I have been thinking about this for quite some time now. In fact as I was working my hips and butt off (literally) during my workout, I was pondering this question.
I tried on all my clothes earlier this morning and was so happy to see that I am back in my size 12's and some of them have room to spare. This is down from a size (tight) 14 to 16 in June depending on what pants I was wearing.
So how will this time be different? How will I convince myself to maintain vs lose again?
Well, I think the answer is simple. Spark people!
I plan on continuing to track my food and my workouts even after I reach my goal weight. I am afraid if I don't, I will become complacent and decide it doesn't matter, but it sure does.
I have probably gained and lost the same 25 to 35 lbs over the last 35 years and I really don't want to do it again. It is hard work.
I think this time will be different because of the fact that I look forward to my workouts and the fact that it has helped me so much with my migraines without daily preventative medication that I took that really caused a lot of the weight gain to begin with. I have gone from 18 migraines a month to maybe 3 to 5. If I ever need to remind myself of that, I will come back and read this blog and kick myself in the butt if I have given up on exercise. Not that I think I will, but it is a good reminder all the same.
I really don't think I would have been anywhere near as successful at this weight loss if it wasn't for all my wonderful spark friends- who support, encourage and commiserate every single day. It is the best support group I have ever had and I appreciate every single person on this site and really want to thank Chris D for starting it and for spreading the spark to begin with, What an awesome person to spend his own money to encourage others to get healthy!
Thanks to all of my spark friends and let's keep on spreading the spark each and every day of our life!