OK - can't take the time to read the whole of this thread right now (it's why I don't check in here more often; I always get sucked into the vortex, as lovely as it is...)

Anyway, just want to share my keys to success in losing about 22 pounds since I started in Aug. 07 (about 6 months).

1) I started from a perspective of improved health (not weight loss). My cholesterol levels were out of control and my doc was threatening me with medication. I also had it clear in my mind that the whole point is that improved health is a gift I am giving myself.

2) I 'did' a cleansing program that helped me to break the habit of caffeine and refined sugar. It's one of these moderately high-priced programs which I don't care to promote by name on this thread, but if you're curious, PM me.

3) I frame the whole thing as 'releasing' the weight. I have not 'lost' it - I don't ever intend to see it again!!!!!! As noted by Katlaughing (I believe) our words mean everything to us.

4) I participated in a 'biggest losers contest' at the school where I work part-time. We weighed in once a week with the school nurse who then published the percent of weight each person had lost that week (gains were not noted). At the end of the contest, I was tickled to learn that I had come in third place, having lost about 8% of my starting weight. That serves as a continued motivator.

(Also, with the $100 I won, I went out and bought NEW CLOTHES and yes, I am donating my 'fat clothes' as incentive to keep heading in the right direction. Keeping them sends my subconscious the message that I intend to need them again.)

5) Having someone to be accountable to. Although the 'contest' is over, I go and 'weigh in' with the nurse (who is very encouraging and non-judgmental) once every 2 weeks. For me, knowing that someone else is 'watching' (and encouraging) helps me immensely to stay on track. I gave up the notion that she is telling me what to do or an adversary of some sort. I realized that for it to be helpful, I need to understand that this person is helping me to do something I want for me.

6) I focused on eradicating two things: trans fat and high fructose corn syrup. I believe this has been critical, because frankly, I don't know that I've necessarily reduced my calorie intake by much. I have become a (some might say rabid, some maniacal) label-reader and if it says 'partially-hydrogenated' anything, I put it down immediately. I learned that high fructose corn syrup is some seriously nasty crap and of course it's in EVERYTHING. So that's out as well.

7) I was never too thrilled with soda, but I do like bubbles sometimes. Flavored seltzer water is our household solution to this. Even just seltzer with a couple drops of lemon or lime juice works.

8) Remembering that everything counts. Everything that goes into my mouth matters. Each and every bite is a choice.

9) I got a little trampoline that fits in my living room and I lean it up against the wall when it's not in use. I can take a break from the computer, spend 5 minutes on the trampoline and feel refreshed. It gets my circulation going again and oxygen to my brain. Helps immensely with the afternoon doldrums. I am much more likely to do this (possibly even more than once a day) than take the 2 hours it requires for me to go to the gym (although I sometimes do that as well)

SHEEESH! I had no idea I had that much to say about this subject. I'm gonna get back to work now!

Peace and LIGHTNESS,

JudyO / momnopp