Are We Setting Ourselves Up For Failure?

I do not think we are setting ourselves up for failure. However, I think it is relative to each person.

I will use myself as an example. Four years ago, I was 280 lbs at 6ft even. Over the span of a year and a half I lost 125lbs. I also figured out how to live without counting calories by simply watching portion size, exercising, and making smart food decisions. I kept the weight off for another two years.

Then I became unemployed, and it hit me harder than I expected. I am only 30 and I had been with this company for six years and had managed to take promotions and relocate. Needless to say, that profession was part of my identity. When it was gone, I got depressed and did not know what to do with myself.

For six months, I quit working out, my drinking picked up, and I ate anything without regard to my health. I ended up gaining back 30lbs while trying to find out what I was going to do. Now that I have moved on, I realized how quickly I can put weight back on.

To get things back under control and lose this weight again, I have to go back to tracking physical activities and calories.That is what brought me to MFP, plus the social interaction adds extra motivation. But, I know when the time comes to maintain, I can do it by simply watching portion size, exercise, and making smart food decisions.