To those who lost weight and have kept it off, what habit matters most? We weren’t looking for the usual “diet and exercise” answer.
Addiction
It’s like a switch flipped in my brain—I swapped my food addiction for a running addiction. I, who never exercised before, got hooked on jogging like a true addict. I even jog when I’m on vacation. If I ever miss a day—which is rare—I make up for it by doubling my effort the next day.
Clothes
As soon as I lost weight, I replaced my entire wardrobe. I gave away all my “fat clothes” and invested in a brand-new, high-end collection. I burned my bridges—there’s no turning back! Now, if I start to outgrow a designer piece, I immediately cut back on eating. It would be a financial disaster to buy bigger sizes of my favorite clothes (did I mention how much I invested in these designer pieces?), and honestly, I just won’t let myself get bigger again—I feel amazing this way.
Glances
Since losing weight, men hold their gaze on me. They look my way on the street, let me go first in stores, and wink at me in clubs. I don’t consider myself superficial, but this attention feels amazing for someone who was chubby and invisible since childhood until losing weight.
No Secrets
I’ve never hidden that I lost weight using Saxenda, the “miracle drug” celebrities talk about. I became immune to it fairly quickly, but by then my stomach had shrunk, so I can’t eat the huge portions I used to when I was heavier. I stick to small, bird-sized portions and never go for seconds—no matter how delicious the food is.
Body Confidence
Since losing weight, I put a mirror on the wall next to my bed and love watching myself during sex—it’s incredibly exciting. I admire my body, and feeling good about how I look has boosted my confidence and changed my attitude toward sex—I enjoy it so much more now. If I notice my belly starting to grow again in the mirror, I immediately start dieting to keep it in check.
App-Driven
I downloaded a calorie-tracking app and that’s it. I can eat anything, but if I indulge in a big meal in the morning—which happens—I make sure to eat lighter in the evening. I know exactly how many calories I can consume daily without gaining weight—and I follow it like scripture. No excuses, no bargaining, just sticking to the plan.
Fasting
Every third day is a fasting day—I don’t eat anything then. It’s pretty intense, but it works for me. I gain weight even from breathing, and losing weight was tough, so this keeps me on track.
Skin Suit
I lost nearly 110 lbs (50 kg) and had several skin removal surgeries. My breasts, thighs, arms, and back needed lifting. It was a long, painful, and expensive process. So when I dream at 11 p.m. about devouring a ton of sweets, I remind myself I can’t ruin all the work I’ve done. I couldn’t go through losing weight and surgeries again, so my willpower is stronger than cravings.
Kindness
People have changed since I dropped 44 lbs (20 kg). They smile at me, are kind and courteous—not just men, but women too! They let me go first in line, offer discounts, and small gifts. I’ve never experienced this before; people used to be rude to me. I couldn’t go back to my old life.
Weighing In
I bought a high-tech scale that tells me everything. My target weight is 132 lbs (60 kg), and if it shows more, I skip dinner until I’m back at 132. It’s that simple.
