Per a forum I listened to and read some of there information, "Trim Down Club". They promote loosing(I say releasing) fat naturally and healthy. There were five areas touched on. 1. margarine - causes hormonal imbalance
2. sugar (hidden) - muffins, gronola
3.whole wheat bread - stores fat, its a comfort food
4. pastas - turn into bad sugars
5. oj / fruit juices (concentrated) - juices have more sugars than the fruit itself
smoothie). they are better than just juices.

Let me know your thought? Yes or No...

I think that if you control your overall calories, you'll lose weight. Period. Doesn't matter what "kind" of calories they are.

That being said, you can get a lot more bang for your buck with some calories than others. Fruit juice, for example, does seem like a waste of a lot of calories to me since it doesn't have the fiber, fat or protein to help me stay fed and full. But that's likely because I'm just as happy drinking water. If I were a big-time juice fan, I'd disagree with me (LOL). I do, however, relish a few alcoholic beverages a couple of times a week, so I have to budget for them. Not much nutrition in a beer or a glass of wine, but I do so love it -- this is my life and I need to keep the things I love in there, just be smart about them.

My bottom line: keep an eye toward enjoyment AND nutrition while limiting your caloric intake and you'll get there. Avoiding any particular group of foods won't "liberate" the fat from your body on its own. Calorie restriction and exercise are your only friends where that's concerned.

Good luck!

Personally, I'm more of the "everything in moderation" mindset. I've done some serious elimination diets in my time and seems like it always led to a food binge or rebound weight gain. Portion control works better for me than totally eliminating something from my diet. YMMV. That said, here's my thoughts on each particular food.

1. Margarine - I use either butter or Smart Balance Light with added flaxseed oil - try not to use too much of anything and I cook only with butter not the Smart Balance

2. Sugar (hidden) - totally agree - once you start reading labels it's crazy how much sugar is in everything

3. Whole wheat bread - not sure about it storing fat, but it is a comfort food (I'm a carb lover). I usually have 2 slices of whole wheat bread every day as part of my sandwich.

4. Pastas - this is more white refined flour, I avoid most pasta but occasionally use Barilla Plus Pasta (it has added protein from bean flour) Pasta is easily something I can overdo it on though so I make sure to measure my portions.

5. Fruit juices - agree totally on this one. I like fruit juice but have it very rarely and always diluted with water. Full of sugar without any of the fiber in the whole fruit

1. I prefer butter
2. I eat this
3. I eat this
4. I eat this
5. Is wine a fruit juice? - kidding

I aim to hit my macros while at a slight calorie deficit to reach my target weight. I have increased my daily fruit/vegetable intake, but I don't exclude any particular food - unless I just don't like it (looking at you lima beans).

I think whole wheat bread is still better than white bread... but cutting down on carbs in general is a good way to kick-start weight loss.

what about the Sara Lee de-light---it is wheat bread but on 45 calories per slice...i bought it the other day...haven't had a sandwich with it yet but looking forward to toast

Bodies store fat. Bread does not.

Hmmm...I do feel my estrogen spike when I eat "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter".

I very much agree! A good bottle of beer with my husband's homemade fish tacos is just delightful, but it usually means that I'll plan to have a lighter breakfast and lunch.

The sugar and fruit juice observations do seem spot on. I've been trying to cut down on my sugar intake in general, especially watching what foods have added sugars. I do like whole wheat bread, but I'll try to find lower calorie options that also have plenty of fiber so that I feel fuller. I'm not big on margarine or butter myself, but I'll use a spattering of olive oil when cooking some things. I don't pasta very often either, but I also try to measure those portions so I don't go overboard. I measure my cereal and milk in the morning too.

I enjoy all of those foods, and I am consistently losing weight and inches.

I think some of those are silly. I eat wheat bread and I am doing just fine.

I agree with you on all your foods. I dont think you should ever drink your fruit. I do my best to eat single ingredient foods, and try to stay away from processed foods. Myself, I feel better when I stay away from those things.

No. Just eat at a calorie deficit if you're trying to lose and don't overthink it.

1. Yes/No - it depends on the margarine. Steer clear of those with trans fat
2. Yes
3. No (utter nonsense)
4. Yes/No - it depends on the pasta and how it's cooked. Use whole grain pasta cooked al dente.
5. Yes

People think sugar is "hidden" in muffins and granola? Really?

ok, so plain white sugar is fine? thanks.

Aren't those the ingredients of meth?

You are going to DIE!!!! (eventually)

This made my day

In terms of bread though does this include rye multi grain bread? That is one thing I am not willing to give up. EVER.

lol

i believe you can eat anything as long as your willing to workout and burn those extra calories off. Deprive yourself of things you enjoy is a major No when trying to lose weight.

Hey!! Stop being so mean!! I LOVE beets!!

Why kidding? Wine = made from grapes = fruit! But soooo much yummier!