I thought it would be nice to have a thread where we could really pinpoint how our lives have changed for the better.

What behaviors have you really practiced, that are now integrated into who you are, allowing you to be healthier?

1. I've killed the nighttime-snacking monster I used to be!
2. I've made my portions smaller.
3. I've learned that if there are leftovers, they should immediately be wrapped up and put safely away, so I cannot pick at them all night.
4. Ultimately, I've confronted the fact that the only reason, I, personally, am this weight is because I had/have a problem with overeating. I turned to eating when I was bored, happy, etc. I never realized this before, even though it is SO simple. I used to really believe I had a thyroid problem - turns out I'm healthy! And the only thing making me feel un-ergetic was eating more than I should have been!

Great idea...
1. I've successfully overcome my sugar addiction.
2. I truly recognize hunger & eat to live.
3. I make healthy food choices & my daughter is also making better choices.
4. I quit smoking!!!!!
5. I make it a point to exercise regularly

I finally abandoned my "all-or-nothing" thinking. When I ate something not on my "diet", I would pig out for the rest of the day, thinking it was my last day to over-eat and I'd get with the program "tomorrow". Of course, I did that every day and packed on the pounds because I could never reach that mythical perfect tomorrow.

Now I might slip off plan here and there but get right back on immediately. That has made a huge difference--nothing (vegetarian) is off the menu but I now incorporate everything into the daily total and stay as faithful to the plan as I can.

Ditching the "all or nothing" thinking made all the difference.

This thread is a great idea--hope lots of folks post here!

I've learned there can be leftover pizza in the fridge, and I don't need to touch it. My parents get a pizza from pizza hut once a week, I find it too greasy and too much cheese (other companies pizzas I don't have this issue with), but I would normally eat it anyways, and then the leftover two pieces for lunch the next day (if not later that night as a snack). They ordered it two nights ago, and I ate what I prepared, and enjoyed it a lot more than I would have enjoyed that pizza. My dad had 2 pieces for lunch yesterday, and he's having the other two today. I am proud of myself, this is a recent thing, but I know I can do it and that is a big step.

Boredom eating was my number one issue. Now, if I have finished my meal or snack and am still wanting something else - I can stop and ask myself if I am truly hungry (answer is always no) and I get up and go find something to do! It doesn't sound like much but it's huge for me.

I don't know exactly, but I think the biggest change for me has been starting to think of foods in terms of their "worth" to me. Before, if I saw it and thought it tasted okay I would eat it. Now, I look at the cookie and think, I bet you taste good, but do you taste 300 calories worth of good? Usually the answer is no.

For example, I haven't had a bit of mayonnaise (which I used to use copiously) since I started this diet unless it was an essential ingredient to make a whole recipe work...and even then, I've found ways to cut it with something lower calorie like goat cheese. Not much is worth 100 calories a tbsp. Still some things, mainly full-fat dairy products, are worth the extra calories to me, so I enjoy them fully.

Like blueheron, I've almost fully conquered my all-or-nothing mentality. I've also accepted that I'll need to make being active part of my routine and I'm ok with that. I've also accepted my limitations and don't try to compare myselfbwith others. That alone has made an incredible difference

I have learned to recognize my binge triggers and avoid them (certain foods I just can't have because I lack control with them.)

I have learned to recognize angst, tension, sadness, and boredom, and to distinguish them from hunger.

I no longer find myself standing in front of the fridge with the door open, by default.

I have learned how to recognize a correct portion size and to manage my portions mostly by eye. When I test myself by weighing/measuring a portion, I find that my eye is pretty accurate!

I have learned to enjoy moderate exercise. It is still hard to motivate myself to go to the gym, but I know that I will feel so good afterward. Knowing this, usually I can make myself go.

I've stopped just about all snacking.

I've learned what a proper portion size looks like.

I don't eat everything on my plate when I go out

I don't eat out of boredom anymore...instead I drink water when bored.

I've gotten over the idea that I have to eat something just because it's there (lots of food gets brought to my office).

Instead of reaching for the chocolate when I hit a bump at work, I chew gum. I've cut way down on my snacking.

I've realized that feeling full and feeling satisfied aren't the same thing.

A big thing for me is ditching cheese & fattening condiments. It's become "normal" now and I am super proud of myself.

Last night we went to our fav burger joint (in n out). The old me would of ordered the double cheeseburger (670+ calories). The new me orders just a hamburger (no cheese!) and no mayo for just 310 calories. And it still tasted just as amazing as before.

Also, I make it a point to get my butt moving. I purposely park really far from the store, etc. I make sure if I take my 4 year old to the park that I am NOT allowed to sit down and watch her. I keep moving the whole time, run races with her, etc.

Those two are the biggest lifestyle changes I've made right now. The little positive things will keep adding up over time for bigger and better things.

This, totally!