6+ months after goal

Well its been just over 6 months from when I reached target.  So what have I learnt so far..

1) I can survive on a lot less food than I ever thought possible - i ate too much!
2) Medication can really affect your weight - gain, loss and maintenance!

3) I have learnt that when times are stressful I turn to food and therefore it is really important for me to plan my meals to help me make good choices.

4) My past food choices have been based on feelings and cravings rather than what I need and fuel.  When your pregnant you're told to listen to what your body wants - i felt my body wanted fat and sugar - this is what I have eaten (i have been pregnant a lot so this mentality stuck with me).  I now realise that the more fat and sugar you eat, the more your body craves and is never satisfied.  Also that 'what my body wants' was more my mind wanting to be comforted - pregnancy is tough, and when i ate the food i enjoyed i felt happier.  This happiness however was temporary, so i would therefore need to keep doing it.  I believed and acted on a lie.

5) Even though I have lost the weight, it didn't come off where i wanted so I didn't end up looking quite as I would have liked.  I really had to weigh up whether my weight loss was for vanity or health.

6) Exercise and sports is so much easier when you're slimmer.

7) Eating badly makes you feel awful, healthier choices and less food actually make me feel more energetic
8) Drinking more water gives you energy and it doesn't taste as bad as i thought it did

9) Old habits can return quickly so i need to monitor what i eat.  I seem to be in a circle of obsessing about food or being very lax with my choices.  I am hoping that eventually this cycle will becomne less as i learn more about my body and what I need to do to keep it healthy.  That it will become more natural to me.
10) Losing the weight is just step 1 to dealing with food...

I am really pleased that I did the diet, i think it was the best approach for me.  I needed to wipe the slate clean and start again.  I am living a healthier lifestyle and although i still have treats (and over indulgent moments) I make better food choices now.