Elizabeth the two of us are much the same. I'm 5'1 1/2 145 - 150 had one birth almost lost us both because of blood p. started prag. At 95 lbs at my son's birth I was 165 - 169 know each birth could never get my weight down, but never to my goal weight. I am now at my under 150

Cheryl Trainor

I have something to offer here, Elizabeth, though I can’t speak about pregnancy, not first-hand anyway! Everything you say is great, and as usual, your willingness to “be the learning” is striking. Here’s another piece you might like to consider...

There’s a mind-body connection that’s worth paying attention to.

Let me share my own experience, if I may. At first, you may think this has little to do with shedding the pounds...

Last year was pretty tough, or at least I framed it in my head as struggle, and I put on weight through eating at my desk with the result that just before Christmas I was the heaviest I had ever been. Not really drastic, but out of shape, and I was aware I needed to cut down.

About then, I was working on my goals for 2012. Where did I want to be at the end of the year? As usual, I got all numerical about it, and was debating to myself what was realistic. (Business and professional background conditions us to anticipate being held accountable I guess.)

Then it dawned on me....

Knowing that I needed to manage my mental state much more effectively than before, I realized I’d do much better to visualize a 2012 that I couldn’t possibly cavil about—progress on all fronts beyond all realistic expectation.

And then, and most importantly, act as if that’s already happening.

That puts your head in a different place for sure. And you attract the people and things into your life that help bring you what you want.

Working on your own, I reckon rather than setting realistic goals, it’s much more important to have a compelling vision, to manage your state, and so manifest what you desire.

And coming back to weight loss, here’s the interesting thing...

I notice that now I’m not eating the snacks while I’m working. Because my head’s in a better place, I don’t want them. They just don’t have the same appeal. And it feels like a physical shift, by which I mean my body isn’t interested.

I keep being surprised by the power of the mind-body connection, but I shouldn’t be and nor should you.

So I suggest...

Visualize a future state that is so good that when it arrives you can’t possible quibble about it (which may involve accepting some things you can’t change). Then act as if the state is already here. That’ll have lots of benefits: You’ll attract who and what you need to succeed, you’ll manifest the success you want...

...and you’ll eat less.

Hope that helps.

I am not sure I can comment on my own blog. Let's see if it work... David. I'll write my next blog post or one soon about my vision board. I totally agree on vision needed. Thank you for writing this because I appreciate the support and ideas tremendously.

Cheryl, I believe we've found ourselves work out, weightloss, get healthy forever buddies in each other! Let's do this. I hope you will also post your before picture, goals, story and more at www.bestyounetwork.com and tag the post health and wellness. It will also appear on our channel here on Best Ever You to help me and others :)

I just have to say YOU are beautiful inside and out!

Making it a lifestyle choice instead of losing a few pounds for an event is such a great idea and wonderful tip to share with your readers. I am only a few years into changing my lifestyle and have lost 120 pounds by making it a new lifestyle and am still learning new things every day. I turned 48 this week and feel like I have my life back. I wish you so much success! :)

Congratulations Elizabeth! Keep up the good work.

Are you aware of the 2 sweeteners with 0 calories: Lakanto

You are incredible! It's amazing how infectious your attitude is, and I'm certain it's because it's real. Sincereity is a winner. I am so grateful to have you in my life.