For me, I think that I am most held back by the difficulty I have in believing that lasting change is possible for me. I want to believe it. I want to achieve it, but every time I "slip" it is almost like I reinforce the fact that I can't do it.

I'm right there with you Squishy! It seems I start anew every Monday morning. This week I have done very well counting calories but the weekend is coming and those 2 days are my downfall. I will do my best to get through them without cheating this time.

For me it is my all or nothing attitude. One bad day in March sent me off track for months! I really do need to work on the fact that it's ok to have a treat and it doesn't mean that I have to overeat for the rest of the day!

you can do this girls ! look at it as a marathon it may take time to change the bad habits but it can be done

Thank you for the encouragement. I don't have trouble believing intellectually that it can be done, but the disconnect comes with really feeling that internally. I don't know if that makes sense, but I really feel like that is something I am going to have to work through to be successful long-term.

I went off track in the school holidays and since I've been on off on off with various excuses ... good and bad days has slowly got me further towards my goal though which is better than completely falling off 7 day a week!

I was going very well all year until a family tradegy in June. It sent me well off the rails and I gained 9lbs back but 6 weeks ago I took back control. In the new year I'm going to have a new rule of weekends off xx

Hi Squishy,
The psychological factor of healthy eating, weight loss, keeping fit and getting into shape is a bigger factor than most of us take into account.
May be you have tried various health routines and plans. Most of us never seem to get the desired result.

When in fact, you may be entering these new programs with the same old mindset.
For things to change, YOU must change!
You do not have to make huge changes to make a huge difference. A few small changes to lifestyle, eating, sleeping and working habits can make a huge difference to successful weight loss.
Diet, weight loss and training plans give you the tools you need to lose weight. You need to provide the right platform to work on by making sure you have the correct and focused mindset.
The right frame of mind will give you motivation, commitment and the skills you need to overcome the obstacles that you might face along the way with temptations and distractions.
Honestly, your mentality and mindset towards weight loss and healthy eating are just as important as watching what you eat and exercise.
Success in persavear

I think that you make some good points, Azure. I know that my mentality does hurt me, but I don't really know how to fix that. I think that small changes are a good idea. Maybe if I have longer term success with small things, I will be able to make bigger changes.

I will have to agree that one little thing can sometimes set you off for days, weeks, and even months! I have realized that our mindset is 50% of the battle. This is why the military, sports teams, and high performing businesses all invest an immense amount of money into training and coaching their soldiers, athletes, and employees.