struggling to start again

ntenna01

I had a good year last year despite the scale not moving body fat percentage steadily decreased. I did three obstacle course runs.

In December I had a tubal ligation and it took about six weeks to be cleared again for exercise. I ate very poorly during that time because carb rich comfort foods seemed to not destroy my digestive system.

In March I was getting back on track.

Then i sprained my elbow which ended weight lifting and even running. Who knew how important an elbow was?

The thing is I'm just beyond frustrated at the lack of motivation I feel. I need to get over this malaise I feel .

How do you push past these times in your life?

PinkCoconut

Oh geez, that DOES sound frustrating! I can relate though, I lost 100lbs before I got pregnant and although I had a very healthy pregnancy with a healthy weight gain, losing it aftewards has been incredibly difficult. 4 different joint injuries and a newly diagnosed wonky thyroid have made it difficult to get the weight off and get to my goal. BUT I stay motivated by:

1) Having a deep-seated, solid "why". I would remember why I started this whole journey in the first place and how different things are this time around than in the past when I tried to "get healthy" simply to "lose weight". Having an emotional connection to my goal has been HUGE!

WHY do I want to get this weight off? WHAT is going on in my life/has gone on in my life that has held me back from losing weight in the past. HOW will my life be different when I'm at my goal. WHO will it impact other than myself? How will it FEEL to be at my goal? What will happen if I DON'T take control of my health now?

Really digging deep and having a strong emotional attachment to my goal was the #1 way I stay motivated to lose 100lbs. When you find that why, write it down and make it the first thing you think about every morning and keep it on a piece of paper to look at before every meal and every workout.

2) Understanding that, when it comes to goal achievement, consistency trumps motivation every time. Motivation comes and goes constantly but I remind myself on days when I truly can't see the forest for the trees that as long as I stay consistent (consistent in my workouts and consistent in my eating) that my goals WILL happen. Even if they don't happen quicker than I'd like, as long as I stayed consistent in picking myself up when I get knocked down or even just going through the motions will compound over time and I won't regret it. Does that make sense?

3) Create layers and layers of support and accountability. I check in to MULTIPLE places DAILY with not just my fitness but also my food. This includes MFP, several Facebook challenges that I run, my own Facebook page, like page, Instagram and even Twitter. Doing that ensures that if I DON'T check in, someone out there is going to ask what's going on. I also have several friends and my coach who check in on me if they don't hear from in a few days.

Hope that helps! Feel free to add me and we can chat!