What I Know Now That I Never Realized Before
Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

Support is everything
I keep a “motivation wall” in my bedroom with all the cards and letters I’ve received from supporters. This is a group effort: I’ve shared my goals with my friends and co-workers, and they’ve been a terrific cheering squad. Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

An all-or-nothing attitude gets you nowhere
Before, if I had a piece of birthday cake when I was on a diet, I’d consider myself a failure and just give up. Now, if I have a day that’s a little high in fat, I just get right back on my plan tomorrow. Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

Plan ahead
I always carry low-fat salad dressing with me, and call ahead to restaurants to make sure they serve healthy low-fat options. Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

You don’t have to be a grouchy dieter
My co-worker brings in meals like barbecued ribs for everyone to share. I tease him that he’s trying to torture me, and that sense of humor helps steel my willpower. Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

Pretty helps
I don’t eat popcorn or low-fat chips right out of the bag. Instead, I put a small portion in a lovely bowl, so it feels like a real treat to be savored, not inhaled. Madeline has a good idea why she succeeded this time around. Here, she shares what she has learned:

Slow and steady wins the race
There are no quick fixes. No fad diet, fast or pill is going to get you to a healthy weight and keep you there.