The secrets to my weight-loss maintenance (Athleta gift card giveaway).

by


(MizBeerThruStraw to MizAlmostRunsLikeWind.)

The longer I write about health & fitness the more I realize losing weight/getting healthy is, indeed, the easy part.

Sure it’s challenging to get started.

Yes it can be daunting to stay on our fit-paths & not veer off onto Slacker Lane or Poptarts Place.

Yet the number of emails I receive** from people (fingerquotes) at goal (unFQ) and filled with panic because they’re terrified they wont be able to maintain the loss is staggering.

Do I have all the answers? No.

Do I know what worked for me to shed 35ish pounds & keep it at bay for 17+ years? Yes.

  • I ate Breakfast. I began my trudge down this path never eating a morning meal, 35 pounds heavier and possessed zero muscle tone.  I started down this path approximately 17 years ago.  In 17 years Ive never once skipped breakfast.  Ever.  ‘Nuff said.
  • It was NOT about the vessel. Before I get all it was about the inside! it was about how I felt!! on you allow me to clarify: it was initially about the outside.  It was about the fact I couldn’t fit into my interview suits and I was too damn cheap & poor to procure new ones.  That incentive, however, quickly waned.  I realized to sustain my commitment to healthful living I needed more motivation than my snazzy red skirt suit. Which led me to…
  • I created a Fitness Mission Statement®. Simply put: this phrase captures why I do what I do in the realm of health. Precisely what I’m doing at any given time may change (from karate to kettle bells) but why has remained fairly static over the almost two decades.  Make time to sit, think, and write down exactly why you want to lose weight/maintain your weight-loss.  Specifics beyond skinny jeans or bikini-season.  If you’re stuck perhaps consider how this endeavor impacts all facets of your life and not just what’s in your closet.
  • I chose to be healthy. I still do.  I wake each morning and recommit to the path I’ve chosen.  I take personal responsibility for the decisions I make throughout my day.  Sure they’re not always the best (Howdy aforementioned Poptart Place! Greetings Skipped Workout Blvd!) but I accept responsibility, acknowledge, & decide to choose more wisely next time.
  • I was consistent. I am consistent.  I also consistently do less than my body is capable of doing.  I started off like a misfit a’fire and quickly overtrained.  I fell head-over-heels in love with my emerging muscles and lifted so frequently they began to grow *smaller* (go me!). It was then I realized unless I was training to compete I responded better to shorter workouts.  Brief, intense sessions leave my body craving MORE the next day—not so wrecked & sore I dread exercising again.  This consistency, and ZERO FITS & STARTS, has changed my life.  More than staying physically fit I’ve avoided the emotional beating starting & stopping healthy living does to us all.
  • I recognized I had worth even if nothing changed. I was already enough. Whether this translated to treating myself better and helped me stay on my path is debatable, but the fact this realization has permeated & impacted every facet of my life is not. From my world of work to my inter-personal relationships I *know* I am worthy.

 

So there you have it.

The six tips I credit for helping me maintain my loss for 17 years without a slip or sliiiiiiiide back into old habits.

Ever.

Now you.

Whether you’ve been on your journey for one day or a thousand I’m confident you’ve picked up a trick or three.

What’s the biggest!thing! you’ve learned thus far?

You may be entered to win an 100.00 gift card to Athleta for the lowlow cost of your best healthy living tip below.

I know I cheered when Athleta was founded (five long years into my healthy living journey) as I adored both the apparel they sold and the fit, *strong*, powerful looking women represented in their catalog’s pages.

 

USA only. Winner announced 6.27.11

**And interview requests. Here’s where I unapologetically link my snippet on Yahoo! homepage as unless I tweet my privates or get me a reality show I may never make it there again.

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Comments

  1. My best tip, something that has taken me years to learn, is to consider myself worthy of my time. Too often my time has been spent on someone else – and after becoming a parent it really went to everyone else! But I neglected myself to the point of becoming run-down and therefore less useful to those around me.

    Now I make the time for exercise, I spend the extra money on healthy foods for myself and not just the kids, and I take time to relax. I just turned 35 and I’m probably in better shape than any other time in my life. And that feels good.

  2. Damn Miz!!
    That’s you?
    My tip is read your blog 🙂

    (OK my tip is just get started! Now. Don’t wait. Do not put it off.)

  4. I am struggling with that last one and would love a post only on that Miz.

    My tip would be the same as yours and one I need to even learn for me.

    Do not run yourself into the ground. Take breaks and days off.

  5. My best tip to maintenance is to give away all your “fat” clothes. Tell yourself you will never need them again and buy the cute fun clothes that fit you!

  6. My best tip is to get supporters.

    I’m curious if you did that too, Miz? I am supporting my wife in her efforts and would give this prize to her.

  7. I love Athleta stuff and want to win 🙂

    I would say prepare foods that are healthy and always have them in the fridge waiting for you.

    Rock on Miz.

    I hope this means you will be in their catalog???

    HOW COOL.

  8. My biggest lesson so far is that it’s all about feeling worthy. If you don’t believe, deep down, that you deserve the change you are trying to make, you will keep sabotaging yourself.

    I love Athleta! New workout clothes are one way to send a message to yourself that you deserve good things.

  9. My biggest change happened when I embraced real change in my habits. I accepted a new lifestyle. I didn’t make all the changes at one time, but many changes over time. (like how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time). Now I lead a much healthier lifestyle and I love it! You must want & embrace the changes that need to be made for YOU. Not for someone else.

    Great post Miz! Congrats for maintaining for 17 years! What an inspiration!

  10. Surround yourself in a healthy lifestyle: food, exercise, taking care of yourself!!! I take time now to take care of me. I never did this before, it was all about the family, i was a martyr mom thinking thats what you had to be to bo a good mom, Nope!!! Now i spend time with my kids and we have more enjoyable time together, cause my head isnt spending every second obsessing about ME!!! I can enjoy them more cause i am more comfortable with me!!! Silly me, i should have lst the weight years ago!!!

  11. You had me at SEVENTEEN YEARS.
    You really never regained any of it?

    I’m in awe, Lady.

    Write a freakin book.

  12. Take ACTION. Until you start actually doing something, whether it’s a small action like taking a walk every day, or a large action like joining a gym and committing to ‘clean’ eating, you have to choose, every single day, not to just dream about it but to get up and do it.

  14. You are my motivation. I think motivation from inside and outside sources are invaluable!!! When the inside starts to wain I look to outside resources (MIZFIT) to help me stay on track. Having hypothyroidism makes it difficult when I’m out of balance because the weight comes on out of no where. I have to remind myself constantly to stay motivated and healthy. Remembering I am the same person no matter what I weigh (uaually it fluctuates 10 lbs.)helps to overcome my pity parties:)It is a long road to self acceptance but it is worth the hard work. THANK YOU for your continued motivation, kindness and humor!

  16. SLEEP! I can’t workout, eat healthy, think healthy if I’m exhausted. Even taking a nap or a break can change my whole perspective. Thanks once again MizFit for a fab post!

  17. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to take care of your body and it will take care of you in return. Example: take calcium while running and recovering from ED or you will end up with a stress fracture!

  18. I think the biggest challenge for me was learning to make time to exercise. I am a stay at home mom and my time revolved around my family’s needs. Once I got into a habit of exercising it became part of my routine and gave me balance in my life. I realized that I deserve that time to work out because it not only helped me to achieve my weight loss goals but it made me a better wife and mother. I love that my healthy behavior has become a way of life for not only me but I am setting a positive example for my children.

  19. Great post! I’ve kept 35 lbs off for over 2 years now. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to never under estimate what you think you can accomplish. I *never* thought I’d ever be a runner, and now I’m training for my 3rd 1/2 marathon. I amaze myself every day by not giving up.

    Thanks for all of your inspiration!

    • I hear you saying I need to get off my ass, errr, glutes and git to finishing my FMS book. It really entirely wholly and utterly has kept me on my path.

  21. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are not your sister, mother, BFF, and certainly don’t compare yourself to your spouse!

    You will gain NOTHING at all by comparing yourself to how fast or slow another person is losing weight. Even if you’re losing more, the satisfaction you get from that will be fleeting.

    Do you what you know you have to do, over and over and over again. Every single day. Live it. You will see results.

  22. Being so close to reaching my goal has me worried about the maintenance part because I’ve been here before, numerous times, and always ended up regaining the weight. I know this time is different but it’s still scary. My biggest tip is that we need to find what works for us individually and not try to squeeze ourselves into someone else’s diet/lifestyle box. Every diet/exercise plan will work if you stick with it long enough but if you are just going through the motions and not making it a part of your life for the long term the results won’t last.

    As always, thanks for the good advice.

  23. Always keep moving. The best exercise there is – the one you will do. Dont give up.

  24. We are both on the I AM WORTH IT route today! Great minds think alike! 🙂

    So, like you, I lost my weight years & years ago & have maintained it & even got better, firmer, leaner with time! Yes, I started eating breakfast, yes, I am worth it, YES – CONSISTENCY, YES – find something both exercise & healthy foods that work for you & fits into your lifestyle. YES – I CHOOSE to do what I do & live this life in this way..

    So, I am on board with you all this especially consistency & finding what works for you but right next to all of that – wait for it cause this is what I also have to do always…

    KEEP LEARNING WHETHER FROM YOUR “MISTAKES” OR JUST LEARNING TO LEARN!

    I have been maintaining for 30 years+++ but the learning along the way & now has taught me how to be even healthier & to keep on keeping on! 🙂

  25. I’ve learned that slow and steady wins the race. I need to enjoy the journey and take it one day (sometimes one meal at a time). Theres no quick fix to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It takes time, effort, patience, and dedication. It’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way so you can enjoy and appreciate the larger victories and it gives motivation to achieve the bigger goals.
    Lastly, this journey is all about ME! who cares how much someone else has lost or how fit they are. Things are never what they seem. I have to be selfish and put me first so I can be 100% for those I love and care about.

  26. We hear this all the time but it’s true…YOU CAN’T OUT TRAIN A BAD DIET.

    Once I figured that one out, my body transformed before my eyes.

  27. Wow, that doesn’t even look like you!!
    I always say “Try before you cry” – you never know what you’ll like, what you’re good at, etc unless you TRY.

  28. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that my healthy body is the best tool I have. I still have a long way to go, but since I’ve gotten my body in (way) better shape I don’t have to stress over a vacation or a piece of birthday cake because my body is healthy and can handle it.
    My biggest tip would have to be to schedule your workouts. It’s not enough to just say “I’m going to make time for myself.” I have to schedule it just like any other appointments. Otherwise I have a tendency to let any old distraction take up my day.
    BTW, Miz, 17 years? Seriously? Now that is proof positive!

  29. Wow. You look so so so different.

    I say train with your spouse or partner if you have one and can get them to do it!
    It works for me.

  30. My tip is to move my body everyday!! NOT multiple choice……works for my physical as well as my my mental health!! 🙂

  31. When I was 25 pounds heavier than I am now, me-myself&I wasn’t a good enough reason to get fit. I didn’t like myself much. If that’s the case, I suggest finding something outside yourself to be your reason. I chose my son. I want him to see a mom that can do more than fall asleep on the couch every afternoon. I want him to see me run a 5K. I want him to know he can do it, too. As I progress, me-myself&I becomes a more compelling reason to get (and stay) fit.

  32. I cannot agree more with 1. eating breakfast and 2. consistency! I also think that its important that we find healthy living activities that we ENJOY. I know so many women that run because they feel like that is the only way….but it makes them miserable. Who wants to stick to a plan that makes them miserable?

  33. You say the no fits and starts all the time, MizFit, but it had not clicked until today.

    I get it now with you saying it is about the emotional beating those do for us, too.

    Thank you so very much.

  34. What has helped me most in maintenance is planning. On the weekend, I plan my workouts for the week, and I have made them “non-negotiable.” Sometimes I have to reschedule, but not doing them is not an option. (Unless I’m sick or injured of course.) I also plan my meals. Over the years, I have learned to be a bit more flexible however. So now I plan five dinners for the week, but I’m flexible as to when we eat them. Breakfast is pretty much always the same (oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and walnuts), and I also have enough “interesting” lunch options around.

  35. I haven’t needed to lose weight, but have needed to develope a healthier relationship with food and exercise. The biggest tip I have is to accept yourself as you are each and every day. And tied to that tip is to embrace each day fully. Instead of thinking about all the months/years of healthy living ahead of you, think of just today. You can always wake up tomorrow and decide to be unhealthy, but you probably won’t want to with all the momentum you’ve gained.

  36. I think it’s important for people to realize that this isn’t just about the physical, in fact it’s probably MORE a mental process. Maintenance is somewhere I’ve not stayed long, but looking forward to trying my hand at it again with my wiser self 😉

  37. You nailed it for me too.

    Love yourself freely no matter what.

    I’m so happy to see you and Athleta together 🙂

    They rock.

  38. These are some really amazing tips! I recently sat down and re-visited my health/fitness mission statement. It was one that I had drafted back in ’09, at the suggestion of my personal trainer. While it seemed trivial at first – I want to lose weight, what left is there to say, lol? -, it has definitely been an anchor in keeping all of my extended objectives in view.

    My largest thing has actually been consistency. That common sense factor was something I’ve needed to learn, get used to and apply to my everyday life. I knew *what* to do and actually would do what I knew was right … errrm, intermittently. Which was not a winning formulat.

    My other tip deals with empowerment. Yes, I have the freedom and power to eat what I want, whenever I want and how much I want. But, I also have the freedom and power NOT to. That, among much else, keeps me going.

  39. For me it was learning that I truly enjoyed the workout time to be in my head. To push my body and feel as though I was doing something for ME. Taking time out of my day because I actually really loved it and knew I needed it. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally and spiritually.

    Now there is not much that can top starting a morning with the sunrise and God time. Love it! And I love knowing that I consider myself important enough to be able to make time to do it!!

  40. Never give up.

    I’ve had a lot of pitfalls (injuries) and each time I think it’s the end. But the reality is, each time it’s a chance for me to start again. I will NEVER give up. I can’t.

  41. My best tip is to do what works for you. There’s lots of advice out there. Some of it will work for you and some of it won’t. It’s OK to pick and choose. Just because one thing doesn’t work for you does not make you a failure or give you a reason to quit. Find what works and stick to it.

  42. My biggest tip: Don’t let one bad meal or skipped workout derail you. Remember it’s a lifestyle and just get right back to clean eating and exercise at the very next meal/chance!

  43. I don’t find the time to exercise, I make the time. I do this first thing in the morning so that my day can’t interfere with exercising. This is my commitment to myself. When I am exercising, my body naturally craves the food that will replenish it, so I tend to eat healthier. I rather eat some fruit, yogurt or veggies instead of the junk.

    Also, a body in motion tends to stay in motion, so when I am in the habit of exercising, I keep doing it. The time I take out of my day to exercise comes back two-fold in that I am much more efficient at getting my work done.

  45. Love this post and love Athleta. This hits home for me because I also think, in some way, it is easier to lose than to maintain. Guess that’s what has made me a yo-yo dieter for so many years. So the one thing that resonates for me right now is the idea that if I eat what I used to eat I will weigh what I used to weigh.

  47. Well,actually being a runner for many years was obviously not all I needed to become “healthy”. Making lifestyle changes in the consumption department has opened my eyes in regards to my body and how it really feels. I can describe myself as “lean” now. My tip is be healthy from start to finish all day long. Our busy schedules as mom, working mom whatever can still allow us to “be healthy”. Turn off the TV, bypass the drive thru. Instead, take a walk with your kids, ride a bike along with them, plant a garden, plant a lifestyle change.

  48. Great tips! 2 that help me (sometimes) :):
    1) Go to sleep in my workout clothes to make it easier to get to the gym in the am
    2) On days when I’m dragging, commit to a 10 minute workout. If I still want to leave afterward, I can (and sometimes I do!)

    I love to work out, but the tips help get me started when my mojo takes a nap

  49. What I have learned is that ~100 pounds later I am still perched atop Matterhorn Mountain and I have a super speed luge strapped to my ass.

  51. My biggest tip is to accept and embrace mistakes. They’re inevitable, but it’s important to learn from them so they don’t happen again.

  52. my biggest tip is to not get tripped up by a set-back. whether you ate three extra cookies or slept through your morning run, get right back on track. don’t wait until ‘next week’ to start over because there will always be a ‘next week’!

  53. Our lists are quite similar! My only addition is that I made changes over time, not all at once, and let myself get used to them. Or ditch them if I didn’t like them or they seemed detrimental to the process. 🙂

  54. The biggest thing I’ve learned is the process is worth it. I may want to be a smaller size *now,* but the journey way more fun than the destination.

  55. My biggest tip is to just stay on the plan! We all slip, but it’s not the slip that counts. It’s how we recover. Many people (me included) slip once and it snowballs into days, weeks… The best advice is that it’s ok to slip, but just recover right back to where you were and that slip wont deter your goals.

  56. Loved reading your story and tips. Biggest tip I can give is be committed to your overall fitness. For me, this is scheduling it in my calendar. No different than all the other things you schedule, schedule your fitness sessions and stick to it!

  57. What a great post!!(yet again)

    The biggest thing I’ve learned (so far) from losing 101 lbs and succesfully keeping it off, is that you have to try your best to keep a positive attitude about yourself. Even if the scale goes back up a pound or two, or maybe the jeans feel a bit snug…it’s only a moment in time and it’s nothing to worry about. It’s nothing to derail your sucess about. It’s nothing to feel BAD about.
    Love your self always!!

  58. I love ALL of these tips and I am with some of the other posters: My biggest tip is to make yourself a priority and take each day at a time and each meal at a time. Too often in the past I would berate myself for indulging, and then I would throw my whole healthy eating plan out the window! Now if I have an indulgent day I think “Ok, tomorrow I will scale back and get back to regularly scheduled programming”. It is a kinder way to treat myself and to stay focused.

  59. My biggest tip …. is to do what makes you feel good. To do that, you have to plug into your body and recognize that, yes, one beer is nummy and might feel good going down your throat after a lawn-mowing session but three beers is just going to make you feel icky. Sugar might make me feel good in the moment, but I will feel like crapdeathmisery in about 15 minutes.

  60. My best tip is a quote from Bruce Lee, “Absorb what is useful. Discard what is not. Add what is uniquely your own.”

    I have found it so useful in so many ways! From the basics of breathing and fueling your body to dealing with interactions with those around you

  61. I love you and I love Athleta!!!
    My tip is just don’t stop.
    Even when the scale makes you want to.

  62. Great Miz tips! 🙂 You are such a huge inspiration to me! I seriously can not believe I met you in person. lol

    Tj’s tip: Always believe in yourself. No matter what obstacles you face, you are capable & deserving of success! 🙂

  63. I’ve been under goal for 4 years now. I changed my lifestyle with Weight Watchers.

    Key for me is to keep setting fitness goals. Keep attending WW meetings and weighing in weekly. Keep monitoring my food intake. Keep having treats in moderation

  64. The scale shouldn’t determine how you feel about yourself today. Listen to your body, understand what it wants and needs for today.
    If it wants broccoli. Eat it.
    If it wants to run. Run.
    If it wants chocolate. Eat Chocolate.

  65. AH HA moment, Miz.

    I am making that my mantra: it is not about the vessel.

    Thank you so much.

    Yvonne

  67. My tip–remember that you always have a choice. Try to make choices that move you towards your goal. And if the last choice you made didn’t help you, the next one can.

  69. I’m still working toward that goal, but my best advice is to listen to my body, not just what the number on the scale says. Don’t be a slave to the numbers! Also, for me, working out and healthy eating go hand in hand. I cannot have one without the other!

  70. I forgave myself. Someone told me I was self-defeating. Difficult to hear when I thought I had the best self-esteem in the world! But when I looked in the mirror, I saw I was beating myself up when I missed workouts, cheated on my weight loss plan, or anything that may have diverted my healthy lifestyle. Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Your body will thank you!

  71. My biggest tip I have learned so far is, you make time for what is important to you. If health/fitness is important.. you will make time for it. Even if it is only 30 minutes a day, or making the small changes during your day! Make time for it 🙂

  72. I think the thing that has helped me the most is to NOT diet. Instead, I changed the way I ate and what I ate. Instead of restricting the amount of food, I allowed myself to eat often, but I chnaged what I ate. I also gave myself a “free day”. That way, if I were tempted to eat junk, I could just mentally say, “I can have it on my free day.” Most of the time, when the free day came along, I would not want it anymore.

  73. My biggest key is to track all my food. Whether it be with WW Points, or calories, or both, I gotta keep track to make sure I don’t go WAY over board.

  74. WAIT.
    Does this mean you will be blogging there too?
    I love their chi blog!

    My tip is finding like minded friends.

  75. I’ve learned that the same fitness/nutrition methods don’t work for everyone. You really have to figure out what works for you.

  76. you are such an inspiration, woman! here are the 3 tips (that i need to keep reminding myself of)
    1. i am the same beautiful, wonderful person regardless of my weight. losing 5 pounds does not equal losing my problems.
    2. working out and exercising make me feel great. the joy of living healthy is an ends in itself, not a means to an end (like a bikini).
    3. listening to my body is the biggest key for me. my BODY, not my mind. it knows best! but sometimes it’s hard to ignore the voice in my head…but i’m learning how to…gradually.

  77. Such a good post, and so timely, Miz. Many in our blog world are thinking and talking about the conundrum of weight loss maintenance.

    My most recent tip is to make a decision. You can use a program, a book, a system or whatever to help you lose the weight. But completely apart from that guidance, you must make the decision that you are doing this (not ‘they’ are doing it for you.) Does that make sense?

    And the other is what I’ve said from the start: What I’m doing now is not working. I must do something else. This can be applied to any aspect of this healthy living journey.

    Thanks for making all of us think and share. I’ve enjoyed the comments as well as the post.

  78. My tip would be to be accountable. To other people, to your family, but most of all to you. This largely involves, for me, cutting the crap and being real. Yes, I’m eating a candy bar. It’s not because I deserve it, or because I’ll rearrange my calories for the day, or because I’ve promised to run later; it’s because I want the freaking candy bar. I’ve found that when I’m honest with myself, it’s a lot easier to stay “on track” because I don’t feel guilty nearly as often. Sometimes, I exercise simply because I think it will make my ass look better, because on those days, grand aspirations of total healthy and self-awareness just aren’t going to cut it. Some days I just need to know my ass will look good. And if I’m honest about that, I’m more likely to go outside and run.

  79. I’ve learned that the best time of day for me to get my workout in and stick to it is at the butt-crack of dawn…or I won’t do it! So that is what I do!

  80. I think it’s important to stay in the mindset that it’s a given that you are committed to being healthy. Even when you make choices that are not in line with being healthy, you are a healthy person who made a conflicting choice, not an unhealthy person who slipped back into who they are.

  82. 1) kitchen is closed at 9pm (2ish hours before bed)
    2) I second Monina above: FORGIVE yourself for not starting sooner, for gaining the wait back, for letting it all get so far out of control. Today is a new day. We cannot change yesterday.

  83. My biggest tips by far are 1)Ignore the haters! When you start living healthy, some people will undoubtedly make fun of you, get annoyed by you, etc. and 2)Find some people that think your a badass for living so healthy, people that will inspire you and keep you motivated.

  84. the biggest thing i’ve learned is that you need to make time. this is true in 2 senses – 1) weight loss will not happen overnight. it can be a slow process that is going to require hard work and dedication and 2) preparing healthy meals and working out is going to take up time each day. eventually these new actions will become part of your lifestyle.

  85. Make it as easy as possible to eat healthy, exercise and get enough rest. What works for me may not work for you. I don’t buy junk food, trying to make healthy food easy to prepare. I enjoy my exercise which includes a variety of things so I can switch it up depending on how I feel. I go to bed and get up at the same time every day and if I’m tired later in the day, I take a nap. Everyone’s comments are so great!

  86. Don’t let one bad choice ruin your momentum. So you slept in and missed a certain fitness class – go do your own thing at the gym or go for a walk instead, the class will be there another day. You ate too much at a party, tomorrow is a new day, start it with a healthy breakfast. Don’t beat yourself up,

  88. For me, listening to my body and eating for how I feel RIGHT NOW is what works best. Don’t worry about what you’ll be having later or what you’ve eaten before. A little bit hungry now? Have a snack! Ravenous but it’s not quite dinner time? Eat a meal anyway! It’s meal time but you’re not hungry yet? Hold off, don’t stuff it down!

  89. My best tip, and I had to learn this myself, is to stop making excuses for why you are where you are. As soon as I accepted responsibility for myself and stopped blaming others, I became empowered and inspired. Second tip, love yourself even when you are not at your best or your ideal body size…love yourself all the time. Period. Exclamation point.

  90. One step at a time.

    No more.

    Thanks for the chance and this amazing, inspiring post MizFit.

  93. I drool over the Athleta catalog every time I get one in the mail, but have yet to convince myself that *I* can wear their gorgeous clothes. Still not quite seeing myself as a fit, active person – well, enough, apparently.

    My tip? Oftentimes, what we think is hunger is really thirst. Drink a huge glass (or two) of water before eating that snack. You might not really need it. (and yes, I’m talking to myself here)

  94. My best healthy living tip is find the exercise you love to do. It doesn’t have to be the latest fad, just something or many.something you find fun to do. This will keep you going back.

  96. My best healthy living tip is your last bullet point. Realizing that if I never ever lose another pound in my life, I’ll still be worthy of all the love I have coming my way. ?

    Still working on all that other stuff, though. 🙂

  97. The one big thing that has helped me on my journey so far is to accept that it’s not going to be easy. I’ve tried the easy way out for too many years, jumping from one “quick fix” to another. Once I acknowledged that it was going to be hard my whole attitude changed.

  98. The best thing I’ve learned over the years is to appreciate my body, no matter what my weight is, for showing up every day. The older I get, the more this tip works for me. Instead of being disappointed with the reflection in the mirror like I was for most of my life, I’m now like “damn, my 45 year old legs just ran for an hour, and they are lookin’ GOOD for their age!”

  99. My best tip: Be consistent, in other words do something every day that contributes to your health, but also listen to your body to determine what is best at that time.

  100. I’m learning not to even say, “This time” because it is all one big learning curve.

    I’ve learned I’m worth it right now, and I’m enough.

    I’ve learned that I will never achieve ALL that I want to be.

    I’ve learned that small consistent attempts make my life better, and that makes it worth it no matter my “Hollywood style appearance score” status.

  101. Great post!

    I move … because I can!!

    So my tip is that most of us need to get off our butts and get moving because we can! Some others can not.

    My sis was confined to a wheelchair for most of her life due to a severe physical Cerebral Palsy issue. She never understood why people that could move … didn’t. I don’t move out of guilt, but simply … because I can!

  103. Great post! Seeing steps laid out is such a help, especially when they come from someone who’s travelled the path to Poptarts Place. *guilty of that one*

    I’ve realized that I need to track what I’m eating. Seeing it in black and white makes me think about what I am eating and what I have done to myself with bad choices. When I want something that I know isn’t a good choice, I think about it, knowing I’m going to have to write it down.

    Having a goal is important for me too. Last year I started running with the goal to do my first 5K before I turned 45. I’m 46 now and I’ve finished four 5Ks and 2 half marathons. I’m stronger, mentally and physically, than I’ve ever been. It’s a cool feeling. 🙂

  104. Make exercising *your* priority. Don’t fit it in. Schedule it and make it happen. I think getting it done first thing in the morning so I don’t get caught up in the activities and stresses of the day is crucial.

  108. My tip is to never give up on your day.

    Even if it is already 8:30 p.m. and you have done ZERO ate ate horribly, you can still hit restart on your day, drink a big glass of water, and do some simple exercises like squats, jumping jacks, or push ups.

    At least when you go to bed you’ll know you never gave up on yourself and you will be motivated to make more of the next day.

  109. Eating fruits and veggies is the single most thing that helps me maintain my weight. If I munch on berries or a banana in the morning, I’m not so tempted when the doughnut tray comes around. An apple and almonds in the afternoon goes a LONG way. Mom was right, gals- eat your fruits and veggies!!!

  110. My best tip is to be PROUD to be the weirdo making the ‘healthified’ spaghetti squash pasta, not ashamed. PROUD that exercise is my stress release, not a happy hour with too much beer and fried stuff. I don’t apologize for me or my ‘weirdo’ choices.

  111. Great tips Carla! I guess my one tip would be to tell someone “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO!! It really is just about making the decision and then doing what it takes to accomplish it. Never give up is another one, no matter how many times you fall down.

  113. Prevention is the best safety. When I was 26, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and first thought everything would downward spiral. Then, I realized I had a chance to preserve my body and prevent the worst damage, so I got healthy! Now, I live for myself and to show others more fortunate than me that with healthy habits, or prevention, we will have the best safety – our health!

  114. My tip is to be focused. Stay in the moment and focus both your body and mind completely on what you are doing. You do yourself an extreme disservice by being only halfway in the moment. Leave your troubles, worries, dinner plans, and your hectic schedule at the door and go KICK SOME ASS! 🙂

  115. Realizing this is a long term commitment makes the difference. To be fit and healthy we have to give up the junk, and most people just don’t want to. Also, realizing food is fuel and not the answer to being sad, bored, happy, or tired will go a long way in helping you to make good choices. Thanks for the tips.

  116. I’m still in process of reaching a healthy weight, but the main thing I’ve learned so far is don’t wait until tomorrow.

  117. One of my best health tips is to realize that being active and trusting my intuitive eater is about taking care of my own self and not able pleasing others or trying to make myself into a “better looking” person. Knowing you already ARE a beautiful person, you’ll learn that enjoying activities and eating colorful foods is about making yourself feel good 🙂

  118. I’m not there yet, but what’s driving me is the reminder that I don’t want to be held back. I’ve spent too long worrying about not being X enough to do Y… not fit enough to wear a certain outfit, not fit enough to take part in an activity. Which just results in more inactivity, more fat days.

    Love the tips! Love Athleta!

  120. I’d had many motivations, but becoming a mom has been the most eye-opening – life has shown me that the unexpected will happen, and right now I need to be fit and healthy enough to deal with it and be there for my children. So making time for myself and running either early early or at sunset has become “my time”, time to just let it go. And it makes me a better person and mother. The most drastic example – when the (very fast) three year old decided to take off down a half-mile driveway toward a major highway (while I was helping his sister). If I hadn’t been running regularly so that I could react and sprint after him . . . I still shudder at what could have happened.

  121. I think the best way to get healthy and be healthy is to go back to basics. Move more, walk to places, run, unplug and work in the garden, go for a hike, spend more time with friends and family. Say NO to packaged foods, no matter how many ‘natural’ labels are stuck to them. Eat minimal amount of sugar, less grains, more fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat pesticide-free, non-GMO foods, preferably grown in your own garden. Raise your own chickens for eggs or meat, if you must. I know this sounds like a lot of advice, but really, that’s what going back to basics means to me.

  123. It took me a while to understand “you can’t out train a bad diet”. I also fell into the ’90s trap of fat-free (pretzels, bread, graham crackers) is good. I need to stay away from refined carbs (moderation works great for some people…I am a little bit too much of an all or nothing personality) and finally, protein is good!

  124. oh please please please let’s have a reality show!! about snarky mommas? and can we invite Snooki?

    i have no words of wisdom other than to say for me it’s not enough to say “i want to be able to play hard and keep up with my daughter” if i’m just focused on the enjoyment it would bring her. has to be about the fun I will have being able to fly down the slip n slide. not in a selfish way, just need to own it for myself.

  125. I think its important to make your goals and keep them in focus, and worked towards. I think my tip is though, making sure life is being lived in the mean time. If you keep your nose pressed to the gym, and forget to look up, things change. Life is still happening around you, so you gotta find that balance.

    I like your ways of maintaining. Can’t wait to get there.

  126. For me, honestly, it’s my two daughters.

    I will never forget being 10 years old and seeing my mother run – I was SHOCKED! I didn’t know she could run. Seriously. I did not think mothers ever did anything. Why was my mother running? There was a fire in the oven and she had to run from the couch to take care of it. She wasn’t overweight, smoking helped keep her weight under control.

    I teach kettlebell and my 15 year old begs me to make sure she can attend my classes. I have run half marathons where my husband has been kind enough to bring the girls to different points of my run so they can cheer me on. I will never forget running my first half marathon and having my then 3 year old run the last few feet with me crossing the finish together.

    Things can be different. Our history and families do not have to define us.

    Go Mizfit readers!

  127. My tip (something I am still working on) is to keep the promises you make to yourself. If you say you will exercise, stick to your plan today, whatever, do it! You can’t believe in yourself if you are constantly lying to yourself! Oh, and be kind to yourself. Everyone struggles. You are not less than the rest because you do.

  128. The tip I give every single one of my clients who want to lose weight, whether they’re paying me an hourly rate or simply coming to a free class:

    Whatever you do to lose weight, make sure it is something that you can do for the rest of your life. If you start something with the intention of stopping it again at some point (e.g. after the graduation/wedding/child’s graduation/child’s wedding) you are telling yourself that it will be okay to gain the weight back at some point in the future. Better to lose your weight slowly and set yourself up for future success than to lose weight only to gain it back again!

  129. It took me one year of life spinning “out of control” on a foundation of habits where food was reward and punishment… bam 50 pound weight gain. It took me eight years to lose it. It was a journey, with a lot of missteps (diets, “all or nothing” thinking etc. etc.)

    It’s hard for me to add a tip that I didn’t already read in these comments. I think there are so many positive comments here all focusing on self-care and meeting your needs. This is amazing to read because most people struggle with being positive and non-judgmental.

    I can feel the self and group love and that has strength and with strength you have power and with power you have possibility.

    My advice is to “be inquisitive” ask yourself: what do I really need in this present moment? And give yourself that. Sometimes, it’s a workout. Sometimes it’s a glass of wine. Sometimes it’s ice cream. Sometimes it’s sleep.

    I have felt the utmost freedom when I just ask, listen, and do.

  130. As so many others have said – you are worthy of the time, the effort, the sweat, the tears, the emotion.

    But my mantra? What I say when I don’t think I can do anything?

    “One more minute.” I can do anything for 60 seconds, and often times, I lose track of time and soon enough, I’ve done more than I even thought I could.

    That mind set has gotten me through training for a 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon, a marathon, multiple triathlons, and even a last minute running relay race.

    GO US.

  131. Yes! A hearty yes to all six tips. I think my healthy living tip and the one I am continuing to try to embody and learn on a daily basis is what goes in and how it makes me feel. Sure, something may taste good, but how does it make me feel? This is all about listening to my body and learning to be friends with it. Balanced eating is a part of this, but really how does what I’m eating affect how I am- that question is front of mind on a regular basis.

  132. I have learned after almost twenty years of an eating disorder and really in the past 5 years with the help of a great therapist, that I am worthy to be healthy and happy.So, for me it is not about losing weight but keeping myself in a healthy, toned body that can excercise, be there for my family and friends. This all has been achieved through eating consciously 5-6X a day, starting with the most important meal breakfast. I try to stay away from junk food but also know that the occasional treat is ok. I do a lot of pep talking to myself, some days are harder than others and I have to tell myself if I want to lift a certain pound of weight tomorrow I need good fuel. I would not starve my kids so I will not starve myself anymore. So, I make time for eating the right amount of food and the right amount of meals, excercising daily and getting plenty of sleep and plenty of water. We all deserve to be healthy, happy women!! Thank you so much for your wonderful website.

  133. Great, great tips. I try to remember the same ones myself every day. Commit to commit. Then do it again and again.
    I’m printing yours out and posting on my fridge and above the hook that holds my gym bag.

    Thanks once again.

  134. Every day is a clean slate to do with what you want. Don’t think about all that you did (ate a lot of really bad stuff!) or didn’t do (exercise!) yesterday. Begin again anew each day.

    It also helps me to think about simply putting one foot in front of the other. It reminds me that it is the small steps we take each day that make a difference. And, you just need to keep moving forward…

  135. My best tip is to ditch the “all or nothing” mindset. If you ate like crap for lunch or only have time for 20 minutes at the gym instead of 60, go to the gym anyway. Perfection is boring, overrated, and not sustainable for the rest of your life.

    And you totally rock, Carla!

  136. The best tip that has helped me stay on my journey is to look at yourself in the mirror, smile and tell yourself that you are worth it. Putting myself down is what has gotten me to where I am. Such a vicious circle. Seeing and feeling myself get stronger helps me know that I am doing the right thing.

  137. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how powerful the mind really is, especially when you have doubt in your ability, whether just starting out or further along your path. The mind can convince you to do things you never thought you could do simply by telling yourself that “Yes, you can do it”. It is wonderful and awesome to discover this and oh so much more.

    Also, I need to win this so badly because there is an Athleta hot mama dress that has my name written all over it. IJS.

  138. My tip would be…..no matter what excuses you have just go to the gym. Don’t even say I’ll just do 5 minutes. Just literally get your butt inside the gym. I have found that if I just make myself step inside the gym, I’ll do the whole workout I had planned because “hey I might as well…I’m already here!”

  140. I pour a glass of water before bed so it’s not cold when I wake up–then, add a squeeze of lemon in the morning and I have a nice little wake me up:)

  141. When I feel like I don’t want to work out, I make myself put my tennis shoes on. Once I’ve gotten that far, more than likely I will keep going and work out, or at least take a short walk. If I’m dressed and I still just can’t get out the door, then I give myself a one day pass, but usually by the time you’re dressed, it’s easier just to keep the momentum going, even if it’s not as hard a work out as originally planned. 🙂

  143. I’m probably not the best person to be giving a fitness tip, but the thing that has been most helpful to me is to make little changes, not big sweeping ones. Also reading awesome blogs like yours keeps me going too!

  144. Set yourself up for success by setting small, attainable goals throughout your journey. When you look at the big picture of how far you have to go, it can feel very daunting. when you instead focus on small, doable goals like drink X cups of water a day, work out X times this week, etc, you CAN achieve them, and you’ll reinforce the positive behavior and feel good about yourself for meeting your goals!

  145. Tell yourself this is who you are. You are a hard working, butt-kicking woman who loves feeling STRONG. Tell it to yourself over and over again and that is exactly who and what you will end up being!

  146. Congrats on Yahoo!!! That is so exciting and well-deserved!! And I love hearing your weight loss story – you are the sanest woman I think I have ever (kinda sorta) met. “I was not about the vessel” – this is one of my absolute favorite things about you.

  147. Great tips! I think choosing every day to make healthy choices is so important. My most motivating think in regards to my health journey is this: Health is not always the easy path, and it’s not the passive path. Health is an active process, often filled with tough decisions.

  148. My weight is something that has been an ongoing issue for me so I just recently made “Eat with Intention” my mantra or daily affirmation so constantly remind myself to be aware of what I am eating and why. So many times I will catch myself munching on chips or a handful of chocolates without even thinking about it not cause I’m hungry, definitely not cause i need it but because I am not paying attention to what i am doing. 🙂

  149. I lost 100-130 pounds after EACH of my 3 pregnancys. The best advice I have is that your workouts are not optional. They are part of your day. Perminatly. I need them, even if momentarily I dont want them. I always let myself whine and then tell myself ‘ Do it anyway’. For instance- I have pms, im bloated…Uh huh, heard you- do it anyway. ‘Im tired, the kids are needy, its cold outside, I deserve a rest’ Uh huh, FACINATING- now go do it ANYWAY.For me it works. I rarely take a complete day off and when I do it really is needed. Not negotiable. Try and negotiate with your lungs to not need air or your stomachto not need food. Doesnt work does it? I have learned if I want to be fit, I cant take my own crap (<;

  150. The biggest thing I’ve learned is even with a few slips if I have a base of health and fitness knowledge and practice I won’t slide completely off track. I’ve maintained most of my loss and minimized gains with health problems this way.

  151. The best thing I’ve learned is actually something you touch on often which is – you are worth it

  153. Great post! I agree with the need to eat breakfast. I also believe drinking enough water is very important. I need to get more consistent about my workouts, but I am getting better about things during the day, like always taking the stairs at work. I’m at a maintenance point right now, though.

  154. Great post! I agree with the need to eat breakfast. I also believe drinking enough water is very important. I need to get more consistent about my workouts, but I am getting better about things during the day, like always taking the stairs at work. I’m at a maintenance point right now, though.

  155. Get the phrase “I can’t” out of your vocabulary. Don’t think you can run a mile (or a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, 50 miler….)? Do a pullup or pushup? Power Clean 100 lbs? Sure, you might not be able to do it your first try but keep on working at it and you and your body will make it happen. Remember – you didn’t start riding your 2-wheeler the first time you tried…you kept at it until you got it. This is the same thing. If you set your mind to it, you can do it. “I can’t” is the fastest way to failure.

  157. Hi
    I think regular exercise can help to loss weight. It improves your stamina, physical fitness, flexibility, mental state and helps you achieve numerous other benefits… 🙂

  158. The biggest thing I’ve learned is sort of like your consistency thing. I DON’T have to be perfect every day or do every single thing perfectly every day. I DO need to make an effort to practice healthy habits daily and as long as I have more good habits than bad, I’ll be successful in the long run.

  160. Working out in the morning works best for me. Then it’s out of the way early and I make sure I get it in everyday.

  161. Loved this post.

    My biggest tip? Listen to my body and be okay with what it says. I love to run, but I’m not going to go into it with the mindset that I HAVE to go a certain distance or time. If my body is feeling great, I keep running. If I start and it is just sluggish and not going well, I will keep it shorter for the day. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned for working out and eating.

  162. I make sure to do at least 30-60 minutes of activity (yoga, a run or walk, dvd, etc) everyday–even if I have to get up at 5 am to get it done! I also keep a daily food log. It keeps me honest and accountable. 🙂

  163. I learned at an early age, that the only private property I will ever really own, is my body. You cannot love others until you love yourself.

  164. Being active is not about scheduled “time” it’s about day to day lifestyle choices. This translates into healtier decisions at the grocery store, when dining out, when at parties, etc. You take the stairs, you park further away, you walk and play with your pets, you garden instead of hiring a gardner…you PLAY with your children instead of watching them play. And, fo us, we train because we love it. Not everyone does and that’s ok. But I need it for my sanity, for my health like I need food and water. It isn’t a choice anymore, it is a necessity. My body thanks me everyday for the choices I make and I continue to respect it and show it gratitude with the ones I make for it!

  165. My best fitness tip is to never give up. No matter how long you are in a downward spiral, you can climb out one step (one choice) at a time. Don’t let a trip/stumble/fall discourage you. Just dust yourself off and keep going.

  166. The key for me is movement. As long as I exercise I can keep the weight off. Once I start lazing around it starts to creep back up.

  168. Delurking to say . .

    I entered maintenance this week after losing 80 pounds over the last 16 months. I’m at a healthy, happy weight for the first time IN MY LIFE. Go me!

    Having maintained for, um, 5 days, my maintenance mantra is a bit of a cliche’. One day at a time. I’m not in control of tomorrow, or next week, or next year. I can be in charge of today. On days when that’s overwhelming, I can be in charge of this meal, or this workout, or even this single bite. I have to focus on what’s immediately in front of me.

    Hopefully, I’ll be in you in 17 years’ worth of days. 🙂

  169. My biggest tip is not to get too comfortable in maintenance. Don’t let the weight creep up as it’s so hard to lose! If I gain 2 lbs one month, I multiply that by 12 and realize that’s 24 lbs a year! That’s 1/3 of my total weight loss, all of which was earned with blood, sweat, and tears. One week of dieting will take care of 2 lbs.

  170. My tip is to make time for me! I have two small children and I work full time. I was 100 pounds overweight and the doctor was ready to put me on blood pressure meds. I’ve lost 44 pounds in 5 months by having a personal trainer and taking time for me! I never thought I’d be saying this but I’m a gym rat!

  172. Make dates with others; the gym, hikes, tennis, etc. You always go if someone else is counting on you.

  173. All very good tips Miz. My favorite tip is to let people know they do not have to spend hours in the gym everyday for the rest of their lives. People (myself included) tend to get all excited and gung ho, workout like crazy, lose the weight, and then freak out b/c they think, “is this how it’s always going to be?” Nope, you don’t have to workout for hours on end to stay in shape, and you are great example of this. Thanks for being you, and thanks for the giveaway. LOVE Athleta!

  174. I have been struggling with the maintenance concept for quite some time and I think that I finally mastered it. I think for me it is focusing on how good/confident being healthy is and not on the size of my dress. I am very proud to say that, at age 42, I am in the best shape of my life. My tip – we are all going to gain a few pounds now and then (life happens), so I try to make sure it that it never let it get to more than 5 pounds. It is far less daunting to lose 5 pounds than 40. I know you don’t believe in scales,MizFit, but we all know what works for us – be it stepping on the scale at regular intervals or acknowledging when our jeans are feeling a little tight. As always, thanks for the inspirational words!

  177. The most important thing I’ve done on my journey is to allow myself to just “be” the way I am today without stressing about how I could be better. Getting all upset about not being at my “goal” self hinders progress.

  178. I lost 25 and kept it off for 3+ years. My secret is finding activities I love to do, scheduling them into my busy life, and giving myself no excuses. Pretty soon it all becomes routine and habit and then suddenly days OFF become the challenge (how not to go stir crazy)

    And I agree it’s from the inside out. My eating changed gradually and my tastes did too!

    Great blog, thanks!

  182. ‘Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.’

    I live by those words.

  184. What an awesome post – you are such an inspiration!

    I’ve lost 30 pounds over the past few years (which makes me NOT a biggest loser, but I’m still a PROUD loser!) and it took me a while to realize that keeping my weight steady takes a lot of positivity! It’s too easy to focus on deprivation and what I can’t eat (just as it’s easy to beat myself up if I miss a workout), but it’s much more fun and productive to focus instead on how GOOD I feel when I treat my body well! Healthy living should not be a struggle – it’s a blessing!

  186. Getting my butt up every day and doing something. I work behind a desk so I have to make an effort to get moving each day. So much of this journey is just about discipline 🙂

  187. My maintenance tip is to never stop trying new things. When you’re losing weight, you try cutting out breads, or meat, or running, or lifting, or new classes, etc. However, when you maintain, you have a tendency to just stick with what works. But that gets so boring! So I continue to try new workouts or foods or anything else that I think will help my journey.

  190. My tip would be find a way to hold yourself accountable. Recruit a friend, join a group, track your progress using an app, whatever. If you don’t have some way to keep you on track and measure your progress, it’s so easy to get off track.

    Great Post!

  191. My best tip is to treat each day as a fresh start. Each day presents an opportunity to fulfill your nutrition and exercise goals. Regardless of what happened the day before, every morning you can start anew making good choices. It is important not to dwell on mistakes and perfectionism. There is no perfect path to health; everyone’s course will look a little different.

  192. My best tip: Learn portion control. For a long time I used a small plate and measured my food. I’m used to what correct portions look like now. Also, stock up on fruits and veggies. It is easier to eat right when you have it around. And try to do something physical every day; run, walk, yoga, or kettlebell are my favorite things to do.

  193. It’s quite simple, really: I look back on my unfit self of 20-plus years ago and remember how unhappy I was then compared to now. Never gonna go back!

  195. I so heart Athleta. My best tip is a mantra of sorts. “If you always do what you always did, then you’ll always get what you always got — make change to get changed!

    Love this post!

  196. I have learned I really need to listen to my body but at times, I need to tell my mind to SHUT the eff UP!!

    NO EXCUSES, I am the queen of excuses…hence the need to tell myself to shut up and just do what needs to be done!!

  197. I entirely agree with the love yourself now.

    The more I do that the better I feel and look.

  198. Athleta and Mizzy??

    My dream 🙂

    I also hope to some day maintain as long as you have.

    It is still a daily thing for me.

  199. You and all the rest of the readers have left so many great tips – it’s hard to add to this fab list!

    My tip would be figure out what your body needs and not what you think it wants. I’m still learning how to practice this, even after years of healthy eating and working out. The mental journey is so much harder than the physical one.

  200. Rest days are crucial, try something new (example yoga), get a workout buddy to keep you accountable, and pay attention to the foods you eat.

  202. Shed the fear. I used to be afraid of what a smaller me would ‘look like’.

    Don’t be afraid.

    I love you Mizzy!!

  203. Always moving. By constantly getting on my feet and not staying in one place for too long, I have found that I have more energy and want to move more, in addition to the standard workout.
    And not being defined by my body. Healthy is about the inside & mindset, not just the outside.

  205. My best tip is probably…do not let others push their choices on you. Just because the ‘family get together’ includes greasy fried foods, for example, does not mean you need to partake, nor do you need to gorge yourself on them to be part of the group. It may take time, but your friends and family will adapt to your healthy ways after a time and may even start asking you for tips, or dishes that would be good for an event.

  206. Whoa. Awesome post and reader comments.

    Mine is a simple tip: remember each day is a new one.

  207. Don’t rely on willpower. Have a goal that will push you: a marathon, mileage goal, meeting a partner 3X a week, and track your progress.

  208. Thanks for the post!
    I’ve learned to love myself enough to take time to take care of me too. I make time for exercise, relaxation, laughter, good nourishing food and service to others.

  210. My tip is to plan meals ahead. When I run into trouble is when I arrive home starving and without a plan. I have noticed that when I make healthy eating a habit and it becomes “the norm,” it gradually just becomes my default. And even when really hungry, I reach for fruit or nuts or maybe a piece of whole wheat bread without having to think about it. I enjoyed your blog very much and all the tips above! 🙂

  211. Great tips! I would have to say that my best healthy tip point would be to not compare weight loss to other people and figure out what works best for me. I was constantly trying to do what everyone else was doing that worked for me, but unfortunately they never worked. It wasn’t until I started focusing on myself and experimenting to see what worked. Some tips I took from others, some tips I left behind. My body was just different than my best friends and I couldn’t do everything the way she was doing it.

  212. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.

    When I was heavier, I didn’t value myself enough to state what I really wanted to eat or what I didn’t want to eat. I felt that since I was overweight I shouldn’t have a say when selecting food in a group setting.

    I was always the first to say, “Whatever you guys want, I’m not picky.”

    Now that I am finally at a better place and down 30 pounds for the year, I put myself first. I am no longer afraid to speak up and say, “Can we get salad with the pizza?” or “I’ll bring my own veggie burger for the BBQ,” etc.

    It feels great!

  213. I’ve found that life is actually better when I don’t focus on my goals–just get excited about THIS workout and doing my best today. It adds up!

  214. My tip is don’t wait until Monday to start eating healthy. Do it now! Also, going to the gym or taking the time to work out is my “me” time. I treat it as therapy, not only for the body, but also for the mind.

  215. My “tip” is to do it not to get get skinny but to be healthy. Looks will come along with the work but looks are secondary. Healthy is Happy and Happy is Beautiful. (that is my personal motivation mantra)

    p.s. If I win, I’d use the gift card to buy these adorable running skorts http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59019&vid=2&pid=841257 which I would then use to RUN! I love running b/c it gets me outside and lets me spend time in my head sorting things out and reflecting while putting one foot in front of the other.

  216. I don’t know if/how you have time to read all these comments but I wanted to write to tell you I’m Back! After having the two babies I have about 40 pounds to lose and untold muscle to regain but baby #2 is almost 9 months old and my fire is back! I’m SO excited and having lots of fun in the gym. I saw that fit mom news clip and was so inspired. You cheered me on once, I think in your blog or maybe just by visiting my site but I remember how cool it was – thanks for that 🙂 You are an inspiration to so many!

  217. I’ve learned that it’s not about anyone else but me. This is the one area where I can totally focus on me. It’s mine, all mine! Running and weight loss is what I do to take care of myself. However, by taking care of myself, there’s a lot more me (in terms of energy- i’m in a smaller body) to go around! 🙂

  218. My tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle after weight loss is something I say to myself whenver I am tempted to stay home from the gym, or to over induldge on crap…I heard this saying from somewhere else & I don’t remember who. But it has stuck w/ me over the past 4 months since reaching my weight loss goal! “This” is the thinking that got you overweight to begin with…just do it!!!”

  219. I am nowhere NEAR maintenance yet. Yet. That being said, I know what is different now than has been different any other time I’ve tried to get healthy. First – it’s a health thing. Not looks. Second – I found something I enjoy doing – I enjoy running & I enjoy eating healthy. I look forward to looking back at 17 years of maintenance – go you!!

  220. Make mini snack packs…don’t ever buy them! Just grab some baggies and make 100-200 calorie packs with nuts, granola, veggies, fruit, crackers and cheese…just little things to toss in your purse when you’re running out the door to keep you safe from temptation!!

    Crosses my fingers that I’ll win! 🙂

  221. Love, love, LOVE this post. I’m going to refer back to this often. You, my dear, are amazing and so REAL. I’m so glad I was able to meet you and hear you speak in person at Fitbloggin.

  222. Loving this post! The biggest thing I’ve learned so far is that I don’t give myself enough credit for sticking with living a healthier lifestyle.

  224. First I’d like to say, the world has a deep need for someone like you, someone with your positive message to all women!! You are a gift!! Thank you!

    My commitment to me comes from loving myself! And I would recommend to other women to start on the journey of self love by making time for yourself, to be with you & take care of you! Not only do you shed the weight from your body, but also the people who weigh you down!

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