After a few years on MFP, I have figured out a some things about weight loss, fitness and running. Most of it I didn't learn in the forums. ;)

The most important is this, weight loss and fitness is fragile!

Since I got on MFP, I learned how to run, I received a few medals, and I even ran a couple of marathons. I also learned that few reach their goal weight, but sadly, many more don't make it.

How fragile is it? A few cancer surgeries caused me to be down and out over the years. I gained 13 pounds the last time! That is almost 20% of my weight loss. One would think, with all that I have learned, that I would have cut back the calories while I was healing. I found it very hard to do that.

It's not just the lack of activity, but the emotional eating which I was in denial about. Running is my antidepressant. I am happy to be back down 3 or 4 pounds. My current health condition has been limiting me to shorter runs, but I am coping.

So what are my secrets to success over the years?

-1 I weigh myself weekly and do measurements every 3 months. I had to add it to my calendar.
-2 Measuring my food portions for the few food items I buy with a labels (which I read) is done on a food scale.
-3 I buy new underwear when I need it. It's my secret pleasure.
-4 Making time to sleep 8 hours means I get enough rest. I don't always sleep that long, but I am in bed that long.
-5 I take a few supplements that seem to work. I still take one BP med but that is better than 6.
-6 Running 3 days a week whether I want to or not helps me in so many ways. I try to cr0ss-train or run 2 more days. Some weeks I even run a 6th day. I have averaged about 120 miles a month.
-7 Walk 10,000 steps a day and take the stairs is my daily baseline.
-8 I log onto MFP daily! I still need to be here.
-9 I don't consume sweet drinks or food (with or without real sugar) except an occasional piece of birthday cake.
-10 There is no fast-food, pizza, white flour, rice, white potatoes or tofu 363 days a year. Tofu is 365!
-11 As a vegetarian, I happen to eat a little beef, lamb, pork, chicken and fish in small quantities.
-12 There is NEVER junk food in the house or I will eat it.
-13 Sticking to superfoods as often as I can. Fruit, veggies, nuts and spices are on that list.
-14 Using one and two cup containers to help limit my food consumption works!
-15 There is always a 20oz bottle of water nearby. I average about 60 ounces per day; more if it is hot.
-16 Scheduling my runs and workouts like they are doctor's appointments helps!
-17 Make a food plan for the week and eat sushi out once.
-18 Once a week, I shop, cook and package lots of meals to freeze.
-19 As much as I would like to, I don't smoke crack.

I know, that's more than 10. The same thing seems to happen with food.

As always, thanks for your support, comments and votes.