Hey Peeps,
I've had weight issues since my early teens. I've lost pounds in the past using, for lack of a better term, inappropriate means. I'm older and smarter now, and am now a true believer in calories in/calories out.
Eight years ago I went back to work after a five year hiatus. That first year I lost 50 pounds. My mother-in-law bragged about it to everyone. Honestly, until then I'd not even realized I'd had it to lose. I knew I wasn't thin, but I thought I looked fine. 189 pounds on a 5'5" frame is easily overlooked if you have genetically small ankles and wrists, and hide everything else.
I work a high stress, 12 hour desk job. I have carried my lunch everyday for the last eight years. My lunch bag is generally filled with nutritious snacks and leftovers, all of which are portion controlled. When I gain weight I am aware that it comes from either eating badly at home, or skipping the gym. I'm in a fairly good groove right now, keeping everything balanced. I'm always going to have the same goal weight. I don't really care if I ever reach it, but I do care if I ever stop TRYING to reach it.