I didn't post a returning member thread when I returned about a week ago so I figured better late than never.
I decided that it was a time to change. Not just to learn to eat better (and less) and exercise, but to change how I approached those things. So I'm trying some new things and reapplying things that worked before. It's like I'm a lab rat being experimented on by myself.
So for returning things that work for me - I'm going to be using Eat Stop Eat for food. Basically you eat normally (not my normal but a healthy normal) most days. Then 1 or 2 times a week you fast from after dinner until dinner the next day. Not a plan that works for everyone, but it works for me. I'll only be doing 1 day a week to begin with.
I've already given up Mountain Dew (I miss you baby) and have cut out snacking (unless it is a planned snack during the day).
I've never been good with exercise. So I decided instead of starting with cardio, which is what I've done every other time, I'm starting with weight training. To eliminate excuses I'm doing just body weight exercises so I don't need any equipment.
Then to add something new into my mix, I decided to work on making myself feel good about myself while I lose weight. I started painting my nails (also great to keep myself from snacking in the evening as wet nails are not conducive to eating). Once a week I give myself an at home facial as well (also great as a way to distract me from evening snacking). I colored my hair and got it cut as well. For September, I have to try one new hairstyle a week to shake things up and remind myself that taking care of me is something I need to do all the time.
I have other things planned for myself that don't involve weight loss because I believe that I need to change more than what I eat for long term success (something I've never had). I won't post them all as my posts tend to be long and rambling enough already.
Looking forward to becoming involved on the forums and getting to know everyone!