thistimewillbedifferent Member

Thank you so much for taking the time to write that -- it really resonated with me, especially the part about take, take, taking. I'm on the road today, and as I was walking through the second airport of the day I was thinking about how I used to behave when I traveled, viewing it as one opportunity after another to…

wow, the "after" pic looks like someone who has never ever been overweight! so motivational, congrats and thanks for sharing!

that's a great NSV, congrats!

It makes much more sense now that you posted today's pics! I saw the thread when it was just the first two pics and I kept going back and forth trying to figure out which was before and which was after. Now that I've seen the real after photo, I have to say you look FANTASTIC!!! I started at around the same size as you but…

I started in January 2013, too! You have done AMAZING work and look fantastic! Bravo to you for deciding to nip things in the bud before you turn 30. Wishing you many wonderful opportunities ahead as a result of your new and improved health!

If it's not too late, I would love to be added! I aim for 1808-2000 cals per day, focusing on as few heavily processed foods as possible. I log daily (except for the last two days, when I was traveling) and began lifting in July...love love love it! Anyone on this thread with an open diary is welcome to add me, too.

I was never ever ever thin or even a normal weight, not even as a child. When people ask me what my goal weight is, I have no idea what the answer should be...I have no idea what weight would be right for me, as I've never been a healthy weight. I figure anything is better than where I was, though, and that when I get…

I was over 250 lbs when I started kickboxing. You don't have to do all the moves if some are too hard for you -- for example, the jumps. Just keep moving, do what you can, and enjoy!

I technically joined MFP in May 2012 after having used another site off and on for over a year, but I didn't really get serious until December 2012, when I decided that 2013 would be the year when I finally got my act together and took charge of my health. Before that point, I had logged periodically but then stopped every…

Definitely fasting. I'm a bad Jew all year (love my bacon and shrimp), and I never go to synagogue, but it's the one part of the faith that is personally important to me. Plus, it means that I can eat pretty much whatever I want for the fast-breaking dinner this evening without having to worry about going over my daily…

tagging for future reference

Same problem here! Three mats is the magic number for me. But now I want to try to figure out this mysterious belly button spine technique...

I have found meal planning to be crucial to my success. Once a week I sit down and pull out my calendar for the coming week, noting which meals I'll be having out, which times I have other obligations that will interfere with my ability to cook, etc. I also take a quick peek in my fridge to see what items I need to use up.…

holy moly, the new you looks like someone who has never even been overweight! incredible! I don't know you, of course, but I can't help but feel so very happy for you! congrats!

Congratulations! You look great, and the difference from behind (the rear view) is particularly noticeable! Bravo!

Great thread! For me personally it was "I really, truly made my health my top priority." I had said I wanted to do things like eat healthy and exercise in the past, but I never carried through. This time I really did make it my top priority, and ensured that the majority of my actions reflected that.

I aim to eat 1808-2000 cals per day, with a heavy focus on protein and fiber. I try to avoid heavily processed foods as much as possible and to eat something every 2.5-4 hours so I never get too hungry. I try not to eat more than 500 cals in one sitting. I still enjoy wine and dark chocolate on a fairly regular basis. I've…

Hi, Heather, I joined in January, too! I've logged my food every single day since then except for one week when i was at a health resort. I still have a long way to go, and even when (not if) I get there, I plan to continue logging. So please feel free to add me!

you look amazing and that dress is incredible on you!!!

There actually is a scientific reason involving sleep deprivation, cortisol, and appetite/hunger. I'm not a scientist, so I'm not the best person to try to explain it to you, but I understood it when I read it. My good friend Mr. Google should be able to help you if you ask him about cortisol + sleep deprivation + appetite…

That was a GREAT post! My favorite part is when your blazer was too small for her. Love it!!! Congrats!

GREAT story! And congratulations!

This is one of the best threads I've ever seen on MFP! Any fellow planners are welcome to add me! Every Friday night I sit down with my calendar and map out what the week ahead looks like -- when am I eating out, when am I seeing my trainer or taking an exercise class, when do I have an official function right after work…

that's fabulous! congrats!!!

I am right where you are! I started seven and a half months ago (beginning of 2013) and have lost exactly 50 lbs since then, but still have quite a ways to go. I, too, am a female in my 40s (45, to be exact). The weight loss has DEFINITELY slowed down, but, as my beloved nutritionist likes to remind me, every week that I…

Awesome, congrats! And your legs look like the legs of someone who has never been overweight -- very inspirational!

do you get a lunch break? I know you said there are no safe places to walk at lunch, but you can do a lot in your office or in a parking lot or in a stairwell...

HUGE congratulations! You look so much healthier and happier, but my favorite part of your story was the part about still having tons of energy after having ridden for 28 miles. YES!!! Enjoy your new lease on life!

1809 (target is 1808)

protein and fiber do the trick for me. I do NOT eat a low carb diet, but I have found that carbs don't help keep me full the way protein and fiber (and a little bit of healthy fat) do.