy on the dairy.

I'm happy with my weight when I do vanilla No S. As a 49 year old woman, I don't gain when I am compliant. I admit I do get lax sometimes, usually in the late winter/early spring and yes my weight does creep up. This year, I will be more mindful. I'm also taking vitamin D which a friend swears up and down helped her fight the winter blahs.

jw · Post by jw » Wed Dec 11, 2013 2:21 pm

Good topic! With jobs, I'm good for 8-10 years. With diets: I stuck with strict low carb for about two years, then another couple of years of teasing myself with just enough carbs to keep me frustrated. I'll reach the 6 month mark on No S on New Year's Eve!

I like my routine, but I have become a lot looser about tracking -- I have dropped habitcal, for example,and don't check in here as much. I am still not snacking or eating sweets during the week, but I feel like my tight grip on things is relaxing right at a time of year that is a little hazardous. Still, what better time to test the force of habit? Good luck to all!

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:35 pm

I just googled the topic and here's a first report.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... nutes.html

Extrapolating from the National Weight Loss Registry, which is actually a rather small (when you think of it) sample of 6,000, the relapse rate doesn't drop significantly until a person has maintained for 2-5 years. I consider myself having maintained the effort for about 4 years, so I still have another year before I enter a safer zone.

Personally, I'd say that most "diets" SHOULD be dropped at the 5-week mark.

LoriLifts · Post by **LoriLifts** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 2:27 am

I have diet ADD. Since joining in 2008 I've been a vegetarian, vegan, raw fooder and low carber. I'm currently doing the Wheat Belly plan, designed by Dr William Davis. Cutting out grains seemed to have helped reduce my sugar cravings.I've also been doing different types of intermittent fasting.

The common denominator has been No S. Any kind of diet fits with the No S rules.

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 2:38 am

Nice finding that article, oolala! I'm curious, what did you type in your google search to find that? That's exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for.

I definitely agree that NoS is different than other 'diets', and I completely agree with WalkerLori that NoS fits with most eating styles.

I love seeing the links to articles, and I love reading about other people's histories with diet and exercise.

Jethro · Post by **Jethro** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 10:52 am

I've been on NOS since Nov. 2010. Haven't reached goal yet but I'm getting there (minus 70 lb. so far, 25-30 to go).

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 1:35 pm

I put in "how long do people stick to a diet." That source I linked was the only one that wasn't advice about how to stick to a diet. There was even an article on the easiest diets to stick to; WW was #1 because it was "flexible!"! I couldn't believe how often the author said, " experts say it's easy to stick to." What experts? Any real expert knows that changing eating habits permanently is problematic for all but the most motivated. The odds are against it, even for No S. I just think it has better odds than most, and it definitely is closer to the model for what makes people reduce their appetite and figure out what combination and amount of food will satisfy them, which is the real goal.