Are you confident that you are able to reach your weight loss goals and maintain it?

Seigla

Are you?

What is the basis of your confidence and what is the basis of your doubt? For example, is your confidence (or doubt) based on solid evidence or are you fooling yourself?

What would help you to become more confident that you will reach your goals?

I'm interested in having an open conversation about this, because I think self efficacy is very important, yet it is mysterious to me where it comes from, why I am confident that I can be successful in some areas and not at all confident in others. I think knowing how to grow self efficacy is an important ingredient for long term success. I'm not here to judge, but to learn from you.

Krystle1984

I'm confident because I have done it before. My maintenance was derailed this past 18 months due to illness, but I know I can get the extra pounds off and maintain a healthy weight again.

DeguelloTex

Yes. I am about a pound and a half from meeting my initial weight loss goal of 112.4 pounds.

My confidence is based on the solid evidence of my meeting goals that require time and dedication in other areas.

Nicshtik

I would like to say that I am. But, I am not sure.
I am confident that if I can stay motivated, and keep doing what I am doing, I can lose the weight. And if I can do that, it will stay off too.
But, its really hard. Its hard because my family isn't working towards the same goal. Its hard because I have drastically reduced intake of some of my favorite foods (breads-which are high simple carbohydrates and useless when on restricted calories) and am working hard to learn moderation on others (I had tiramisu the other night, just not 3 helpings). Its hard because I have to think about what I am eating. Its hard because (at least for now) I am taking medication to learn to associate unhealthy, fatty, low nutrient density foods with feeling like crud.
But - if I keep on keeping on, Yes. I can do this.

MK24551

I'd like to say yes. But I've been sick for the last wk n a half n I can't work out or walk n I've been eating a little more to help move this sickness along. So I feel defeated n like a failure, before I was so proud of myself n making better choices now all I want to do is get better. It's hard!

Sarasmaintaining

Yep, totally confident

What is the basis of your confidence For example, is your confidence based on solid evidence? Yes, based on solid evidence. Since 2012 I've lost almost 60lbs and have been maintaining that loss for around 2 years now.

Current Stats:
-maintenance range: 120lbs-125lbs (started at 178ish)
-bmi range: 19.4-20.2
-bf% around 22 percent
-size 4 jeans (started in size 14)

BLOOD PANEL RESULTS 5/19/15

-Fasting glucose number: 86
*in 2012 my glucose number was in the pre-diabetic range

-Total cholesterol: 150

-HDL cholesterol: 58

-Triglycerides: 49

-LDL cholesterol: 82

-Coronary Heart Disease Risk 2.6 (less than 4.4 is recommended)
What would help you to become more confident that you will reach your goals?

I've gone from being overweight and a pre-diabetic, to being a healthy weight and in the best health of my life, by every marker my doctor goes by. I've been maintaining easily, following the simple truth of CICO and eating at the appropriate calorie level for my goals. I eat all the foods that I enjoy, I haven't cut out anything that I like and I'm doing this in a way that's sustainable for me, for the rest of my life. I'm part of the small percentage of people that are succeeding at this, and I Will continue to be a part of that.

BWBTrish

oh yes i am.

I think it is different for each person. Has to do with how you stand in life and your character.

I am a very determent person, stubborn, consistent, realistic, possitive, loyal, a go getter, and independent some of the aspects of my character that "helps" me reach my goals.
I dont give up very easily as long as there is a sensible reason to do or reach a goal. It will have its ups and downs but i accept that...all part of the journey.

so losing weight fits in my mind as a wise thing to do with a good goal, so i will get there. ( like before and maintained more than 20 years before i got injured and packed on some weight lol)

My own motto and quote is

" I have and there are no excuses to not lose this weight"

EvgeniZyntx

Yep, been seeing the improvements for the last 3 yrs. Just building on ongoing success. Plus for me it isn't completely about weight loss, but doing things, ability to excel, weight loss is but one tool.

MarziPanda95

I used to be, but now I'm not so sure. I've gone from 211lbs to 152lbs with a goal of 140lbs at 5'7. Recently it's been really hard to get the weight off though. I've been going up and down 152lbs to 153lbs for two months now, but I know it's probably because I had a few high calorie days in a row and likely went way over maintenance. It's still been a knock to my confidence. I think I'll be back to thinking I can do it when I finally drop to 151.

MikeLeTwigg

Yep, no doubt, I got this

funjen1972

Not confident at all about maintaining lol I'm at goal weight and weight loss mode has been comfortable for me...I'm familiar with it. How do I transition to maintenance without blowing it or losing too much????? I have no clue where to go from here lol

ReniaLove

I'm confident I can lose the weight since I've done it before, and I honestly think that maintaining is harder than losing. But I think I can do it this time since I know what to avoid, fingers crossed!

JPW1990

Krystle1984 wrote: »

I'm confident because I have done it before. My maintenance was derailed this past 18 months due to illness, but I know I can get the extra pounds off and maintain a healthy weight again.

This almost exactly, just a little longer derailment.

PeachyCarol

I am confident that I can greatly lower my weight and increase my fitness and strength and maintain my loss.

I am not confident that I'll be able to get my weight down as low as I'd like to because I'm not sure that the numbers will work in my favor. They might eventually, but it will take a very long time. I still have 47 pounds to lose (if not more) and I'm already at 1200 calories.

Being short and older isn't fun. I will be happy with improving greatly upon where I started, though, and not being confident won't stop me from trying.

Aine8046

mamapeach910 wrote: »

I am confident that I can greatly lower my weight and increase my fitness and strength and maintain my loss.

I am not confident that I'll be able to get my weight down as low as I'd like to ...

Same here. I know the weight I was happy at, but I am older now, so I am not sure if I can get to that weight. I am trying hard though

JPW1990

mamapeach910 wrote: »

I am confident that I can greatly lower my weight and increase my fitness and strength and maintain my loss.

I am not confident that I'll be able to get my weight down as low as I'd like to because I'm not sure that the numbers will work in my favor. They might eventually, but it will take a very long time. I still have 47 pounds to lose (if not more) and I'm already at 1200 calories.

Being short and older isn't fun. I will be happy with improving greatly upon where I started, though, and not being confident won't stop me from trying.

That brings up the question about weight loss goals, and whether success or failure has more to do with how the goal is defined than one's ability to meet it. I have a number plugged in to MFP because it asks for one, but I don't really count it as a goal, since my legs make it pretty much impossible to aim for any given number at all. IMO, hitting all the points in that first bolded sentence is a lot more meaningful than hitting some arbitrary number on the scale.

Kman4evah

I'm 95% confident in reaching my goal. I used to be fit at one point a few years ago, so I know I can be that fit again. The only thing that could push me to 100% is more money so I could afford to buy good food, but then again who couldn't use more money?

raelynnsmama52512

I am now, since I quit trying to restrict and started applying CICO and moderation. I've already noticed a difference, but I've still got about 50 lbs to go before I'm at goal. I'm currently 195.2 lbs, 5'2", and my goal is 140 lbs. I know I'll get there, but I also know it won't be overnight either.

yasminbower1991

Honestly... no.

I would love to be but i struggle to maintain once i hit 112 (my goal weight which i have been before and obviously not maintained)

Heaviest 182

Current weight 127

paulawatkins1974

I am confident and determined That I'll lose a total of 100 lbs. But to get to my goal, (losing another 22 after that) Not so much. Because I've read so much about people having trouble with the last few pounds, and I know that it's because You're on a smaller deficit and there's less room for error. Plus I know that I wont burn as many calories doing the same exercise I'm doing now once I get down that far. I already don't burn as many as I did when I first started.

Seigla

Interesting to read all your comments; I see many patterns, as well as many differences in where you get your confidence from.

Here's my own answer:

I am very confident that I will be successful, because:

• I have already lost 20 kg and have maintained this loss for many months without much effort. I don't force myself to do this, it just feels good (both the process and the results).
• I have made many changes in my lifestyle (exercising/nutrition) and I continue to do so, as I have learnt over and over again that I can do this and that these little steps give me many benefits. The fact that my lifestyle is now so much more healthy gives me confidence that I will not suddenly gain again. Again these lifestyle changes are not forced on myself, I continue with these habits because I love them.
• Continuing my weight loss is harder, which I see as normal (I've read it hundreds of time that the last bit of weight loss is the most challenging) . I trust that the recent improvements I've made in my lifestyle (more exercise, healthier diet) will produce results (based on CICO).

I am not confident that I can get results quickly, but this is not my goal. I am here for the long run and my main method is gradually changing my lifestyle to a healthier one. It may take some time to change my lifestyle enough to reach my goals, but again I have already made so many changes that I am convinced that I can do this.

Lounmoun

Seigla wrote: »

Are you?
What is the basis of your confidence and what is the basis of your doubt? For example, is your confidence (or doubt) based on solid evidence or are you fooling yourself?

I believe that if I stick to my calorie goal I will lose the weight I want and maintain. I believe this because it is working.
I'm not doing unsustainable things so I see no reason I will not be able to continue.
I was not confident at all when I started but steadily losing pounds and inches makes me believe that CICO will work as long as I get the right amount for me.

Unknown

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Seigla

Kman4evah wrote: »

I'm 95% confident in reaching my goal. I used to be fit at one point a few years ago, so I know I can be that fit again. The only thing that could push me to 100% is more money so I could afford to buy good food, but then again who couldn't use more money?

Interesting that you say that money plays a role. What would be the cheapest way to improve your lifestyle? And what would be the easiest way to save some money or earn some more?

yasminbower1991 wrote: »

Honestly... no.

I would love to be but i struggle to maintain once i hit 112 (my goal weight which i have been before and obviously not maintained)

Heaviest 182

Current weight 127

Why do you think it is it so hard to maintain? Do you see ways of improving your confidence/ability to maintain?

funjen1972 wrote: »

Not confident at all about maintaining lol I'm at goal weight and weight loss mode has been comfortable for me...I'm familiar with it. How do I transition to maintenance without blowing it or losing too much????? I have no clue where to go from here lol

Good question. I couldn't answer it based on experience, because I have not hit my goal weight yet. I have maintained my weight at a plateau, and it was just natural; I was in a state of equilibrium, because I maintained my healthy habits and I was careful not to slip back into old bad habits. I expect maintenance at my goal weight will be similar.

ncfitbit

I am very confident I will reach my goals. In the past 7 months however, my goals have changed from simply wanting to lose weight to so many more goals. I want to change the way my body looks, not just lose an arbitrary amount of weight. I also have fitness goals that I never even imagined I would have in my life. Now I exercise for the joy of it.

One of my main goals is to be able to keep setting fitness goals, not just run a few races, check it off my bucket list and move on. I want to be like a running friend of mine, who at 68 is not the fastest runner in the race, but she's running races at 68! Having this as a goal has inspired me to learn how to stay injury free and make recovery a priority, etc. so I'm learning to listen to my body.

Another thing that makes me confident about my ability to reach my goals is that the only person I'm competing against is myself. There is no particular hurry or any specific thing that I feel I must do just like another person. If it takes me two years to reach my goal weight, so be it. I refuse to enjoy my life now thinking that this is some short-term proposition. I only do those things which I think I will be willing to do for the rest of my life, so that is what gives me the confidence that whenever I reach my goal weight, I will be able to maintain it as well.

PeachyCarol

JPW1990 wrote: »

mamapeach910 wrote: »

I am confident that I can greatly lower my weight and increase my fitness and strength and maintain my loss.

I am not confident that I'll be able to get my weight down as low as I'd like to because I'm not sure that the numbers will work in my favor. They might eventually, but it will take a very long time. I still have 47 pounds to lose (if not more) and I'm already at 1200 calories.

Being short and older isn't fun. I will be happy with improving greatly upon where I started, though, and not being confident won't stop me from trying.

That brings up the question about weight loss goals, and whether success or failure has more to do with how the goal is defined than one's ability to meet it. I have a number plugged in to MFP because it asks for one, but I don't really count it as a goal, since my legs make it pretty much impossible to aim for any given number at all. IMO, hitting all the points in that first bolded sentence is a lot more meaningful than hitting some arbitrary number on the scale.

Agreed about hitting all the points in the first sentence. Since my primary motivation is my health (being diagnosed with yet another medical condition was the last straw), I don't think it matters in the long run if I get down to some arbitrary number.

I'll count my success in decreased pain, increased mobility, increased strength and energy over some number on the scale.

lawsonsaysread

I have already lost about 185 lbs. The next 20-30 lbs (not sure what the end goal is; that depends on how I look, and more importantly feel) shouldn't be that hard.

sheppeyescapee

I am confident that I will get there eventually. Weight loss isn't my only goal. I've lost nearly 70lbs already, I'm adjusting my goals as I go along rather than having a distant unachievable goal. My next goal is 177lbs which is my goal weight for surgery, I'd ideally like to be a good 10lbs below that by the time I actually have the surgery. I've started focussing on what I'm eating now rather than just sticking under my calories which was fine for the first 70lbs but as I weigh less it is going to get more difficult and I want to be able to get the most food and nutrients for the amount of calories available.

I want to improve my overall health as well, this I have been working on for the last 5 years and am able to do a lot more than I was back in 2010. I'd like to continue with this progress, I'll always be disabled but I know that with work I can lessen some of that. My body is far from perfect but it is a lot better than it was. I've gone from a 48"-50" waist to 34"-36" waist clothes. I was wearing some XXL clothes when I was at my heaviest and recently fitted into a small for the first time in over a decade.

I know that I can do what needs to be done, just the case of doing it. I tend to do better in the summer so the big challenge will be when winter comes back around.

karenlwashburn

I guess I'm overall confident in general. So I am confident that I will get down to a size that looks good on me whatever that is I'll wait and see. I was sort of doubtful that at my age I could lose weight due to some health issues but I find when I get serious and cut back on food, exercise a long period of time I do lose some weight. The doctor weighted me on Thursday and since then I already lost 3.5 pounds. I was 20 pounds heavier than I thought I was as my weight is pretty even across my body so once I heard for sure my weight I started back on my carrot sticks, celery sticks, fruit diet leaving the heavier meal for the night time and lost the weight in only three days.. that's proof now for me to totally squash my doubts.

kshama2001

Kman4evah wrote: »

I'm 95% confident in reaching my goal. I used to be fit at one point a few years ago, so I know I can be that fit again. The only thing that could push me to 100% is more money so I could afford to buy good food, but then again who couldn't use more money?

I'm going to start a thread on affording good food; BBIAB with the link.

Cortneyrenee04

I can honestly say that I'm not confident that I'll reach my goal, or maintain at my goal weight for very long.

I've lost 70 pounds so far and that blows my mind every day. I have about 15 more to go. Even though I don't really think I'll get there, I'll still try my damnedest. I didn't think I could lose 70 and I did, so maybe, just maybe, I can do it.