Another Happy Rebirthday wisher here, Robin; in fact, you inspired me to name my blog "Rebirth-day." Thanks for all you do here.

I'm not a maintainer, but I hope it's ok I wandered into this forum. I just wanted to say Happy Re-Birthday! Congratulations! You're an inspiration!

Ok, this made me cry.

Thanks Robin. I know u did calorie counting, anything else?

Here's an old post that I've got saved on my computer. It really needs to be cleaned up a bit, but for now, here goes:

I knew the only way this weight loss thing would *work*, permanently that is, would be if I could find something that I could stick with LONGTERM, forever in fact, because not only do I want to lose the weight, but I want to keep it off - forever. It simply won't *work* if you dont' stick with it. Consistiency, consistiency, consistiency. STICKING with it is of course the key. Lifestyle change. Creating a new normal. No going back to the old ways. Permanent, sustainable lifetime changes.

We talk lots about being able to stick with something, but I think another very important factor is finding/developing something that one is WILLING to stick with. Because at some point one has to be WILLING to change their routine and adhere to a sensible plan.

Things I needed/still need to be on my plan:

- I could never, ever be hungry. Just not for me. I despise that feeling and need to AVOID it all costs. It would only set me up for failure.
- I need LOTS of food, volume that is.
- I love food, always will and need to get enjoyment from it. So eating delicious, very tasty, satisfying foods was a MUST.
- I am terrible with portion control. I have no boundaries. My intuitive eating button is totally broken or just missing completely. So I need to fake it. I need something that forces me to set limits.

So therefore, let's see if I can do this with one breath - I eat frequently, every 2 hours or so, choosing low calorie/high volume items (veggies), lots of protein and fiber (to keep me full longer), I count calories (forced portion control/accountability), I eat foods with high nutritional values, I've found foods that I LOVE, not *diet* foods per se, food that any one and every one can eat.

I also set myself up for success. By ridding my home of the junk (very crucial in the beginning, and still is). I got rid of the sugar, the rice, pasta, bread, cookies, cakes, ice cream, etc... Sure I love the stuff, but I have no control with it. I figured I can not have it both ways. I simply can not have those foods in my life (very strict with it especially in the beginning, cold turkey in fact) and be that healthy, fit person I so longed to be. I have no control over them and realized I was just better off without them.

I keep my home fully stocked with tons and tons of veggies. I discovered fabulous ways to prepare them and now enjoy them more then the other garbage I was eating prior. Amazing how ones tastes change when you stop feeding it junk. Fruits and low fat proteins are my other main foods. I cook fabulous meals that my whole family enjoys. So finding yummy recipes that you like is essential. No reason to go off plan, when on plan is so good.

I also prepare ahead, as it is the ONLY way to succeed, IMO. Eating healthy does not happen by accident. Therefore it MUST, MUST be planned out in advance. I know what I'm having for my meals and snacks days in advance. I pack food with me, taking it with me wherever I go, leaving nothing to chance. It's just THAT important.

I drink lots of water. It's something to do with my mouth; a delaying tactic and it keeps my tummy full. I also drink hot tea and 20 calorie hot chocolate.

And of course, there is the calorie counting. Would be nowhere without it. Nowhere. Since I don't know how to set limits for myself, counting calories is my answer. Counting and tracking my calories keeps me honest and keeps my food in check. It is built in accountability and forced portion control.

Exercise has now become part of my life and is a big part of "my plan". I started out slowly and built up. Cardio & strength training. I make sure there is some kind of daily movement going on, 7 days a week.

Probably the biggest part of my plan though, was making a commitment. Deciding once and for all that I was going to "do this". I told myself enough is enough. I realized, once and for all that I didn't have to be fat if I didn't want to be. That it was something that I did indeed have total and complete control over. No reason on earth for me to waste another second of my life being miserable, worrying about my health and not living up to my full potential. Not being the very best ME that I could be. So I made a commitment to good eating and good health.

We are like weight loss plan twins

Thanks so much RR for the tips!

Why yes, I think we are!!!

It really is quite simple though, now of course.

When I methodically sat there to try and figure out how I could "get this done", how I could "dig myself out of the whole that I had gotten into", these four *simple* things came to me, they are what I had to have, there was no negotiating.

Ahh, it makes so much sense to me, now - you don't want to be hungry - well than eat filling foods. Eliminate the *empty* calorie ones. You need lots of food - well than eat lots of food - lower calorie foods of course. You MUST have delicious foods - well than, find them, create them. You have no sense of portion control - count calories. Give yourself a budget.

Duh...

You know, RR, you should really write a book. You are so eloquent!

There are so many books on weight loss, but so few on permanent weight loss (I can only think of Refuse to Regain). Surely, there is an audience for this?

Agree, agree.

Oh please. There are so many more on this board who get their point across with lots less words and much more finesse. Ahem, Glory, you are definitely one of them.

I will say though, that the group of maintainers here at 3FC could collectively tell the world a thing or two about maintenance (and of course weight LOSS as well). Could you imagine what a read that would be?!?!?! SUCH valuable information. That would be something, wouldn't it?? A best seller for sure.

Don't have much more to add--but I don't think I've responded to you yet, rockinrobin, and I just wanted to say I think you're awesome!

I feel like I could really take some pointers from you. No, really! What sort of cardio did you do? Recipes maybe? How many calories did you limit yourself to?


Oh, I want to sit down and pic your brain. ;3; Seriously!

This is the first time I've seen this thread, Robin, so I just wanted to say happy belated re birthday!

I almost cried while reading this, it made me think about when I started and how I'll feel when I hit goal. It all seems so long ago, when really it isn't. 45 lbs lost is not as much, but I remember it seeming so impossible.

Thanks for keeping up the inspiration!