I've been in a diet/binge, diet/binge cycle for way too long. Then it finally hit me - I have to change the way I think about how I eat. For me personally, I need to see eating less as a permanent way of eating. I don't mean depravation, but small portions and cutting out all the c**p that I binge on. A permanent change in thinking is the only way I'm going to not binge on a regular basis. This realization, simple as it is, was a real epiphany for me, and I hope it helps me in my long-term dieting and attempt to look fit and trim.

That sounds like a REALLY big step! It's funny sometimes it's just really small changings in thinking that make all the difference.

I went through a similar epiphany recently, except that my approach is not to cut out the crap. Rather, i am learning to eat everything (even the crap) in smaller portions. But the epiphany part is really learning that this is FOREVER. Somehow that word never resonated before. But once i realized that this is forever, i was no longer in a hurry to lose weight. I am ok with it coming off slowly, because i know i am going to eat sensibly forever, and if i do that, there is no way could NOT come off.

So so true. I can't remember really ever "maintaining". For over 20 years, I've either been moving up the scale (while eating whatever and however much I wanted), or moving down the scale (usually by majorly restricting calories/fat/carbs/etc...). I'm hoping I've finally found my long-term plan!!

So happy for you, Tricon7! It's that epiphany that will change your life. Sometimes we just get that "click" moment and it's the road to our destiny. I got mine last summer and embraced it with all I have in me. I will NEVER go back to my old ways, NEVER.

^^This

I am taking the same approach. I'm trying to make eating better, and smaller portions, my primary goal...losing weight will just be the bonus that I get

I'm very glad it clicked for you

Less - but not as little as the restricted calorie intake that made you binge. Most people don't tend to binge without dieting first.

Just realizing what u r doing wrong is a pretty awesome accomplishment on its own. I see that my friend really believes he eats a low amount of calories and won't change because he doesn't see the error in his ways. I added his cals for him on Saturday and they totaled to 3700 before he was even done for the day. I was hoping it would be a wake up call for him. I really think its great that u figured out what the problem is and admitted it to yourself, like an alcoholic has to admit they have a problem before they seek help.

I'm sleeping better at night because of eating better. That just about does it for me and gives me the extra incentive to think about what and when I am eating before I eat it.