30's with 25-50 lbs to Lose

I am kind of torn between my weekend. I am ecstatic because my daughter gave birth to a beautiful, healthy little girl,Allison Marie on Saturday and I couldn't wait to see her. Unfortunately on Sunday we went out to eat for Father's Day and it was the downfall of my successful dieting. I didn't gain any weight but I didn't meet my goal either. I am determined to get in some more exercise today and, hopefully reach it by tomorrow.

It kind of saddens me that you are viewing what should be seen as a wonderful holiday/celebration of new life enjoyed with family - which includes enjoying food - as "unfortunate" & a "downfall of successful dieting." Why isn't a non-gain successful in that situation?

I get that you had set a goal to lose X lbs by Y date, but 10 years from now what will matter most when you remember Fathers' Day Weekend 2012: that it was a beautiful occasion when your granddaughter came into the world, or that you didn't meet an arbitrary weight goal?

Successful weight loss is about managing your intake & activity level along with living your life. If I have a special occasion I prefer not to spend my mental energy planning & tracking my food so I can give that energy to my loved ones. If it takes me a few extra days, weeks, or even months to hit my ultimate goal because of it, so what? My loved ones are worth it.