Anonymous wrote:48-yr-old woman here.
I would not call Noom slow and steady. I am 5'8", trying to lose 15 lbs gained over the past year and immediately they put me at 1200 calories. They have a bunch of hype because they "educate" you along the way, but it is still just cutting calories -- same as any diet strategy. I absolutely hated the tone of the writing -- very snarky, trying-too-hard voice. One article actually encouraged "have a cookie because you did such a great job reading so many articles today!"
WW is slow and steady if you choose that path, and with the points and color system you really do learn to "control yourself". For example, just because you can eat grains and fruit for 0 points on your plan type doesn't mean you should -- you still need to use common sense. I disliked the focus on processed and zero-fat foods. So contradictory to other modern approaches that are supportive of Whole Foods and ok with fat (as it keeps you filled you up vs emptier calories). But, we're all different! My older sister lost a lot of weight on WW. And gained it back immediately. Because it is actually not food choice that is her issue: it is her emotions and lack of control. Food is the outlet of sorts. She really needs therapy. I used WW for a bit in the Fall, but the price didn't match up to my needs. The social aspect was interesting and a supportive, anonymous online community was helpful.
Anyway. I am back to LoseIt, which is a great app and very simple and straightforward to use. I have found the best success with it and used it on and off for years. Prior to this past year, I kept 20lbs off for 5+ years. It took me a few attempts, and finally had the best luck by cutting calories gradually. So, I'd go down to 1500 for 2 weeks, then 1400 for 2 weeks, then 1350 and stay. Going immediately for the quick loss of 2lbs/week caused that sense of deprivation which caused me to binge and gain back more than I lost.
You can always count calories on a notepad. Just add 'em up and look at the weekly calorie budget overall in addition to each day; I think that helps give greater perspective. Even if you overeat one or two days, doesn't mean the whole week is a wash.
So, for me - I've been using LoseIt again and reading about Intuitive Eating.
I've lost 12 pounds on Noom and I thought it was slow and steady. I work out alot so I usually had about 1500 to play with. I never used them all and always felt full. I used to love WW, but I am a noom fan! I has taken me 6 weeks to lose 12 pounds. I am not a big person so that is significant. I thought the pace was perfect.
It's always easy to say just count calories, but that doesn't really work because not all calories mean the same thing.
I am also a very disciplined person. I really liked Noom's focus on triggers. Now I think about that when I want to eat something. I think about why I want it.