Success stories in weight loss?

[shootingstar]

Who has success stories in taking the weight off, and keeping it off?
-What was your main motivation in getting started? Did something in particular happen that gave you a push to finally do it?
-What was your main means of losing weight - did you join a program at a gym, followed by a doctor, join Weight Watchers,etc.?
-How did you determine your goal weight?
-How long have you kept it off?
-Any tips for keeping it off?

What I eat now eecummings is abit different from 30 yrs. ago. And it isn't all better now. Since then my weight has fluctuated between 3-9 lbs. at different times in life. I recognize since I haven't been pregnant it may have helped me deal with weight. But being small means that small weight gains show quickly in clothing fit, etc.

It takes some mindfulness and living a life daily that enjoys healthier foods and some form of regular exercise.

I no longer eat much white rice or heavy pastas. Hence, I can't eat much sushi now because of the white rice leading to high glycemic/sugar crash for me. Reduced drastically in past 3yrs.

Bread must be artisan and no fats, etc. We normally don't buy and keep junk food at home..except for those lovely chocolates from Christmas, etc. My portions of meat have reduced in size and frequency very gradually over the past few decades. No real conscious thinking about this reduction. More just laziness and just saving some money. I eat meat 1-2 times weekly.

Much deep fried food turns me off. It always has anyway. I've never been keen on even tempura. I just like a little delicately fried calamari with lemon, thank you. For deep fried foods, think instead of eating food more naked --grilled, broiled, roasted or lightly sauteed. You will taste the delicate texture and taste of most seafoods better anyway.

The biggest negative development last few years, is I am eating more sweets compared to 1/4 century ago. So try to counter with fruit or just settle for little light biscotti. So I get picky on biscotti quality. Or if I have a slice of cake, then it's every few months, from a gourmet baker/pastry shop..ie. quality fine baking not junk with shortening, etc.

I thank myself for not capable of ingesting more than half glass of wine before I get woozy/drunk. Alcohol will never be a weight issue for me.

Yes, agree cycling and other exercise requires effort but if you enjoy it, it's not. Effort for how I should eat, is more just not buying certain foods for home, etc. No I've never weighed my portions, just an eyeball thing.

I started cycling at 31. Before, exercise was just walking around alot since I don't drive then and now.
At different times I've added in tai chi, now yoga and some pilates. Must admit I'm not always consistent and regular. My back reminds me that I should keep up on stretching, balance exercises.

I will turn 51 in a few wks. Things could be a whole lot worse.

For even healthy looking women, it is a long journey of mindful living and habits. I just received an email from a 53 yr. old good friend. She is 4'11" at 108 lbs., a cyclist for past 20 yrs. (and car-free) who also does regular light weight training. She's trying to understand what she did wrong -- now, with dr.'s diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

One just has to live well and mindful....can't be perfect. We're all mortal.