Hey Jennifer!!! Thanks for popping into my diary today, that was real sweet of you!! I posted a short reply back. Also, you said you were from CA in my diary, where abouts?? That's where I was born and raised. Good place!! nice weather too!!
I read about your struggles in the past, boy have we all been there. It's really hard to keep focused and make the "lifestyle" change in order to keep the weight off for life, trust me I know!! I think the hardest part for me was to stop the cravings for certain foods like "CARBS" I love bread, pasta and the only fast food I craved was "French Fries" I'm not going to be the one to tell you, STOP eating BAD FOOD, NOPE I would never do that, because I don't follow that rule. Instead, I took breaks from the so called "bad stuff" like the items I mentioned above. I would stop eating them for several weeks, then slowly "IF" I felt the need to have pasta or some fries, I would allow myself ONE day a week to do so. After about 6 months of doing this, I no longer have those cravings. Never, and I mean NEVER tell yourself you can't have something, or must not have it, because that is a total sabotage right from the start.
Weight loss is a state of mind, it's a new mind set, it's a new "lifestyle" you shouldn't have to GIVE UP anything, you just have to do it right. Like eat smaller portions, cut back on snacks, drink lots of water, and allow yourself a splurge day once a week. And of course ALWAYS do some form of exercise at least 3 days a week, ANYTHING, walking counts and so does dancing in your living room. If you can stay on top of this, then you will have NO PROBLEM getting to your goal.
I will stop by as often as I can to encourage you along your journey, I have no doubt you will make it!! Keep up the positive attitude, Don't get upset with yourself if you have a "bad day" and don't get discouraged if the scale doesn't show you what you want to see. Use a tape measure and keep that updated weekly, that is the true test of accomplishment, This I learned the hard way. Lots of luck to you my friend, and I wish you a great goal week!!
Hugs!
Kim