. . . or at least it has for me. I thought I would share my success in hopes that it will inspire others who are cc to keep going: I started in June, too afraid to weigh myself because I was at the biggest that I could remember. I'm guessing 180 based on my clothing size. I am 43 and 5 ft. 3, so I figured I would have a long fight ahead of me. I chose to focus on behaviors rather than on numbers because in the past, I've given the scale too much control over my moods. I had a vague idea that 145 would be my goal weight, but I was mainly concerned about getting back into a size 10 (& ideally, an 8).

I finally weighed myself today for the first time since I started, and I'm 141. This has been the most effortless attempt at losing weight that I can remember, and I think it is because I focused on behaviors.

So, for those CCs out there who may be getting burned out or discouraged, just know that YOU WILL GET THERE! It's about persistence, not perfection.

Well said. And congrats on your loss!

Congrats on your loss!

I'm new at weight loss and I'm hoping that this is the only time I have to go through it...other than losing pregnancy pounds in the future I hope

I agree that calorie counting is wonderful. For years I was turned off by many diets and plans because they restricted what I could eat. I couldn't afford Weight Watchers so that was out of the question too. I'm so glad that I "discovered" calorie counting and got to where I am now.

wow! that's just what i needed to hear today-- i wasn't feeling motivated today

Congratulations on your loss!

I'm a calorie counter as well and love how well it works for maintenance.

Congrats, lin!! What a great accomplishment, and you really did it in a relatively short amount of time! Thanks for being an inspiration

Thank you all for your good wishes!

The funny thing is, Noelle, that if anyone would have asked me in June, I would have said that I am not a fast loser. Also, what is weird is that in my mid- to late thirties, I went on a 1500-calorie-per-day plan & exercised 5 days a week (30 - 60 minutes a day). At that time, I had calculated that I would lose 1 lb. a week, and I weighed myself weekly, and I did lose 1 lb. a week. This time around, I was at 1400 per day & didn't weigh myself, but it appears that I may have lost a lot faster than could be accounted for by that 100-calorie difference. The only big change I can think of is making a special effort to just move more on a regular basis (i.e., separate from "official" exercise). Now, I always seem to be on the move during the day---cleaning, running errands, etc. (there's always something to do). I get a lot more accomplished than I used to, and I'm wondering if it also has helped me lose weight.

lin, congrats to you. Wonderfully inspiring. Continued success to you.

Congratulations on your terrific weight loss!

I too found calorie counting cheap (well free, actually), easy, and effective. Best of all, it's a lifestyle I can maintain from now on. Max flexibility, nothing is "forbidden". I lost about 38 lb in 6 mos and another few while on maintenance.

Glad it worked so well for you, and I'd highly recommend it to others.

I count my calories also. I find this type of dieting works the best for me.
I can eat what I want, but restrict my calories to 1500 per day.

Last year I was eating 1600 calories per day and lost a few pounds. Then my weight loss stopped. So I dropped the calories down to 1500 per day the first of January.
I am losing again. YAY!

What site has the best method to track your daily diet with a free calorie counter?

Congrats!!!!!!!!!

Calorie counting is also the only things that works for me.

I've tried all type of diets... weight watchers, low carb, slim fast etc etc. The problem with those what that they were just that... diets.

Calorie counting on the other hand isn't necessarily a diet in my books, instead it's a lifestyle and learning experience that is teaching me about portion control and making me more aware of the calorie content of foods that I would eat without giving much thought to before.

Slowly, as a I progress down this journey, I'm realizing that when faced with meal options I tend to go with healthier options because I can stretch my calories further that way. Often, I pass on sweet or salty treats because they just aren't worth the calories involved.

I use Live Strong..

But, fitday is also a good one as is calorie king. But, I think calorie king has a monthly fee. The other two are free!

Hope that helps!

Congratulations from another calorie counter.

Congrats on you weight loss. I'm new to the whole calorie counting thing and weight loss thing and hope it works for me like it did for you!

New to calorie counting! Do you find certain calories help you feeling full longer, for example protein over carbs? I tend to like the fats like almonds and avocados, but they are full of calories