Could be anything - a certain exercise, tool, etc.

If I didn't have an online blog/food diary I wouldn't be able to lose weight. I need to write it down, and I hate using a journal because it looks so messy to me. A blog makes my weight loss look organized and clean

an exercise bike. i can convince myself into using one of those even when i'm feeling my lowest. i always think, "well, at least i'll be sitting down!" lmao, which is super pathetic, but w/e. it also helps that it's an exercise i can multitask on, because often times it'll be the only time i can fit in homework.

A sense of humor!!

Larry,

I probably tie between three things:

- 3FC...no joke. If I didn't have an outlet to think about and discuss weight management and get so much support, I'm not sure if I would have stuck with it.

- caloriecount.com...Perhaps any calorie counting site would have worked, but that's the one I started with and it's helped me infinitely. Sure, I could sit down with pen, paper, and a calculator, but the convenience of having it all online pretty much eliminates all excuses to not count.

- my scale...I know many people succesfully lose weight by going by how they feel or how their clothes fit. I really needed the feedback of the numbers on the scale. Those first few pounds I lost were an incredible motivation. I'll never forget that first weigh in and saw a loss of 5lbs, and I thought "holy crap, I can do this! I really can lose weight!" Also, getting on the scale in the morning gives me a daily dose of reality. If I start seeing that number creep up, I know I need to fix something.

1. Gourmet Low Fat/Calorie Cookbooks
2. A way to workout at home (treadmill, gym equipment)
3. My Pumpkin Raisin Muffins
4. Weekly CHEAT meal (although I don't take it EVERY week...I have to know it's there whenever I want it)

Of course!!

Really there is only ONE THING that is an absolute must - adequate SLEEP! When that is in place, everything else is doable.

Exercise (mostly running but I've had to substitute with other activities at time). When I exercise I eat better. If I don't exercise I'm more apt to eat sweets.

ETA: Daily weighing would be a close second for me. I really need that accountability.

Well said. Completely agree.

I suppose I'd have to say my Wii Fit and my Bodybugg, they are a tie... Without the Wii i wouldn't know what to do, but without the bodybugg I'd go back to feeling like nothing I did was doing anything. Without being able to see that I AM burning calories I'd feel like I was wasting hours just "playing" even if I was actually burning calories, it wouldn't seem like it to me.

Another vote for SLEEP! When I'm tired I make poorer decisions, sometimes it seems I just don't have the energy to think about what I should cook or what I should eat and I just grab something easy fast and cheap (hello McDonald's! lol) Also being tired affects my mood which totally affects what I decide to eat and if I decide to work out.

Another one here for sleep. Also, caloriecount.about.com allows me to be aware and be in control of what I'm eating. And running shoes for my weekly runs.

After really thinking about it, 3FC is my answer. I thrive on knowing that I am not alone and I need a constant reminder that weight loss is possible. I love that we're real people all dealing with the same thing and can exchange advice, encouragement, and friendship. There is a direct correlation between 3FC and my success; when I don't log on, I don't lose weight, simple as that. But when I stay active on the forum, I see continued weight loss. I need this place and I really rely on my fellow posters - you're saving my life.

Mine is my One touch Ultra Smart meter because I can put in my food values at anytime. I take it with me everywhere and that has been instrumental with keeping me on track. My future sister-in-law expressed in interest in losing weight and I was thinking of getting her one too.