bigger now than when i started.

I don't know what will motivate you as motivation comes from within. If you want it badly enough no obstacle will be too big. You need to *kitten* yourself and see if you are really ready to commit to this for life.

If you have a bad day, or even a bad week, don't let it discourage you. If you mess up, just use it as motivation to do better the next day. Whaetver you do, just don't quit. Don't expect immidiate gratification, and keep at it even if things are progressing slowly. You can do it!

I put on when I started, then I went Vegan & lost a stone.

I'm going to a wedding in 2 weeks & that has kept me motivated. I'm worried that I will loose motivation after that though. You need something to aim for.

I don't have a problem with slipping up. I've always been under my calorie evaluation. I live on a farm so I get a good deal of exercise, I log in everything so I'll know where I am. I eat what I to, but sensibly, and I lose weight steadily and slowly ( I WANT it slow), I don't have any trouble at all staying on track with calories. I don't want to binge, I don't want to do cheat days ( hate that term), I don't want to backslide or negate my hard work...so I don't. I am really good at not doing things that I don't want to do. Call it dedication, call it self-discipline, or call it plain old stubborn as hell, it works

Since I started with MFP last Sept I have lost 90lbs just by tracking my eating in the diary. Oh and starting to run. Set your self achievable targets, don't try to lose too much too soon. Stick with it and even when you have an off day, get back into it the next and you will achieve what you want. Just remember that as long as calories eaten are less than energy expended, no matter what you eat, you will lose weight

If it were easy....everyone would be at a healthy weight and have a fit body.

Honestly put, it just isn't easy! There is nothing harder in my opinion. Not because it is hard to lose weight, but because it is hard to be honest with ourselves. I can't count the number of times I "rationalized" in my head that this was okay, or that didn't matter etc...

Once I got honest with myself, quit blaming my environment and "problems" I had, and put the sole responsibility on myself, it has gotten much better. I'm now exercising again (after about 9 years of stagnation), really paying attention to what I eat, and making decisions that I consider better for myself.

I wish you great success and hope everything turns out roses for you! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

1. Keep a journal. It will help you identify your issues.

2. Eat more fiber, veggies, whole grains, whatever.

3. Eat more protein. This one is hard for me. I have decided to go the smoothie route with a scoop of protein powder and a banana which I need more potassium as well so that works out.

4. The scale should be used as a measure of progress not failure. If you are up one week and haven't gone over on calories or skimped on exercise, congrats you have retained water or gained a pound of muscle.

5. Eat what you like in moderation and what you need in abundance. Lucky you if they are the same, then eat what you like in abundance.

6. Don't try to lose too fast, it just leads to problems like slingshotting your way back to the weight you were plus more than when you started.

7. Do what works for you. If someone says you need to ditch diet sodas but they don't cause issues for you, ignore them. If someone says Duuuuuuuuuuuuude, I lost like 7 pounds a week from standing on my head, well that might not work for you.

8. Log, log, log. it's the only way to find out your true calorie and exercise needs.

9. Google 1 pound of fat. Look at that anytime you are tempted to say "I only lost 1 pound this week."

10. Have a victory everyday. Either eat below your calorie goal by a little or get moving a little or log what you ate/exercised. Just keep piling those victories up and eventually you will be at goal and it will feel like it was easy.

Put both feet into this decision.

You would not let a child stop trying to walk if they failed too many times, you'd keep trying to figure out what works. Plain and simple.

My experience, long story made short: WHAT one eats really does matter. No amount of "willpower" or "moderation" can overcome malnutrition. Obesity is just one of MANY symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Google it.

I have been dieting for years. love this site! I started last July, have lost 61 pounds. This site helps me stay focused. I know its for me and me only so I record everything, I am only cheating and lying to myself if I didn't. Sure this last 10 pounds have been slow, but the scales are still going down even slowly! I have always been bigger than my spouse!, well today it was ONLY 1.5 pounds and I can even wear his jeans. Hey, I am 60 years old, so its never too late!!! Good luck and don't give up or in!! :-)