While trying to get it right and stop my weight gain, I discovered five tools I needed. It was trial and error in the beginning. Eventually my tools became a habit.

The bonus was the slow weight loss. Whether I maintain or lose weight, my goal remains the same, do not gain weight.

Occasionally I would get greedy and try to lose weight, but my body seemed to protest and gain it back. I decided I had the rest of my life to manage whatever was my current weight. Trying to lose was a waste of time.

Since I am a hundred pounds lighter instead of a hundred pounds heavier, I posted my five tools below. These tools are still part of my life today.

1. I record my weight almost daily. (see part 2)
2. I stop eating when my stomach is satisfied and before I feel full. (see part 3)
3. When I’m home, I only eat at a designated spot without distractions, like TV, radio, book, cell phone or tablet. (see part 4)
4. I stop eating a food after the first few bites of enhanced flavor and textures fade down to a less enjoyable sensation. (see part 4)
5. I eat when I’m physically hungry and not at scheduled meal times. If I’m emotionally hungry, I find something to do and get my mind off food. (see part 5)

These five tools are all I need to maintain a healthy weight. Sometimes I’ll slip and gain a pound or two. When that happens I never go into self-blame or punishment. I just refocus on my five tools and the extra weight slips away.

I realize our body weight flexes from day to day. I give myself a five pound window of a maintained healthy weight. One doctor told me, with my body type, I should weigh 150 pounds. Another doctor said 145 pounds.

I’m happy to keep my weight between 145 and 150 pounds. If my weight goes higher than that five pound window I reanalyze my five tools. I understand I’ll have to live with these tools if I don’t want to be overweight again.

That’s okay. After all, I still have the rest of my life to get it right.

Sincerely, living a lighter life, ED