Question

I have seen posts by so many people, who have been on and off of Weight Watchers for years, and they are asking how to return to “normal” eating after they reach their goal weight. This is my response to that question. WW is my new normal. It IS a lifestyle change for me. I will never let myself get back to where I was before I started WW. You just have to have the right mindset going into it. I did this for my health, not just my appearance. I’m 66 years old and I want to live a long life. I’m off of blood pressure medication for the first time in years. I’ve lost 25 lbs, so that takes 100 pounds off of my knees. I’ve had one replaced and will have the other replaced in a month. I’m hoping to be able to stop my cholesterol medicine when I have blood work done in a few weeks. My acid reflux has disappeared and it was bad! You just have to ask yourself “What’s more important to me, food or my life? ” For me, it was an easy answer. I choose life!  

Answer 1

Well said

Answer 2

This is my new normal too! Wish I had learned that the first time back in 1985. Of course, I had three kids since then and that took its toll. But I did lose everything I gained after my daughter in 1992 . But gained more and more.  

Answer 3

Well said! It is a lifestyle change. My husband has been ww for a year and a half and has lost over 100 pounds. He has said that it was the best decision he made. He thought what he was eating wasnt bad for him but it was his portion size. That what its taught him. I cant remember how much more he wants to lose but I am proud of him and I eat the way he does. He is our chef during the week and he helps me on the kitchen on the weekends. It has to be a lifestyle or as you put it the new normal. Congratulations to all of you for all the hard work you put in to getting you healthy.  

Answer 4

That is the old DIET mentality. hoping they learn it is a lifestyle change and way of life.  

Answer 5

I too have changed my way if eating and mindset. I have found that by gradually substituting junk, non nutritious food with good nutritional foods, it is no longer a diet to me. I found that by gradually changing I was more successful. I've lost 140 lbs over 2. 5 years, and take far less medications.  

Answer 6

Wow you have an easy solution! Good for you. I do not believe most people believe that they can go back to eating like they did before they made dietary changes. Life happens. We slip up. It's not easy at all. Look at the stats only 2 to 5% of people who lose weight with dieting and exercise alone keep it off. I've had great years and some not so much in terms of keeping my excess weight off. Life! I hope that you will be one of the 2 to 5% population that keeps the weight off. All best to you. Trust and believe that we are all trying. Progress not perfection. One day at a time.  

Answer 7

I felt every word of your post. I want and desire to get where you are. I know better. I make too many excuses. Health is the new Wealth.!  

Answer 8

Love you answer. I feel the same way and have had wonderful results also

Answer 9

I wish I learned this lesson the first time I lost on WW. I was 5 lbs from goal (after losing over 35) and got so depressed when I realized that I’d have to eat like this for the rest of my life! Now I’m back on WW after many later failures, only this time I have 50 to lose!  

Comments

@br2 me too, it's great to feel like we have all the answers but sometimes life throws things at us that we weren't expecting and it becomes easy to grab what we can when we can. I got to target 20 years ago but my body shape looked the same just a smaller version! I too have had many failures and am trying again with about 50 to lose, do here's to us, we've done it before and we will again. Happy to be your buddy if you want one  

---

@charette, I feel that way too and I'm glad that you've succeeded and your health has improved, food has never been my main problem, liquid refreshment and then food for me  I was diagnosed with diverticulitis following admission to Hospital over Christmas and advised to completely turn my eating around until my bowel recovered, so it was refined food instead of my normal eating - good excuse to have a white bread, cheese sandwich though  

Answer 10

Good viewpoint  

Answer 11

Amen sister! I’m 66 also, and this has to be a lifestyle. It really is a mindset. And I am choosing life too

Answer 12

Have been following this lifestyle for years and maintained my goal weight.  

Answer 13

I have lost almost 40 pounds and plan to be a lifetime member, I had to change my lifestyle also but I have and plan to continue to do so, I look and feel sooooo much better it is worth it

Answer 14

Yes. Lifestyle change, not a diet. Remember your why!  

Answer 15

After losing 56 lbs and maintaining for 3 years this has become my normal. I'm 63 and I don't ever want those 56 lbs back.  

Answer 16

@charette, when you lost your weight did it help with your knee? I have to have my knee done in April and I am in such pain. Just wondering if it did make a difference.  

Answer 17

Exactly. after making lifetime people said maintaining is the hardest part but if u have already conditioned ur body to be used to a better eating lifestyle then it's all good