[TXMary2]

I have been thinking about how much I value 3FC and all that I have gleaned so far. Especially from "big losers" like Robin, Onederchic and Ubergirl.

I have learned that weight flucuates.

I have learned the importance of water.

I have learned I can't do it alone.

I have learned exercise does matter.

I have learned it takes 3500 additional calories to gain a real pound. (I "knew" that but doing the math made it sink in.)

I have learned that amazingly I can undo 14 years of abuse in ONE year if I stay on plan. That is awesome.

I have learned how to make better food choices when eating out.

I have learned the power that my mind has in the weight loss process.

I have learned I am not the only one who experiences humiliation when trying to sit in a booth at a restaurant.

I have learned slow and steady wins the race.

I learned that there are a lot more pounds to lose between sizes in the upper sizes than the lower sizes!!

I have learned the value of weighing and measuring everything that goes in my mouth.

I am excited about what else I will learn on this journey! Thank you to those of you who have BTDT and have shared.

What have you learned since joing 3FC?

[guamvixen]

Great post! Kudos!

[sept15lija]

I think you nailed most of the ones I could think of! Especially the one about the sizes, lol, it sucks waiting to get into the next size when you're still big!

[SCraver]

I have learned that the more I "practice" my healthy eating habits, the easier they get.

I have learned that if I get hungry on occassion, it is ok, I will not starve to death and that I should go get a drink of water.

I have learned that exercise is fun when I focus on how good it makes me feel and take a day off if and when I need it. (And I agree that exercise IS important - for me at least)

I have learned that I can't just drink alcohol whenever I feel like it. I do need to have limits.

I have learned that a toddler can survive/thrive on a diet of just bananas, yogurt and dino chicken nuggets... but I will still keep trying to teach him good eating habits by being a good example.

I have learned that veggies are a MUST.

And, like the OP, I have learned that I can't do it on my own. I did a little therapy for a while, I am on 3FC all the time, and my sister and hubby have been SO supportive (as always!).

[Bunti]

Wow!!! Great post. I'm printing and posting it for my office!!!

[kendra]

I love this post! I have learned all of the above items as well.

I have learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to.

I have learned not to believe in the words "I can't". I can keep trying whatever exercise task until I succeed.

I am starting to learn to like myself.

I have learned how to work through the stress/boredom/whatever else eating.

I have learned that whole foods are just as tasty as processed food, only alot better for you.

I have learned that I am not the only one going through this process or suffers from the same side effects (freezing all the time, chub rub, holes in pants, etc).

I have learned that I am starting to enjoy exercise.

I have learned that I prefer to eat healthier now.

I have learned that I love 3FC and all of the advice that is offered. Thanks to everyone for the motivation. I am back on track!

[losermom]

I've learned:

That it is possible for my body to lose weight. I never dreamed that I really could do it.

That this journey was so much more in my head than the food and exercise.

That I actually PREFER eating well, exercising, drinking loads of water and sleeping as much as I can.

That I deserve this!

[MablesGirl]

I have learned:

That people really do loose significant amounts of weight and keep it off! It really happens.

That there are others who struggle like I do, and it's okay, as long as we keep going.

That I can do this. But I have to get myself focused.

[TXMary2]

Wow- you all added great ones to the list!!!!

[ubergirl]

I've learned that apples and carrot sticks are delicious if I don't wreck my appetite with junk food before eating them.

I've learned that I'm not alone in my difficulties with weight, and I'm also not special in what it takes for me to lose-- it's still just calories in and calories out.

I've learned that I was NOT too old to exercise and get in shape.

I've learned that I had a million and one excuses for why I was so fat, but in the end, there was only one reason: I ate way too much.

[ORSewmama]

This is a great post - I've so enjoyed reading this!!!

[calluna]

I've a few things to add, too - what a fun post.

I've learned
- that restaurants are sodium ****

- that it is possible to eat 1-2 pieces of chocolate at a time

- that I feel better physically and mentally when I am on plan, whether or not I am actually losing weight at the moment

- that it is very cool to have my favorite meals several times, rather than just once or twice, because of having smaller servings

- that I can tell people "no, I won't eat that" and make it stick

[doingmybest]

Thank you for starting this post, TXMary2! This is a lot of fun!

I know this has already been said but the most important thing I have learned so far is that I am not alone and that a big weight loss is possible for me - which I never would have believed without 3FCs.

[lookin2lose]

This post needs to be a sticky!

I've learned:

That it's mind over matter in EVERYTHING - unfortunately I didn't realize it before.

I've gotta wrap my head around a plan and stick to it

Support and just hearing "you look so good" is enough motivation to make me continue.

Food isn't the way to solve problems.

Persistence pays off.

There is no expiration date on this "diet"...it has to be something I can LIVE with forever for it to be successful.

You can get so much support and encouragement from 3fc everyday...it's the first thing I do in the morning.


Love love love this post, I definitely needed this today!!! Thank TXMary!

[SCraver]

Originally Posted by calluna

- that I feel better physically and mentally when I am on plan, whether or not I am actually losing weight at the moment

THAT is a good one.