In the next year and 3 months I lost 115 pounds and regained control of my life (then I lost a few more pounds over the next few months). I did it by gradually making lots and lots of small changes. I began by bringing lunches and snacks to work instead of raiding the vending machine, by watching portions, and by starting to “move more”. Initially that meant that if I had a question for hubby, who was upstairs, I would walk up (dragging myself up the stairs) and ask, rather than yell.
Over time, my plan has evolved, and in fact, continues to do so. I became a calorie counter and, when I’m “on” I write down everything I eat. It helps keep me accountable. Somehow, when I don’t write it down, I “forget” or think things don’t “count”. My body knows better. I can’t cheat on my body.
Over time, I started paying attention to nutrition, and I now focus on getting in enough protein, and calcium, and eating whole grains and fruits and veggies. I now have a range of foods I regularly eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. That helps with the planning. Based on the foods we eat regularly, the fat grams stay naturally low, and the fiber naturally high! (I am very “regular” these days!)
A huge one for me is exercise. I never exercised regularly in the past. I’d try for a while and give up. Now I’m a gym bunny. I do regular cardio on ellipticals inside, or biking or walking outside. I’ve tried yoga and want to go back to it, and pilates. I lift weights. I am no lightweight either. I still have to convince myself to DO the exercise, but once I have my shoes on, I just “do it” and often enjoy it.
In short, my life is very different than it used to be. I think about food and exercise and weight loss every single day. I think I will need to do so every single day of my life to remain successful. But my life is also different in that I can do so much more. The list is a mile long.
However, despite these successes, life interfered in the spring and got really busy and stressful. I didn’t write down what I was eating every day. I cared a little less. Though, at least I usually managed to eat healthy foods, I was eating too much. I got to the gym less often (though still made it at least a couple times a week). I gained back about 7 pounds. In June, I said it was time to take the weight off, but I really didn’t buckle down. I think I have lost a couple of those pounds, but mentally, I have not been in the game. And one thing I have learned on this journey is that it is a VERY mental one!
So, I am recommitting to losing the weight I gained this spring. Actually, my goal is to fit back into the size 12 clothes I was wearing last spring. I figure it's about 5 pounds, but I don't care about the scale, only the clothes!
This weekend is my 2 year anniversary of starting this journey, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than to rededicate myself to my health (and the clothes!
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Oh Heather! 
Congrats! 
) Buckle up! To the 12's and beyooooonnnnnd!
to you!!! That's spectacular to have the kind of motivation you've got. That's the hardest part I think. Keep going, you look great, you should be so proud.