Believe me Bab, if I could accomplish this, anyone can! I spent 20 years on and off Weight Watchers and also trying to just cut back, on my own. It'd last 2-3 weeks and then I'd be back to my old ways. I was very serious and very ready when I joined SF Jan. 2008. I found it an easy program to follow and to stay on. I eat foods now that I never did before..just recently I started eating broccoli, which I did not like before..I like it!! It's also a mind set you know. I was really ready last year in January after hurting my back just one more time. I'd had enough of the pain. I made up my mind then and there that I was not going to do this to myself anymore. I started walking on a treadmill at our little community gym the week before I actually signed up. I finished up eating the last of the Christmas goodies and still lost 2#! Now I knew that being on a good food plan would meant it would just get better and better and it did! I started walking very slowly and for very short periods (10-15 min. each night after work). I slowly worked up my time then gradually, over months increased my speed. Not that you need to walk really fast, but you have to be consistent and walk more than 2-3 nights a week. Back then I walked 7 days a week and had worked up to an hour of walking time. Now days I walk 4-5 miles on the road or on the tm at varying speeds. Your body gets used to the same routine, so I try to shake it up a bit. When I walk on the treadmill I call it "dance walking". I really get my hips  and arms swinging in time to the music playing on my radio. This is usually 60's-70's tunes. I try to match my speed and stride to the beat of the music. It's so much fun! The SF plan is wonderful and you will lose weight and get healthier, but the added exercise is so much more beneficial than just changing your eating habits alone. With exercise it can get boring. To stay motivated you have to make it fun. On my tm at home I do the different programs and have to really pay attention for speed changes, so the time actually goes pretty fast (60-80 minutes).....Another thing I have to say is that I have been very strict with the SF program following the guidelines. I make changes to my menus everyday, but always stay within the suggested ranges. I have not had many days of feeling hungry, either. In the beginning I stayed away from gatherings because I knew I could not resist the temptationof the foods. I needed this time to get used to being on program and making the healthy changes. It was well worth missing a few get togethers, believe me. Now I have no trouble (or very little trouble, I should say) making healthy choices when eating out and if at a gathering I try what I want to try, but just a little of each. This may put me over, but it's not done on a regular basis. During the losing end of the program I was so unsure of how to make the right choices, for me it was better to skip going for awhile. It wasn't forever. I also drink water now..this for me was a challenge at first because I was strictly a diet soda drinker, never water. You have to be ready Bab and you have to think positive. This is the best program I have found in all my adult years (I'm 54). It is certainly the easiest one for me. The dieticians are great here and they will help you with whatever comes up within their realm. They definately have gone above and beyond the call of duty for me! I wish every member of SF the best. IT WORKS!....I love to hear how everyone is doing. I hope to see you here again.

PAnn...just reading your letter, showed me what I can do...Bab

Hi hunter923!...Thank-you! It's been fun being on SF and reaching new goals. I'm having no trouble with maintenance and wholeheartedly believe in the program. Best wishes to you!...PAnn

PAnn, congratulations on your success!  You look GREAT!  You're an inspiration to all of us and I hope you keep joining in to chat with us to keep us motivated!  Thanks for sharing!

Hi Sarah and all! My name is PAnn. I have been a SF member since Jan. 2008. Last July I met my goal and have since gone beyond that with a total loss of 77# and maintaining since last fall. You've joined a very good program here at Slim-Fast. The support of the members and staff is THE BEST! You'll find motivation and tips in abundance here from the dieticians and members alike. 

I like how you called this a journey in your post. This is always what I have called this lifestyle change. It is a journey. Journeys can lead you to wonderful places. Better health is the best place and this is where I am getting to. I maintain my weight just fine, but I also know that in order to stay healthy I have to have my exercise right along with making healthy choices in my meals and snacks. I am an avid walker and usually walk 4-5 miles a night. I also swim again now after 20 years in hiding...  I enjoy how I eat and what I eat. I have no cravings for chips and dip for breakfast anymore! Pass the fruit, please :-) 

With the help you'll receive here on your journey, you will also make many new friends along the way. My original Buddy and I have become as close as sisters and walk this journey together. We're all here for the same reason and we'll all help you along the way, too. My best wishes for great success to all of you! Have a joyous trip!....PAnn  (P.S. You have the rest of your lives, don't fret when you mess up, just get back up and start again... Let the fun begin!)

Welcome :) and good luck to you too!

Hi...You surely sound motivated.  That's great..I have been losing very slowly a pd a week.

Any motivation you can give me will be appreciated. Thanks, Nan

Hi Sarah

Thanks for the motivational words - I am sure we can all use them.  Winter has been blah - lots of snow this year - but Spring is on the way so soon I will be able to do much more outside.

Kathleen

hi everyone,

i've joined this group in hopes to stay motivated to reach my goals.. and to motivate others, of course :) nice to meet everyone. hopefully i can make some long lasting friends on this journey we make together. good luck to all of you, and remember.. we've all already completed the hardest step by deciding to make ourselves healthier, if we keep that in sight and our friends in our hearts this should be easier to conquor. once again, good luck to everyone :)