Okay, so I have been on every diet there is. Last year I did body for life and it was great but all consuming. Then I quit, slowly but surely. Now I do not recognize my body. After all the intensive working out, my body has shifted quite like nothing I have seen before. I miss me. I want my hips back. I need some help getting back on track. I am a teacher, who is incredibly busy with work and home. I can not do all the working out I did before, even though I loved the results. I have a total gym and can't get myself motivated. Any advice would be appreciated. People who do not struggle with weight can not understand what it is to have the struggle. I want to do something that is easy and natural. Can anyone help? Let me know,

I would like to have a reply, trying to get signatire to work

Hi Chubbyteacher,
Welcome to 3FC. I can really relate to your post. I've struggled with my weight for 25 years and have been on every diet imaginable, some with success and some that did nothing.

I finally turned the corner when I accepted that diets do not work for me. This needs to be a very minor lifestyle change, but one that lasts forever. It has the beauty of being both easy and natural. Start by eating smaller amounts more often. Don't skip breakfast, eat lunch, eat again as soon as school is out, eat dinner, eat a snack. This will keep your body from feeling starved and will help you resist binging.

Then look for simple things you can cut out of your food intake or can add to your exercise, or even both. If you eat sandwiches for lunch, substitute low-fat mayo for the regular kind. If you eat salads, eliminate the croutons and switch to low-fat dressing. If you eat out, cut your meal in half before you start eating. Take half of it home with you. When you go shopping, park at the end of the lot and walk in. When you go home after work, make a quick lap around the block. When you get the mail, make another lap. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.

The little changes really add up. I took off 30 pounds about two years ago using this method, and have pretty much kept them off without feeling deprived. I'm now trying to take off some more. This site has been very helpful. I respond well to challenges, so post frequently on challenge threads.

Whatever method you choose, I wish you the best.

Hi and welcome. No matter what you decide to do, you'll find support and encouragement here.
I really like Body for Life. I find the food lists very easy and I can do that long term.
If you should decide you'd like to try that again ... there's a thread somewhere. I can help you find it, if you'd like.

You're on the right track.

I'm looking for a PM buddy to exchange frequent e-mails (not daily but at least 3x/week) so we can support each other and stay accountable.

I have a pesky 4-5 pounds that I need to re-lose!

Please PM me if interested!

Have a good weekend--