Go Val! You do deserve it and you can do it! Think about the times you have been successful in the past and what worked for you. Also, while I do think calories matter to some extent, I think WHAT and HOW you eat is so much more important. Modern nutrition science has proven that all calories are not created equal. I don't know how you eat (?) but good rules of thumb are to avoid processed foods as much as possible, eat nutrient dense meals, make sure to get adequate protein and good healthy fats. Don't be afraid of eating fats, but only healthy fats (e.g. avocado, olive and coconut oils, seeds, limited nuts) and avoid empty carbohydrates (e.g. White flour and sugar, things with sugar added as an ingredient, white bread). What you will find if you eat more like that, your palette will change and you won't crave the unhealthy stuff anymore. Lastly, eat slowly and mindfully until you are about 80% full (or just no longer hungry, not full). Check out Michael Pollan's food rules - you can find them online or buy the small paperback for under $10. They are entertaining and good guidelines. You CAN do this for yourself and for your health - best gift you can give yourself as you point out in your post!
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