I read once that 'hunger is the body starting to eat itself'...
Seriously.
I have lost 55-60 in my lifetime just watching portion sizes / controlling calories. I have maintained my final weight (which isn't necessarily my goal look, but still) for years, by mostly continuing the changes I have made.
My wife has lost 22+ lb so far this year doing the same. She is planning on doing the same thing I have done, continue the changes she has made to drop the weight to begin with. Much like Leaf's mom, my wife hasn't done any extra/dedicated exercise yet.
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for what it's worth, not that it's related to this, other than the fear bit.. One of the greatest fears is public speaking.. greater than death. Which, if you think about it, says that people would rather be IN a coffin rather than above/beside it delivering a eulogy (sp?). LOL.