I made goal and then some. Two major changes contributed:
1. Net Calorie intake at 1200 - using MFP
2. Walking 5 miles everyday for fresh air, cardio and additional calories to eat
Don't get me wrong....it was hard for the first 2 weeks. Me and my body needed to adjust and we still are adjusting! I was eating more calories and going to the gym for lifting. Now - in addition to the walks, I do some HIIT and yoga (mostly inversions) at home. If I can maintain - it's OK for this next two weeks.
The cravings are there and my living situation - well, I live with folks with extremely unhealthy eating habits. However, a quick daily weigh-in is good and I notice I gain if I don't do a daily check (not right away but after a while - i.e. know your progress instead of avoiding it). I've finally accepted that I was raised with unhealthy eating and wellness habits - therefore, it's going to take a lifetime to work on changing and regulating that I don't slip back into them. Not just the scale but with making sure that my complete wellness (exercise, meditation, etc..) is addressed. I see why folks lose and then gain (I did).
I maintained my weight until moving back to my hometown. I realized that food addiction and lack of exercise is so rampant in my circle. Of course, I got comfortable and slipped into many of my old habits. Many people are stressed here (or resolving past issues) and their eating and lack of exercise actually contributes to their illness. I tried to get in shape and lose weight with folks here - but then the fitness partner will disappear after I tryi to get them back on track. It's amazing the level of food addiction - especially with fried foods, sweets, plain overeating, heavy meats, and the such. I'm more than fine with having a piece of cake or a rib - I did this week - but I log in to see what that does to my nutrition and calorie intake (this keeps me humble).
Right now, my journey is about me. Once the contest is done, I'm seriously considering creating a support blog for holistic wellness. I'm looking at how it can help me maintain my weight and wellness why helping others to lose and maintain - sharing my findings from the journey in weight loss. Dumping my thoughts and ponderings on here has helped. We'll see...