I can do this!

I've "tried" to lose weight a couple times in the past and never made it more than 5 lbs. Usually I just tried to exercise without paying much attention to my calories. When I started exercising, I got hungrier and thought "Hey, I worked hard today. I can eat that candy, cheeseburger, ice cream, etc." I did not realize how hard it is to burn 200 calories, or 500 calories, or 800 calories. I would lose a tiny bit at first, then either plateau or gain. Oops.

This time around I have a better understanding of how it works. From September 1 to mid-November I lost a little over 13 pounds, which was right on target for my goals. Life happened after that. I'm a single mom and my 2 year old got seriously ill with pneumonia. With everything going on with him being sick and the holidays, I switched to maintenance mode. I didn't have the mental stamina to focus on trying to lose weight but I wanted to keep the progress I had made. AND I DID!! The only slip up I had was the week between Christmas and New Year's, where I went up 1 pound. That pound, plus a little more, has now melted off and I am working my way down.

My progress is somewhat slow, but it is sustainable for me. I don't feel like I have to give up cheeseburgers, pizza, etc - I just can't have them all in the same day/week! My exercise routine is getting easier and I am able to work harder. I KNOW that I am going to get to my goal - I've got this! I may have more set backs sometime, but all they may possibly do is slow me down a little. I will never give up or stop trying. My smaller size is forever!

I would love to hear from everyone what their moment was when they knew they could do this. Share your "I've got this!" moment.