One Year MFP Anniversary! I did it!

Hi MFP Friends,

This week marks the one year anniversary of my starting MFP and my losing my 32 lbs of "baby" weight!

I've lost 32 lbs doing this program (my original goal was 30 lbs), and it could not have been easier (and I was someone who thought I could never lose it!). Had I not started this, the year would still have passed, and I would still be overweight.

Losing it was easier than I thought it would be - I made healthy choices, but still ate all the foods I loved in small portions. I started every day with some type of exercise, from 20 minutes to 80 minutes, depending on what my kids wake up time would allow me to get in! For me, the biggest piece of the puzzle was making the connection between eating and WHY I was eating - was it hunger, or something else? I also had to embrace hunger pangs at night, and now I actually like the feeling in the evenings, because I know I'm moving in the right direction.

I lost the first 25 lbs in 3 months, then hit a serious plateau, and have slowly chipped away at the last 7 lbs over 9 months (plus I gained a couple at Christmas, and lost those quickly in January).

My advice to those starting out or those that feel they can't do it (because that was me for almost a year before I found MFP)...

- It CAN be done!
- Just put one foot in front of the other, stick to the plan, and it WILL happen.
- Set a goal, and even mini goals, and by reviewing them, and making a plan to achieve them, it will happen.
- Embrace the feeling of light hunger pangs - they mean success!

Good luck to everyone out there, and thank you for all the support over the last year!
:flowerforyou:

Congratulations!! :flowerforyou:

THANKS Cheermom! Looks like you are doing great yourself!
:flowerforyou:

Congratulations!!

I also want to thank you for this post. I am taking forever to lose since I hit 25 pounds. I still need a minimum of 3 pounds to be in healthy range(argh it is taking forEVer!), and 10 to look FABulous

It is slow and I feel like it is never going to happen. Now after reading your post I am encouraged again and really sorry I ate those cupcakes:blushing: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Enjoy summer with bikinis and flip flops! You look great!!

:flowerforyou: Jeannie

Jeannie - you are doing SO great - I think you are looking great - when I was really stuck, I was making myself crazy, and decided I needed to let go a bit, and stop obsessing. I stopped counting everything, and worked on maintaining. Then once I had maintained for a month or two, I would start up on MFP again, increase the workouts again, and "shock" my system. I also realized that I will never be a size 2, and as long as I feel good and am healthy (BMI is 23), that's good enough for me.

Good luck - and go easy on yourself - you've had AMAZING success!
:flowerforyou:

Hey, Amanda, it's so cool that you're still around! Congrats :flowerforyou: , specially on the last 7!
This is very nice advice you gave us. I just hope you'll stay with us further on - tell me you will

Enjoy maintaining and stay active :flowerforyou:

I'll stick around! Maybe you will inspire me to try for another 5 lbs!
:flowerforyou:

:flowerforyou: Congratulations! When I hit a plateau and am unhappy with my scale readings, I'll think of you!:drinker:

Oh dear - do I know about plateaus! Good luck! PM me if you hit one - I'll talk you through it! :laugh: :ohwell:
:flowerforyou:

And thanks to ALL for the kind comments!
:flowerforyou: