I lost 30 lbs in 2015 and stopped logging my food. Although I try to be a mindful eater, a few pounds were creeping back on in 2017. Thanks to this group, the consistent logging has been VERY helpful to get me back on track with my eating. I also truly appreciate seeing that most of us have weeks that are good and not-so-good. It's normalizing and humanizing.

I honestly doubt that I will make my goal, but I don't care. I feel like I am in more control than before. Thanks!

Through this challenge so far, I've been on the elimination diet to figure out my food sensitivities. I haven't really logged my food on here either or workouts, even though I have been working out. I don't track my calories (in fact, I never have really paid much attention to calories since I've been on this site) and mostly been eating/cooking at home. Rarely am I eating processed foods at all. That's really due to the fact that I can't eat most stuff because of things I'm supposed to avoid eating or else I'll screw up my current diet and will end up with mixed results.

Anyway, I will say my sugar cravings have been pretty minimal and don't find myself really overeating, if at all. I think my loss is due to mostly what I'm eating, or rather, not eating. Making sure I balance my meals CFP (carb, fat protein). Because I've cut out so much, I've never realized how much my energy, cravings, sleep, etc., are linked to probably why I ate. I was tired, didn't feel rested, had cravings for sugar, body was achy, wanted certain foods, etc.

In short, the lesson I've learned and that I've had to really do to stay on track with this process, is honestly eat whole foods. When I go to the store, I mostly go to the produce section, butcher counter and maybe buy grains/legumes, etc. I may pick up olive oil or some spices/herbs, but I haven't bought much "packaged" food per se. It's forced me to be creative about my snacks and food tastes so much better. My palette has changed. It's funny when an apple or banana tastes almost too sugary.

I won't lie in that this takes effort, because it does. While the scale has moved which I'm happy about, I'm more happy about how I feel in my body. I may not be at my desired weight, but my blood work and the energy, sleep, etc., shows me what an overall improvement I've made not only in the past 6 weeks, but how hard I've worked to change my diet the past 6-7 years. I had a friend say she thinks I eat way healthier than her and is probably the healthiest eater she knows and we live in a health conscious area.

I get to feel physically great daily and that outweighs (no pun intended) the scale. Pants fit better, my skin looks good, I'm happier, I'm more rested and it's like my body has what it needs to keep me moving in my life.

*steps off pedestal*

spzjlb wrote: »

I also truly appreciate seeing that most of us have weeks that are good and not-so-good. It's normalizing and humanizing.

Yes, this! It's comforting to know I'm not the only one struggling.

My success comes when I can stop myself from eating crap food. I haven’t been doing that. I’ve also been feeling pretty good about myself. I’m carrying extra fat but essentially I’m at a healthy weight. So my motivation is low! Does this make sense? I took some bikini pics today and I might try on some summer dresses later. Because that’s what motivates me: being leaner by summertime. So I have to tap into that motivation.