Ask HN: How do you lose weight?

One thing I'd like to add which doesn't get nearly enough attention is _periodization_. If you go on an extended caloric deficit your body will adapt and lower your metabolic rate which result is a small deficit for a given intake and commensurately lower energy levels and activity.

So, my advice is to go on a caloric deficit for _at most_ 3 months then do 3 months of maintenance where you're in caloric balance, then go back to a deficit.

Also, weigh yourself every day, ideally at the same time (for me, its right after I go to the bathroom when I wake up). There's a lot of interday and intraday variance (i've have 7# swings in a single day) so any single measurement isn't important but the moving average is critical.

Furthermore, if you are in a deconditioned state (not having exercised in a while) and you pick up weight training or crossfit, you will likely gain weight in the beginning. Thats OK! Gaining muscle will significant improve everything you want to improve (looks, energy, mood, etc) but not be reflected on the scale.

You can certainly have a "cheat" meal of higher-than-normal carb intake, but you might get knocked out of keto for a few days. If you cheat every week, you could be screwing yourself out of progress.

* Get 80% of your calories from fat.

* Eat less than 25 grams of net carbs (total carbs - fiber content).

Last 4 years experimenting with sustainable weight loss diets, this (ketosis) has been the most effortless and enjoyable method I've found. I feel satieted, I don't have after-meal drowsiness and most importantly, after a few months it's become part my lifestyle, so maintaining it is a breeze.

Happy side effect: I prefer home-cooked food to eating out because restaurant food isn't usually fat heavy.

One resource: http://eatingacademy.com

Not for everyone but has worked wonders for me. Really easy as well.