I'm rubbish at staying focussed!

alib752
alib752 Posts: 29 Member
in Motivation and Support
2 years ago I weighed 150lbs which was just right for me. I gave up smoking and now weigh 220lbs! I'm clinically obese and have swapped smoking related risks for obesity related risks. I've made every excuse under the sun as to why I can't lose weight but have really done nothing practical about it so it's time to quit the excuses and actually do something. I'm embarking on a healthier eating regime so doing healthy food swaps, rather than dieting which I could guarantee would last around 5 days before an enormous relapse, and starting to exercise. My biggest issue is that without support and encouragement I 'cheat'. I've promised myself that this time will be different, and I'm well aware that I am the only person who can do this for myself, but I would really appreciate any hints, tips and general motivational support to keep me on track.

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I think you already are on the right track with the healthy food swaps, at least that's what I do and what works for me!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Take a 'before' picture... you wont want to, but in 6 weeks time, when the scale stops moving, you'll be glad you did!
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    What is your calorie goal? If you can only stick to it for 5 days then perhaps you are setting yourself aggressive goals that are hard to adhere to?
  • alib752
    alib752 Posts: 29 Member
    I have taken a 'before' picture. I admit it made me cry but it's given me the kick I needed. MFP has set me a calorie goal of 1200 per day which is probably perfectly reasonable. I think it's more about me changing my eating habits and reducing carbs (bad ones). I've also started doing the 30 shred at home. I want to take up running but at the moment my lack of confidence confines my exercise to the home. Hopefully in the next few months that will change though
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    1200 cals isnt loads, i wouldnt eat that little! you could set your rate of loss to 1lb per week so you can eat more?
  • fruitsalad15
    fruitsalad15 Posts: 102 Member
    Firstly, I'd like to say Good Luck! You can do it, with the right mind set. I am also rubbish at staying focused but one of the things that works for me during the day is to plan my whole day and leave a few calories for a treat in front of the TV. So today, I have left myself 150 cals for a little bit of chocolate tonight. I find that if I allow myself that treat I don't go mental and eat a ton of chocolate! It keeps me away from the 'treats' during the day because I know I'm getting something I really like sitting relaxing rather than eating it on the go and not really enjoying it!

    Anyway, that's one of my tips! I have also done the 30 Day Shred before, loved it and saw a real difference in my measurements but not that much of a difference on the scale - so take some measurements as well as the picture!

    I have since had a baby and put all the weight back on but getting back into it now! Trying Ripped in 30, its a killer!! :smiley:
  • brischu2243
    brischu2243 Posts: 91
    I also struggle with this. I LOVE cooking and eating, and grew up in an Italian family, so every week there was pasta, bread, you name it. Those are my comfort foods. I think allowing yourself to have a treat now and again will make it feel less like cheating. I personally have to allow myself a treat every now and again, or I will just give up and binge eat everything in sight and then be angry with myself for it later.

    The fact that you've given up smoking (which I know is not easy) should prove to you that when you set your mind to something, you absolutely can do it. If you put the same effort you put into quitting smoking into getting healthy and eating right, I bet that by this time next year you are going to be rocking your best bod :)
  • alib752
    alib752 Posts: 29 Member
    Thanks for the tips and encouragement everyone :) I'm going to try and measure loss by inches rather than weight at the moment, mainly because my scales are useless and I can put on or lose 10lbs just by moving them an inch across the floor. Great if you want a quick ego boost but rubbish if you think you're doing well and it shows something different :)

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