What MFP has taught me, what about you??

Awesome observations and realizations! I too hate to throw out food, but the sad truth is it often perishes later in the fridge anyway because rarely does anyone eat it. I also agree on the empty calorie thought...it's much easier not opening a pack of crackers or a candy bar if you take 10 seconds and read the label first

Way to go and keep at it!!!

MFP has taught me that NOTHING tastes as good as thin feels. Commitment is the key and daily accountability has kept me on track. I no longer drink calories (juices, smoothies etc.) Chewing food feels so much better to me and i appreciate it more. Just realizing how many calories I was blending up was eye opening.

Here are a few things I have learned along the way -

Accountability - You are what you eat and generally most people think they eat better than they actually do. Once you start itemizing what you are eating you will realize that extra pat of butter or that second brownie aren't really worth it. If they are worth it you will have to make a sacrifice somewhere else.

I CAN exercise - You don't have to be a marathon runner or a power-lifter. Start out doing something you like or know that you can do like leisurely walking or bike riding. Slowly progress to yoga, swimming and light aerobics. Before you know it you WILL be able to run that 5 or 10K that you've always wanted. We are much stronger than we think we are so don't forget to push yourself. You will be amazed at how strong you are and how far you can go.

I can set goals - We all start out with some kind of goal in mind and usually it's a big one. Try setting smaller more incremental goals and use as them as stepping stones on your way to making your big goal. It will help keep you motivated along the way.

I can be realistic - You aren't going to get where you want to be in a short amount of time. Slow and steady wins the race and you will hit plateaus along the way that will require you to make even more changes. Everybody's body is different so what works for some people may not work for you. Be true to yourself and don't set yourself up for failure.

I can keep an open mind - Adaptation is a part of every aspect of our lives so the sooner we embrace it the happier we will be. I urge you to try new foods and new activities. What you have done for the past X amount of years obviously hasn't been working for you so try something else and stick with it for awhile.

Best of luck to everyone.