The difference between the people who keep at it and the peo

In the past I planned it all out to the T. This time, I was already using MFP to track food and stumbled on the community aspect by accident. I had NO idea all this was here. So, I started incorporating it into what I was doing and, in no time, I was in full swing. The shift chose ME this time. Instead of the other way around.

I think a huge portion of my success is due to the support of this community. The tools are invaluable but you guys are what really gave me the strength I needed in the beginning. It felt almost TOO easy. I'm still a little in shock about my successful weight loss thus far. But now I am armed with the INNER strength to keep it going.

All in all, it just feels like I'm finally ready.

I think people who make sure theyre still eating all the major food groups, getting their vegetables/fruit, protein etc and trying to make an actual dietary lifestyle change rather than just cutting calories, are more likely to be able to stick at it long term without getting fed up and frustrated with it

I've noticed that too. People start their programs in January, then come mid-February you notice people dropping like flies. We should be proud we have stuck with it this long! It is a daily struggle and that's for sure. What keeps me going is constantly reminding myself of how good I'll feel when I hit my goal!

Don't think of a diet as a temporary thing. Regulating how much you eat is a lifestyle change, not a fad.

Vary your workout. Maybe take a break from jogging and try biking. Summer is here, so try swimming or rock climbing or hiking!

Agree with all of this except, summer is not here yet! But we can dream!

I was pumped and stuck at it for the first 40 lbs, then I got complacent, but as you can see, I have gotten that ticker moving again. Mostly, because now I feel like an *kitten* if I don't use the knowledge I have gained. And even when I was complacent, I was easily maintaining the weight I had lost (and did so for almost a year) so I finally told myself, HEY!!!! If maintenance is so do-able, and you KNOW how to get to your goal weight, then WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? I got back into the swing of things, and I don't plan to go back to maintenance until I hit my goal weight range (155-165) (idk what will look good)

I think people who make sure theyre still eating all the major food groups, getting their vegetables/fruit, protein etc and trying to make an actual dietary lifestyle change rather than just cutting calories, are more likely to be able to stick at it long term without getting fed up and frustrated with it

Very well said. If you are going for some kind of fad diet or quick weight loss gimmick, you are not going to stick with it. You really have to think about what you eat, and not just try to cut you calories to some ridiculously low level. Those who try this are doomed to fail...

People tend to see "diets" as a means to an end that is some magical number on a scale. To be successful, I think you need to look at the bigger picture of health, energy, confidence, etc as being the end goal.

^Yes!^ It's a diet when it's not sustainable. When you spend inordinate amounts of time working out every single day, all the while denying yourself some or all of your favorite foods because they're not healthy, you might have short-term success, but you're setting yourself up for failure in the long run. Are you really going to live off of carrot sticks and protein shakes for the rest of your life? Are you really going to work out 2 hours every day for the rest of your life? For many people, I'd be willing to bet the answer is "No way!" As someone who's been through this type of weight loss (and gained back 10lbs afterwards), I can speak from my own experience: that's not a life I want to live!

If it's a lifestyle change, your goals change, too--maybe from a specific number to a range or a size or an overall feeling of fitness and well-being.

I know that this time around is different for me. It's rare that I feel hungry or deprived. My husband and I cook, eat, and enjoy a LOT of delicious food. I eat chocolate and cheese, put real sugar in my coffee, and drink alcohol on the weekends--I haven't cut any foods completely out, but I enjoy the more indulgent items in moderation.

Rather than focusing my efforts on trying to stick with a gym membership (not for me) or running (tough on my knees), I am paying more attention to how active I can make my lifestyle. I often make choices to do things the old-fashioned or less convenient way--walking to the store instead of driving, carrying a shopping bag or basket instead of pushing a buggy, chopping fresh veggies instead of buying them frozen or precut, kneading a big ball of bread dough instead of buying a loaf at the store, making and then cleaning up big messes cooking from scratch in the kitchen instead of making no mess with a throw-away bag of take-out. I rarely bother looking for the closest parking space, and I spend a lot less time watching TV and surfing the Internet than many people my age.

All of this is sustainable for me--a lifestyle change for sure--because I don't look at life the same way I did before. My values have changed. I like the idea of being/staying thin and pretty, but I'm much more concerned with being healthy and happy. When I reach my goal weight (which is really just the middle of a reasonable range for my height and frame, and which is also really just an approximation of my happy size), I won't be thinking, "Great! Now I can finally [insert unhealthy habit here] again!" I'll be thinking, "Wow, that was fun and easy. I could totally get used to this."

I suppose I'll be the one to go against the grain and say I was one of those people. For a year I busted my butt, changed my entire lifestyle and had lost nearly 90 pounds. Then my 4 year old passed away and over the course of the last year I gained back 30 pounds. I stopped all exercise and gradually my diet became lax but it wasn't because I wanted to, there were just so many factors contributing to the weight gain. Now I'm not making excuses for myself nor anyone else but sometimes, it isn't just about falling off the wagon because you don't care, or that it is too difficult or that you failed. In some instances life can through you something so traumatic that the last thing on your mind is counting the food that goes into your body much less anything else. We are only human and we falter. None of us should be so quick to judge anyone nor the unknown reasons behind there inability to adhere to a lifestyle when life is constantly changing. Some of us are just slower to adapt then others but we will adapt and prevail.

I got through it and here I am again, focused and even a stronger person then I was 2 years ago and finally with a clear head. Sometimes, it just takes a little time, compassion and support to get back on the wagon but if you are one of these people that know what they want and are willing to work for it, then you will be exactly where you want to be when you want it. The key is never losing site of where you were and where you WILL be again.

I am so sorry that happened to you.. you are stronger than i could ever imagine being ... if my child passed away i dont know how i would continue living much less thrive... i wish you all the peace and happiness you can get out of life, noone should have to go through that ever.

I suppose I'll be the one to go against the grain and say I was one of those people. For a year I busted my butt, changed my entire lifestyle and had lost nearly 90 pounds. Then my 4 year old passed away and over the course of the last year I gained back 30 pounds. I stopped all exercise and gradually my diet became lax but it wasn't because I wanted to, there were just so many factors contributing to the weight gain. Now I'm not making excuses for myself nor anyone else but sometimes, it isn't just about falling off the wagon because you don't care, or that it is too difficult or that you failed. In some instances life can through you something so traumatic that the last thing on your mind is counting the food that goes into your body much less anything else. We are only human and we falter. None of us should be so quick to judge anyone nor the unknown reasons behind there inability to adhere to a lifestyle when life is constantly changing. Some of us are just slower to adapt then others but we will adapt and prevail.

I got through it and here I am again, focused and even a stronger person then I was 2 years ago and finally with a clear head. Sometimes, it just takes a little time, compassion and support to get back on the wagon but if you are one of these people that know what they want and are willing to work for it, then you will be exactly where you want to be when you want it. The key is never losing site of where you were and where you WILL be again.