[beckyinvb]

Based on your personal experience with your weight loss now or in the past, what are 5 things that have worked successfully for you? I'm still struggling, but here are a few things I've picked up on:

1-Keep a food journal of everything you eat (each piece of candy!). Keep the journal when you're losing weight as well as when you're maintaining. If you start to gain weight, you can reference back to what you were eating when you were maintaining. I have a form I created in Excel that includes date, weight, b-fast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and exercise. I would also note if I took Phen, and what time I took it. I pasted these in a journal book, and I also had a few pictures of myself at that particular weight.
2-Exercise! For me to lose weight, I have to do a cardio workout at least 45 minutes at least 5 times a week. I also need to do some weight training, which I get at Curves.
3-Strict diets don't work for me. I hate to cook, so measuring foods other than cereal just isn't an option. I do better cutting back of the foods I love rather than eliminating them and creating cravings for myself.
4-Water...drink lots of water throughout the day. I do alternate with diet drinks--always caffine free.
5-Weigh myself every day and measure myself every other month. I know many people don't recommend weighing every day, but for me it's key. When I reach my goal weight, I need to stay within a range of 5 lbs. If I get to the high end of that range, I need to start cutting back immediately. Getting lax about the scale is how I start slipping back into bad habits.

This is my 4th cycle of losing weight as an adult. Hopefully, if I keep reiterating these things to myself it will sink in and be the last time.

What other tips to you guys have for being successful?

[beccah]

Some of the things I've learned:
Even if you don't get to the gym three times a week, anything is better than nothing.
I keep myself on a 1300 calorie diet. Anything I want to eat. However, it doesn't take long to figure out that a quarter pounder with cheese is about 1000 calories and I can't eat again for the rest of the day. So it naturally works out so that you eat better.
I'd like to weigh every day but it makes me too paranoid and I focus too much on a couple ounces.

[Myrydnine10]

1. Drink
2. Lots
3. Of
4. Water
5. Daily

Not only does it help with weight loss and hunger cravings, my skin looks so great!

Did I mention water?

[texasmom]

well...

my biggest thing is.. WATER
120+ oz of it DAILY... made a huge difference in my weekly loss

1000/1200 cals daily never more..

NO eating after 7 pm unless its an apple...

exercise is part of my routine daily.. either at curves or equiptment at home..

no sugar.. splenda is wonderful.. no need for sugar

and NO FAST FOODS.. i cant, once i go again its over for me.. at least till i get to goal weight..

[Lorin]

1. Exercise
2. Everything in Moderation - Don't deny yourself the things you love. Learn to eat them, but only in moderation.
3. Journal EVERYTHING you eat.
4. Water - I'm not good at this yet, but am trying hard!
5. Keep a positive "can do" attitude.

These are what helped me the last time I lost weight. I need to get back on this program and I'll be where I want to be in no time.

I must keep talking myself into it!!

-Lorin

[Knib]

1. I weigh only on Fridays. (or else I get discouraged)
2. I drink as much water as possible.
3. I try to stick to 1200 calories a day but once a week I go out to eat and eat whatever I want.
4. I move more all the time. No couch potato time anymore.
5. I reward myself with something other than food. The last goal I went out and bought Crest white strips to do my teeth. I'll start it this weekend.

HOpe that helps someone

[ontheway]

1. water (gotta get it down)
2. exercise --- cardio and weights (no less than 4 times a week
3. food journal
4. count my calories (I vary from 1200 to 1500)
5. keep on trying no matter what I do the day before, the day of, or the day after. I only fail if I stop trying!!!

[Miki161]

The number one thing for me is being consistent with my diet. All the above I HIGHLY recommend too. But the thing I try to do is STICK to everything I have taught myself. I have a routine that is wonderful with working out and I tell myself at least 4 times a week at the gym. No matter what days as long as my toosh is in there. 3-4 liters of water a day EVERY day. And every Saturday eat whatever I want and no exercise. Day of relaxation for my body. These are great keys to any diets success.
Miki

[Ready4Confidence]

well everyone pretty much covered it all:

1-drink water
2-work out on the daily
3-keep a food log w/a journal of emotional eating
4-meditate
5-get support HERE!

[beckyinvb]

Great tips everyone! A great way to start 2005 is to reiterate what works and to remain committed to the goal of becoming healthier!