Awesome and very impressive that you have stuck with this system for quite a while now. Most people start off strong with a new diet or eating habits, but do not continue with the diet long term like you have. Over the past month, I’ve put on about 12 pounds due to two new medications. I’ve read that both of them have caused others to gain weight. Not happy about it at all. I wouldn’t have minded the extra pounds so much, but it seems to all be going to my mid section.
I think there are 3 reason why it works for me
1) My appetite really deceased. Easy to stick to a plan when you’re not hungry all the time.
2) My health dramatically improved. I have GERD due to a hiatal hernia and even with a double dose of medication, I was still having bad heartburn. Now, I still need medication, but in a much lower dose and I haven’t been bothered by heartburn (unless I forget to take my medication)
3) I don’t follow the plan slavishly. Example if we’re going out to dinner, I’ll still skip fried breaded entrees, ask for double veggies rather than the starch, but I might have a fancy cocktail, or a really good dinner roll loaded with butter, or a creme brûlée, or a bite of my husband’s french fries or fried calamari. Since I’m not hungry all the time, I can save my splurges for things I really, really like, not just cause somethings on the table. And I’m happy with just a bite or two to savor. :-)