I agree that exercise is the key. I keep my calories around 1800-2000, but I focus more on calorie balance. So if I work out extra, then I can eat a bit more if I want and it is ok. I also try to eat 5-6 small meals instead of the 3 larger ones. But exercise is definately the thing that will make this new lifestyle stick. I don't have to be overly restrictive in what I eat. I have more energy when I exercise. It has helped with my moods. Besides, I want the totally killer body you can only get from weight lifting.

Before I eat something 99% of the time, I ask myself: "Is this going to build health? Will this nourish my body? How will I feel after eating it (that minute, an hour later or the next day?)?". If the answers aren't in MY favor, I forgo eating it, PERIOD.

I exercise a *minimum* of 6 days a week, sometimes 2 times daily (I teach yoga and so that usually accounts for 1 session on those days). I allow myself only 1 day a month where I have "permission" to avoid strenuous exercise completely, (usually the first day of my menstrual cycle) and try to find ways around other obstacles, making exercise a BIG priority.

This has allowed me to lose 22 pounds in just one month. It hasn't been EASY but it is (I AM) certainly worth it! ;)

I've been exercising (cardio & weights) and counting calories (amazing how many calories there are in movie popcorn -- and it isn't even all that good!). So far, I've lost around 30# in 3 months.

I like the endorphin rush from a hard workout, I like the feeling that I'm getting stronger, and I'm really jazzed about being able to do things I love again -- like skiing, scuba diving, and backpacking -- that I either have been physically incapable of doing (backpacking) or afraid that doing them would put myself at serious risk (diving -- decompression sickness, skiing -- blowing out my knee).

I had always resisted counting calories before -- I don't know why exactly. For the past couple of months, I have been tracking my calorie intake with a computer program on my laptop. I have found it quite helpful. I have found myself thinking about what I want to eat in terms of "are these calories worth it to me" with respect to taste and "fillingness" of the food. I haven't felt restricted or constrained, but rather informed.

Anyway, that's what's been working for me :).

I've lost mine primarily on calorie counting, focusing on protein, and eating healthier -- less sugar and white flour/refined grains and more fruits/veggies. I eat every couple of hours, and try to focus my meals and snacks around protein, to keep me from getting ravenously hungry and to keep my blood sugar on a more even keel.

I aim for 1600-2000 calories a day, and usually hit around 1800. I have one "off day" a week where I don't limit my calories, though I do still try to make healthy choices in the foods I eat. I try to eat more mindfully, and strive to enjoy my food rather than scarfing it down and looking around for more before my satiety signals can catch up.

I do not exercise, per se. I do, however, take the stairs rather than the elevator for one and two-flight trips. I walk a few blocks to the next Metro station rather than taking the one right under my building. In good weather I try to get out with my daughter and work in the garden and ride bikes and go for walks more regularly. I got a bike for my birthday in August, and I LOVE riding it. Now that it gets dark before I get home, I miss it more than I would have imagined.

So while I don't pay much attention to exercise, and it's not a major part of my lifestyle changes yet, I do try to be mindful of moving my body more.