Never thought of it that way...very good advice! Thanks for sharing!

i lost a good bit of weight last year. and while i was extremely strict with my diet and tried to really follow Dr. Oz's advice ... there was always a voice in my head (that I had heard somewhere before) that you should always eat/drink/etc. something that you really want ... if you don't, you're going to end up consuming more calories trying to replace what you really wanted.

So when I wanted a cookie, I had a cookie. Usually a diet cookie of some sort, or made with soy butter, but there's always loopsholes and I think it's important to reward yourself and not fixate on something. If you want some sugar, have a little sugar, do a little jig and you will still lose the weight.

I'm so bad about saying, "Screw it. I had French fries for lunch...might as well have fatty food for dinner, too." I really like what you've shared!! I need to keep it in mind...quite frequently.

Over the years I've tried almost every diet. Low fat, low carb, Slimfast, you name it, I've been on it and all of them worked. I've lost and gained the same ten pounds dozens of times. It doesn't matter what diet you choose, you simply have to burn more calories than you take in if you want to slim down. It isn't rocket science. The one thing I refuse to do ever again is any form of deprivation. If I want ice cream at night I have it. I only keep healthier snack (including ice cream) options in the house. Have you tried Skinny Cow bars and cones? They are awesome and are lower in fat and calories. I also started working out 5-6 days a week. Even when I am tired and don't want to do it I make myself because I know I'll feel great when I'm done.

That is a great attitude.