What have you done to make this a lifestyle and not just a diet?

lorrpb

For me, it started with a conscious decision that I would need to make changes for the rest of my life. Real serious changes. I did not make any changes during the weight loss part of my journey I did not think I could live with long term. I thought about maintenance every day for 2.5 years, reflecting on why I had failed in the past and what I would do differently this time.

It hasn't been as easy as saying "Eat anything you want, just less." The "just less" is the hard part. Some things that are "trigger foods" I choose to eliminate or find a suitable substitute or, or eat only when I'm out because I can have "just one" rather than wanting to consume "all" of it. I would rather do this than gain back the 148 lbs that it took me 2.5 years to lose. I feel and move so much better now that I simply don't want to go back there.

I've also kept a journal since I started. It includes my weight readings, measurements, progress pics, workout accomplishments, 5-10K pics and results, positive comments from others, favorite quotes, etc. It is fun to look back and see my progress. When I feel discouraged, I look through it and realize if I accomplished that, I will keep progressing. I truly feel that having this record will help keep me on track during maintenance because I have a a vivid reminder of where I was and what I've done.
SW 301
CW 153
60 yo

hzl22

For me it has been the way I view food. Yes I still slip up n eat not the healthiest food but I am aware of that and aware that I am not eating for nutrition and just for fun and that it is not my everyday nutritious food. I guess I kind of inversed it if it makes sense ... the nutritious food is my everyday and the junk food is the "diet" that I allow myself to get on once in a while .

riffraff2112

as i have gotten older, I came to the realization that I wasnt prepared to do something that I wasn't going to maintain for life. I also wasn't going to give up something for the same reason. Been there a few times already (lost close to 50 lbs - 3 times in my life)

Can I stop eating pizza, chips and bacon? NO...so why do it for a few weeks
Can I run 10km three times a week forever? NO...so why kill myself for a few months, lose a pile of weight and then regain it all?

So I decided to make changes that I can live with, but stick with them, MFP offers flexibility in choosing what you want to eat, how often I want to exercise and I am super happy with the progress and my maintenance.

soufauxgirl

I have educated myself when it comes to healthy eating/exercise and everything in between and to be honest I don't think I will ever stop learning. These boards have played a huge role in expanding my limited knowledge resulting in countless "a-ha" moments for me, and has made me aware of why I have not been successful in weight loss and maintenance in the past - it has been a true eye-opener. The following quote resonates with me right now because its so appropriate in this regard - "education is power - being educated is powerful".

Womona

What I did was finally put my foot down and get sick of my "bigger size" pants getting a little snug. I am not going up another size! Plus, I want to wear the clothes I bought just last year which are a size down and just too small. So, I am logging my food again, and for the first time in over 2 years, exercising 3-4 times per week. It is a lifestyle and not a diet if you decide it is. It's being consistent about the little changes every day.

Unknown

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JeromeBarry1

It may seem silly, but when I was obese I was concerned that any attempt at restricting calories would lead me into an ill-advised and unsupervised VLCD ending in anorexia. I didn't mention that to anyone at the time, but I also diligently followed my pappy's admonition "Never miss a free meal".

It takes less than 200 calories per day of surplus to gain 20 lb in a year.

The life change, not -style but simply life, is learning what a reasonable portion size does look like, and learning to be satisfied with it.

indiacaitlin

Taken everything slowly and not made huge drastic changes all at once. Allowed myself to have the odd day off and to eat the kinds of foods I like. This has made 'a diet' turn in to a healthy lifestyle, which is all about balance and taking care of myself!

Adc7225

For me it took some self-evaluating . . . really thinking about why I ate the way I did and what I could do to better understand it. Also, educating myself about nutrition (nothing overboard, just general things that applied to me) and really fully understanding portion size. I took my time for the most part and if something was too much at the time I redirected my energy and would re-address it later.

I think it really has to be all about yourself, learning what works for you and listening to your body.