20 pounds

I lost 20 pounds over two years.  After being 185 most of my adult life, I'm now at 165 (actually, a little under...).  I feel better.  I feel stronger.  I feel faster.  My knees don't hurt like they used to.

Here's what worked for me:

1) Eat better.

2) Run.

3) Lift weights.

The biggest hurdle for me was getting over the "I can't lose weight", "My body just wants to be this size", "I'm on the wrong side of 30" kind of negative thinking.  Just put all that behind you.

Don't try to lose 20 pounds in a month.  It's probably not healthy or sustainable.

Weigh yourself once a week.  Write it down.

Eat like a grownup.  Get used to smaller portions.  Lay off the sugar.  Lay off the soda.  Get enough protein.  Eat fruits and vegetables.  Eat nuts.  Eat oatmeal.  Don't eat too much after dinner (unless you're working out late).  And... Lay off the sugar.  Seriously.

I give myself a cheat day once a week where I don't necessarily go crazy, but I'm a little less restrictive.

Run - Resist the urge to let yourself eat whatever you want because you're running.  I had a hard time with that.

Lift - Muscle burns calories just being there.  Plus it looks badass.  A.B.S. - Always be squatting.  You've got lots of big muscles in your legs.  Use them.

The biggest drawback is that all my pants are too big now.  I can't really leave the house without wearing a belt.

I'm not done yet.  I've still got some tighting up to do.  But I felt like the 20 pounds milestone was worth mentioning.