When can I stop dieting ...

Sleeping on the street

I have written before about losing weight. I think I was very successful in working to get my weight off. I keep trying to get another 10 pounds off and I want to be sure to keep it off. Last year I kept it off by running twice a month. This year I haven't had that motivation so I am trying to do fun runs once a month. Longer distances less frequently was my thinking, but I'm not sure it is working. Last year I was at the gym every day since I knew I would be running a race the following week. Now I am not sure when my next race is so I don't have motivation to go to the gym. I go sometimes, but it isn't a priority like last year.

Mural on the side of a day care in SF

When I lost my weight I exercised every day, sometimes twice a day, but I also was very careful of what I ate. I was careful of everything I ate. I tried to eat healthy meals and would snack on apples or carrots. I ate less food overall and wasn't hungry. It isn't easy to eat healthy. I had to plan all my meals and snacks a week ahead of time and then not eat other snacks. I would still eat at McDonald's when I wanted, but I would be very thoughtful of the calories that I ate. I finally lost the weight I wanted and relaxed a little. I have also found out that I can't relax. I have to be vigilant.

Billboard

I guess you have to stay on a diet for all of your life. They say you have to make a life change. I put my weight on because I ate too much and didn't exercise. Now I exercise, when I can get motivated. I need to realize I can never relax in what I eat. I have to keep eating healthy and plan my meals a week ahead of time. I bought a bag of chips last week and had chips and dip and a coke as I was watching tv last Friday. YUCK! I don't know how anyone can sit down and eat chips. I guess I used to, but I ended up throwing the bag of chips out because I know I will never be able to finish the bag. Maybe I will buy one of those small bags like we used to bring in our lunches if I get a craving again!! You can never stop dieting, or you will go back to the way you were before!

Cute dog on the streets of San Francisco