Starting over (and over and over)

FattyGoesByeBye

For those of you who have repeatedly started over, and finally won the battle, what was your turning point? What was it that made you finally stick to it and stay on track?

minimum13

For me, its been taking a really honest look at why I wasn't sticking to my plan and then going for a new and different approach this time... with some more realistic goals for a change. I have about 4 stone to loose.. but this time I've accepted that I won't loose it overnight... so I've set my MFP calorie goal with the aim of 1.5lb per week, which is feeling much more realistic, and giving myself some leeway - yes 2lb every week would be great but even half a lb loss is in the right direction..

Plus, instead of joining the gym because it felt like the only thing I could do - I've pushed myself well out of my comfort zone and tried allsorts of different classes... spinning, zumba, bootcamp, aquafit... and more - and its really hard turning up on my own for the first time, and sticking it for an hour, esp Zumba which i hated... but actually when I get home afterwards, I'm proud of myself for trying and i know i feel much better than i would do if i'd just sat on the sofa and thought about it. Gradually i'm gaining confidence and finding things that I actually enjoy. There is a brilliant app by the NHS "couch potato to 5k" which i tried to follow to see if I could learn to run (i know - i'm 41, but it just isn't something i've ever done) - its hard going out alone in my trainers with my ipod for company, and I even drive about 5 miles to a different park so I don't see my neighbours... but for me being on my own has been good as I'm not comparing myself to anyone else for once....

So my best advice to you would be set realistic, short term goals - I can't imagine loosing 4 stone in 6 months, but I think of how much difference even 1 stone would make to my shape instead... and secondly just try everything out until you find the one thats "your thing" if that makes sense... when it comes to exercise there is no "one size fits all" - we're all very different. And really don't beat yourself up about a bad week, track it all on MFP and track honestly - some weeks are better than others but just keep going. Its taken me years to actually stick to something like this but actually from week 2 it started to get a little easier... and it will do for you too. Best of luck!! Keep posting - loads of help and support on the community here. Perhaps buddy up with a few people, add me as a friend if you like to get you started... its all about knowing you are not in this alone! Really best of luck!! Go for it and I really hope this is your time to succeed!!

healthygreek

I took a break every 20 pounds.
My break would consist of staying at maintenance till I was ready to start losing again but at the same time, keeping up with my workout routine.
In this way, I was eventually able to get to my goal and I have been maintaining ever since although I would like to lose about 8 pounds more eventually.