(F/24/5'4"/SW: 191/CW: 181/GW: 135)

Hey LoseIt! Long time lurker and fan of this wonderful subreddit. I've been overweight on and off my WHOLE LIFE. I was a chubby preteen/young teenager, lost about 50 lbs through a more strictly controlled diet (living with family members that were very health-conscious, unlike my mother), gained it all back when I was pregnant with my son at 17/18, lost almost all the baby fat when I turned vegetarian for about 2 years, then moved in with my s/o, stress ate because of school/comfort, and reached my highest weight ever.

I've been lurking here for 6 months, sometimes passively gaining information, sometimes actively consuming everything you folks write. I tried my hand at calorie counting back in February- lost a few pounds, but ultimately loathed it. I reflected on my past weight-loss experiences, and realised that I was capable of a more sustainable (for me) transformation.

So mindful eating is how I've lost 10 lbs between today and April 8th. First of all, having a good idea of what MOST foods caloric content is, and estimating it's value is invaluable. I don't measure or weight anything, but I do occasionally use cups for things like pasta, teaspoons for mayonnaise, dressings and the like.

I don't deny myself food if I am hungry, but consciously keep around healthy snacks so I'm not tempted to do a midnight bag of chips run when I'm starving. I also opt out of even thinking about calories/food intake some days, and just enjoy.

At least a few days a week, I think I am hitting under the 1200 calorie budget, but that's because I'm making healthier choices and as I reduce food intake, I honestly find my appetite is quite diminished. I do make up for it by eating beyond the 1200 calorie budget at least twice a week, and I'm drinking TONS of water. I want to re-iterate that I never starve myself. If I'm hungry, I eat. Healthy stuff. Until I am reasonably sated, but not 'full'.

Thanks again for having this community, it has been SO helpful. I'd love to commiserate with other people who have chosen mindful eating as their weight-loss plan, and swap tips :)