What has really made the difference in weightloss?

Mangoaddict

For those that have lost many of their pounds and are still shedding, what made the true difference? Was it exercise, was it portion control, what did you do to make it really "work" for you? Please share with us and the rest of the world who is suffering obesity.

Thanks!

Mangoaddict

For those that have lost many of their pounds and are still shedding, what made the true difference? Was it exercise, was it portion control, what did you do to make it really "work" for you? Please share with us and the rest of the world who is suffering obesity.

Thanks!

Carrie6o6

WIth me I would have to say portion control, as well as NO JUNK FOOD, and LOTS of water. Exercise helps too, but for me food is what it really comes down to. If I don't watch what I eat my weight stays the same or slowly climbs, but if I watch what I eat I loose ounces by the day!

tanzmamma

For me it was all of the above. Exercise, portion control, making healthy choices, WRITING EVERYTHING DOWN and being 100% HONEST with yourself of what you're eating and HOW MUCH you're eating!

michlingle

The thing that has motivated me the most is when I go out in public and observe how many overweight people there are....I don't want to be a "typical" fat American. I want to lose about 25 pounds to get me out of that category. I am motivated by this website and other shows on tv that document the struggles and successes of those who are overweight. I also don't want to adopt habits that will turn me into a 50 something woman who seems to blend into all the others who are way overweight and who look and feel miserable. I want to be attractive and feel healthy when I grow older, I don't want to blend into that pool of women......

Mangoaddict

The thing that has motivated me the most is when I go out in public and observe how many overweight people there are....I don't want to be a "typical" fat American. I want to lose about 25 pounds to get me out of that category. I am motivated by this website and other shows on tv that document the struggles and successes of those who are overweight. I also don't want to adopt habits that will turn me into a 50 something woman who seems to blend into all the others who are way overweight and who look and feel miserable. I want to be attractive and feel healthy when I grow older, I don't want to blend into that pool of women......

I feel the same way when I see people who are overweight. I tell myself, "I don't ever want to be like that." That is the feeling the brings me back to weightloss again and again, hopefully it will work long term for me...this time!

lsalazarii

I would have to say all of the above also. I think it all works hand in hand.... although I do admit to falling off the wagon occasionally. But sticking with it instead of giving up after a bad day helps.

I do allow myself one meal a week that I eat whatever I want (usually Mexican food)
I think you have to do what you think you can live with because it's not about dieting, it's about a lifestyle change.

The REAL motivator is when people you haven't seen in a while see and say that you have changed.
I feel losing the weight I have, has changed me not only physically, but psychologically. I just feel better about myself and I think that is something people see.

Good luck with your journey... don't let anything stop you - not even yourself.

Carrie6o6

I would have to say all of the above also. I think it all works hand in hand.... although I do admit to falling off the wagon occasionally. But sticking with it instead of giving up after a bad day helps.

I do allow myself one meal a week that I eat whatever I want (usually Mexican food)
I think you have to do what you think you can live with because it's not about dieting, it's about a lifestyle change.

The REAL motivator is when people you haven't seen in a while see and say that you have changed.
I feel losing the weight I have, has changed me not only physically, but psychologically. I just feel better about myself and I think that is something people see.

Good luck with your journey... don't let anything stop you - not even yourself.

Yes VERY true!! I have fallen off many times, and getting back up is so important!! I also love it when ppl you havent seen comment you!

auntkaren

It's been portion control, healthier foods that are lower in calories.....most veg. Lean meat, little or no fat. Whole wheat pasta's, bread, brown rice, drinking more fluids. I am not big on exercise due to health problems , but try to take short walks. I eat fruit instead of cookies, pie, or cake. It's mostly things I have learned since being on MFPal's and their support. I like seeing my old clothes just hang on me. My tummy doesn't touch the steering wheel anymore, I am more flexable in moving around.

BrenNew

For me it was all of the above. Exercise, portion control, making healthy choices, WRITING EVERYTHING DOWN and being 100% HONEST with yourself of what you're eating and HOW MUCH you're eating!

Yup, ditto for me!!!

PedalHound

Again, all of the above really. You learn what works for your body. Being careful with grains and sodium is big for my system apparently. Lots of water. And portion control and 100% accountability is huge. Self-forgiveness is HUGE.

I've found myself at times seeing overweight people in public and thinking to myself "I'm SO not in your club anymore". Of course it's nothing toward the specific individual but a comment to my own self.

Celebrate the tiny milestones along the way because even climbing the tallest mountain happens with a million little steps. :flowerforyou:

casey34472

Portion control for me. I was eating to much. I would get bored and eat things that wasn't good for me and I stop drinking every night too. Now its one or two times a month I drink.:drinker:

lotusfromthemud

Eating mindfully (when I'm actually hungry. . .a difficult thing to learn). Exercise (this is absolutely crucial for me)

and persistence. This is the number one key. You will suffer setbacks, bad meals, bad days, bad weeks, but you need to just keep going. Keep trying to make the best choices. Be patient, and be persistent.:flowerforyou:

cp005e

Making the commitment to make the right choices every day. Every time.

And then forgiving myself and getting right back to it when I don't.

But keep in mind, by "right choices" I don't mean denying myself all the time, or completely eliminating certain treats. It's just that the choices you make should support your overall goals of being healthier and happier. Maybe I choose to just eat maintenance calories (without a deficit) while I'm on vacation, because I don't want to feel like I'm missing out. That's okay - I'm still not gaining! Or maybe I have a really busy schedule this week and only manage to work out once. That's okay - I'll add in a workout on the weekend and make sure I'm back on track next week! So those are still the "right" choices - because I am conscious of them, their impact, and what I will do to mitigate them if necessary.