Lost 100 pounds before and now I'm back to finish the job.

Hello!

Not sure where to begin with this so I'm just going to start with my current goal and then get into how I lost weight before.

Currently I'm am hovering right around 200 lbs up from 160lbs (but down from 265 when I started). I want to be back at 160lbs but get in shape as well. Seems easy, right?

So a few years ago my marriage was failing and I knew that I needed to lose weight. Doing everything from HCG drops, diet pills, limiting my caloric intake to 500 a day (often went into deficit with cardiovascular exercise), to going vegetarian, I was obsessed with losing pounds. I often would take the HCG drops and pop hydroxycut. I only drank water and coffee (black). The only diet plan I followed was the South Beach Diet which helped immensely. I cut out all sugar, soda, and processed foods. I did, however, take vitamins and fish oil. I was obsessed.

I weighed myself daily and would lose between 1-2 pounds. If i didn't lose any weight, I saw the previous day as a failure and would do extra cardiovascular exercise. When I felt I hit a plateu I would change my diet pill and exercise morning and evening.

I started a week before Thanksgiving and had pretty much dropped it all by the following Memorial day. With the failure of the marriage I binge drank a couple times a week (of course it was ultra light beer).

So now (present day) I am needing to lose about 40 pounds. I'm going back on the south Beach plan and limiting my sugar and alcohol intake.

The best advice I could give someone trying to lose weight is to not do it like I did. Although I felt fine, I wouldn't suggest it. What really helps is to find a hobby and get involved in something that will take your mind off of food. Plan your meals and stick to the plan. If you're tempted by vending machines and drive thrus, leave your money at home.

I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing you on the forums!