whats your secret?

I drink 1.5-2 cups of water 30 minutes before each meal. I do not drink with meals unless its to take a small sip if needed. Don't drink for 30 minutes AFTER your meal. This allows you to feel full longer because the food doesn't turn into "slush" --its also easier on your digestive system. This also helps prevent extra calories and "snacking" while you are preparing food.

food? well, any food I want, really. and workout shifts depending on mood. generally cardio right now. elliptical is my go-to, but also use rowing machine, arc trainer, amt and recumbent bike.

I'm a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic and am now trying to eat more protein and less carbs. I also found that I am over on protein on this webiste. I haven't seen a diatician yet, but when I do, I will use the custom options on here to make it fit what I am told to do.

also, I had a big bowl of neapolitan ice cream with a sliced banana on top every night the last week. sometimes a cup, but often probably a fair amount more. still dropped 2 pounds over the week. I believe it was the power of ice cream.

Setting a running goal of so many miles a month and allowing myself to eat ALMOST anything but watching portions like crazy.

Working my AZZ off and preplanning my meals and taking them with me...Leaves room for error....Everyone has a secret with success...you just have to find what works for you!

I eat what I want, just cut back some on the sugars. Then I cardio my butt off, literally; walking, running, swimming, bike riding and weight lifting. Usually burn anywhere from 700 to 1500 calories a day.

Eating Steel Cut Oats for Breakfast
My Measuring Cups & Spoons
My Food Scale
Downing 3 cups of water with my main meals 

Drink water.
Plan ahead when possible.
(Completely contrary to the above) If you aren't in the mood for what you planned- substitute. I don't believe in torturing myself. (Planned a run, wanted to bike instead; planned chicken, wanted fish instead)
Sleep.
Variety.
Music.
Friends and accountability.

keeping my go to foods at home, and taking them with me when I go somewhere. Switching to Almond milk, I crave sugar and sweets and used to drink a ton of milk even though 1% or skim was always craving more and then of course something sweet to go with it. I know longer crave sweets like I used to once I switched to almond milk......lots of protein such as greek yogurt, cheese sticks, low sodium turkey. And BEANS BEANS and more beans.......I was always hungry at first and keep beans in the fridge and will sometimes just pop a 1/4 cup in the microwave and have them when I am starving and they fill me up forever!

Discovered I love exercise and working out at the gym! 7 weeks ago I couldnt get off the couch without help. Today I started c25k.

Heavy lifting: 4day split routine with increasing weight goals
Lots of cardio: Interval resistance and half marathon training with weekly mileage goals
Eats: Increased proteins significantly while reducing fat and getting most of my carbs from fruit sources and protein packed dairy while keeping track of weekly percentage goals.

Pattern: Consistent goals that change with my fitness and wellness level.

Lots of answers. Here are a few thoughts:

A) Don't eat "perfectly" healthy if perfectly healthy causes you to break down and binge on junk food. Allow yourself treats. You can always make them fit within your calorie plan. (unless your "treats" consist of gallons of butter or entire deep fried chickens)

Make your health a hobby. Communicate on sites like this -- if you care enough you'll pull it off.

For me:
Food- Tuna (or any white fish really), Almonds, and TONS of vegetables!
Workout- MIX IT UPPPPP!! The same old things become so banal! Spin class, elliptical, yoga, swimming, weight training! TRY IT ALL!!!!

It really doesn't matter - you just need to find something that you can keep doing for the rest of your life.
Don't eat too much or too little. Do some exercise.

It really is that simple!