Lessons learned from losing weight!

That you don't have to eat salad & vegetables all day long to lose weight.
That you can in fact eat chocolate on a regular basis and still lose weight.
QUANTITY is where it matters.

Lessons learned:
1) this is a forever change. Not a right now change. Is what I';m doing for myself what I want to continue to do for the rest of my life, or am I just doing it to lose weight?
2) Although everything ends up coming down to the number, you have to choose your battles wisely. Focus on healthy, goal oriented numbers rather than weight. Focus on 5k's, lifting weights, losing inches rather than the scale.
3). Weights look different on different people.
4). I may never be a size 0, or even a size 10. That's ok.
5). No matter how s****y I feel, I NEVER regret a workout.
6). Not every work out has to be 1.5 hours. It's better to move than not move at all. Do SOMETHING rather than nothing.
7). There may be unhealthy things that are yummy, but you will feel better if you change them to be healthier and still get the same flavor affect.
8). Water is an amazing appetite suppressant.

How do I reward myself
1). Pampering in some way NOT food related- manicure, new clothes, massage, new kindle book.
2). Loving talk (this should be done daily... working on it). "Look what you did. You CAN do it... keep it up"

good luck to everyone else

I reward myself with self-loving. And chocolate.

This!!!

I've learned that I have to log everything. When I log everything I consume, I can face my mistakes OR celebrate my victories.

Me too!!!!

I have learned that I CANNOT have "cheat days." Cheat days get me completely off track and then its hard to get back onto it. I have also learned that once I allow myself to eat exercise cals I automatically think I can do it everyday....so i have to be pretty strict on myself!!

It's such a hard thing to balance. I have learned over the years that you have to allow yourself to enjoy food in moderation. Goodness knows I indulge but its unrealistic to never cheat. None of us got fat by simply having one chocolate bar that we shouldn't have. We simply made bad choices a habit instead of something to look forward to. I wouldn't use the word cheat but more of as a reward.

bump

What a great topic and awesome posts!!

I have learned a ton since I have lost and gained and lost and gained since 2004, but for sure 4 major things:

1. ALWAYS weigh myself once a week - even after vacations, Christmas, etc. so that I can always stop a weight gain before it becomes so much I give up or just ignore it until it becomes a big hurdle to overcome again.

2. ALWAYS drink lots of water.

3. NEVER stop exercising for more than one week (have to be allowed a vacation sometime!). Get back on the horse after a vacation.

4. ALWAYS log my foods - at least during the week. I give myself wiggle room on weekends.

I am hoping these four things will help me FINALLY able to maintain my 19 pound loss FOR GOOD!

You are all so amazing! and thank you from a person who is new to a lifestyle change and could use all the words of encouragement to keep pushing through no matter how difficult it seems! Again, thank you!