[wheresmyraise]

So I started on my weight loss journey in March. I was 149 to start. By June I was 122.5. I was happy with that and I contributed my weight loss to calorie counting, as I have always exercised regularly. But this is where things began to fall apart. In June I worked a lot but was able to maintain even without exercise. In July I got so sick with an inner ear infection. It knocked me on my butt for about three weeks. Again no exercise but I also didn't have much of an appetite so again I maintained. In August I went on vacation and then got the kids back off to school. Exercise picked up but not so much the calorie counting. Well since then I have gained about 4 pounds. Not bad and I know I can lose it again. But I am not motivated at all to count those calories. Everyday I wake up and tell myself this is he first day and by lunch all is gone. I felt so much better when I watched what I ate but the food seems to have so much control over me right now. I wish it didn't bc I know the holidays are right around the corner. If I don't get the control now it will be impossible around the holidays.

[Brandis]

Maybe you could try eating the same meals for awhile? Like oatmeal, eggs and fruit for breakfast, salad with protein for lunch, lean meat with veggies for dinner. I find that if I limit myself on what to eat, after a few days I am motivated again to be more diligent. I recently had the same thing happen. I'm down a bit on weight, I lost a little motivation. I kind of had to start over because it seemed really hard and I felt somewhat comfortable. So I am back to eating the same basic foods I always eat, and trying really hard in the exercise department. I am moving forward again. The thing about eating the same basic foods is that I know approximately how many cals are in these foods without weighing everything. So it's like cal counting but without some of the work. If I don't have to be so strict, then I am usually able to get going again. Then the real dedication comes in and I start weighing and measuring again. Don't give up! You can do it!

[LockItUp]

The holidays make me nervous too -- I've gotten a little panicked and am desperate to drop another 10 or more before Thanksgiving. I really want to hit my goal by my son's first birthday 12/20. I can relate for sure.

Anyway, back to you. What's throwing you off? Certain types of foods? The portions? When you say you are off track by lunch, how so? Could you do a different plan for a while where you don't have to count? Like paleo, or low carb, just to jump start you back into it? (20 questions huh?!) Sometimes I need to start out strict just to get back into it full force, but some people are the opposite.

[masterptr]

a few years ago, I tried calorie counting and didn't eat enough calories and workout a lot every day for two months... lost a lot of weight but the problem (similar to what you are experiencing) started and could not stop myself.
of course, I later found out that I have some other physical issues with hormones and I don't know if you do or not but do See a endocrinologist just to do a blood-work to make sure you do not have any issues caused by the diet or any other reasons.
knowing that I have issues, I now workout with less intensity (mostly walking and some jog) and try to intake food about 1500 cal. minimum a day. but less than 2000 depends on how much workout I do.