Common Sense Says Don't Say "Diet"

I, like just about every other woman on the planet Earth, have done my share of dieting.  In my experience, this involves a process of deciding I've put on a few pounds, vowing to take said pounds off, exercising and starving for about a week, then asking myself if it's really worth it.  The answer, of course, is NO!  Starving leads to binging which is not only unhelpful, but unhealthy.
After careful consideration and observation of friends, family and myself, I've come to the conclusion that common sense is definitely key to happy, healthy living.
About five years ago I found myself in the uncomfortable position of having put on about ten pounds.  Uncomfortable...literally...my pants were way too tight, and I decided that I either needed to lose the weight or buy the next size.  As I was not entirely against the idea of purchasing a new wardrobe, I was pretty calm and unbiased about analyzing how the pounds had come to be part of me and whether I was willing to do what it would take to get them off again.
In my case, my life had just plain become too busy.  There was definitely no time for exercise, and a good two hours of each day was spent in the car--half of that time by myself--a recipe for disaster!  Being the fast food junkie that I am, it had become quite easy to establish a routine of burgers and fries throughout the week.  You know how it starts: just a quick drive-thru for a Diet Coke (oh, I'm soooo good for having a diet...right?), and pretty soon you can't live without the word "super-size".
I decided that I definitely could not live with the thought of never tasting a juicy burger again; but could I find a solution without a trip the mall?  I made up my mind to try.  I chose one day a week--usually a busy, hectic day--that would be my "treat day".  On all other days I stuck snacks (I didn't limit myself to what I could or could not have, as long as it came from home) and one of my daughters in the car with me.  This last was to provide accountability.  I certainly didn't want her eating fast food every day.  And besides, I was sure she would tattle to the other two at home, starting an avalanche of indignant outcries that they didn't get to go!!
Believe it or not, this actually worked!  I looked forward to my day of treating myself and the food tasted better because it was something special.  In the meantime, my car snacks became healthier because I felt so proud of myself for the little bits of success I was having.
Now, of course, I still struggle with my weight occasionally; but common sense brings me back to that analysis of something simple and small to change that leads to a more healthy lifestyle.  So remember, baby steps and common sense...it's all good :o)