Wow.
The results have been worthwhile and I've learned a lot.
I also got in to my size 5 goal pants and comfortably wear a size 4 most of the time.
I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm getting close. The thing that worked best was certainly the 5 Bite Diet, which I was certainly quite skeptical about at first. The one modification I made was instead of black coffee, I would mix a spoonful of chocolate protein powder in to it because:
1. I like chocolate and can't stand black coffee
2. It satisfied the cravings to eat
3. Protein is important
What really helped more than the 5 Bite Diet was a lifestyle change. It's cliche, but true. I started an active life. The house I bought required hours of physical labor to make it livable. Leaving my fiance drastically changed what I did in my free time from eating and watching movies to exercise, cleaning, and socializing without food. Once I started seeing the benefits, it changed my relationship with friends too. Some friendships have certainly weakened, but overall its been largely a positive impact. I now meet up with a few different friends to run or walk. I ride my bike as often as I can. I enjoy moving and being active.
Although my relationship didn't work out for personal reasons, I now can see how having a partner that isn't working toward the same goals is a huge hurdle. Surrounding yourself with people with similar goals is what truly makes all the difference.
