If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

EAPTX

There's no such thing as motivation, only determination. Determine what you will do, then do it!

^^This. I so agree - motivation is overrated. I'm rarely motivated, but now I'm committed to plodding away at it, no matter how long it takes. My body doesn't know I'm not motivated!

abunch36

I heard that wehn you starve yourself your body goes in starvation mode and it wants to store as much as it can. I'll remember this for sure.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

Don't compare yourself with others...everyone is different, different values, lifestyles--everyone is on their own unique lifestyle change and what works for some may or may not work for you. More than half of this battle of the bulge is a mental one!

You can't out exercise a poor diet/you can't outrun your fork...

Linli_Anne

Life is not a race, we all know what happens at the finish line. Eat well and exercise often to make the most out of everything between here and the finish line.

bloomlately

It's not the end of the world if you have a bad day. Just pick yourself up and resume your journey the next day.

MyChocolateDiet

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

NEVER cut in front of me in line, anywhere. Ever.

MyChocolateDiet

suck it up so you wont have to keep sucking it in!!!

This rocks :laugh:

Fave. I want this printed backwards on a too tight t-shirt that way I can see it the right way in the mirror, probably as PJ's so I can "sleep on it".

MyChocolateDiet

For those of you who have a success story: If you could give one piece of advice to folks starting their journey, what would it be?

3 tips:

1. Consume less than your TDEE and you will lose weight
2. Lift weight during your weight loss to protect as much muscle as you can
3. IIFYM

dumb question but what IIFYM mean?

If It Fits Your Macro's-loosely translated.... " Eat whatever the heck you want as long as you meet your cal goals and goals for protein, carbs, fat or whatever else YOU have decided to track."

Also loosely translateable to "everyone else mind your own damn business"

MyChocolateDiet

It's not the end of the world if you have a bad day. Just pick yourself up and resume your journey the next day.

and watch it continue to suck. well at least for me for today that's how it's been going. woke up in a sweaty cry just to watch my day spiral ruthlessly out of control from there. feels like I'm trying to hold a tornado in my hands while it whirling and twirling. well from dorothy to scarlett cause i'm hanging on to the fact that tomorrows another day.

andrederosier

I have taken a slow approach to weight lose. For many going the fast route you will hit plateaus. Many will get frustrated during this phase. I stick with a 3-4 lb weight range to stay within. I set a goal and train for it and lose some. After I maintain and think about a new goal. Just had a 6 week contest at gym for Final 4 and was nice. I was bouncing in 203-207 range but now in 200-203 range. Pretty soon will be under 200. Best thing is I don't get frustrated by weight fluctuations and I get a lot of practice maintaining.

In last 3 years I have lost 28 lbs. and I can't remember shifting my weight range up at all.

greeneyedjaime

There is so much I would say, but I think the number one thing I needed to learn was NEVER GIVE UP!! I
n the past I have lost some, hit a plateau, got frustrated and gave up.
I've been at this since Jan 2013 and already have hit 3 plateaus. I know now that the main thing is to just keep on keeping on. You will start losing again.

greeneyedjaime

Don't be afraid of failure, be afraid of quitting.

I LOVE that!

blackcloud13

Log everything (and learn from your log)
Be patient - you will hit the odd plateau, have the odd bad day, and your weight will take a few ticks up even on a general trip down.
Ask questions here if you feel stuck - 88.763% of people here are really helpful

Most of all (i think, anyway) - just relax! No need to make yourself miserable doing this (unless you are training for the marathon!)

lealofi03

Awesome motivation- bump

brilynn79

Bump- Lots of great advice!!!

b3kah5

Very good advice all!!!

sylviatx

Start every day fresh with a clean slate; don't beat yourself up for anything you did or didn't do yesterday.

mareeee1234

great advice everyone xx

jamimari777

Don't over think the journey. Stick to your plan. Consistency pays off.

groovyreba

Never believe you cannot do something, your body is willing to do so much more than your mind is

Thanks, I needed that.

bethany41h

Try to eat as natural as possible, say goodbye to sugar... when you have to give in to temptation... enjoy, don't beat yourself up and get right back on track. Last, your success is truly measured by how hard your fight threw the tough times and once you take control, it gets sooo much easier so just keep fighting and hang in there! It's more than one but still all are so important! Oh and the quality of your calories are super IMPORTANT.

justaspoonfulofsugar

Get rid of the sugar

this!100%!!!!!

Flintbeats810

Ask questions, do the research, and find out what works best for YOU! If you want something bad enough you have to work for it!

Bberl

I know that having a plan and a goal in sight are worth the time. It helps me maintain accountablity to myself. I always
take the time to record what I eat and how much I eat. When you let your plan and goal get lost in the shuffle of everyday
living, you lose your way on your weight loss journey. And as we all know it is your personal journey.
Treat yourself occasionally, talk to others about why and what your are trying to accomplish. It all adds up to success in the long run. Keep motivated with a work-out plan. Because modifying your diet is only part of the process. Fitness and being active
is just as important. Finally, stay positive and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

MallorieGreiner

As long as calories out>>>>calories in, you are golden!
Do HOWEVER eat as many "good" foods as possible! Whole grains, veggies, fruits....healthy substitutions when possible, so you can indulge more.

Vickil57

DON'T GIVE UP--ONE DAY AT A TIME!

spongebex

One good choice at a time