I first started MF in March of 2005 and by July had lost over 60 lbs. and was only 15 lbs. away from goal. It seemed so easy. Granted there were moments when it was a little difficult, but overall it was relatively easy to stay compliant. I loved the way I felt physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and was loving the way I looked.
I was simply going to "take a month off" while traveling over summer vacation and immediately return to MF when I got back to reach goal. Funny thing is, during vacation I exercised a ton like I love, ate relatively healthy and small proportions and pretty well maintained my weightloss. But when I came back I restarted, and then restarted, and restarted, over and over and over again only to lose, gain, lose, gain... the weight.
There were, are, and always will be reasons not to stay on-plan to lose weight, or eat healthy to maintain.
But they're not really reasons are they? Only excuses!
I'm tired of living in this unhealthy body, tired of not sleeping well, not feeling my best, unable to do all the things I want to do, which definitely gets harder as I get older. I want to be healthy so I can do all the things in life I want and look the best I can. - So, I'm back, unwilling to give in, here to FOLLOW THE MF PLAN, STAY ON THE MF PLAN, AND REACH GOAL!!!
Now, I personally don't believe it's because of MF that we gain the weight back or go off track, because we're not learning to eat healthy, as some people like to say. It seems like so many of us have lost weight the "sensible" way through healthy eating plans, and many other diet programs. I believe we should each choose a program that works best for us to lose the weight. It seems more like maintaining is the hardest part, regardless of how we lost the weight. For me personally, MF works best to lose weight, so this is the weight-loss plan I will use, 'cause I know it works when I work the plan.
I noticed alot of MF-restarters this new year. It almost seems like there are more restarted than newbies. That, or I'm just hypersensitive when I see each of you.

In the elevator section under "Goals, Glorious Goals" there are posts from those that have reached their goals and some of their pearls of wisdom. I find it inspiring and it motivates me to stick with MF to reach my own goal
Now, I would love to hear from the restarters here...
Is it harder for you than the first time? Why do you think so?
What are your downfalls?
What helps you stay compliant?
Any words of advice?
What's your story?
Here's to all of us reaching our goals this new year
