Dieting and all that weight loss MUMBO JUMBO...

I'd be rich if I'd been given $5 for every time someone has asked me about losing weight. No, I'm no weight loss guru - far from it! I guess because I worked for Weight Watchers for over 5 years and because I was successful at losing 55 lbs on their program and acquiring a Lifetime membership that causes some folks to think I have all the answers. Once again, I say - far from it! Not even close!

But, after having a huge lifestyle shift and being "removed" from the whole Weight Watcher's way of thinking for almost 5 years I have formed some pretty strong opinions on what works and what doesn't. Everyone has an opinion on what is good and what isn't when it comes to weight loss right? Depends on how you define "good".

How can one plan be good, and one be bad? How can one plan work for you and another doesn't? There are a ton of "diets" out there and plenty of people who will testify that theirs is the best and works the best! There are plenty of plans that swear theirs is the healthiest way to lose weight!!

Are you one of those EXTREME dieters? EXTREME as in ALL OF NOTHING thinking? You are either eating/living really bad or doing really good? You are STARVING yourself when you consider yourself to be doing really good? Or you are eating everything you want and everything in sight when you are doing really bad? Do you think in BLACK AND WHITE terms? "I have to eat a lot of carrots if I'm going to lose weight". "I can never eat a piece of cake or pie again". Both are irrational and unrealistic for the long haul.

I'm sorry if the news I'm about to share with you makes you sad or depressed or discourages you from even trying to lose weight this year...that is NOT my intention. I am hoping that what I share with you will inspire you to be your best self this year!

The answer to long and sustaining weight loss lies within yourself! I am living proof that NO MATTER what weight loss program you are following that if you quit following it, you will gain the weight back! I have gained 30 lbs. of the 55 lbs I lost back! It was slow and gradual. Just like I didn't lose it overnight, I didn't gain it back overnight. In fact, I've been half-heartedly trying for two years to lose only to maintain or stay at my 25- 30 lb gain and not gain more back. It's only a matter of time before it will all have returned, if I don't do something now.

But, it's all about getting my head in the game. Like I said, the answer lies within yourself. Everyone is different. Different strokes for different folks! Weight Watchers works best for me, and in my opinion, the "average" dieter. If you aren't the type person who thinks in the extreme - Weight Watcher's provides balanced dieting. I know, they don't want you using that word. They want you saying "healthy lifestyle". Well, it isn't a healthy lifestyle if you quit doing it!! It's dieting, pure and simple! If you go on and go off - it's dieting! Face it folks - that's why I'm 30 lbs heavier then when I left Weight Watchers! I quit doing what I knew would work for me! Notice, I said "what works for me"...

So, is there a best program out there? No, I don't think so. It will depend on your personality style. If you can't have one bite of sugar without going whole hog - then maybe Sugar Busters is a better plan for you. Just an example (I've never done Sugar Busters). But, whatever it is that you decide to do to lose weight this year - remember, it's not about the plan you follow as much as it's about YOU, your stamina, your commitment & dedication BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. How bad do you want it? Do you want it bad enough to go the distance? Do you want it bad enough to stay the course? Will you make it to the finish line?

Ooops..more bad news: There is no finish line! Nope, if you wanna keep the weight off - you will need to continue doing what you've been doing. Yes, "maintenance" means you may be able to add in a few indulgences from time to time, but in essence to maintain a healthy weight you must maintain a healthy lifestyle and not do like I did (especially these last 3 months)...eat whatever you want and quilt exericsing.

Have you ever noticed those repetitive dieters that no matter what plan they follow to lose weight they are successful with it? Or those that try every plan known to mankind and none of them work? What's the difference? Their commitment and dedication to it! It's the person, not the plan! I can't emphasize that enough!

What better time to have this discussion then today - January 1, 2016!! Are you up to the task set before you? I'm cheering for you, if you are!!