I think what worked for me was realizing that I was in control of every piece of food that I put in my mouth. You are not helpless when it comes to controlling what you do and don't eat. I still give in to temptation, but I don't over indulge the way that I used to. Sometimes now, it's just getting a bite or two of the cheesecake instead of eating the whole thing (I've done it before!)

Actually, I started taking control of all aspects of my life and it has had such a profound change on everything. I've lost a lot of weight, gotten out of a bad relationship, found a new, really good relationship, gotten a new, better paying job, and have become a very outgoing person where I used to be very introverted and uncomfortable around "strangers."

So, for me, it was a realization, I'm in control. I can put this (fill in the blank) down. Sometimes I'll feel hunger pains and know that I just ate a little while ago and just accept the fact that my tummy growls. I know I'm not starving. It is a lifestyle change, a complete new way of thinking and it is something that you just have to accept. I don't beat myself up if I eat something sweet. I just take a couple of bites, or whatever. Life is a funny thing, I have been overweight since I was a child, tried every diet that has ever been on the market (and failed miserably every time) and then one day it was like a light switch went off in my head and everything has just fallen into place. I didn't follow any fad diets or weird food combos. I just paid attention to what and how much I was eating and so far, have maintained.

__________________