I was about 30-40 lbs overweight for the last 6 years and had been steadily gaining about 5 lbs a year the 10 years before that to get to that point. Before that, I could eat anything I wanted and didn't gain a pound. It's taken me 10 years to really understand how food, emotions and hunger are all interconnected and how to self-regulate so you don't overdo it. I came upon two self affirmations that really gave me that "a-ha" moment that changed my complete outlook and mindset. Since then, I've lost 28 pounds and counting. Those affirmations are:

Why? Because you are trying to better yourself.

and

DON'T GIVE UP!

Giving up is about losing passion for life and looking at yourself in a "I'll never change, this is who I am" kind of way. What are you talking about? You can be and do anything you want. Don't give up on yourself. Where is the passion and the want to be everything you can?

Secondly. . . working out and dieting is all about "do" and never about "what I want". It's like work. . . I go because I have to, not because I thought it was a fun thing to do with my time. My view of exercise and dieting had to move into a no-choice status like work. Over time, you start to really enjoy and and try all sorts of new things. Keeps life moving and interesting and happier.

I'm excited to see what I have already accomplished with my new better me over the past year and I look forward to what's yet to come for I am still working on it! Don't give up.