Ok, yeah, it's been quite a while since I've posted.  Frankly, I don't know if anyone is even reading these blog entries so I'm not sure I should keep at it.  Please e-mail me and let me know if you read this.  If I get a few responses, I'll continue to post periodically.

I'm so glad that I finished the weight loss program I was on.  Learning to eat right and getting some exercise was just the ticket.  60 pounds are gone since the end of April when I started this.

I keep seeing ads on TV for Nutrisystem meals, Jenny Craig meals, and other weight loss products.  While they do work (so long as you keep eating just those meals and don't snack), you will likely gain the weight back as soon as you go off the program.  It's for one simple reason.  You didn't learn anything.

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you have to learn how to eat.  By that I mean portion control. What is a correct portion size? How do you prepare meals for yourself (and family) at home that comply? When you go out, do you eat just half the meal and bring the rest home?  Or maybe split it with a family member? 

My plan was a big money saver. Since I didn't eat as much meat, I was able to save a couple of dollars each day. The savings goes up when eating out as I have leftovers for the next day, or I split the meal with my wife and buy half as much.

If you want to lose weight, figure out how many calories you actually eat each day and then cut back. A maximum of 2000 calories a day will likely see you lose weight. Add in some exercise to boost your metabolism and you will lose weight on 2000 calories a day.  Want to lose it faster? Cut back to 1800 or 1700 a day.  If you slip up one day, that's ok.  Just get back on the program.

But it won't happen if you don't decide to make it happen.