<p>If you ever get a chance to talk, I’d recommend she restrict refined carbohydrates to start out. They make a huge difference, even you eat the same # of calories. I understand the law of thermodynamics (calories in, calories out), but eating excess carbs can throw your body out of whack (in the form of increased insulin levels) so you will have uncontrollable cravings and be more likely to eat even when you’re not hungry. Also, with a high-carb, low-fat diet, you can eat 1200-1500 and while you will lose at first, over time your body will adjust itself to run on that amount (homeostasis) so you won’t lose weight any further. However, with a low-carb, high-fat diet, you can eat ~2,000 (for an average person) and still lose. If you keep your carbohydrate intake to a minimum, you can reach ketosis where your body is forced to convert fat into energy.</p>
<p>In effect, the low-carb, high-fat diet is effective because it allows you to eat a reasonable amount of calories and still lose body fat. You will not be disrupting your insulin levels and your body won’t think you’re in starvation mode and lower your metabolic needs to compensate.</p>
<p>Dieting is in part about willpower but it’s definitely not the whole story – that willpower is largely dependent on foods you put into your body that might or might not trigger cravings. Dieting is also not as simple as calorie restriction-- you have to pay attention to carbs!</p>
<p>(Note: I am not a physician. I encourage you to do your own research).</p>
<p>Here’s a useful video on the subject:
[YouTube</a> - Why You Got Fat](<a href=“Why You Got Fat - YouTube”>Why You Got Fat - YouTube) </p>
<p>And a useful website:
[FITBOMB:</a> What Is The Paleo Diet?](<a href=“http://www.fitbomb.com/p/why-i-eat-paleo.html]FITBOMB:”>FITBOMB: What Is The Paleo Diet?)</p>