As you look back on your successful journey... what is the one thing you learned and maybe wish you knew sooner.

OR

Any fun facts you think others should know.

OR

A quick tip that has worked for you.

Any great advice you got that gave you an Ahhh ha moment.

Thanks for everything in advance..
:c arrot:

Go workout even if you want to just want to stay in bed, go home, meet people for dinner, feel a little tired, forgot your IPOD, plan on working out tomorrow, or need to go make dinner. You will feel better after!

1. Find your RESOLVE
2. do not list over and over to yourself that you
a. hate veggies so you CHEAT
b. have low blood sugar so you NEED chocolate so you CHEAT
c. think you are on a diet not a life style so you CHEAT
d. lost 5 pounds so you will reward yourself with food so you CHEAT
3. remember we have to fight the demand not the supply. It is not McDonalds fault it is mine for thinking french fries are a veggie.
my own worst enemy is meand i accept that and i will prove to myself that I AM THE BOSS OF ME.. not tacos

Only 22 pounds lost but that is my input

You can have sugar-free jello!! MMM good snack.

That you aren't going to lose it all in a week or two, it took time for you to gain all that weight- it's going to take time for you to lose it as well.

This is a journey...not a quick fix...expect ups and downs...keep focused on the small celebrations not to become overwhelmed with the larger goal...remembering that we are humans after all with faults.

Have water available at all times! While making breakfast, lunch and dinner -have a glass of water on the counter, take sips of water instead of bites of off program food. If you chose to have an off program item or meal, drink water with it instead of any other beverage. Have water with you in the car while running errands.

Take it one meal at a time.. Sometimes we stray off plan at one meal so we think the rest of the day is a waste. It's not.

Go to the center. Even when you think your not loosing, are stuck or have slipped up. They have all been there. Most of the time they will have advice to help. If not, they are there to support you. Plus you paid them..

Don't expect perfection. This is a journey. Sometimes life gets in the way.

Water, Water, Water, Water, Water.. Oh and more Water. and when you think you've had enough water. Have more..

Weight Watchers sells this great water "cup". It's a 32 oz insulated mug/cup with a lid that has a straw in it. I cut one lemon up in the mug then fill the rest with water and ice. The lemon can stay in there for refills. We have very hard water here in Tampa, if I don't put a lemon, lime or orange in it, there's no way I could drink our water!

There are going to be ups and downs - with your weight and your feelings. Don't be afraid to admit when you're confused or discouraged - we've all been there. Be persistent. Keep going back to the basics. Be creative with how you make your menu work for you.

I am loving all this great advice! You ladies are wonderful! I am so in this for a lifetime. I am having massive emotional battles right now, Ive been into the center. They have helped a bit. I know the actual work has to come from me. I just thought it would be great to get a few "hints"! Thanks and please keep them coming !!

If you toast your bread and crumble it on top of your fish or chicken when you bake it then it gives you nice crunchy texture. It beats have just the same old same old all the time.

Hi Ang! You and I have talked about some tips, but, I thought I'd post them here too. I'm not an expert of MRC, just found what works for me.

I agree with the post above about water. I drink over 100 ounces a day. I don't drink anything else except water.

Plan, plan, plan those meals. Don't leave it to the last minute to figure out what you're going to eat.

Don't buy crap. If I buy crap, bake crap, or have crap in the house I eat it. Your family will benefit from healthy stuff in the house too!

Don't be afraid to try new things. I was a picky kid and somewhat of a picky adult. I never thought I'd say I like broccoli, asparagas or green beans. I guess any vegetable for that matter.

If you fall off the wagon and it rolls over you, just get back on track. One bad day or a bad weekend doesn't mean you can't start over.

Use a straw to drink your water. It makes me drink more.

Take your vitamins with water. Having to take all the vitamins is tough but doing it with water kills 2 brids with 1 stone.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.

Try new recipes from the thread and the book. The same food gets old and I have found some new favorite recipes.

Keep your reasons for getting healthy clear and in a very accessable place. Life will happen, you will have bad days and you will get discouraged. Do this to keep reminding yourself what you are struggling for, why you are doing the work and taking this journey.

Find people that support you. Even if the only people on your side are the MRC counselors and people on this forum.