Hi everyone, hope all is going well. It has taken me a long time but I've also figured out that the best way to succeed in this battle is just what Wendy and others have said. Eat healthy, exercise, and focus on health rather than the scale. I lost 50 pounds about 12 years ago and put it all back on plus more. I used a commercial program (NutriSystem) and lost the weight quickly, in just under six months but didn't have a clue how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I just slipped back into my old habits. This time I'm determined not to let that happen again! I've been having positive (though slow) results by eating healthy most of the time and allowing the occasional indulgence. So I'm hoping that this is a lifestyle I can maintain forever.

I heard this once which helps keep me motivated with the slow & steady approach - visualize each 1/4 pound lost as a stick of butter melting away. So even if the scale shows only 1/4 pound lost after a diligent week of healthy eating, I feel good about losing that stick of butter off my body. :)

However, all this talk of Costco pizza is making me hungry...yum! At least I have some nice lean beef marinated and ready to grill tonight, or I might be in the car driving to Costco right now...

Take care,
Dena