Motivation Impossible

Kaolru

I swear no matter what I try to do I simply cannot dig deep and find the motivation to work out. I get all pumped and eager to start, and I quit before I even begin or I do it for a few days and then stop. I've had this MFP account for quite a while and I wish it helped me stay on track, but I'm too stubborn, apparently.

I think some of the problem has to do with the fact that my income is severely limited. Very severely. Eating healthy is a luxury. I only sometimes reach my recommended calorie intake(typically fall short), so I'm assuming my metabolism has dropped off the face of the earth somewhere considering I haven't lost weight. In fact the scale has begun to creep up very slowly recently. My idea of "treats" don't involve donuts and ice cream. Both of those are great, but I get excited when I'm able to eat vegetables or fruits. Real meals and healthy snacks are rare.

While this is certainly not my entire problem with motivation, I know it doesn't help because I will finish a work out and once I get hungry again, I feel a wash of guilt over the fact that I'm not giving my body healthy food. I feel as if the workout I did was completely pointless. I stress over being hungry so I end up either not eating at all or eating whatever I have and quit my workout routine. It's an endless cycle.

Like I said, my motivation problem goes way beyond food, but I know it's a factor. I have trouble with motivation in every aspect of my life. Things I want to do or should enjoy(my art, horses, hanging out with friends) you have to drag me kicking and screaming to do! It's very frustrating. I don't know if anyone can offer some advice to me or if this will just be a rant, but either way I feel a tad bit better now that I've vented. A tad.

Unknown

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brianpperkins

A lot of the OP's post screams signs and symptoms of a lot more troubling issues than just a lack of motivation or discipline.

2snakeswoman

It sounds like you might suffer from depression. Any possibility of seeing a doctor?

My_Butt

Contact nearby churches and see if they have any food giveaways. I just went to one this morning since in laid off, and I got healthy cereals, pastas, apples, potatoes and onions, and quite a bit of other things.

tameraesucaet

Try to find an exercise you like; for instance, I like riding my bicycle. Then once you've finished exercising, you will feel good about yourself. Hope this helps.

Kaolru

I lack discipline? Gee, ya don't say! I don't enjoy working out, and I have trouble convincing myself to do things I do enjoy, so saying it is purely a discipline problem isn't accurate.
As for not focusing on healthy or unhealthy food, that isn't a good idea. I could meet my calorie intake munching on potato chips and eating a bag of white sugar, but it will offer my body zero nutrients and I feel like if I can't provide my body the extra nutrients

2snakeswoman wrote: »

It sounds like you might suffer from depression. Any possibility of seeing a doctor?

I've guessed at depression for many years now, but I'm very hesitant at seeing a doctor about it. I'm trying to handle it or get over it myself, but clearly it isn't going so well.
I have insurance, but I'm scared to death of going to the doctor and getting a surprise bill in the mail I can't afford.
Also, the thought of medication is unnerving. I worry about long-term effects.

My_Butt wrote: »

Contact nearby churches and see if they have any food giveaways. I just went to one this morning since in laid off, and I got healthy cereals, pastas, apples, potatoes and onions, and quite a bit of other things.

I know there are some in the area occasionally, but I don't feel comfortable taking the food when someone might need it more than me. I'm fortunate enough to have a job, and while I can't afford much in the way healthy food, at least I can eat. Not everyone can say that.

Lounmoun

I've guessed at depression for many years now, but I'm very hesitant at seeing a doctor about it. I'm trying to handle it or get over it myself, but clearly it isn't going so well.
I have insurance, but I'm scared to death of going to the doctor and getting a surprise bill in the mail I can't afford.
Also, the thought of medication is unnerving. I worry about long-term effects.

I think you need to see a professional about depression/anxiety. It is a scary step but could improve your life a great deal to take care of your mental health. You may not be put on medication. You can talk to your doctor about your concerns and see what treatments will work best for you. Sometimes medication is the best thing for someone though and there are choices.

IamUndrCnstruction

Beans and rice are cheap. Frozen vegetables and fruits are cheap. All of those things are healthy. Maybe not exciting, but healthy. Going to the gym is not exciting either, I have to go an lug an oxygen tank around with me, but I go. As far as not enjoying the other aspects of your life, well, I get it, been there...but no one here can really help you with that. If you have a Dr, talk to them.

brianpperkins

Kaolru wrote: »

I lack discipline? Gee, ya don't say! I don't enjoy working out, and I have trouble convincing myself to do things I do enjoy, so saying it is purely a discipline problem isn't accurate.
As for not focusing on healthy or unhealthy food, that isn't a good idea. I could meet my calorie intake munching on potato chips and eating a bag of white sugar, but it will offer my body zero nutrients and I feel like if I can't provide my body the extra nutrients

2snakeswoman wrote: »

It sounds like you might suffer from depression. Any possibility of seeing a doctor?

I've guessed at depression for many years now, but I'm very hesitant at seeing a doctor about it. I'm trying to handle it or get over it myself, but clearly it isn't going so well.
I have insurance, but I'm scared to death of going to the doctor and getting a surprise bill in the mail I can't afford.
Also, the thought of medication is unnerving. I worry about long-term effects.

My_Butt wrote: »

Contact nearby churches and see if they have any food giveaways. I just went to one this morning since in laid off, and I got healthy cereals, pastas, apples, potatoes and onions, and quite a bit of other things.

I know there are some in the area occasionally, but I don't feel comfortable taking the food when someone might need it more than me. I'm fortunate enough to have a job, and while I can't afford much in the way healthy food, at least I can eat. Not everyone can say that.

So it's a lack of discipline with indications of depression. Saying healthy food is too expensive is a cop out ... there are plenty of cost effective, healthy options. Your example of chips and sugar would provide your body with carbs and fats ... two of three macronutrients ... but why let reality get in the way.

Liftng4Lis

brianpperkins wrote: »

A lot of the OP's post screams signs and symptoms of a lot more troubling issues than just a lack of motivation or discipline.

+1

MrsKila

GuitarJerry wrote: »

It's not motivation. Motivation is an emotion, so to speak. It is pure discipline that gets you to do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Stop looking for inspiration outside of yourself, and just make *kitten* happen. People that hit that gym probably don't want to about 60% of the time. But, they've made it a habit. It's just part of the day. Eating right is also part of that same regimen. They are not two different things, but they are tied together.

As far as eating goes, I would strongly suggest you take "healthy" and "unhealthy" out of your vocabulary. It's such a massive misnomer. And they are categories that the advertisers have people spending billions of dollars on "healthy" food. I have a secret, there is no such thing. Food is food. It's energy. The energy is measured by this thing we call calories. For now, just focus on meeting your calorie goals. Forget about healthy and unhealthy. Just eat food.

Hopefully, some of this will help.

If, at the end of the day, health is not that big if a priority in your life, then just recognize that and move on. This shouldn't be a struggle. You have to really want to be healthy and make that a top priority, and then everything else just becomes a support structure for that goal of being healthy. But, if you really don't prioritize it or care that much, no amount of inspiration, motivation, or anything else is going to make you want to do it.

The last thing I'll say, is that some people hate the gym. So, I say, then don't go. You don't have to do things you don't like. There are a million things you can do. Hiking, biking, running, volleyball, tennis, YouTube videos, DVDs, yoga, sailing, etc. just find activities you enjoy and do them.

this is a very awesome post.

shifterbrainz

GuitarJerry -

GuitarJerry wrote: »

It's not motivation. Motivation is an emotion, so to speak. It is pure discipline that gets you to do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Stop looking for inspiration outside of yourself, and just make *kitten* happen. People that hit that gym probably don't want to about 60% of the time. But, they've made it a habit. It's just part of the day. Eating right is also part of that same regimen. They are not two different things, but they are tied together.

As far as eating goes, I would strongly suggest you take "healthy" and "unhealthy" out of your vocabulary. It's such a massive misnomer. And they are categories that the advertisers have people spending billions of dollars on "healthy" food. I have a secret, there is no such thing. Food is food. It's energy. The energy is measured by this thing we call calories. For now, just focus on meeting your calorie goals. Forget about healthy and unhealthy. Just eat food.

Hopefully, some of this will help.

If, at the end of the day, health is not that big if a priority in your life, then just recognize that and move on. This shouldn't be a struggle. You have to really want to be healthy and make that a top priority, and then everything else just becomes a support structure for that goal of being healthy. But, if you really don't prioritize it or care that much, no amount of inspiration, motivation, or anything else is going to make you want to do it.

The last thing I'll say, is that some people hate the gym. So, I say, then don't go. You don't have to do things you don't like. There are a million things you can do. Hiking, biking, running, volleyball, tennis, YouTube videos, DVDs, yoga, sailing, etc. just find activities you enjoy and do them.

^^^^ Wisest thing I think I've ever read on MFP! :drinker: Excellent perspective and even better advise! Too bad it too often falls on deaf ears. :ohwell:

Kaolru

brianpperkins wrote: »

So it's a lack of discipline with indications of depression. Saying healthy food is too expensive is a cop out ... there are plenty of cost effective, healthy options. Your example of chips and sugar would provide your body with carbs and fats ... two of three macronutrients ... but why let reality get in the way.

Yeah, having exactly $42 to spend on food every month is a total cop out. Let me just pull out all that money I've been saving for partying and beach vacations and get my *kitten* together! [/sarcasm]

Thank you to those of you who may have just given me the extra little push to actually see my doctor about this.

Everyone else, thanks for being negative and condescending. It was really helpful. So much for "Motivation & Support". At least you reminded me why it's almost always pointless to ask for advice on a forum. Feel better now?

brianpperkins

Kaolru wrote: »

brianpperkins wrote: »

So it's a lack of discipline with indications of depression. Saying healthy food is too expensive is a cop out ... there are plenty of cost effective, healthy options. Your example of chips and sugar would provide your body with carbs and fats ... two of three macronutrients ... but why let reality get in the way.

Yeah, having exactly $42 to spend on food every month is a total cop out. Let me just pull out all that money I've been saving for partying and beach vacations and get my *kitten* together! [/sarcasm]

Thank you to those of you who may have just given me the extra little push to actually see my doctor about this.

Everyone else, thanks for being negative and condescending. It was really helpful. So much for "Motivation & Support". At least you reminded me why it's almost always pointless to ask for advice on a forum. Feel better now?

As I and others highlighted, bulk healthy foods are affordable. If you want a pity party ... tough ... you won't get it here and it wouldn't be supportive anyway. You can learn from what you were told or go wallow ... your choice.

wizzybeth

So what do you buy with your $42?

Kaolru

wizzybeth wrote: »

So what do you buy with your $42?

Bagels, cream cheese, veggies if I can, milk, some fruit if I skip the milk, and ramen to get me by when the rest runs out.