It certainly*"IS" a lifestyle. Your new lifestyle is eating right, exercising frequently and staying the course, in the end you will lose the weight. It will take time to drop the pounds, even when it's slow, its better for you because you want to lose fat and not muscle, remember that, lose fat and not muscle...... Stay the course, always be conscienous of*what you put in your mouth.... And have an "I CAN" attitude.... Much success to you while on your journey.....

It's definately a life style change.* I love what Dan says about "What do you really want."* I think that all the time when I might be having a blah day or feel like eating something I shouldn't.* I ask myself what do I really want - it helps so much.* I am pushing to be at my goal weight by the end of March.* Then I will maintain and keep my workout going and eating right and if a few pounds come back on I will nip it right away unlike what I've ever done before because again "what do I really want."

I think its okay to set a time frame for yourself, but DO NOT compare yourself to others...
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Some people lose the weight quickly, and then fall back into old habits and regain...
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You have to go at the pace that feels right to you, and only YOU can decide that...
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It has taken me over two and a half years to lose a measely 51 pounds...But it was my own fault...I half heartedly did it the first two years...And I know this.
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My sister lost 100 pounds in a year...Because she worked her ass off...I wasnt ready to do that...So every person is different...
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Now I am done with excuses, and I am going for the gold...Because I know I am ready...And yes, it must be a life style change. Permanent...I know this...I can never go back to what I was, or I will end up back where I was, and I dont want too.
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You will know when you are ready too...
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GOOD LUCK!
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Dawn

I agree, use time frames as goals.
They should be challenging but doable.*
If you use the time frame as a goal and think about it everyday and ask questions like,
"What can I do today to help me achieve my goal" it will really help.
You will always stay focused on your goal and you will achieve it