I need a plan. I don't want to "fail" again.

[Tropical_Island]

At the end of 2004 in to 2005, I lost 25 pounds. I looked and felt better, my cholesterol was lowered through diet and exercise, I had more energy. I was eating better and less, exercised daily, and in doing so, I lost the weight and kept it off for almost 8 months. Then, I slowly started reverting back to "old" eating habits and slowly lagged in exercise to the point where I stopped completely. The weight that I worked so hard to peel off quickly came back within about 2 months. Since then, I have tried to lose the weight and get back in to a healthier eating and exercise pattern many times, but within a week, I am back to the "old" ways. I noticed that my jeans are getting snug, even in this larger size, and I refuse to buy the next size up--it's not a matter of vanity, rather I know that if I succumb to buying larger clothes, I will be even less likely to lose the weight. Right now, 30-40 pounds seems insurmountable, I would feel even more overwhelmed if I allow the scale to creep higher.

I just cannot seem to get back in to the swing of things. I have "started" to eat right/exercise three times this month alone. Sad, I know. I don't have any friends or family who are trying to lose weight, so I am going it alone, which makes it easier to "give up" (for me anyway).

If anyone has tips on how to get back in to the groove, and to stay there, I would really love to hear them.

I looked in to Weight Watchers, but I am confused as to the Points and Core, and my schedule wouldn't permit meetings. I did see that there is an online option, but I am not sure if the plan would work for me. It seems like an expense, but then, perhaps the expense would be a motivator.

Sorry to drone on. Who knows, maybe a public confession will serve as a motivator for me

[nbodyhome]

What do you enjoy doing? I love to walk - so finding an exercise you really enjoy is going to go a long way to helping you. I need to do better at strength training, because that is really important (especially as I'm 40 now).

Living healthier has become second nature to me now after 4 years. I was heavy otherwise for most of my adult life (I could still use to lose 20 more pounds, but I've lost 80). I think that just making small choices - not cutting out all food groups, is important. Don't keep trigger foods in the house. I can have thin mints, but not Oreos (I can't control myself around the Oreos!) I love making roasted baby red potatoes and steamed veggies, I make mostly whole wheat (with a little white) in the breadmaker. Fixing meals I really love has helped keep me from eating as much junk. We don't order out for pizza, we make it in with 1/2 whole wheat (and 1/2 white) flour. I use a little less cheese, and a little more veggies on mine. It's cheaper than most pizzarias (except for Sams Club :)) and REALLY good. I go to www.recipezaar.com for most of the recipes I use. I don't just eat chicken - I may have goulash, steak, etc. - I just don't eat tons of it at one time, I'll have a good size area of veggies on the plate and a little meat.

Find good foods you like, and exercise you enjoy. I think those two things will bring you a long way. Make tiny changes, don't feel you have to jump in all at once. I keep learning new things! Focus more on your health - how you feel, not just the weight. Blood pressure, cholesterol, those are so exciting when they are normal!

Good luck!