1. I started January 25th with a “30 Day challenge for a flat tummy” that I stumbled onto on Pinterest. It started very easy-it had to, or I would have given up.

(I am now on day #248). I realize this may not be for everyone, but I post about every single workout day on Facebook. I feel like this is a way to hold myself accountable and it has helped me tremendously! I’ve added to the original plan, of course, and I’ve stayed with a 3 days on/1 day off routine ever since.

2. I started small.

I wanted a lifestyle change, not my usual two week starve & binge cycle. I cut out sugar & processed foods. I gave up bread & switched to low carb options whenever possible. I try to stick with chicken, fish & Turkey (but I will eat beef once or twice a week), and incorporate as much fresh vegetables & fruit into my diet as I can stand. I avoid fried foods. I’ve switched to lite salt, low calorie salad dressing, & use spray-on margarine or “butter sprinkles” (look in the popcorn aisle). My treats are low calorie Greek Yogurt & Russell Stover’s sugar free chocolates…and a cocktail whenever I’m in the mood.

3. I think it helped that I didn’t weigh myself for a very long time, and I don’t weigh myself very often now. I was more concerned with my general well-being, and wanting to move out of the plus-sizes. I don’t know my weight when I started way back in January. I finally replaced the batteries in my scale in May. I crossed into One-der land in July, and I’m battling now with a plateau and staying motivated. But I’m still here, still working at it everyday. I’m 58 years old. I didn’t think this was possible at my age, but here I am!