This is a great thread. j's thoughts on motivation dovetail nicely into the mindset which makes this work for me.

For me, motivation counterbalances sacrifice. It is mathematical. Major sacrifice requires big "all fired up" motivation. And that kind of motivation is not sustainable in the long run.

OTOH, minor sacrifice only requires a minor level of day to day motivation, a level which I CAN sustain. Thus the key for me is this: The level of sacrifice/deprivation must be kept reasonably low in order to stay with the program in the long run.