In it for the long haul

I've lost 100+ lbs. 107 at last WI. And kept it off nearly 11 yrs. it can be done. If you want to lose it and keep it off understand that it's never over.

Calculate a moderate calorie deficit based on a menu you can live with (meaning food you actually like) and prepare to spend the time it takes to lose. Slow and steady really does win the race.

Read this board every day and you will see people wrecked by their own brains, usually over the issue of time. If you engaged in any calculations about how long it will take to make goal, or how much you're going to lose per week (yeah, I know it's in the calculator) forget that stuff. In the end, it takes exactly as long as it takes and since it never ends, it doesn't matter.

Give yourself credit for every single loss. There is no such thing as "only lost X". You're here to lose. When you lose you are succeeding.

That said, no human undertaking tracks on a straight line. Sooner or later you will post gains. Try to keep gains in check. I hated losing significant amounts twice. I worked hard to avoid it.

Monitor your self talk to push back against negativity. Weight loss is a skill set. You as a person are not involved. This is about planning and problem solving. A plan that doesn't work requires a better plan. A good plan is one you will actually follow.

As you lose, think about how you will maintain. Regaining is a significant problem.

Track your food. Weigh and measure at home. Research NI when out. NO MATTER WHAT, always keep your food journal, the good, bad and ugly. Lapses and mistakes are not a reason not to track. The fact that all you can do in a certain situation is guess, is not a reason not to track. Make thoughtful good faith guesses.

As soon as possible start working on the new you, whatever that may be. I became the best dressed man in my office long before I got to goal. Game changer.

The nature of the universe will not change when you get to goal. I did get rid of that nagging voice in my head though. But I remain vigilant and mindful of what I eat.

Weight loss is liberating. Good luck.