Ever since I wrote the blog What do Successful Dieters Have in Common, I haven’t been able to get it off my mind.  Deepak Chopra’s words keep running through my head. I’ve been searching for the answer to the question I had to ask myself, why me?  Why have I been one of the 2% of successful dieters?  This is why I believe I’m one of the 2% of successful dieters.

“Only 2% of all dieters will lose at least 5 pounds and keep it off for five years” – Deepak Chopra

His words were impactful, intimidating, demotivating, and downright scary.

I  researched for What do Successful Dieters Have in Common and came up with and formed a list of common characteristics of successful dieters:

• Find exercise they enjoy
• Become addicted to their weight loss efforts
• Prepare food in advance
• Know the power of power walks
• Strength train and weight lift
• Have a positive attitude and believe they can lose the weight
• Share their goals and plans with others
• Involve others (work out buddies and fitness groups)
• Visualize success daily

And I gave you my answer and the best answer I could come up with at the time,

I just kept trying…

More Reasons I Was A Successful Dieter

Now that I’ve had more time to think about this, I know there was definitely more to my weight loss success.  There were a few things I did that allowed me to keep my place in the elite club of 2% of successful dieters.

Ditched the Diet Soda and Artificial Sweeteners As I wrote about in I AM an Addict, giving up diet soda and artificial sweeteners was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done!  It was well worth it though.  My sugar cravings got better!

Worked on My Health Throughout my journey, I worked on getting healthier.  The healthier I got the more energy I had for my weight loss efforts and the greater weight loss success I experienced.

Gave Myself Grace For years I held myself accountable to be the perfect dieter and exerciser.  As soon as I went off course, I would go into “bad girl” mode and eat like it was my J-O-B.  Now I give myself grace. When I slip, I forgive myself and get right back on track!

Aligned Myself with Holistic Dr’s, Coaches, and Personal Trainers I consulted with two holistic dieticians, two integrative physicians, and worked with three personal trainers.  Having the right people on your team can be very helpful!

Journaled and MyFitnessPal I journaled and recorded workouts, food, and my weight in my journal.  Consistently journaling was incredibly helpful and allowed me to look back and analyze what was working and not working for me.

Regularly Revisited My Why I blogged about my Why or should I say whys in Remember Why You Started.  I revisited them and intentionally thought about them at least a few times a week.  Allowing myself to feel the emotions that were tied to them was very powerful!

And I Prayed.