Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

A Topic One Talks about ALOT This Time of Year: WEIGHT LOSS and MAINTENANCE

Many of you have asked me to talk about my Weight Loss.   I have declined to talk about it much until now since I have lost weight so many times before and yet, have NEVER (until now) been able to keep the weight off....I am now FINALLY a weight-loss-success.  BUT--it has taken me 50 years!  Today's post is not about losing the weight (most of us can do that since there are many programs available out there for us) --but this post is about MAINTAINING it.  I have found that there are FEW programs out there which do a good job helping us to keep from gaining the weight back.  SO--I have made up my own program!!!!  Maybe it will help some of you out there!




Obesity has always been a huge part of my entire adult life.  I gained about 60 pounds at the birth of my oldest son (who is now 50) --and that weight (plus more) has stayed with me off and on for years and years. It has controlled my life in so many ways, with my weight ballooning up to almost 300 pounds a few times.  Some overweight people don't mind being overweight. But for me, my weight has ALWAYS been a big issue --and that is why I lost and gained ALOT of weight all through the years.  I have tried almost every diet available at one time or another, and succeeded most of the time, with the 'losing' part.




BUT---I never (until now) have put alot of emphasis on the MAINTENANCE AFTER losing.   I could always lose weight ---about 100 pounds several times during my life (which is the worst thing one can do to his or her body).  What I never paid much attention to was how hard it would be to KEEP the weight off.  I will admit that keeping the weight off is MUCH harder than losing it.  If you think that losing the weight is hard,  just wait til you get to maintenance.  I don't want to scare you,  but it's true.




I'm not here to promote one program or another... There are many that work (and many that don't)--and you need to find one which works for you.  The key is that YOU should  do it for YOU---not for anyone else,  JUST YOU. IF I were to promote one program,  I'd definitely choose Weight Watchers --as the BEST overall, but I failed during their maintenance.  My mother tried to 'shame' me into losing weight once---and even though she meant well,  that did not or does not work. I would just eat more---for comfort.   NOBODY can make one lose weight until he/she wants to do it themselves.  YOU must be the one who puts the work into it --in order for it to be a success.




We live in a world where people want immediate success --and that is not always possible when losing weight..  There are plateaus and times when --no matter what you do--the old scales stay the same, or go UP. The key:  Don't Give Up.   The other thing to remember is not to quit---if you have a bad day or week.  Keep on--keeping on.  Be PATIENT!




Get plenty of REST/SLEEP---and keep a fairly regular schedule.  Some programs can be overwhelming... Do this--do that!!!!!  Stress can hurt us!  We may not be able to do it all ---but we can move at our own pace--one step at a time.  Did you know that the SLOWER you lose weight,  there is a better chance that you will keep it OFF?  If you lose fast,  you have a better chance of gaining it back.




Some people/programs really push EXERCISE --and that is important for sure.  But--it's only one part of the program.  I was never one to put a priority on fancy-dancy exercise ---but as an older woman,  my exercise now is WALKING.  I wear a pedometer --and keep track of my steps every single day.  Works for me!




EATING HEALTHY is very important ---and you need to tell yourself  that once you are at your goal weight THAT the journey is just beginning!!!  We MUST continue to eat healthy for the remainder of our LIVES.  As the books all say,  this is a "Lifetime Change".

Remember to stay away from FAST FOODS... This is the huge downfall of today's fast-paced world.  But--even if you don't enjoy cooking,  there are ways for you to eat healthy... Just work at doing it!!!!




Drinking WATER is very important --and something I have NO problems with... We are supposed to drink 64 oz per day---and many days,  I'll drink as much as 100 oz...  Drinking 8 oz when getting up in the morning gets the system working properly.  Also drinking 8 oz of water about 30 minutes before meals keeps you from eating as much.   Drinking water helps with your digestion --which I need help with since I struggle with constipation.  Another thing which helps is the proper amount of FIBER...




Getting on the SCALES every Friday --no matter what---is important for me.  I can get the good new or the bad news,  and then know what I need to do that next week.  I have kept track of my weight since beginning this latest process in April of 2011 (when I weighed about 244 pounds)... YIPES.




Keeping a REGULAR SCHEDULE and getting enough SLEEP is important for one's overall health.  And the most important thing for me to do is KEEPING A FOOD JOURNAL.  I started this when visiting a nutritionist while losing the weight ---and have continued to keep the journal through maintenance.  I have faithfully done this --writing down everything I eat --every single day since beginning this process over TWO years ago.  This isn't always easy since it takes TIME and EFFORT.  BUT--it keeps me accountable --and it also helps me to get the proper nutrition.

Here's the nitty gritty which works for me!  In my food journal,  I count total fluid, calories, fat grams, carbs, fiber and protein.  When I was dieting--I stayed at about 1000 calories a day.  My doctor doesn't want me to lose more --so I am trying to stay where I am.  Now--in maintenance,  I stay about 1500-1800  calories per day (plus or minus).  I try to get a minimum of 60 grams of protein, 64 oz of water, less than 30 grams of fat,  75+ carbs (good carbs)--need the carbs for energy,  and 25 grams of fiber.  As you can imagine,  I work hard with my eating to keep this all in tact.  BUT---for me it's working.  I have stayed about 135 lbs. for over a year now ---and am amazed that I am learning to do this, AND being able to eat most anything I really want (within reason).  The key is to eat slowly and eat small portions.... I can do this---and I AM!!!!




I never judge anyone --or say anything to anyone, but when I go to a grocery store and see an overweight woman or man (about my age) riding one of the store riding carts or having trouble walking due to bad knees or legs, I hurt for them.   I don't know their circumstances--but I do know that carrying the extra weight is NOT good no matter what the medical condition may be.   I just want to tell them that their life could be better if they lost some weight ... People use all kinds of excuses for not losing weight.   BUT--even for people who are limited in their movement or even those on medication,  they COULD do it ---if they wanted to badly enough--and would most likely become much healthier.  Carrying extra weight--no matter what your condition--is NOT good for your body.   I so desperately want to say to those people that they do NOT have to live like that.  I do also notice how much 'junk food' people buy to eat --who are already overweight... Just breaks my heart.  I used to be there! NO MORE for ME!




I will continue working hard with every bone in my body --to keep this weight off.  I feel great --and am proud of myself for accomplishing this.   IF I don't continue to work at it,  I could end up like those big people in the riding carts in the stores.  After losing the weight,  I can now walk with no pain and I'm on NO medication. Before I began the program  I was REALLY having alot of pain and felt pretty miserable, especially when we hiked. I was having trouble also with my blood sugar.   Taking control of ME over food (instead of allowing the FOOD to be in control) is a good feeling ---and giving up all of that junk food is worth every bit of this hard work.  I beg you---if you need to lose weight ---start thinking of yourself and your future.  If you know someone who needs to lose,  please don't 'shame' them.. Just pray that they will see the light.  You CAN change ---and make a difference.  I am the example!!!!

IF you have any questions,  you can email me at betsyadams@mac.com.  God Bless each and every one of you!!!!  I couldn't do this without God and without George.  We all need that special support system.

ALL photos today are from the internet!!!!!
Hugs,

>

70 comments:

Ms. A said...

I don't exactly need to lose weight, but I could certainly stand to rearrange it! This past year has caused me to lose some weight... but it's has sure been a brutal diet and I don't recommend it for anyone.

Jo said...

Oh WOW Betsy. What an amazing post. I believe this will motivate so many people. You speak my language totally, dear friend. I ran Weigh-less groups (similar to WW) in South Africa and later in West Africa too. Now I write articles for health magazines about this one thing: after weight loss, how to maintain it especially in a healthy way. And the MIND thing, Betsy. That works best for me. I gained [a lot] of weight after surgery in my mid-thirties; more than 75% of my original body weight. I lost it in nine months and have kept it off for the past thirty years. Now I promote wellness of weight loss and maintenance for the woman in her senior (golden!) years. Bless you dearest Betsy. You are a hero! Jo

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Thank you for sharing your weight-loss journey Betsy, so much common sense combined with healthy, permanent life style changes.
I am half way through my journey and am only too aware that the really hard slog is when I reach maintenance. And, you are so right, one must do it for oneself and for no other reason.
Have a wonderful week dear girl.
Hugs
Rose

Unknown said...

Green Coffee Beans have been shown to inhibit fat absorption and also stimulate the activation of fat metabolism in the liver, both major supporters of weight reduction. I believe this will motivate so many people. You speak my language totally, dear friend.

Regards,
Kopi Luwak

eileeninmd said...

Jo, good for you! Congrats for maintaining your goal weight. Walking is a great exercise. Have a happy day!

Catherine said...

Super fantastic post Betsy!! Hooray for you! And you know I am of the same mind set. I actually piggy backed on your post for today about weight management. Hope you don't mind!
Let us celebrate together my friend!
Here's to our good health!
xo Catherine

diane b said...

A great post betsy and how proud you must be to be able to write it. You have done well to maintain your weight and yes its the hardest part. I also find that the last two kilos are the hardest to keep off. I have never been grossly overweight thank goodness but the older I get the easier it is to put on weight. I was not careful over Christmas and lacked will power when the desserts and chocolates came out so now I'm back to trying to lose those last two kilos again.(4.5lbs) Thanks for the motivation to stick to a maintenance regime.

Tabor said...

I had always been thin, and after menopause, the weight really snuck up on me. I started keeping a food diary which really did help, but I got busy with life and for years I have been about 30 pounds overweight. I am back at exercising and trying drink more water. You have given me hope! I hate been round in the middle. I cannot give up some of the foods that I love, but I CAN control the number and size of the portions when I indulge.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Your story will be inspiring to do many that need an extra push. I'm so happy you have found something that works for you. You look amazing!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

This is GREAT Betsy ~ Thank you for sharing your story. It is very inspiring. I could lose about 30 lbs and you've given me motivation.

Congrats on your weight loss and keeping it off.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Snap said...

well done, Betsy. great and important post that will help many folks.

Big Dude said...

Thanks for the great post Betsy and I cannot imagine you weighing 300 pounds.

linda m said...

Betsy, I am so proud of you. What a success story. I have struggled with weight my entire life and like you have tried every diet that exists. Right now I am still about 30-40 pounds over weight. My goal for this year is to loose more of this weight. Congratulations on your life-style change!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you and thank you for sharing your inspirational story.

Dorothy said...

Betsy, this is a wonderful and encouraging post! For many years, I have been carrying around about 25 or 30 extra pounds. I have tried different programs and lost some weight, but I always get lazy and gain the weight again :( My holiday eating from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day really can pack the pounds on! Now I want to get it off and hopefully, keep it off. This blog post will maybe help me to do t his. Love!

Shug said...

This is an awesome and inspiring post. I've watched you through your photos over the past couple of years and I can see how healthy you look and how great you feel. Being overweight is an enormous downfall and not only does it play havoc on your body, but it also works on one's mental state as well. I'm very proud of you and hopefully....in a year or so....I can be right where you are now. Thanks Betsy for posting from your heart...
hugs to ya
shug

MadSnapper said...

great job Betsy and i wish you many more years of maintenance. keeping it off is the hardest part of all ... don't get to sure of yourself though, i lost 100 pounds and kept it off for 9 years, and bam i gained half of it back...

Lynda said...

GREAT advice, Betsy! I did not realize you had such struggles with your weight. I knew you had lost. Last night I was watching the 600 pound TV show. The doctor requires the people to lose up to 30 pounds in one month before having stomach reduction surgery. The patients are thinking the surgery is a miracle cure and don't realize if they were able to lose the initial weight, they could continue on their own without the surgery - - - by doing the things you said. My husband has difficulty turning away from fast food choices if they are offered. Since I am retired, I do a LOT of cooking - - - healthy - - no deep-fried. I sneak fiber in on him in many ways. Today we are having a vinaigrette pasta salad that is mostly raw vegetables - - with the Barilla Plus Pasta added in a small amount - - just so it can be called Pasta Salad. He will get at least one helping of raw veggies with lunch if not almost two. However, he is walking the treadmill again because he is ready to feel better, too. Since retirement, I have lost 15 pounds because I eat when I am hungry and not necessarily on a lunch hour. Also, no snacks are around to tempt me - - - like people bringing in homemade cookies, etc.

The Furry Gnome said...

VERY good advice!

Hootin Anni said...

Tho, I know I could lose weight...I've vowed to enjoy life more. And counting calories and watching what I eat is in the back of my mind, --- I just use moderation. My motto is everything in moderation, even moderation.

I Am Woody said...

I am back on the lose weight bandwagon. This time Vol Fan is on board. Having both of us making the changes is HUGE - the support makes it easier. We got our new pedometers yesterday and are both faithfully keeping our food journals! :)

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Congratulations on losing it and keeping it off Betsy...as a lifer yo-yo dieter...I truly know what you are talking about.

Nellie said...

Such important information, Betsy! Thank you for this outstanding post! It is the maintenance that is the challenge for sure! At least, that's the way it is with me. This post is full of helps that will work! Hugs, Nellie

Anonymous said...

Hii Betsy, Nice post. Good advice. Walking or other moderate exercise is really good for everyone - especially people over 50 or so. I am much more active now that I live in Florida where the weather is conducive for outdoor exercise. I also try hard to watch my eating. Have a great day and stay warm!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You share some great tips, I see the maintenance as the biggest problem
Congrats to you! Glad you can help others

Unknown said...

Fabulous job & great post sweet friend. Congrats! on our achievement. You look fabulous!! <3
Hugs, Marydon

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am happy for you to have accomplished this and are maintaining the weight loss.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Hi Betsy, wish you a cool new year!

An accurate weighing scale is the best tool for weight loss :)

It is easy to use, fairly inexpensive and gives us unbiased account of our weight and our 'loser' or 'bloater' status :)

The trick is to stand on it, may be three or four times a day. Always make it a point to stand on it when temptation strikes to binge on rich dishes breaking all diet plans, 'how to be a loser' programs and resolutions , lol !

Waiting for a cool app or something that we can download on our smart phones that tells us our weight without standing on a weighing scale and one that shows our body image at a given point of time without posing in front of a mirror, lol !

Thanks
Rajiv
www.magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com
www.magicalpresent.blogspot.com

David said...

Betsy, You are much more in control than I am. I do keep a food journal conplete with weights. Walking is the best exercise but bursitis has forced me to a stationary recumbent bike. Fortunately I like fruit and veggies...and Meat, eggs and cheese. I've cut out most white stuff although I do treat myself from time to time. I'm down about 45 lbs. with another 30 or 40 lbs. to go. No rush...it's a process. The exercise is the hardest part for me. I don't like it! It's not fun...but so far, I'm sticking with it. Take Care, Big (but less big) Daddy Dave

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
These are great ideas about losing weight, maintaining your weight and healthy living. You've given many helpful ideas that are very interesting. I enjoyed this posting very much.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks for sharing your (good) advice, Betsy. Losing weight, and keeping it off, is a major accomplishment. You go, girl!

Terry and Linda said...

Thank you for telling me so I can say to myself...I CAN DO THIS!!! I CAN!!

From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Marcia said...

Betsy - I never realized that you had been on such a see saw with your weight. Thanks for sharing your journey. For me the weight started coming on when I began teaching - too many stresses, too many ready desserts all the time, and too many sodas plus being in my late 40s I was not active enough to keep it off. I tried weight watchers when I retired in 2010 but was uncomfortable with the system. Made me feel guilty if I strayed. I'm down 7-10 lbs since retiring but need to go more for sure. I've set a modest resolution for this year - 7 lbs off. Hope I can manage it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Out on the prairie said...

I try to keep within a happy realm. Looks like you have done well.

Janice K said...

What a great post! And you really do look well and healthy.

Betty Manousos said...

i really need to lose weight. thank you for sharing your weight-loss journey with us, betsy. these sound like great ideas about losing weight..
great job! well done!
what a fabulous and encouraging post!

big hugs!

DeniseinVA said...

This is a super post Betsy. I think, after all these years, I have finally stopped "dieting" and have started eating more sensibly. It has been an education and your story has spurred me on even more to make those healthy choices. Thank you my friend! Hugs, Denise x

Ann said...

I keep going up and down. It's not real easy for me to take it off though since I'm so horrible at following any kind of diet. Thanks for all the tips

SquirrelQueen said...

Geez, Blogger is being a pain today with comments.

As I have tried to say before, great post. You've done a great job Betsy.
I have found as long as I eat healthy (fruits & vegetable, lots of water, easy on the meat and carbs) and moderate exercise I have no problems.

I LOVE your new header photo.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I'm so glad you've shared your story Betsy. You are inspiring not only to me, but to others as well.
I've never had a real weight problem….but I do have a 'not fit' problem. LOL. I'm working on it because when I'm your age (in 5 years!) I want to be healthy AND happy….like YOU!!!
XOXOXO

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i am glad you have found something that works for you & i pray it will continue for ever & ever. Congrats!! big big hugs. ( :

Arkansas Patti said...

Great post Betsy.
Having followed your blog for several years, I have seen the changes in you as the pounds melted away. What has impressed me the most about you is not only the loss of weight but how you have kept it off. That seems to be most people's downfall. All your tips are spot on and so valuable.
I have dropped 18 pounds but it has taken two years to do it. The good thing is that so far, I keep inching down. Not a flashy loss, actually quite turtle'ish but I am just pleased it is not going the other way.
When I see your new svelte self in the pictures, you kind of hold my feet to the fire and I don't give up. Thank you and keep up the terrific work.

Susie Swanson said...

Congrats to you on such a wonderful accomplishment. This is a very interesting and inspiring post and I thank you so much for sharing it. I need to lose some myself and lack the will power to do it.As for the water I have no trouble what so ever . I drink enough to swim the ocean in and that's about all I drink. I can't have any caffeine, etc. due to Bladder issues. You are so right on with the junk food, it's a killer for sure along with sweets. Eating healthy is the only way to go.. I just know this post is going to help so many. You are an inspiration to us all. Thanks again and God bless, Love, Susie

Jazzmin said...

Amazing post :) Your thoughts on this are so helpful and encouraging. I think my hardest thing would be cutting sweets a bit. I am better than I used to be though. I love that you mentioned walking. I think that is one of the best exercises, and one that I can keep on doing for a long time because it doesn't tire me out very quickly.

Congratulations on your success!! You look wonderful, and more importantly it sounds like you feel good about yourself which is most important :)

Hugs to you,
Jazzmin

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Such a great post, Betsy. I do need to lose weight...again...and still. You're a good example and a good motivator. Thanks for the tips.

Connie said...

What an inspiring and encouraging post, Betsy! Thank you for sharing these tips. Congratulations on your weight loss and on maintaining it! :)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Congratulations on hitting your goal weight and maintaining it so well, Betsy. You advice is excellent! I just saw a news program about how many calories we can consume in one chain restaurant meal ... More calories than one should eat in an entire day! I wish restaurants were required to post calorie counts for their menus. Best to do portion control and stay active. Thanks so much for telling your story!

BB said...

Hello lovely lady. I had no idea that you had been riding the weight roller coaster in life. I'm working at it with my doctor since I gained 60 lbs from my fibromyalgia meds. They work forme so I am slowly losing it. 28 lbs so far. If I need some guidance I'll be sure to holler!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

amazing woman, when I saw you a few years back, you were ok for a woman of your age. Now you have done an excellent job.

carolina nana said...

Thanks for the tips. Ive got off my program lately as I have been so busy but getting sick during Christmas helped me not put any extra weight back on. I need to get back to my walks and eat more protein.
Blessings
marilyn

Sally Wessely said...

Bravo!!!!!Really, I am so proud of you. I lost about 25 to 30 pounds about eight year ago and reached my goal weight with Weight Watchers. Like you, I did not do well on maintenance and over time it all came back.

I am now not trying to lose weight because I know that I just don't have the follow through to lose weight for losing weights sake. I am now just trying to follow a more anti-inflammatory diet. I am also quit careful about the fat intake and sugar intake because I have to fight my pancreatic flareups and I am fighting pre-diabetes. I lost about ten pound this spring. I put on half of them. I have now lost about five again. I will remember your advice. Like you, I do it for myself and health. I'm proud of you Betsy! You keep at it.

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
Thank you for the wonderful advice!
I admire you for having the discipline to lose the weight and keeping it off.
I'm going to try some of your tips!

Twilight Man said...

I love this post very much. I have been talking about weight issues with my wife for months and she succeeded in losing a lot of weight, almost identical with your way!!

As for me, I am still snacking and eating without much thoughts but I need to wake up & get serious now. I am 6 footer and look chubby now.

Rose said...

I have often wondered about your weight loss...so glad you wrote this. I just need to get committed to doing something about mine.

Marie said...

Thank you so much for sharing with us! You are an inspiration to many, myself included. I'm trying to make life changes,no fad diets here. I want my entire family to be healthy. We don't keep sweets in the house like we have in the past. And we're getting so much better about eating more fruits and veggies.
Thanks again, Betsy!
hugs,
Marie

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
I'm so happy you are healthy and found a way to manage your relationship with food positively, I concentrate on eating as well as possible, fast food/processed food doesn't agree with me, which is good!! and lots of water too, I am a little wary of diet fizzy drinks! x x x

Sharon said...

Wow, so glad you wrote this post. As a long time reader, I watched your transformation and have thrilled to see you become successful at maintaining. Even though you mentioned not doing it, I would still love to see a post about HOW you did it. And another very "real" part of it would be how you and George worked together then (and now) since I also know he certainly doesn't have weight issues and probably needs more food than you. You look great!

Carletta said...

An inspirational story Betsy! Congrats on the goal and maintaining it. Not everyone is as fortunate to accomplish both.
I will only say this. When I was first diagnosed with my immune disease I had to use one of those carts in the store. Being a little overweight myself people may have assumed that was the reason but my body was fighting itself and I could barely walk without feeling I was going to collapse. Now when I see someone in one of those carts overweight or not I know there may be circumstances beyond their control as was mine and their weight not make any difference. I am thankful today I don't need to use one.

Small City Scenes said...

Great post Betsy and such good good advice. Water walking and wegetables--the 3 w's. LOL

I am proud of you and cheer you on. Thanks for the wonderful post. MB

Miss Debbie said...

Yes...struggling with weight is no fun. I am so grateful that my 3 kids have my hubby's build and metabolism...they burn it as soon as they eat it!! What a blessing!

Small Kucing said...

a very good post Betsy

and among all must reduce stress so that can sleep better too

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You have a great success story, Betsy. Bravo! I would have never guessed that you had weighed so much. You must be a tall girl! Congrats on achieving your goal and staying there!!

Kay said...

Betsy, this is such an awesome blog post. Every dieter needs to read this. It is so informative and straight forward. Excellent!

Neal said...

You have really done great. Now if I could only emulate you I could probably have some success!

Art and Sand said...

In 2007, after recovery from back surgery and limits on my usual very active life, I decided to get back into control and SLOWLY over 9 months, I lost 40 pounds. I felt fantastic, looked good and was very proud of my accomplishment. The main change in my diet was to eliminate starch. I no longer ate bread, would ask for the croutons be left out of a salad, and eliminated most processed sugar. Maintenance was no problem as long as I kept bread out of my daily regimen. Slowly over the years, I added bread and then Christmas snacks.back to my daily diet and the pounds came back on slowly. By Christmas 2013, I had gained 20 pounds. Last week I went back on my no bread regime and I have dropped 5 pounds. It helps that I swim 3 times a week, walk daily, cycle several times a week, and more. But, being 65 means a slower metabolism. The main issue is that just in one week of no bread, I FEEL BETTER. I am doing this for me.

Keep up on your maintenance and 1 day off doesn't mean anything. It means you indulged, but won't tomorrow.

Thanks for the tips- my husband just cleared his dishes from the breakfast table and I asked him to bring me a bottle of water.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Wow Betsy,
Your success story is very inspiring. I am working on weight loss now. It gets to be a struggle at times when I visit my children. We don't eat fast food much but my children eat out way to often. I do try to cook when we visit but it is not always possible. Hmm I need to have a good talk with them as you said no more excuses. Lol, Thank for the inspiration.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

What a wonderful and immensely helpful post, Betsy! I so appreciate your alerting me to it. I know I'll be referring to it again and again in my own renewed battle to get my weight to a healthy level. Congratulations not only for losing the weight, but more significantly for maintaining the loss. As you say, that's the real challenge! Thanks so much for your insights into your success this time around and for sharing these!

Chatty Crone said...

I am so glad you sent it to me - and I don't know how I missed it.

I am making a copy of it. You really have it down to a science.

But you know where my problem is - it is the determination to do it. I am so looking for my mojo!

Love, sandie

Launna said...

This was very inspiring Betsy...

It too took me until I was 50 to finally learn how to lose weight.. I am with you on all of these, if I slip off and eat a little extra a day or two, it doesn't mean I am going to quit. I never, ever liked being as over weight as I was and I am so grateful for how great and healthy I feel.

Thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving me a comment with your link :)P Have a great weekend :)

Betty Manousos said...

wow, betsy, what an awesome post! thanks so much for sharing. i really needed to read this.
it is so informative and inspiring. congrats on maintaining your goal.
you have done a great job. iam proud of you!

love
betty