If you could give your "old self" some advice or encourageme

purplespeckle

How far back do I get to go? I'd go back 15 years ago and say, "Here's how you do it. It's not easy, but it's simple, and it's worth it. Start now when you have far less weight to lose."

that's so true! i wish i would have started this journey way before i had this much to lose!

viggie

Stop trying to please others. Love yourself like you love your children. Treat yourself like a queen. Believe that you can do itl Set small goals and be excited when you reach them. Do the things in life that make you happy, no matter what others say or do. But most important, STICK AND STAY THE COARSE!. Oh and never stop tracking!

michelleinpa

I would try to impress the idea that is is NOT about eating less(ok, at least not totally about less) but eating BETTER. That you have to learn to embrace veggies as your friend - that some exercise is not optional. I would show her how to eat & what to eat/drik- looking back, my Mom did the best she could but her idea of "nutrition" was crap. My family showed love by feeding you - I would learn to show love my involvement and interest and being present.

lotusfromthemud

I would tell myself: "you have no idea what you're capable of."

ImCeltic

And the most important. Love yourself. No matter what you weigh, its important to love the one you are with. Too often I would be filled with self loathing at what I would see in the mirror and get frustrated. I didn't give up, but it made the journey more difficult. You need to love yourself even though you may not see the person you always want to see looking back at you. You have a story to tell, and you are living your journey. I would have never told anyone else they looked fat or ugly if it were them standing there. I would have hugged them and told them THEY CAN DO THIS! ) So we need to love ourselves the same way! )

This is so true. I am my own worst critic and I realize I have to shut it off and start treating myself the way I would treat anyone else! Thank you for a great post!

reneelee

Log on mfp every day!!!
Log on after every meal!!!!
Remember every calorie in & out counts so track it.
Eat what you want, just be aware of what a portion is.
Exercise daily, other wise you know you'll just get lazy, and you know how great you feel after a good workout so just do it.

AMEN!

miss_eeyore

for heaven's sake, take a before photo!

THIS! I wish I had more "before" photos. I didn't consider myself to be a "before" because I didn't know I could do this...

Agreed - I didnt realise the empowerment of a before photo!