help please...need to stay on track for 5 solid weeks!

Maybe it's time to change it up a bit?

Here's a few things I've done the last three weeks - I lost nine pounds FINALLY!

1. Whatever you're doing for cardio, double it AND intensify it!!
2. Whatever you are doing for cardio right now, change to something different. Bike instead of walk, or bike in addition to walk, etc.

Good luck!

Learn to cheat with healthy things, like extra fruit or a couple more ounces of protein. Stay focused, look in the mirror every time you feel weak. Get rid of your clothes that are now too big. Cheating is hurting you; if you could mentally fast-forward to the night of your reunion, imagine how crappy you'll feel for not going the extra mile.
When I feel like cheating, I have to remember how overweight I was, and I NEVER want to go there again!! I eat responsibly, and when I want something like dessert, I convince myself that two bites are fabulous. It works when your mind is made up to succeed!!

I agree re: doing better when I'm on MFP daily. I cheat way more when I'm not logging consistently.
Upping your cardio and mixing it up is also a good idea.
I also keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at work and brush my teeth whenever I want a snack. It's kinda like the "walk away for 5 minute approach", but for me it works better b/c then the snack won't taste good. I guess maybe it helps with the oral fixation too?? At any rate, I think it works better than gum / mints because those are usually sweet and they just remind me that I'm trying to avoid snacking. Plus, I talk all day at work and I can't do that very well with gum in my mouth.
If you're looking for someone to push you on your diaries and "status" updates, feel free to add me as a friend. I'm not mean, but I'm honest... if you're staying on board with calories but making lousy food choices and not drinking any water, I'll ask you why... I won't just say "good job" :-p

Hi, my name is Lois, I'm 67. I'm not going to be much help to you when it comes to exercise, but I can make a few other suggestions.

I hate exercise and the only things I will do are walking and Hatha Yoga (stretching). All that jumping around is not for me, but I figure if I'm moving I'm burning calories.

My suggestions are in regards to your "daily cheating." First, drop any guilt you may have, we all do it. However, taking CONTROL is the KEY. Don't let the cheating control you. What works for me is distracting myself from cheating. I'll go for a walk, even if it's just a short walk, and keep my thoughts positive and tell myself I'm proud of what I'm doing. Hobbies are a good thing to turn to instead of food. I have sewing and crocheting projects I like to turn to instead of food. Another thing you can do is not keep bad snacks in the house. Bag up all the temping food and lock it in a closet and give the key to somebody else to hold, or put it out in the garage, or give it away. Take away the bad temptations.

Another thing I've done is tack up inspirational sayings in the kitchen and even the bathroom that speak to me like, "The key to successful weight loss is a COMMITMENT to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits. Mayo Clinic", "Making changes in behavior is KEY to sustained weight loss", "Make positive lifestyle changes to LOSE WEIGHT and keep it off", "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels", and this silly little one "Food is an important part of a balanced diet. Fran Lebowitz" I also made a "Kitchen Closed" sign and would tape it to the door frame after meals. If the kitchen was closed I had to go away and do something else until the next mealtime.

The point is relax, find little tricks that work for you and try to have fun too.

I do understand wanting to lose weight for an occasion, however, if your friends liked YOU 30 years ago they will still like YOU the way you are now, so if you don't lose all the weight you wanted to by the time the reunion gets here don't be to hard on yourself. Go, enjoy, have fun!

I hope this helps. Remember, positive thoughts ONLY. I wish you success. Keep me posted on your progress.

Your friend,
Lois