For me dieting/lifestyle change is all about habits and patterns. I ALWAYS stay on program if I eat atleast 5 fruits/veggies.

What's yours?

I ALWAYS stay on plan when...I am asleep! Hahaahaa!

When I am exercising regularly, I eat better. Go figure.

I always stay on plan when I start the day with exercise. I don't know if it's because I feel so good or whether I don't want to waste all that effort and time I spent in the gym by eating what I shouldn't, but it works.

I always stay on plan when my plan is well thought-out. If I've gone to the store for all of my groceries, made my meal plans, and laid it all out in fitday, my day usually goes without a hitch. If I'm going on the fly, though, it rarely does...especially if I go to the store to buy stuff for dinner that night between 2pm and 6pm and get tempted by one of the many sweet temptations at my local grocery (see "I NEVER stay on program when..." response).

3 things:

Plan, plan and plan some more. Which means setting up menus for the week and doing the necessary grocery shopping. Taking the proper things out of the freezer for defrosting (such as chicken cutlets). Making yummy food is also a key to staying on track for me, which is indeed part of the planning process.

Have lots of groceries at home to choose from. If I have choices and at least one option that can be made quickly, I know I can stay on plan.

However, my biggest thing is writing in my journal. I write every single thing I put in my mouth in my journal. It keeps me accountable and it helps me when I do have the munchies because I can look and say I have eaten plenty and don't need more.

I always stay on plan when I PLAN PLAN PLAN and when I buy the right things at the grocery store. It starts at the store!

Like Meg, I always stay on plan when I get in my exercise. Somehow, it really focuses me on what I'm trying to accomplish, and all the eating issues just fall in line.

look in the mirror and feel good

When I start my day with my exercise.....everything else just falls right into place!

Ok, I know everyone has said this before, but it is SO true. If I don't plan ahead (and have an emergency meal set aside just in case the unexpected happens), then I won't stick to my diet. I plan my menus in advance and go to the store on Sundays to get all the ingredients I need. I make my lunches the night before. Because I work full time and go to school half time, there are two days a week that I don't get home until 10:00 p.m. On those days, I have to make sure I have two meals and three snacks packed or I get hungry and head straight for the chocolate.

i stay on plan when i know how many calories there are in the foods i eat. if i have something else and have to guess calories, it can get messy.

When I have choices! Sometimes I'll plan a meal, and then just don't WANT it anymore.. so I always make sure I have at least 3-4 choices of what I can eat. (also when the dishes are done.. so much easier for cooking!)

-Aimee