I agree that it is a lot of willpower but I suspect there is something else happening. In the USA I have to fight very hard to lose weight - it is a constant battle. But here in Costa Rica, weight drops off me without even working hard at it. Perhaps it is because it is so easy to exercise here or perhaps because our food isn't pumped full of hormones - not sure. I do know that it is a common comment from visitors that they have been eating like pigs for the whole vacation and still losing weight.

Just got back from a visit to the USA (business) and we were there for 10 days. I gained 5 lbs! It was expected. There are so many good things to eat and I wasn't going to deny myself any of it. Perhaps this is the issue as well. We have great things to eat here, tropical fruits, etcs. but there isn't the HUGE selection of processed foods in the USA. I could eat a year up there and never eat the same thing twice I think. Incredible.

I used to find in the fall I would start gaining weight like a bear getting ready for hibernation - no such urge down here. It might have been all in my mind but perhaps not.

One thing that I have found works the best is DAILY getting on the scale. Five pounds is relatively easy to get rid of, 40 lbs is more work. Constantly reminding myself of my current weight is the key for me - it helps me make the right decisions.