Hi everyone!

annalulu23

Like so many, I had some success about 4 years ago and I was right on track. Finally broke the 200lb barrier and went as "low" as 192. I felt great! My tricks back then were tracking and doing work-out DVDs 4-5 times a week. That's it. Took about a year to lose 35lbs but it was a slow and easy way to do it.

Unfortunately, I had to move and that's when it all fell apart. I became a care-taker, took on a full time job with a longer commute, entered a relationship that became a huge challenge, and basically just stopped caring about me. Back up to 228lbs. So sad.

It really has felt like turning 43 changed my body in so many ways. Things just feel "different" and I started to realize that this is my chance, I have to do something now because it's only going to get harder. I gradually sniffed out some options, started working out twice a week with a trainer and this past Monday, I took the plunge and started tracking food again.

No surprise, it's eye-opening! On the plus side, knowing how many calories I have left will absolutely steer my food choices as the day wears on. Sometimes I'll front load my day, but instead of just giving up and indulging every meal, I show restraint and try to eat lighter for the rest of the day/evening. And I STOP when I hit my limit (although I have gone over a couple of days, it's bound to happen and I'm not going to freak out about it.)

My first week rewarded me with a 2lb loss. Oh, and I just bought a scale, something I swore I would never do again. Now I realize I need something besides how my clothing fits. I want the reward of lower numbers, even if they don't happen every week.

My new tricks are eliminating as much processed food as I can, asking about ingredients at restaurants, measuring, and deciding on a portion then cutting it in half. I also found a breakfast sandwich that they hand make at my work cafeteria that is the perfect balanced breakfast so I eat that just about every morning.

I love all the inspiring posts here and the before and after pics are great!

Here's hoping we all love ourselves enough to succeed. That we remember how good it feels to accomplish a work-out or to turn down a high calorie food option and take the equally tasty, lower calorie choice. That we remember how awful it feels to over-eat, and to feel so incredibly full. That we can start replacing the comfort of food with the comfort of friends, hobbies, culture, art, etc.

cmriverside

Sounds like you've got a lot of things figured out already. Good for you.

Welcome to the site. :flowerforyou:

Apply patience, time, and consistency and you'll be successful.

rsjohnb

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