I understand what you mean completely!

Like you, I've yo-yo'ed back and forth before. However, for the past 15 years, I really didn't commit to losing weight seriously until now. This past January, I started again and it just felt different somehow. I knew I'd do it, but I kept the end goal as a very distant picture in my mind. I knew I'd get there, but all I could concentrate on was the day, the hour or the week I was living through. Seems to have worked for me for the most part. I've had a few setbacks, but I haven't given up completely and I've forgiven myself for having a life or occasion to step away from being so mindful over my food and exercise.

Since the summer, I've gotten rid of tons of clothes. Two big large garbage bags off to Goodwill and another one nearly full upstairs ready to go. Initially, I was so scared to give away the clothes, but I was more afraid of keeping them since that meant I was entertaining the possibility/fear of getting back to that size again. After weighing the pros and cons I decided that giving them away was my way of never allowing myself to lose control over my body again.

In the end, do what feels right to you. I know a friend who gave the clothes away to a friend/family member with the proviso that she'd get them back if she gained weight.

Good luck in whatever it is you choose to do. Congrats on fitting in to your dress again!

I've yo-yoed in the past too, but this time this is a lifestyle change not a diet. I will be getting rid of all my larger clothes. I refuse to go back there!!! This is a new me....a me who exercises, a me who will continue to measure my food and use portion control. I am not on a diet....this is for life!

That's the attitude to take...this is a change in your LIFEstyle, not another diet!

Get rid of the big clothes and embrace the new you! Believe you are NOW the woman who eats right and exercises for good health. If you keep your goals in front of you and believe you are capable of managing this new lifestyle on a daily basis, then there is no reason to hang on to those clothes as your 'safety net'. Jump in with both feet and make the commitment to change permanently. Plus, your commitment to change will inspire others and give them strength to do the same.

[Check out my last blog post for some ideas http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/MissionFitMom/view/believing-in-yourself-167813 ]

Thanks for posting this. I have been having some of the same thoughts. Some of the clothes I have kept around have gone out of style. :laugh: I am thinking I should put them in the past since this time it really does feel like a lifestyle change. Such a simple thing that takes a lot of courage.

Great decision schnurdc! I think this action will help you commit to this lifestyle change.

As for your exercise program, as long as you do combination of strength training + 15 mins of vigorous cardio at the end about 3x a week, that should keep you in great shape. You can make these 'total body' workouts, but just change up the exercises every 4-6 weeks for your interest level and to keep your body progressing.

As for your nutrition, it's good you are learning from the past. If you need to keep the 'treats' in and just closely manage them, then do it. With MyFitnessPal, you know how many calories are 'okay' on any given day.

I'm moderating the 'Mission: Fit Moms' group if you want to stay in contact.

Regardless, best wishes!

I too, totally understand your hesitation. I was overweight for so many years that I thought it was just who I was meant to be. Now that I am down 70 pounds and realize that person is gone forever, it's almost as if getting rid of all of "her" clothes puts a final nail in the coffin. I used to have the "fat clothes", the "less-fat clothes" and what my husband jokingly called the "I have a dream collection". Guess which ones I am very close to fitting into now??? : ) Get rid of them!! It will help set your resolve to live this way forever.

I have the opposite problem, I am always planning on losing weight that I never buy new clothes because it will just be a waste of money since I am going to lose weight! The problem is I wouldn't lose weight and my weight would creep up just a little at a time until now I have realized that I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit anymore, so now I have to lose weight so I can just fit into the clothes I already have.