I was doing so well, you guys....

Andiebeanluvsu

I've lost 45lbs since January, and I was doing so well!!! I don't know what the heck happened between then and now--whether it was birthday parties, the change in season, sheer laziness, or half marathon training, but I have completely fallen off the bandwagon.

I'm totally embarassed when I look back at my food diary. I'm CONSTANTLY going over. I'm eyeballing portions when I know I should be measuring them. I'm allowing myself empty calorie treats on non-exercise days. As a result, my weight loss has come to a complete halt. With 40lbs to go, this is NOT OK!! The problem is, I don't know how to snap out of these bad habits. I don't even know how I did it to begin with (I think I just sort of changed as I lost weight).

A bit of background on my calories and goals, for those who wish to know:

I have my diary set at sedentary because I have a fitbit and I eat back my exercise calories. I lost enough weight at a 1.5lb/week goal that MFP dropped me to 1200 calories a day. I was MISERABLE doing this, and so I changed my goal to 1lb a week (giving me 1450 calories a day) thinking the increase in calories would give me enough leeway to get back on track. It hasn't helped a bit though. I think I'm just in too deep.

Every single time I pre-log, my family or inlaws want us to come visit at the last minute. It throws a huge wrench in my plans and knocks me back to square one.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has backslid after losing a lot of weight, and how did you get yourself back on track?

PrizePopple

I fell off the proverbial wagon the last 2 days pretty badly, and didn't log it because I already knew it wasn't pretty. I also don't like the way that eating like crap is making me feel. Pre-logging works for me like 25% of the time. I always end up changing things. The only sure thing in my day is going to be coffee.

Tomorrow is a different day, and I know what I need to do. I'll get up and make my morning smoothie, pack my lunch so I'm not tempted to "grab a quick bite" somewhere, pack my water bottles, make an americano before I walk out the door, and have a general idea of what dinner is going to be. That way when I get home I don't stick my face in the fridge and then say "screw it, I'm ordering pizza again".

I know what has been working for me to drop almost 20 pounds in 2 months, and to be honest I'm not willing to let a few bad days take me out. Yeah, it's set me back a bit, but I'm capable. So are you.

Francl27

I hear you. I don't have any magical solution though. You just have to snap out of it. Some days, you have more willpower than others... so be stricter those days. At least it will make up for some of the damage, and might get you going again.

If you know your family has a tendency to invite you at the last minute and, I'm guessing, make high calorie meals, eat lighter breakfasts and lunches and save extra calories for dinner. Surely though you can avoid eating way too much every time you go there?

terbusha

This certainly happens. I think that you need to find your WHY. Why do you want this? What will reaching your goal mean to you? What will it allow you to do that you cannot do now? How will that affect you? How will that affect those around you? These are great questions to ponder. You need a reason to stick it out and stay on track. Something that gives you the willpower to stick to your planning. Also, find a great support system that will encourage you and help you stay on track.

I help to run a great support group on Facebook for people looking to improve their health and fitness. It's just a bunch of people supporting and encouraging each other to make progress towards their goals. It's an awesome community. If you're interested in it, I'd be glad to chat with you about it.

Allan