I completely overhauled my diet and began to eat a lot less.

I find that as long as I maximize my veggies and completely avoid certain foods, I don't need to count calories.

As soon as I cut out sugars and other refined carbs, my energy went WAY up. Makes the plan easier to stick to!

Actually, it looks to me like you are still eating too low. I did a quick calculation of your BMR and with no activity it's telling me that you should eat about 1400 calories to lose 2 pounds a week. That's eating 1000 calories a day less than it would take to maintain your weight, so keep in mind that even if you eat somewhere between 1400 and 2400 you should still lose weight, just not 2 pounds.

And if you are exercising, you'll want to eat even more. An activity level of "lightly active" (exercising 2-3 times weekly) you'll want to eat around 1700 calories a day.

I had to jump in with major changes. Baby steps would never have worked. I cut carbs, fat, and sugar. I cut the crap out of my diet. No fast food. No pre-packaged food. Lots of veggies. Lots of fruit. Lean meat. Zero fat yogurt. I didn't follow a set plan, but I think we know what's good and what isn't. Check nutritional values on line as needed. I tried to drink almost no calories and I drink mostly water or green tea. This is healthy. It isn't punishment and I can do it forever.

I agree with the idea of being patient. Carter hit it on the head when she said people quit because they don't lose fast enough. You will never regret the days you stay on plan. No matter what you had to bypass to do it. The only days you'll regret are the ones when you quit.

No matter how much or little you lose, you will be better off than if you didn't start. My bet is you can lose 40 - 50 pounds by the 4th of July if you put yourself into it 100%. Get into the mental game and don't let anything stop you. You can do this.

Lin

Patience and commitment. It's a lifestyle and it's forever!

A change in my attitude. I quit fighting the process and have learned to embrace and love my body, listen to it, and tweak as needed.

It is necessary for your plan to be liveable, sustainable, and sensible.

It's not like saving up $800 to buy a new stove, save, buy, be happy, goal met. It's over.