What are your keys to success???

The key to success is internal motivation and having written goals.
And this is true for every area of life: health, money, relationships, career....everything!
Decide what you want, set goals and take action.
Stay motivated.
Success is always a choice.

Thanks for the great tips, given me something to focus on!

no cheating!

having a friend to support me.

I have given up on the scale. It's toooooooo slow for how I feel.

So here are the things I have learned and am thankful for:

1. If I eat something sugary, I feel so much better if I do a little exercise afterwards. Even if it's just a 20 minute walk.
2. Eating out is a HUGE challenge and requires advanced planning.
3. Too much sugar in the morning is a disaster for the day.
4. if I'm working in the garden, I need to take breaks every 30 minutes to re-fuel.
5. Pictures are important.
6. If you are feeling down about the scale, DO NOT WEIGH, but make good eating choice either eating-wise or logging-wise.
7. If my back feels weak, do pilates or some other exercise with core strengthening.

The night before I plan my meals for the next day and log them to make sure I am in my proper range and I do not deviate from the plan unless it is to replace one healthy food for another.

Know what foods are your weaknesses and have a plan for how to deal with them should you come across them. My weakness is chocolate so for my dessert on days I exercise I have a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich which is a healthier choice and satisfies my need for chocolate.

As mentioned already by others, writing down your goals and keeping them where you see them regularly. I keep some on my profile page and others at home where I can be reminded. From my starting point I needed to lose 140 lbs and at someone's sugegstion I am making a list of 140 reasons I want to lose 140 lbs. It is a work in progress at the moment because I think of new things to add.

Visualization is key for me. I choose my mood in the morning by visualizing a time in my life where I felt the most relaxed and really happy. I close my eyes and put myself in the moment and recall the sounds, smells and how I felt. By being in a good mood I am less likely to make unhealthy choices.

For times when I am going to a special occassion or some event that has food I eat before I go and say no to the food at the event.

Fortuantely for me my family is very supportive and non-critical so that really helps as well and I know not everyone has that.

Posting regularly on MFP and participating in some of the groups that pose challenges such as the Sexy Sixers group where we do six week challenges and the Hogwarts group where it goes in four weeks and you compete between 'houses'. That gives me accountability.

Lastly, understand that it isn't just physical health that needs work, it is emotional, mental and spiritual work too to make myself healthy overall not just in one capacity.

Take care,
Datenshi

What are your keys to success???

1. Cardiovascular Exercise
2. Strength Training
3. Proper Nutrition
4. Strong Support System
5. Behavior Therapy