- Don't let the scale determine how you feel/act (in the past I would give up as soon as the initial water weight and big rush at the beginning ended and then it changed to "only" losing 1-3lb/week. I would think "I'm not doing all this just to lose a measly 1 to 3 pounds a week" and then start eating like crazy again)

I was depressed about gaining 5lbs in a week. I posted on another site. One reply said 1lbs of fat is an extra 3500 calories. So 5lbs of fat is an extra 17,500 calories. She said you did not eat an extra 17,500 calories last week. So it is probably water weight. Don't fret you are probably retaining water. Watch your sodium and drink more water.

So long story short if you gain wt quickly and have not eating thousands of extra calories think water gain.

I agree with a Previous poster often when you are thirsty your body tells you you are hungry. I know I was constantly dehydrated that my body tried to get fluid wherever it could. I find when I am hydrated I am less hungry.

I'm going to do a top ten. :D

1. Read labels and become familiar with proper portion sizes
2. Always look up the calories when eating out, and when in doubt eat only half the plate
3. Avoid most overly-processed foods, especially those with added sugar
4. Don't let peers intimidate you into poor choices; you don't have to eat x just because so-and-so is
5. Hunger is not an emergency
6. Being satisfied does not mean being stuffed
7. Quality over quantity
8. Dessert is not a requirement to finish every meal
9. Fresh fruits and veggies aren't bland!

And most importantly . . .

10. Frosting should never be eaten with a spoon. :p

1. Get on and stick with a plan for me. Not for my family. Not for my boyfriend. Not to look good in a swimsuit. Not for all the reasons society says we should. But for me.
2. Losing weight consists of counting calories and for some of us carbs. Doesn't matter what diet plan you're on, at the end of the day, it's about calories taken in versus calories burned.
3. Take pictures and keep records. When you hit a plateau, pull them out and remind yourself how far you've come.

1. Exercise feels great and accelerates my weight loss.
2. Measure things once a week. My husband finds this funny but it keeps me honest with myself. Reminds me exactly what a tablespoon of peanut butter and a cup of pasta looks like.
3. Eat whole as much as possible. Processing adds salt sugar and other stuff I don't want or need.
4. Be as kind to yourself as you can. Pep talks are better than *** chewings!

Forgot the most important thing! Track your food!!!

It's not nearly as hard as you think it is.
A year will come and go anyway, whether you are fat or in process, how would you rather be?
A month from now, you are going to love exercising, but you have to stick with it.

Neither should Nutella...though a tablespoon on a banana makes a great breakfast. :)

*Do not deprieve myself of food, eat in moderation
*Exercise and fitness is important for toning and my ticker
*Don't undereat, you will always binge later if you do
*You don't have to drink 9 gallons of water a day, 64-72 oz is plenty, drink when you're thirsty
*Listen to my body more, it's saying more than I realize
*Measure calories correctly, overestimating calories never hurt too much!