8 Totally Honest, No-B.S. Truths About Trying to Lose Weight

We won't sugarcoat the reality of weight loss: It can be a long and difficult journey. Of course, you've probably heard of people who've dropped pounds in mere months (or maybe even weeks). But for the vast majority of folks, downsizing can seem more like an out-of-reach dream than an achievable goal. So we asked Women's Health Facebook followers to share the brutal truth about losing weight. The earlier you acknowledge these realities, the easier it'll be to face them head on.

"For years, I have struggled with excessive and obsessive attempts at weight loss. I would go to extremes, which would inevitably result in failure. There were only two settings: on and off. I was either 'on' the diet or 'off' the diet. I had to fundamentally change my thinking. You can still be doing well even when splurges or 'bad' choices get in your way. You can still lose weight after eating a slice of cheesecake (it's true). Now, I try to make good decisions most of the time but do not beat myself up over the indulgences. Don't let the indulgences flip into binges. Every day is a new day. Press reset." —Beth Guirguis

"The hardest thing is turning down foods and feeling like you have to explain yourself for saying 'no.' If you say you're watching what you eat, other people immediately become defensive." —Joanna Riffelmacher

"I really think that one of the hardest parts of a life transformation is realizing that pretty much everything that you were used to doing is not good for your body, mind, or spirit. As a family, we stopped going out to dinner, which meant cooking every night of the week and making constant trips to the market for fresh veggies, lean protein, and fruit. It also means cutting down on the snacks that you stock in the house and adding more healthy options." —Kristi Feyers-Moss

"Aging. It's the toughest thing of all about losing weight. Finding that magical balance of calories, fats, carbs, protein, the right exercise (including strength training), sodium intake…it's all changed for me now at 52. What used to work does not work any longer, at least not in the same way and certainly not in the same amount of time!" —Caroline Murray

"My hardest part is staying committed to nutrition. I start eating clean, but then I stop and start over again. I already started again. I will be patient and keep doing it." —Elizabeth Fortich Rivas

"My biggest issue is lack of confidence and a fear of what I am going to look like when the weight comes off. How much is going to sag? How much skin will there be? I'm down 20 pounds and can already feel the anxiety. I'm hoping to persevere." —Nadia Warren

"The hardest part beside eating better is patience. I'm down 50 pounds by eating better and exercising, but it took me two years. I see other people lose more than me in less than one year, and it can be frustrating. I work full-time with two kids, so I don't have 24 hours to devote to exercising." —Rosio Greenwood

"I lost 50-plus pounds. It took a total of two years to complete the work. Losing the weight took time and effort, but I have found the most difficult part of this has been keeping the weight off! I have managed to stay within 10 pounds of my goal weight for the past eight years. But it is an everyday struggle." —Sandra Current Pelava

More from Women's Health:
10 Awesome Weight-Loss Tips From Women Who've Transformed Their Bodies  
12 Crazy-Inspiring Photos and Details of Weight Loss Success Stories 
10 Things People Who Are Trying to Lose Weight Are Tired of Hearing 

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