“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”<\/p>\n
This quote, from writer Maria Robinson, came into my life at the perfect time. Just a few days prior, I'd stepped onto the scale only to realize that I had gained about 5 pounds. My jeans did<\/em> seem a little tight, but I thought maybe they just shrunk in the dryer the last time I washed them. OK, OK—I had to admit that I'd indulged in a few too many heavy meals and sugary treats, and I'd skipped my daily gym session more than a couple of times each week. I felt sorry for myself after seeing those numbers on the scale—so sorry I almost chose not to do anything about it. Losing the weight the first time was hard enough, and while I hadn't gained all 23 pounds<\/a> back, losing weight for the second time seemed nearly impossible. When I lost that initial weight, I knew I needed to continue to work hard to maintain my loss. But I got a little too comfortable, and I'd let my healthy habits slide.<\/p>\n I had nearly resigned myself to living with tighter jeans when I came across that quote. It so easily applied to weight loss, and it gave me the motivation to recommit myself to my healthy habits. So what's the moral of the story—other than the fact that losing 5 pounds is obviously easier than losing 25? Weight gain and weight loss can happen at any stage, but I am in control of them. If I alter my healthy lifestyle habits, it will show up on the scale. If I don't give 100% effort, my jeans may feel a little more snug. If I work hard and have confidence in my healthy choices, I will maintain my Feel Great Weight. Weight loss may seem difficult, but as long as you don't dwell on the past, you can start today and make a new ending for yourself.<\/p>\n
![\"jeans-weight-gain-200.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/imagesvc.meredithcorp.io\/v3\/mm\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F12%2F2001%2F09%2Fjeans-weight-gain-200.jpg\")
jeans-weight-gain-200.jpg<\/span> in my workouts. And I didn't allow myself to dwell on the mistakes that caused my weight gain<\/a>. I buckled down, focused on my goal, and put my weight-loss plan into action. As soon as I recommitted to my healthy habits, the pounds steadily melted off in about six weeks.<\/p>\n