A year ago I shared my commitment and success in losing weight over 2014.  By the end of that year, I was back within the weight range considered “normal” for a man of my height and age.  But when I was committing to this in 2014, I was well aware that losing the weight is just phase 1.  An overwhelming majority of those who lose weight will slowly put it back on.  I knew that the success I sought would include at least a phase 2: focus on building a long-term lifestyle that sustains the health level and weight range that I worked hard to reach.

Actually, phase 2 involves some new shift in thinking.  It's OK not to lose any more weight.  In fact, during the months when I work out cycling, I probably will gain some weight (but as muscle and energy stores).  The challenge of phase 2 is to convert the new habits into a lifestyle and mindset that I can sustain year after year.

So as 2015 began I was already transitioning to this mindset.  I began the year with the self-commitment to keep eating “clean” and to keep my activity level up.  My weight drifted within a 6-pound range, and I felt I was successful.  My chart shows the two years.

Obviously, I kept weighing myself and recording the results every day that I could.  I discovered that holding myself accountable every day was a strong motivator.  I now think that if I stop the weigh-in, that it will be too easy for me not to make the concerted efforts that will keep my weight in-check.

For much of 2015 I floated around or just below 150.  I can tell that I’m still battling my body’s pull toward a higher weight range.  But I'm motivated.  At a restaurant when I commented how much I like ice cream, someone asked me why I don’t have a dessert.  I replied that I can feel what it’s like to be at the weight I am, and I like that too much to give in.  Given my genetics I don't think I can have both, and I know which I want more. 

My new habits of the past two years have been forged into a new lifestyle.  It's no longer hard to sustain, but it does take a conscious effort. I resolve to sustain that lifestyle and to keep my weight and health where they are.  And because I was successful at developing an improved lifestyle, I feel its time to take on a new changes.  For 2016 I have committed to a new resolution - to simplify and reduce clutter.  And so I start again to develop new habits.