Billy: I used it to lose weight and it was the only diet that allowed me to eat food that I like while losing fat. I didn't have any side effects except feeling a little hungry the first days of the diet. I did Insanity while on this diet and it worked great because I lost fat, got faster and more flexible (I can now touch my toes and I've never been able to do that in my life).
Jeffrey: I was down into the 135-139 weight level (lost about 30 lbs) but I am back up to 173. I'm hoping that I can get back on track and get down to 145 and maintain that.
Well as far as following the Mediterranean guidelines, I am still following the food part as much as I can. My time in the gym has been cut and I need to get back on track. I know for me it has seemed to help me lower my triglycerides, which is the big issue for me.
Conny: I actually did the Mediterranean diet over the summer, but got derailed with a thyroid surgery and going back to work. Funny how we can get derailed so easily! I've wanted to start it again, because it was really quite easy and delicious!
When I did it, I saw some weight loss, not huge. However, I felt really good. My husband and I both had more energy, felt "clean" and just as a whole felt much better.
I bought a couple of books; Mediterranean Cook Book, Mediterranean Diet for Beginners on my kindle. I would suggest those books, or something close to them. They give easy food plans, and lots of recipes.
We started the Mediterranean diet to help me lose weight. No other reason.
I drink up to 96 ounces of water a day. I love water, so it's never been hard for me to do that. It would be a good addition to your diet.
I am still at the beginning stages of my new way of life. I hate the word diet! It makes me feel like I'm a prisoner!
Right now, the most challenging thing for me is the holidays. I really enjoy entertaining, drinking wine, eating good food. Because of this, my weight loss has been slow. I'm just taking it day by day right now, so I don't beat myself up too much.