I agree. Over the years, even though I haven't lost weight automatically (i.e., without making a conscious effort), I've started eating healthier foods because I like them. Unfortunately, I still like the bad stuff, too ! However, I realize that I'll never be able to cut out my favorite things; if I try, I'll be setting myself up for failure. When I go out to eat, I try to figure out what I can painlessly give up and what I absolutely must have. For example, I went out to eat the other day and did this. I realized that I could painlessly forego the bread at this restaurant (it just isn't that great). Also, when I ordered my entree---a crabcake sitting on a bed of mashed potatoes---I realized that I'd rather forego the mashed potatoes and save room for a piece of apple pie for dessert. Also, I realized that one glass of wine was just plenty for me. It's all about achieving a balance.

I just wanted to share with you that there's a NEW study out that says that keeping weight off isn't nearly as unlikely as has been reported in the past: People Often Maintain Weight Loss, Study Shows

"Almost six out of 10 people who reported losing substantial amounts of weight successfully kept most of the weight off over a year’s time in the study, published in the July issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine."

Robin,

Thank you for sharing that report. I have kept the first 50 pounds I lost off for over a year and added 10 pound lost to that this year. I even donated some of my fat clothes this month, but in the back of my mind is this fear I will gain it all back. Your post is encouraging.
betty

Betty, I don't think that fear is a bad thing to have in this case. I think it's that fear that will always keep us (I've got the fear too) on our toes and aware of what we're eating at all times and how we're moving ourselves. I think it's the people who let their guard down and have no fear that gain the weight back.

ah.... but how do NORMAL people eat. don't we only see them for a meal here and there? if so how do we know that meal we see them eating is not a splurge for them.

My friends do not see me day to day at lunch or at home with my "diet food" all they see is the 'treat' when we bbq and I have a hamburger or some pasta salad. they then think 'oh well I eat like Nessa but i don't lose weight so it's my metabolisim'. that's not really the case.

I see what you do... you drink regular soda. i drink water
you eat candy when your sugar dips, I have fruit or cheese
I've been on South Beach for 13 months now. I 've lost over 50 pounds. I will be eating this way for the rest of my life. THIS IS NORMAL....

But I can tell you that if I go to the cheesecake factory AFTER i have my salad with grilled chicken... I'm gonna have a piece of cheesecake.

If i go to a place that has bad cheesecake... I'm not having it.

it's all about choosing...

Get yourself a copy of Anne Fletcher's "Thin for Life". She spoke to thousands of maintainers and there's a ton of good info in there.

going to see if my library has that book, Susan.
thank you.
I agree with you Robin that I will have to keep account of my food intake for life. I also agree with you Nessa, that we have to have a treat every once in awhile or we will be tempted to quit all together.
betty