I don’t run because I have a neurological problem and if I ran it would create more pain issues, and my goal is to be able to continue activity. I walk because I do enjoy the outdoors (and I take my dog so it is a twofer, she gets her outing as well). I would love to take my camera with me (I am a serious amateur photographer) but I think I wouldnt’ get my heart rate up as I would be stopping all the time to take photos (I live in South Florida and there are ALWAYS photo ops at every turn!) I need to find my scansea and start listening to music, altho I’m a little afraid some little old lady will run over me if I can’t hear the traffic!
As for personal experience, I have lost as much as 50 pounds (and lesser amounts) at various times using different diets/methods. I did the very best with Atkins, altho I have also lost significant amounts with simple calorie counting and Weight Watchers which is really just an easier way to count calories. When I exercised a lot (I taught aerobic dance for a number of years, usually at least 5 days per week) I never paid attention to what I ate and kept a steady weight of about 117 with 17% body fat (man, those were the days!). However, I have found that as I have aged (at age 52, and I admit that because of my health issue I became completely sedentary) diets don’t seem to work very well by themselves. I am hoping that my walking regimin, which I started in July) will help. I know that 2 miles per day is not very much, but at this time, it’s what I can do.
So, my point (and yes I have one!) is that, regardless of what I know via my education, my experience has not been exactly what I was taught. I think different things work for different people, and the goal should be to find what works. It doesn’t hurt to toss around information, however.
I’m glad you are having success. When I worked in the fitness field, my only goal was to help people become more fit. I think fit people are happier and feel better.
Best of luck to you and hope you find a new groove...