50lbs in 6 Months

You guys are so sweet Thank you all! I really appreciate the kind words and all the friend requests (I'm always looking for more support friends!)

I'm 5'9 (179.9 cm) for everyone's clarification

@pipertargarye that's amazing! Crazy we're so similar though, haha. You look drop dead gorgeous, by the way

My goal calories per day has always been 1200. So, a deficit of 1,000. Now, I've done that before and gotten my metabolism into crazy danger, seen a lot of doctors, etc, but this time I figured out what worked for me:

1) fitbit. I got it December 25th and I've worn it daily since, it's so wonderful and totally worth the purchase. It does all of those crazy calculations real-time, so no stress that you are running 10 miles, but otherwise haven't moved from the couch. MFP's counts are fine, but their four setting activity level just doesn't do it for my day-to-day variability. I have the One, and wear it on my bra for accuracy/comfort just in case anyone's curious.

2) Diet. I have chronic headaches and frequent severe migraines. I've done all sorts of treatments and tests and yadayada. On my birthday though, I quit sugar. That has helped significantly! So in early February I quit meat, that helped as well. And in early March I dropped dairy. I still eat fish and egg whites. I've also quit diet soda. Not fake sweeteners completely, as something do require the help for palate, but it's greatly decreased my consumption. This was all in treatment of the head pain, but I can't imagine it hasn't helped me shed the weight! It's also helped me just generally feel so much better, healthier, and energetic.

3) Moderate exercise. I go on exercise binges, to be totally honest. I exercise every day for hours and hours and then I hurt myself and stop for a few weeks, then go back. Most recently, I took to walking all over my city. But I also have an excellent gym membership where my routine is: 30 minutes elliptical, then 3 circuits on their strength machines with 15 reps each. My arms on all but one machine take 20lbs, and my legs take 40lbs. So I'm really not the strongest, but I can do it, and that I'm damn proud of.

Key tips: Don't deprive yourself of your favorite treats, just count count count. I have so many "vegan" (easiest way to describe my diet so that unobssessed people understand) recipes that are just so delicious. I enjoy my food, and I never wanted to compromise. I don't eat out ever, but I encourage those who enjoy to do so.

They way I moderate my desire to binge is ritual(?). Basically, I only splurge on holidays, birthday, special days. Personally, my cheat food is diet soda.

@stacibuk Don't beat yourself up for eating, food is necessary for weight loss. If it's one weekend, then enjoy If you can, it's good to count those calories, even if the numbers turn red.

My go-to food: Smoothies. Whole Food's protein powder is amazingly nutritious and totally free of all the worrying stuff that keeps us away from the others. It's 80 calories a scoop, but 14grams of protein! Very filling. I keep a constant supply of greens (you really can't taste them!), frozen berries, and frozen/fresh bananas. I have the nutri-bullet as a 'blender'. It's incredible!

Gah, I could go on for hours and hours about all my tips and tricks and stuff I'm getting far too excited! I hope I answered everyone's questions, but I have one for you... should I work on a thread to post with all of my findings? I've done so many hours of research and personal experience, I'd love it to help others.

Thank you all again, I wasn't expecting so much encouragement. You guys made my day