Coming back (during the holidays-of all times!)

Aw!!!! Amazing how kids can say things just the right way to sink into our hearts! That's great that you're starting during the holidays because there will ALWAYS be some reason to scrap it and eat whatever you want without logging - friends will visit, you'll go out to eat, you'll have a birthday, you'll be at a potluck, the scale will be hard on you, you'll have a bad day, someone will bring you cookies... the list goes on and on. We have to learn to make healthy choices in the real world and you're in just the right place to do it! Welcome back! :flowerforyou:

BrenNew has condensed the nitty gritty for success into her welcome message. It can be said longer, or differently, but not better and the ultimate message is "DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF!!!

I looked at your profile and see that last Christmas you got a bodybugg, which I don't claim to know a lot about, but as I understand it, it is meant to help you track the calories you burn throughout the day. Sounds like a great tool to keep you on track.

Set small goals for yourself. By your own description, this is a lifelong issue, so it won't be solved in a week, or a month or even in a year. When I started using MFP, I weighed the most I ever had, and I was soooo sick of looking like hell, feeling lousy, and figuring nothing would ever change. I did some reading and found that people who log their calories and exercise tend to be more successful at weight loss, and people who try a moderate approach, based upon calorie counting, and keeping fat and sodium under control, but not constant self deprivation are more likely to KEEP the weight OFF, because this is not a quick fix. It has to be a permanent lifestyle change. Also, people who have a support system, whether it is a "meeting" or an online community, are more likely to succeed in this endeavor.

After about a month on MFP, I didn't feel "right" if I didn't post my activities and food, and skip a day of walking? It has only happened twice since April, both times due to travel or activities involving others where I couldn't control my schedule. If I had to stop keeping track of my calories and stop walking, I would not know what to do with myself. In the past, I lost FASTER with a more extreme program (Atkins) but because it didn't fit the way I like to eat, I gained it back with "interest":grumble: :sad:

For some, Atkins works fine, or some other program, but for me, having nothing off limits has been very freeing. I no longer have strong cravings for things that I shouldn't have much of. If I really do want something, I plan for it. I have changed what I eat, and am much more aware of sodium, so my use of processed foods is limited.

I doubt that I will make my goal of 100 pounds in a year, but even if it is 80 pounds, that is 80 pounds that i have kicked to the curb FOREVER, because I feel like I can eat this way for the rest of my life.

That is my story. Now you have to write YOUR success story, and keep in touch on the threads with all the MFP members who have common interests or issues, and benefit from their support, encouragement and knowledge.

Remember YOU CAN DO THIS!!! After all, you want to dance at that kiddo's wedding some day, right??

You are already a success story. You are smart enough to be working on your program and using the valuable resources of MFP to assure your success. And you didn't just throw in the towel and say, "Oh it's the holidays. I'll just wait til NEXT year!!! "Good Luck!!!!:flowerforyou: