Newcomers looking for advice, read.

[mathmajor]

Only permanent changes will bring about permanent changes.

Do not get stuck in a "diet" mentality. You have to change your lifestyle permanently. That's like an alcoholic kicking the habit for a month and then going back. What's the point?

Also, the first two weeks are the hardest. Get through them. Eat healthy foods. Get enough calories, but limit. Force yourself to follow every single one of those weight loss guidelines for two weeks. You WILL feel different. Look? Weigh? Maybe, maybe not. But you will FEEL healthier. It WILL get easier. Days will turn into weeks, into months.

If you have one bad day, keep going. Every day is a step forward, and one step back doesn't mean anything is ruined. But just remember every naughty food is a step back.

Do it for your health. Your happiness. Your well-being.

Much love,
Mathmajor
One hundred pounds lighter.

 

[Stacy]

just remember every naughty food is a step back.

The post is great and I agree except for the above quote. I don't think that any food should be considered "naughty", only perhaps cautionary. I think if you try and 100% deny yourself certain foods you will just crave them even more. I think it's important to let yourself have small amount of something if you're really caving it and you can figure in those calories into your daily calories. Otherwise if you deny yourself too much you are more likely to binge, at least it's been that way for many people I've known. Thinking of it as a step back, or telling yourself that you're bad for eating something, is often detrimental and can lead to psychological issues when it comes to food.

Anyway, keep in mind that what works for you may not work for everyone, and weight loss advice probably shouldn't be given in absolutes. Here is a great article that I think everyone who posts (or gives advice) on this forum should read if they have the time: