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Finally, I thought when I heard about this, a diet I could embrace! A lady claims to have lost 85 pounds eating only at Starbucks. Holy Shades of Jared Fogle and Subway!
This sounded good to me, since I go there every day anyway. But then I read what she had for breakfast (oatmeal and black coffee), and I changed my mind. It’s not that I drink terribly fattening drinks at Starbucks–I like the iced coffee with sugarfree Hazelnut syrup–but I have to have it with milk or soy milk, and I drink a Trenta. Yes, that’s the REALLY big one. So, lots of milk.
Then there’s the temptation of the other stuff there. I’m lucky because most of Starbucks’ pastry/sweets alternatives don’t appeal to me (I have weird tastes), but I do like their little mini pies (cherry, mmmm) and their cake pops (yes, that’s me with Ava Stone eating cake pops) and their new dark chocolate-covered salted almonds . . .
Uh, yeah. Don’t think I’d be eating the oatmeal for breakfast. So I guess I have to scratch this diet off my list, too, along with the Subway diet (I’m NOT a lover of subs or Subway), the Atkins diet (gained 8 pounds in three weeks on it), the liquid diet (my mom put me on it as a girl–I do NOT like broth all that much), and the Susan Powter Stop the Insanity diet (uber low fat and I lost 5 pounds in 3 months on it, then couldn’t lose any more).
Now you know why I had gastric bypass (and yet I STILL struggle with my weight).
So what weird diets have you tried? Did any of them work? Do you go to Starbucks or do you (like my husband) hate them? What is your most favorite fast food restaurant? What is your least favorite?
98 Comments on “The Starbucks Diet”
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I have tried doing the Medivita Diet which is similar to the Tony Ferguson one in that you have one or two shakes a day instead of those meals – didn’t work. I have also done the soup diet and two or three days later I gagged at the vegetable soup for breakfast thing.
I did however drop a few dress sizes by walking darn near everywhere and not really being able to afford to drink soft drink and eat potato chips which are my big weaknesses. Admittedly my weight has ballooned to where I am a US size 18 but I am not particularly concerned about it. I am who I am and it is who I am on the inside that counts the most and if people don’t like it then that is their problem and not mine because I refuse to make it mine. I don’t need the added stress. (Sorry about the rant)
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 4:40 am.
Ooh, I forgot that I tried the Slimfast diet, which made my stomach hurt. Ugh.
Yes, walking is the best! Which is why I’m miserable right now, because my feet problems are preventing me from walking. Back to swimming, I guess!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:20 am.
Sabrina, lots of questions there! Are you trying to get us to write an essay? o_O
I kind of like Starbucks. But I don’t drink coffee or anything with it, so, when I go there, I have a hot chocolate! Yes, I’m one of *those*. And I always, always, *always* burn my tongue, so, there’s that. Sometimes, I also have a Blueberry Muffin. I probably wouldn’t even go there, but since there’s no Starbucks where I live, when I get to the US, I always end up going. (Of course, if there was — they say there’ll be one, I probably wouldn’t pay the absurd money converted prices for a hot chocolate! Totally would if they had Blueberry Muffins, but it’s nearly impossible since they adapt the menu of these things to where you live
). That was one.
My favorite fast food is actually McDonald’s. I know, right? We don’t have nearly as many options here as you guys have in the US, and there everything is SO OILY! Here, Burger King is very oily! But McDonald’s, it’s the same *everywhere* I’ve tasted, and, believe me, I’m so picky with food, I’ve gone twelve days eating almost nothing but the first time I went to the US
(Did I ever mention how much I hate American Food?)
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 4:44 am.
If you get it with whipped cream you won’t burn your tongue
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:20 am.
I’d burn it! Believe me, I would! I’m skilled like that!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:36 pm.
I loved McDonald’s in Brazil! I loved the whole wheat bun on the cheese burger, and the fact that a “large” drink there was a “small” one here. I seriously loved Brazilian bbq, as well. There was a place in Torres that we ate at that had the best fish ever! I have no idea what kind of fish it was but I still remember that meal.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:24 am.
My assistant doesn’t drink coffee either, and she LOVES their hot chocolate.
My husband hates American food, and he’s American. He would much rather have any ethnic food (except Japanese) than “American” food. Although he does like a good burger. *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:22 am.
Amanda, we do have the best food in the world, especially our barbeque. Sometimes, I think about living abroad, and then I think about how much I’d starve. When I was on exchange, not once I cried because I missed my friends (only family — mom and brother), but, boy, did I cry because I missed RICE!
First time I went to the US, I went to a McDonald’s in LA, and they didn’t have small fries. They had Medium, Large and Extra-Large. I’ve never seen this again, but, I was REALLY shocked by that. Sizes here are definitely smaller.
Sabrina, I hate pretty much every ethnic food. Like, all of them. (Unless you count Italian ethnic?). Seriously, the only food in the world I really like is Brazilian <3
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:36 pm.
I eat a lot at Starbucks on the road. At least they have fairly healthy alternatives. In the states they have a feta cheese spinach and white egg wrap that’s only 240 calories and has enough protein and carbs to keep you going for a long time.
I have been on every diet under the sun in my life. The only way to keep weight off is to eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods, in moderation, and exercise. Yeah, I know, shoot me now.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 5:31 am.
That egg and spinach wrap is my go to, on the road fast food, too. Or if I need something creamy, the yogurt parfait.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:13 am.
I’m not going to shoot you, because you’re absolutely right. I really wish I liked whole, unprocessed foods better than I do. *G* I do have a salad every day for one of my meals. I LIKE salad!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:23 am.
I tried a diet once that consisted mostly of veggie soup. I ended up with diverticulitis. Maybe it wasn’t because of the diet but I decided not to risk it again.
I like Starbucks. It’s my treat place. Love my vente Latte.
My favorite fast food place is Fazoli’s. Not sure if they have those all over, but it’s basically fast food Italian with unlimited breadsticks. My least favorite is Taco Bell. Ick.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:12 am.
We don’t have a Fazoli’s. Sounds interesting! I like Chipotle myself. We got one here a few years ago, and I fell in love. *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:26 am.
Sabrina, I gained 10 lbs on the south beach diet when I tried it. The only thing that ever worked for me was weight watchers and stomach bugs. I try to do a lot of walking, eat in moderation and not worry too much about my weight. The parts of me I wish would shrink NEVER will unless I’m a tiny stick, and that ain’t ever going to happen.
We don’t do fast food except Dunkin Donuts and then only rarely. Neither of us are coffee drinkers, so we only go for breakfast sandwiches on rare travel occasions.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:18 am.
Cail, I’m just starting WW. What a terrific program!
Btw, my grandmother uses to say, “You don’t want to be a toothpick. It’s not natural! Love the parts of you that are VIGOROUS.” … Vigorous – LOL!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:37 am.
My grandmother always used to say, “Eat that and you’ll get fat.” LOL I got the wrong grandmother.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 8:54 am.
Claudia, that was my grandma, too. Only it would be whispered in my ear and then “only because she [loved] me”. Ugh.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:27 am.
My grandmother said it out loud. LOL
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:34 am.
MY grandma gave me grief over not liking mayo. I pointed out to her that it’s one of the most unhealthy foods out there, and it was a GOOD thing that there was one unhealthy food I didn’t like. She wasn’t buying it.
I wish I’d had your grandmother. Well, at least when it came to food. *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:35 am.
The saying Food with sauce and women with arse used to be common in Turkey. Sadly, the new generation likes stick figures… seriously super skinny size 0 stick figures.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:51 am.
Love it! I need that saying tattooed on my forehead.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:37 am.
I was on Weight Watchers three times before I got gastric bypass. I really think that I need a lower carb diet than they suggest.
I know what you mean about the parts that won’t shrink. Even when I was at my thinnest (when I was young), I still had big calves and “thunder thighs.” *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:28 am.
Julia, gotta try that wrap.
Not a coffe achiever but I’ll get a Starbucks iced tea in the am but im settling coz its a bit bitter.
Not a tryer of bat crap crazy diets no matter how much weight was lost by my friends who did that lemon, cayenne, syrup cleanse. No thanks. I like McDonalds fries too much.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:28 am.
Fortunately for me, I’m not much of a fries person. Sadly for me, I love cheese. It’s my downfall. Oh, and chocolate.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:29 am.
Sabrina, I’ve been going to Weight Watchers with a friend and LOVE it! Our group leader is hysterical – I really look forward to the meetings – and I’ve been losing an average of .8 pounds a week (already lost a total of 5 pounds) and I don’t feel like I’m on a diet.
Not so sure I believe that anyone can eat at Starbucks and lose weight. Subway, maybe. But not Starbucks, especially sine they have those decadent Vanilla Bean Scones. NOM NOM NOM!
Oh and happy Talk Like A Pirate Day! ARGH!!!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:34 am.
Oh the Vanilla Bean Scones!!! YUM! So yummy!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:45 am.
I did Weight Watchers three times. I think maybe I’m not a Weight Watchers kind of person. I always lost a little, but I was always starving. Sigh. I’m always starving, period.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:38 am.
Aye Matey.
I have to admit that I don’t think I’ve ever tried one particular diet. I will tell you that my brother tried the cabbage diet a couple of times. I try to eat in moderation, and nothing heavy after seven o’clock if possible. (Myth? IDK.) I do exercise, somewhat. I am not a huge Starbucks fan. Gasp, I know. When I’m back north I love Tim Hortons. They have great coffee and food. And some have a Cold Stone Creamery in them! As far as fast food, sigh, Bojangles. I’ve been in the south for 12 years and thankfully never gave them a try until a couple of years ago. Now I seem to be making up for it. Eek. My least favorite is Burger King. Really people, can your burgers get any smaller, or thinner? I think BK’s burgers are on diets.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 8:03 am.
Kelly, I don’t think the “don’t eat late” is a myth, actually. I find that if I eat less at night, I don’t gain.
Hubby doesn’t like Starbucks AT ALL. He says the coffee is too bitter. It’s weird because I don’t find it bitter.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:39 am.
I’m not a fan of Starbucks. Their coffee always taste burnt. Don’t think I’ve been in one for the last seven years. I’m partial to Arby’s probably because it doesn’t serve hamburgers. Least favorite is McDonald’s. I will eat breakfast there though. We exercise three days a week at a gym when we are home. We are currently in Myrtle Beach and we get our exercise walking our small dogs several times a day.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 8:23 am.
Walking is my favorite! I like McDonald’s breakfast, too, but that’s about it. I’m partial to Cook-out for burgers, although I rarely have a burger.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:56 am.
When I was in high school, Carnation Instant Breakfast came out. I wanted it! I tried it. My mother (because she was an adult) read the ingredients and the said, “Are you sure you want to do this?” And I said, “YES! DON’T TRY TO STOP ME!” (Because I was a teen and, obviously, an idiot.)
I gained three pounds on the Carnation Instant Breakfast (guaranteed to make you lose weight) diet.
I’ve been on Atkins for 16 years. Love it. It works for me. Sugar and I are not on speaking terms.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 8:52 am.
A very athletic friend of mine sticks with Atkins, too.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:15 am.
LOL about the Carnation Instant Breakfast. That would not appeal to me. I really didn’t like the Slimfast shakes either.
Sugar and I should not be on speaking terms. Although I will say that when I cut out sugar for a while, I didn’t lose any weight.
Sigh.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:57 am.
I love Starbucks. I limit myself to once or twice a week, because it’s expensive coffee, but I do like my lattes.
I don’t really eat fast food. Or diet, exactly. I eat whole foods as much as possible, and I’m vegetarian. I’ve tried weight watchers, but that’s the only one. I exercise a lot and like it.
Of course, I am in no way thin, so what do I know? Although my family tends toward fatness, so maybe I’m not as fluffy as I would be.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:20 am.
My family tends to fatness, too. I pretty much went vegetarian when I was on the Susan Powter diet, but I think it was too much carbs for me.
The best way for me to keep my weight down with food is to eat low carb (but NOT no-carb) with dense lean meats. Sadly, I can’t stand dense lean meats. But I do eat a lot of lean chicken, which I like. I just need to eat more and stop snacking.
Snacking is the bane of my existence.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm.
I tried a going to a dietician before my wedding. I tried it for month and decided I’d rather be slightly chubby
It was horrible. I had to eat a slice of bread at every meal. What’s the point of having bread with dry food. Everything was so dry… dry bread, dry meat, dry flavorless salad… blech!
I have acid reflux so I only do Starbucks when I get a serious craving. I always get a Tall Mocha with cherry syrup and whip cream. Starbucks doesn’t taste the same in different countries so I don’t like it everywhere. For instance I like the US whipped cream, but the coffee tends to taste more bitter.
Oh how I miss Fuddruckers. They’re burgers and fries are awesome and the fresh baked cookies are to die for.
My least favorite is pizza places. I’m a former New Yorker so I’m really picky about my pizza.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:23 am.
The reason I don’t drink lattes anymore is they’re too hard on my stomach. But the iced coffee is perfect!
You’re right, though–it’s different in different countries. The milk tastes different in England, for example.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:01 pm.
They have acid free coffee now which is gentler on your stomach. Wish Starbucks had them.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:25 pm.
I used to get that at my favorite coffee shop. Then they closed down. I miss Mr. Toad’s.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 3:13 pm.
I am over 50 which gives me permission to stop worrying about my weight. I eat healthy and walk 1/2 hour some evenings (I wish it were every evening but my books call to me like Sirens on the rocks). I try to eat the majority of my calories before 1:00pm and never snack after a light dinner/supper. It is now my normal eating pattern and this keeps my weight steady through menopause.
I am in the minority of people who don’t like Starbucks coffee. It is too bitter for me. My only fast food love is Paneras. My least favorite is Taco Bell. McDonald’s french fries are too good to hate!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:25 am.
kez, have you tried audiobooks? That’s one solution for how you can walk and read at the same time. *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
No! I have never even thought of audiobooks. DH mounted a shelf over my treadmill so I could watch episodes of my favorite shows on my laptop in the winter but audiobooks is a new concept. Thanks so much!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 1:20 pm.
They even have them on MP3′s now, so you can put them on an iPod. And these days they’re mostly all unabridged (I didn’t like them as well when they were abridged).
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm.
I’ve never been into diets. DH was doing the atkins thing when I met him for some other health reasons. It got to the point that I was craving pasta and bread. Seriously craving, so that was enough for me. Now, I’m walking at least two times a week with a friend. We do four laps around our park which translates to 2 miles. We would have done more yesterday, except we had to go pick up kiddos.
I’m a coffee snob. We only do Starbucks when we’re traveling to get our coffee, if we don’t find some other coffee shop that it local to where we are. I usually get the bold pick of the day, unless it is Ethiopian coffee. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like the tases of coffees that come from Africa. Weird, huh?
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:34 am.
I was walking four miles a day until I got foot problems. Hopefully those will be resolved (just got back from the podiatrist, who thankfully has a plan for healing).
I don’t like African coffees that much either. Not sure why. I also find that espresso is too hard on my stomach. I tend to like, gasp, flavored coffees (okay, don’t scoff–as coffee snobs usually do) . My absolute favorite is Jamaican Me Crazy. *G*
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:04 pm.
Sabrina, I never scoff at others’ coffee preferences. We’re all individuals and have different tastes. That’s probably why there are so many flavors and combos to choose from.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 3:43 pm.
I’m not big on African coffees either…I usually like the ones from South America and the Caribbean the best. I found one from Gevalia that I absolutely LOVE…. It’s the special reserve at Karoma Estate. It is SO good. Not bitter, very smooth. Expensive, but REALLY good for a treat.
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 10:53 am.
I am not big into diet fads, but I did try SlimFast a few years ago. I thought the shakes looked good, and they had all those bars for snacking, but after 3 days I couldn’t stand the stuff anymore. The thing with me and dieting is that I lack the will power, and I always cheat. So, a few years ago I tried losing weight by keeping my blood sugar even (I read a book about it), and working out. It helped me lose 40lbs. I liked the fact that I could still have things I loved, but in moderation. I have managed to keep most of it off, and I learned some very helpful tips from the book.
There isn’t a Starbucks close to me, but I have managed to cut out 1 cream and 1 suger from my morning coffee, which is big for me.
My favourite fast food restaurant is Swiss Chalet. I love their chicken and dipping sauce, and the skin on the chicken is so yummy, it’s the only time I will eat the skin on chicken. I am not a fan of McDonald’s, the only thing on their menu I can stomach is their fries.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:02 am.
Is that a low glycemic-index diet? Those work the best for me … if I can follow them.
I’ve never heard of Swiss Chalet. I’ll have to try that sometime. If I ever see one.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
It is. It worked great for me. It was something I was able to stick with.
Swiss Chalet is a Canadian chain. If you are ever in the up here you should give it a try. It is so goood!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 3:52 pm.
Interesantedsimo el debate, le1stima que llegue9 un poco tarde..de todos modos me gusatreda opinar al respecto.Ante todo, respeto la libertad de cada uno de elegir su modo de trabajo pero como disef1adora, tambie9n siento que muchas veces se sigue demasiado las tendencias y hasta se copian disef1os sin ningfan tipo de remordimiento y maquillando con un buen estilismo la produccif3n (e9sto no va por e9sta produccif3n en particular, lo digo en gral) Creo que la parte disfrutable de ser disef1ador es precisamente innovar y divertirse creando pero a veces el medio te condiciona (sobre todo cuando este1s empezando) dado que el pfablico es reducido si comparamos con otros paedses donde la poblacif3n es mayor y siempre encontraredas un grupo que elija tus productos.Quize1 en Uruguay cuando empezamos a difundir una marca estamos algo temerosos y nos limitamos en nuestras creaciones a realizar algo que sea comercialmente masivo, pensando que es la forma de poder vivir de e9sto, haciendo llegar a TODOS el disef1o a un costo no tan elevado y desafortunadamente optamos por realizar disef1os un poco menos locos ( como algunos lo llaman)De todas formas pienso que podemos y debemos brindarnos mas y lograr hacer productos con un valor agregado y ased vernos realizados como disef1adores satisfaciendo nuestro interior artedstico y ayudar al uruguayo a consumir me1s disef1o, a crear una mentalidad de estilo personal, de confianza e individualidad donde cada uno pueda ser uno mismo: libre, fanico y original.
Posted on December 14, 2012 at 4:38 am.
Oh goodness, I’ve tried them all. I’ve done the ones you mentioned, and I’ve tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, LA Weightloss, Body By Vi shakes, the cabbage soup diet… the list could go on. Plus I exercised while going on these diets.
After discovering that I have hypothyroidism, I have just realized that the best thing for me to do would be to be healthy rather than thin. So every morning I juice a bunch of fruits and feggies to make sure that I consume all the healthy foods that I’m supposed to in the day. Then I eat lunch and dinner like I normally would. It’s not much, but I’ve got a little more energy than I did before. Plus I can eat everything that I want to. (PS. I got the juicing idea from the documentary “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead”.
I love Starbucks. I go there when my mom babysits the kids. I find that it is the perfect place to get some writing done. My favourite coffee is a Caramel Machiato (decaf and non-fat).
I don’t have a favourite fast food restaurant. I used to… and that was A&W. But recently I discovered that I can’t eat red meat anymore (it gives me acid reflux), so I generally avoid burger joints. My least favourite will always and forever be McDonalds. Ew. Simply the most disgusting food on the planet. I know many people who are addicted to their food, but once you haven’t eaten there for a couple of years and you go back to have a couple fries… ug you then realize how terrible they actually taste. You can’t get that awful taste out of your mouth for hours.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:42 am.
Ooh! I forgot that I tried Nutrisystem. That was truly horrible.
I would like the sugarfree Caramel Machiato better if the sugarfree caramel syrup wasn’t so nasty. I do like the sugarfree peppermint sometimes.
I agree–McDonalds sucks.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:11 pm.
I am a big fan of Dunkin Donuts. Years ago, my sister got me hooked on their Chai Tea. There was one next to my old Church; when I was teaching religion there, one of the mothers would go & get munchkins for the kids & bring one back for me. I love their donuts, too, especially the ones with apple & pumpkin in them.
My favorite fast food place is Wendy’s. I haven’t eaten there in a while, but I love their fries and bacon cheese burgers. Fuddruckers was really good, but they got over priced, and they don’t have too many of them left. But if we’re talking fast food that you can sit down & eat, the best are the Chinese Buffets! I stuff myself with shrimp and ribs, two of my favorite foods!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:27 am.
I must confess that I do like Dunkin’s iced coffee. If we had one close to us, I might go there instead of Starbucks. Occasionally. *G*
Yes, I like Wendy’s, too. And Hardee’s.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
I tried the cabbage diet with a friend. We didn’t make it through a day. I’ve done others as well but not one would I choose to go on again. Love to exercise! And I know if I avoid potato chips (my failing) I’d be better off.
Do love Starbucks. The dh doesn’t care much for anything there but he gets a gift card from time to time (he’s a teacher) that goes straight to me. Yay! And there’s nothing better than a McDonald’s burger and fries. Around these parts, In N Out is also a biggie and make the best shakes.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:33 am.
My sister likes In and Out. We don’t have them here. I want to try them!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm.
I subscribe to the theory that ALL diets work. It’s when you Quit.!!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:34 am.
LOL!!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm.
So what weird diets have you tried? Did any of them work? Do you go to Starbucks or do you (like my husband) hate them? What is your most favorite fast food restaurant? What is your least favorite?
I have tried every diet – most bizarre and painful, the cabbage diet (you eat only cabbage, raw, cooked, soup, ukk- I hated myself to me through that0 – also the shot diet, you have a shot every time you are hungry (not good during working hours, also I think hangovers vs. chocolate – no contest) — I also tried this gyspy diet, where everything is eaten with malt or apple cider vinegar on it (I love vinegar, but they recommend even apple slices – big problem, I have Low Blood Pressure and started getting migraines because vinegar lowers blood pressure)
I also tried that 17 day diet – please I think I was going to turn cannibal!!
The things that works is I have to workout, I have to think about what I eat and eat in smaller portions. Also, with a thyroid problem that was undiagnosised finally the medicine, the b shot, all are helping put off the weight that came on.
I like Starbucks, but love Seattles Best – a better coffee if you ask me.
My favorite fast food – Panda’s – chinese food with crack, I don’t know why it is so good and they do offer heart healthy menu items– I also love Roy Rogers, shake, burgers, chicken, roast beef — yummm
Least favorite – KFC or Burger King, can’t stand the food, just the smell is disgusting
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:40 am.
Okay, I have GOT to try the shot diet. *G*
What works for me is that, too–smaller portions, thinking about what I eat, not snacking and exercise. Good thing I like exercise!
Seattle’s best is pretty good! We don’t have it around here, though.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:15 pm.
I’ve been on every diet under the sun. None of them have worked for me for very long before the weight crept back on. I am working with a nutritionist now and hoping for the best.
As for Starbucks, I’m not a coffee drinker so that point is moot. I don’t go there at all. My absolutely fave fast food place is Sonic. WHY can’t we have Sonic in Vermont???!!! Sheesh!!! Least faves are McDonalds and KFC. Both are too greasy for my system and I always end up with a stomach ache..
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:44 am.
Good luck with the nutritionist! I went to a nutritionist before I got gastric bypass, and I lost 40 pounds in 6 months. And then NOTHING in the next 6 months. Sigh.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:16 pm.
So what weird diets have you tried? Did any of them work? Do you go to Starbucks or do you (like my husband) hate them? What is your most favorite fast food restaurant? What is your least favorite?
My husband is on the 4 Hour Body “smart carb” diet. He lost several inches while on deployment with this diet, but he was also spending extra time in the gym, so converted any fat lost into muscle gain. He’s still on it now, though, and while he hasn’t worked out in forever, he hasn’t gained any fat back yet, so it must be working for him.
DH and I could care less about starbucks. We’ll go there occasionally, but it’s really not our thing. He prefers Kona coffee, which they don’t have, and I can’t stand coffee at all, so when I do go there I end up with a salted caramel cocoa.
Fast food, I’d have to say is Chik Fil A, though I prefer my local mexican place over anything else. I could eat their queso and salsa every day and quite happily gain 20 pounds from it, and I wouldn’t regret it at all, it’s that good!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:58 am.
I do love queso. But you have to eat it with chips, and chips are evol!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:18 pm.
I think that if I were to try the Starbucks diet it would work—because after 5 days of eating there, I’d be out of money! I couldn’t afford to buy any food. I love SB’s chai, but I love Oregon chai even more. Not only does it taste better, but a box of envelopes cost about 2/3 what a cup of SB chai does.
Now that I have a Vitamix and dishwasher-friendly Geo. Foreman grill, I’m trying to eat healthier. My knees and feet have decided to cooperate (after NOT during July!), so I’m walking. Also, since the temps have cooled, I can get out in the yard and burn calories. Let’s hope all that works.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:03 pm.
Yeah, SB is expensive, which is why I have the card (it gives you freebies) and buy iced coffee. I wish I hadn’t gotten hooked on their iced coffee–Hubby complains about the expense all the time! But it’s my one indulgence, so sue me!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:19 pm.
I’ve tried a few diets – cabbage soup, vegetarian, Ab’s Diet, and Weight Watchers. I lost 10lbs on the Ab’s Diet, nothing on Weight Watchers, didn’t last a day with the cabbage soup, and I lost 20lbs on a vegetarian diet, but became severely anemic. Fortunately, I haven’t gained back the 30lbs I lost, but I’m still anemic (added more meat to my diet). These days I eat a whole foods, low fat diet (too much fat makes me SICK!!!), and I exercise. I’d like to be leaner with muscle than I am, now.
Not a coffee drinker, so no Starbucks for me. As for fast food I like Daphne’s – LOVE Greek food. If you stay away from the gyro meat, it’s pretty healthy. I don’t like any kind of diner food.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:26 pm.
I have never tried that cabbage diet. I like cabbage, but all the time? Yeah, no.
Good for you for keeping the 30 pounds off!
I think exercise is the key. Oh, and never eating. *G*
I love Greek food, too1
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:21 pm.
Oh cripes…I’ve done a pile of them…Apple Cider Vinegar (actually felt really good on this diet, but didn’t lose any weight), HCG (you can only eat 500 calories a day. That’s it!–I did lose 20 pounds, but was so miserable, it was. not. worth it.) and the HerbaLife diet (wasn’t so bad as long as you didn’t want to eat real food–just drink the shakes).
As it turns out, I like food too much.
Love Starbucks. Venti Capp is what I could have every day of my life and be a happy lady. Other than that, I’m not a huge fan of fast food….I will eat an Arby’s roast beef sandwich.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
500 calories!!!
Yeah, that’s not happening. Like you, I like food too much.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:22 pm.
I have to follow a strict – and I mean STRICT – gluten-free diet for an adult onset wheat allergy (I don’t have a life-threatening reaction, but the smallest amount of gluten will leave me miserable for days). People who talk about using this diet for weight loss don’t tell you WHY you really loose weight… you cannot eat anything.
About 90% of food you find in the grocery store is off limits because it uses flour, or because of the way it’s processed. I can’t just peel the bread/bun off something and eat the inside – if my food has touched gluten, I will get sick from it. I only have a handful of fast food options (usually salads). The only chain french fries I can eat – Five Guys, since they only cook potatoes in the oil (one thing people on the strict gluten-free diet need to avoid is shared cooking oil). It was two years before I was able to order a safe “delivery” pizza from anywhere local. I don’t consider anything from McDonald’s safe (because I don’t like the answer of “the ‘wheat protein’ we use to make the french fries is so processed, there is no gluten in it”). Even Starbucks is off limits – sometimes those java chips on the yummy drinks have gluten in them (and Starbucks does not really do a good job of identifying allergens in their drinks, and they don’t always follow safe practices when it comes to possible cross-contamination). Fried chicken? I have to make that myself. If I want a cake or cookies, I usually need to make those myself too.
Yes, I have lost weight without “trying”. Because I can’t eat anything!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:54 pm.
You poor thing with the gluten-free diet! I know a couple of people who have to do that, and it’s really hard. I feel for you!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:24 pm.
Like many responders above, I’ve tried a wide variety of diets, including Atkins, Nutri-System, Weight Watchers, etc. Have just lost 52 pounds doing nothing more than counting calories, eating healthy and walking. It’s a requirement of my renal diet that I eliminate certain things from my diet, including chocolate, ice cream, bananas, orange juice and a variety of other things. Other foods are regulated by portion.
My favorite fast food place is Wendy’s and the least is Taco Bell with their mystery meat. I like Starbucks all right except I agree with others that their coffee can taste a little burnt. I always order the mild or a cappuccino.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 1:13 pm.
Okay, I have tried to eliminate chocolate from time to time. I can go a few weeks–that’s about it. You’d think after I got used to not having it, I wouldn’t crave it any more.
You would be wrong.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:25 pm.
In my misdirected youth I used to eat club crackers and Fresca, I think I was aneorexic Weight Watchers had been good for me in the past, but the older I get the harder it gets. Hated Atkins, but did lose 30 pounds on it. Weight came back with friends when I broke my foot. Six months ago my husband and I started the Blood Sugar Solution. Lowered our sugar levels. No bread, low sugar, no dairy, no gluten, no high fructose corn syrup. That last one surprised me by how many foods I ate contained it. DH lost 30 pounds, DD #1 lost 30 and I lost 20. We are all three plateaued right now, but feel great.
My favorite fast food is Zaxby’s, love their salads.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:22 pm.
MichelleB, I had no idea that Zaxby’s had salads! I’ll have to check those out. I always just got the wings.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:28 pm.
I love Starbucks and we even buy the Kirkland coffee beans made by Starbucks at Costco. It’s medium roast and the best. I know that if I went into an actual Starbucks on a regular basic, I would be as big as a house. Uh, wait a minute while I squeeze into my chair here in front of my computer.
Diets? Ugh! I hate them. Just cutting back on everything is the best. Weird diets like the cabbage diet and such are just nasty. You eat that disgusting soup all the time. You may lose weight but you’re going to gain it back. Nah. Just try to watch what you eat and never, ever stop drinking that delicious Starbucks coffee.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 2:41 pm.
Don’t worry, Connie, you don’t have to tell me twice!!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm.
I refuse to even try extreme diets because they are the opposite of healthy. Also, I do not like starvation feelings. Weight watchers is working pretty well again (had to go back after baby). Starbucks is yummy! Favorite fast food is Panera, because I adore fresh bread. Least fav would be the local KFC.. they kill the food a second time under heatlamps.. eeeeeew.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 4:18 pm.
Hubby likes Popeyes but I’ve found I like fried chicken less and less. I’m not sure why. Maybe because of how greasy it is? I like Panera’s, too, though. Good soups!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm.
I can’t stand coffee! My coffee is my diet coke well it was tell the guys at the gym told me to stop drinking it for me to lose weight! I have been dieting since Nov 2011 and have lost 73 pounds by cutting back and working out everyday except sunday the day of rest
I eat Mcdonalds oatmeal for bfast everyday and usually have a sub sandwich sometime during the day, try to keep cal above 1000 a day. but yeah 19 more to goal and then at my goal weight! Yay!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 4:36 pm.
Congratulations, Mary!! That’s spectacular!
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:09 pm.
Good for you, Mary! Keep up the good work.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:25 pm.
I’m not a coffee drinker, so I could take or leave Starbucks. In addition, they don’t carry enough chocolate stuff. My big weakness is pizza. I’d eat it every day if I could. Not the crazy pineapple, wacky toppings, kind, but good old pepperoni or sausage and olives.
Now I’m hungry.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 4:36 pm.
OMG, I knew there was a reason I loved you, Suzanne! I love pizza, too (and no wacky toppings, either, although I do like BBQ chicken pizza, go figure). Give me a standard Italian pizza and I am in heaven! I love pizza so much that when I was a kid, I made mud pizzas. That is not a joke, sadly.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:10 pm.
No diets for me although I probably should try one. i was sticking to exercise and was doing good with Curves (lost 20 pounds) Then I fractured my foot and soon after had to have knee surgery. I probably hadn’t been in a year with all my injuries and when I went to start back, they were no longer close to home. So I will take it as a sign it was’nt meant to be and just enjoy my food
.
I think one of my favorite fast food places is Bakers which is locally owned and is primarily in So Calif. Coffee has never appealed to me (although I do love the smell when someone opens a can or bag) so I see Starbucks only when my daughter is with me.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 6:46 pm.
Sorry to hear about your broken foot! I’m having foot joint problems, and it’s taking some maneuvering to heal it.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 7:11 pm.
I used to be able to lose weight by deciding to eat a small portion of pasta instead of a whole plate. It didn’t mean I was skinny most of the time, just that I could have been. Nowadays, though, it’s hard as heck. I’ve lost 40 lbs over the last year by counting every freaking calorie burned and eaten. OK, so I missed some and there are days that were really ugly, but I still allow myself snacks and desserts and some alcohol, but it has to be one serving and I have to not have eaten a ton already.
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:59 pm.
Years ago my sister and I tried the “Israeli Army Diet.” 2 days of apples, 2 days of cheese & two days of chicken. We must have been insane.
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 3:54 am.
I agree! That sounds pretty draconian.
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 11:11 pm.
Anyone tried the Cabbage Soup diet? It’s a 7 day diet and the last time DH and I tried it, we both lost 9 pounds. Some people also call it the Marine diet as marines use it when they need to get under their “max” weight.
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 9:22 am.
I’ve heard of it, but just can’t bring myself to try it!
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 11:11 pm.
It’s a little extreme, but my husband loves the soup! Personally, I’m a little tired of all the cabbage by the end of the week.
Posted on September 21, 2012 at 8:30 am.
Hey, Sabs: Remember me? By the way, isn’t it time you stopped all this nonsense and got a REAL job?
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:44 am.
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Posted on May 17, 2013 at 10:20 am.