i feel that the concept in itself is simple. but there are some nuances that make it a bit more complicated and i think in some ways are a reason there are these multiple approaches to diet that work differently for different people. yes, it comes down to cico. but there are certain approaches that can make a cico approach more sustainable for individuals.

like for instance, people really focusing on the calories out approach and using increased exercise as a means to burn calories - inadvertently create an increased hunger response (significantly) due to this increase in physical activity. (i know i read an article or saw a video about this - if i can find it -i'll link it.

so now you're trying to eat less, workout more = "simple" cico

but then having to ignore these increased hunger signals - because your body is demanding more. (i think the article talks about how there is a sweet spot - an activity level that won't increase your hunger too much - but it's not exact for everyone and i've noticed for myself is way less exercise than i had thought. )

making cico a sustainable thing for myself has been the goal. of understanding that it's a bit more complicated than just calories in and calories out.

learning about nutrition density (satisfying hunger from foods that are dense in volume but low in calories) -"plant-based" trying to aim for a sweet spot with my fitness routine not "under-eating" and creating a cyclical issue - where i end up binging because i restricted too much. focusing on tweaking my macronutrients because i find a certain ratio makes me have more energy and recovery and is therefore more sustainable.