Weight Loss Challenge

[NH93]

I have not read through this whole thread, but I know I struggle to maintain weight.
Recently I had a very stressful couple of months (nearing the end of my degree, and had a close family member pass away). I used to run several times a week - it was something I really enjoyed, a part from the exercise. Kept me positive and less stressed. With cold, Canadian winter months on top of many other things, I knew I'd be unable to exercise.

I keep a journal of what I eat. A real written one, not an electronic one.
Every day, for the past 5 months, and even now. I mark every single thing that I eat, measure it, and write down the calories. Now I know calories aren't the be-all end-all for food. But if you're like me and cutting out sugar is not on your top priority list (or another bad eating habit), then I really suggest this. I am still able to treat myself, but within reason.

This "activity" also helped me initially lose 35 lbs in 3 months - which I have kept off - for 6 years. It gives you insight to how much you ACTUALLY eat. You see those 10 M&Ms you forgot about, the hand-full of chips, or the too-much pasta as your side dish at dinner.

Over the past 5 months I have lost 13 lbs just by using a journal. I am not considered overweight by BMI standards (not that I trust that anyway), but to give you perspective, 13 lbs is pretty good for someone not able to work out.
The more you have to lose, the easier it is (in theory) to lose that weight, because it takes more effort on your body's part. Slow and steady, I've found, is the best method to losing AND KEEPING weight off.

If you have any questions at all, personal or otherwise about this, feel free to PM me.

Best of luck!