I’ve been thinking about this for a few days now, so I figured I’d try to get it into words.

One of the things I’ve learned is that you can’t approach weight loss as a temporary change. You need to change your lifestyle. You need to change how active you are and what you eat. It has to be a permanent change if you want permanent effects. To that end, I’ve thought of some of the things in my life that are non-negotiable; things I’m not willing to change because my quality of life might not be what I’d like it to be.

I won’t give up half and half in my morning coffee. I have cut down the amount I use, but I’m way too cranky in the morning to not have what I love. I have tried regular milk and light cream, but they just don’t do it for me. The benefits of cutting out my half and half are not greater than the benefits of me being happy in the morning. HOWEVER, I drink only two cups of coffee at the most on any given morning. Usually I just have one big cup and measure out three tablespoons of half and half. (more…)