Can't stick to it :/

misspersistent

I've been trying to lose roughly 10-15 pounds for around a year now. I know that doesn't sound like a whole lot (it isn't) but I'm not far away from my goal weight so it's very stubborn to go. My problem is that I can stick to something for a few days, and then BAM - I am TAKEN OVER by a sudden need for unhealthy food (sometimes that I don't even really want?). I struggle a lot with emotional eating and the past 6 months have been particularly frustrating. I tend to be a self-motivated person that gets things DONE, but I can't seem to follow through with this one. It sucks though because I start something and think "yay! This is going to be the time..it's going to happen!" and then I give up subconsciously and am crushed after I've realized that I've failed. It's hard to try so hard and keep failing, you know?

So my questions are:

a) Help on emotional eating? Any tips?
b) How do you stick to something even when you know you've messed up?
c) For my body, I know that I need carbs (I get very moody/tired if my carb macros get too low) - any ways of eating that are particularly successful for anyone like me that's a carb lover?

Thanks!

DancingMoosie

a) If I'm having a craving for something, I try to cut back elsewhere in my food for the day to make room for the junk. This week, I've eaten 1/2 a pizza, a piece of cake, a monterrey melt from Whataburger, and oreos, all without going over. If you do it without planning, then just cut back the next day or two to net the calories you gained the day before. Also, sometimes drinking a big glass of water or crystal light or something like that and find an activity (wash dishes, brush teeth, take shower, take a walk, etc.) to take your mind off the eating, that will help the craving go away.
b) Know that you can make up for it during the week. Going over one day does not ruin the week or the month, or your life:) See "a" above.
c) I try to eat my carbs at night. I noticed that if my lunches were too carb heavy that I would have more cravings and feel tired at work in the afternoon. Eating a big salad with protein at lunch and saving the pasta, potatoes, rice for dinner. I am ok with a piece of toast in the morning if its paired with a good protein, like egg. I have to have protein in the morning to get through the day!

AmyRhubarb

It took me about a year to lose my last 10lbs. The less we have to lose, the slower it goes, unfortunately, but it does go, and it's worth it.

a) Help on emotional eating? Any tips?

What's triggering the emotions? Can you avoid or eliminate that trigger? Or, keep gum or mints handy, and pop those rather than reaching for snacks when you feel the urge to eat when you're not hungry. Nothing tastes good after mint.

b) How do you stick to something even when you know you've messed up?

Every day is a new day, a fresh start, a chance to make better choices. If you messed up yesterday, it's behind you, forget about it and move forward. If you messed up this morning, put that behind you and resolve to do better for the rest of the day. It's your choice - choose success!

c) For my body, I know that I need carbs (I get very moody/tired if my carb macros get too low) - any ways of eating that are particularly successful for anyone like me that's a carb lover?

I love carbs, sweets, wine, burgers, pizza - and I still eat all of them. When we're down to the last 15 or 10 lbs, a small deficit is best, and best for fat loss, and helps by giving us a decent amount of calories each day - helps me with staying on track, because it's not so restrictive - the goodies (within reason) fit into my daily goals. And it's sustainable, which is key - a way of eating that I can stick with forever, with no fear or anxiety because I indulged in birthday cake or a glass of wine (or two!) at a party, or just because I want one with dinner.

Set your weekly loss goal on MFP for just 1/2lb a week, log everything, and eat back those exercise cals. Or, you can get more precise, and calculate your BMR and your TDEE, and eat in between those two numbers. Great information and the tools for the calculations on this method here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

Drink plenty of water, get good rest. And be patient - it will happen, and slow and steady is the way to go to keep it off for good!

gmmendenhall

I am a carb eater too. I usually try to make my carbs in the form of fresh fruit and I always pair it with a protein like almonds. I get the energy from the carbs but then I don't get the crash because by the time the carbs wear off the almonds have kicked in. I allow I plan out meals and snacks for the whole week (I had to get into this habit now so that when school starts back up and I go back to work, I already have the habit in place.) Get enough rest, I need carbs, but it seems worse if I don't get enough sleep and already feel sluggish.

gmmendenhall

You can do it though! Good luck!

jes827

Hey girl!

Just wanted to tell you that I feel like I'm a living yo-yo! Why? Because I have been there ONCE before. Where I met my goal and I felt great.. but then... ehhh I let it go and BOOM back to where I started.

I started my journey yesterday... again. I think it is important to just giggle it off and get right back on it and laugh at yourself but challenge yourself to do it.

Food cravings.... the first time I got really into it it was because I saw results. My personal results were like my diet-cocaine. I was on a roll after I saw a little bit of results. BUT I have to tell you, I tried a weight-loss suppresant pill WHILE attempting a healthy diet and that did the trick for me. Try that!!

So like this:
1. Challenge yourself.. be like "guuuuurlll just do it"
2. Start eating and tracking your food so that you can know what really is healthy
3. Take a hunger suppresant like Alli... they're good to suppress food cravins but get RIGHT off it when you feel strong enough (2 weeks, maybe)
4. Exercise whenever you can or feel like it. DANCE or move or act silly.. anything! I like jumping on the bed and then doing some pushups or something.

I like to imagine feeding the cells in my body and then moving a lot or exercising so that my cells can sweat my food out! WEIRD, I know. But little things like that help...

Message me if you want more motivation or weird tips..


OH and go on PINTEREST!!!!!!!!!!!!! Search "fitspiration" and wow! that is all the motivation I need to get me started

jes827

Also! I like to listen to songs about amitious girls or independent girls...

WALE "ambitious girl" just gets me in that DONT MESS WITH MY GOALS mood.

I like this girls blog: undressedskeleton

She is young but she knows some stuff without being TOO detailed which can sometimes drain you

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DIRT OFF YOUR SHOULDERS WHEN YOU DO MESS UP

misspersistent

That's an interesting idea with eating mostly carbs at night..I will try that! Thanks!

kyleehancock999

Have you heard of Ashley Conrad? She is a personal trainer for celebrities who has a great program. You can find her on facebook and she is really into eating healthy carbs. I deal with all the things you have mentioned and keep failing as well, but reading up on her plan and just her in general makes me want to push myself. She's awesome and her fitness and healthy eating plan are free to download. She also has some AMAZING supplement products through her website clutchbodyshop.com. Hope everything starts to go your way!

Zara11

Do you work out effectively? If I mess up, it's easier to get back on track if I exercise regularly.

misspersistent

Also! I like to listen to songs about amitious girls or independent girls...

WALE "ambitious girl" just gets me in that DONT MESS WITH MY GOALS mood.

I like this girls blog: undressedskeleton

She is young but she knows some stuff without being TOO detailed which can sometimes drain you

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DIRT OFF YOUR SHOULDERS WHEN YOU DO MESS UP

Oh nice! I looked up "undressedskeleton" and I like her story! Thanks