2 years of maintenance - 130+ pounds lost

amessam8

Great post. Very genuine and very encouraging. I will save this one and reread from time to time.

RenaTX

OMGosh I think I love you. Thank You taking the time to write this!

LeonCX

I don't know which is more impressive, your weight loss or keeping it off.

You would be an awesome fitness trainer or weight-loss counselor.

runeatrunlive

You are amazing! And you look fabulous. Such an inspiration!

SexyLovinmeCook

I remember your story and how awesome that you are still maintaining this lifestyle in a healthier way! Congrats

kwantlen2051

The best article I have read on MFP. Congrats to you I completely agree with your article.

Indeed, Thank you!

ShannonMpls

I don't know which is more impressive, your weight loss or keeping it off.

You would be an awesome fitness trainer or weight-loss counselor.

That's really kind of you!! I wish I had the time to add that to the mix, seriously.

ShannonMpls

did you follow mfp's plan or tdee?

TDEE, kind of. I wrote a blog post about why, and how to calculate it, awhile back. It can be found here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ShannonMpls/view/tdee-exercise-calories-an-alternate-way-to-customize-mfp-goals-238045

FitOldMomma

You are an awesome example!
It appears you 'got it' about this being an entire lifestyle change and that really does mean a life long endeavor.

I agree one hundred percent with you that this is a lot about changing unhealthy habits into healthier ones.

My youngest son 'got it' too. He had an incredible doctor explain to him there is no diet in the world or no deep well of willpower that would change him. It would only come from making new habits and sticking to them. He is now 19 and lost about 80 pounds over a period of 4 years. He's not gained one ounce back and he plans on keeping this healthier body of his. He told me how much he loves his new life; being able to actually enjoy running up stairs!

Again, you're incredible and thanks for motivating many, many people on this site.

drewmmm

Great story, great advice!

CumberlandGrammy

This is the best post I've read on MFP, and there are oodles of great and inspiring posts here. Thank you for sharing your story. I want all of my MFP buddies to read this!

ShannonMpls

My youngest son 'got it' too. He had an incredible doctor explain to him there is no diet in the world or no deep well of willpower that would change him. It would only come from making new habits and sticking to them. He is now 19 and lost about 80 pounds over a period of 4 years. He's not gained one ounce back and he plans on keeping this healthier body of his. He told me how much he loves his new life; being able to actually enjoy running up stairs!

I love this! Your son's doctor sounds amazing, and I am soooo proud of your son for doing this! He will have a lifetime of adventure ahead of him.

KaziTime

Definitely life-changing insights. So well written also. Thank you.

amandzor

You are amazing! Thank you for your story and motivation.

candidcamster

Love this, congratulations and you're gorgeous inside and out! Very motivational, and I agree it is not a diet, it's a way of life.

sofulnaturalee

Congrats and thanks for sharing. So motivational!!!!!!!

misifer

Shannon, I've read your prior maintenance posts and love how honest you are with the process. It's seriously inspirational to see the "two years after", because often GOAL is where the story ends.

Before I started my journey I finally started loving me for me, fluff and all. It wasn't until after I truly loved myself that I was able to pursue my goal of being healthy. My success wasn't going to be measured by weighing a certain amount, but being able to go on family hikes without being out of breath, not feeling miserably full after eating, and be physically strong. My motto has been "eat now the way I will need to eat for the rest of my life". I've also refused to give up the foods (and beverages) that I love, but instead I'm learning to balance those choices better. Thank you for the very real truths and reminders that those are indeed the keys to success. I truly believe that fully understanding that the habits you form now are the habits that will carry you through maintenance. While I'm not at goal (yet!) and it's taking me a bit longer to get there, there is much success in continuing to get right back on that wagon after any setback, large or small.

Thank you again for continuing to motivate us with your post-goal reality!

willtry08

Absolutely wonderful; thank you for posting. You are an inspiration. (And a really good writer!)

Happymelz

Thank you for this!
I am sooo close to maintenance and I'm getting nervous.

MrsKGrady

Thank you for this and congrats on maintaining your weight loss!

nofear

Love love love. This says everything anyone needs to know to be successful. Thank you.

nay4444

Thank you so much for posting this. You are my role model!! Lol

Kate7294

Outstanding!

luvforever

Congratulations both on your loss and your maitenance!

NovemberJune

Congrats on your 2 years!!! :flowerforyou:

gagatcu

Love this! Congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing!

Oishii

One of the sanest posts I've ever seen on mfp!

I'm equally irked by the 'food is for fuel' idea as it ignores all the other wonderful facets of food.

BeachinBeauty

I normally lurk around on here, but I just had to comment to say how inspiring this post was. I am still in the losing phase, but my method has been just like yours. Often, I receive the frustrating "diet" comments from people in my life. I calmly explain that I am not dieting. Diets aren't sustainable for life. I've got a fresh loaf of pumpkin bread (prepared with applesauce and water in lieu of oil and eggs ) on the stove right now. I'll have a piece later because it fits into my daily limit. I love to cook and I love food! But, I have realized how to make healthier choices and eating is no longer a mindless process. I log every meal, drink and snack. Fitness is still a work in progress for me. But, I know that I can eat this way for the rest of my life and won't be missing a thing once it's time to maintain. Thank you, OP!!!

DayByDayGetStronger

Your words are as beautiful as you! Thanks for the wonderful post to enlighten those who are still in the dark about maintaining weight loss. When the brain is changed, things just fall into place. I'll be quoting you when I treat my patients, "eat the way you want to maintain". Awesome!

Congrats...there's no way you're going back to your previous size. No chance

Your friendly dietitian

chesnity3

Amazing! congratulations!