Probably a pointless question

VicPuff

Ok, so this is probably one of those sort of pointless gah-why-does-everyone-ask-this type of question, but here goes. How do you stick with it? Is it just a case of suck it up, buttercup?

For background I've never been overweight and I'm happy with how my clothes fit etc, (I'm 5'6" and currently 122, I started MFP at 126ish with the idea that I would like to really get fit). For the record, I am the epitome of "skinny-fat" with a body fat percentage of 26% (Dexa scan).

I've been strength training and have really cleaned up my diet. This is the first time I've counted calories and really paid attention to what I'm eating, how much etc. I've been at it for about 6 weeks now but I can feel my motivation slipping. I haven't been adhering to my eating plan as well as I had been and I'm up a pound since last week (I know, that isn't really an indicator of anything but still......).

So I'm wondering how you smart, successful people stick with it (the eating part, I don't mind working out) to see the results you want?

I guess I'm just looking for some advice, encouragement.

PS - I'm not sure if is appropriate to post this type of question in the group discussion like this, I hope it is ok!

fitandgeeky

For me it's about prepping my food. It's hard to justify eating junk when I have healthy food already made up. One day a week I cook enough food for the week, portion it out and put part of it in the fridge and part of it in the freezer. This week's menu:

Protein - grilled chicken breasts, tuna burgers, spicy ground turkey, crustless broccoli quiche
Veg - steamed broccoli, cauliflower, squash and zucchini, washed and ready romaine leaves for lettuce wraps
Carbs - brown rice, sliced baked sweet potatoes, steel cut oats, chocolate protein bread, cherry almond protein bread

I know that may seem like a bit much for the average person, but I'd have never made it this far without doing that. I do this for myself and my husband. It also works out great because I have two little kids to chase around. Having healthy meals ready to eat is a huge convenience when you're busy.

islandgirl76_

I would love the recipe for the chocolate protein bread, pretty please?

VicPuff

Hi there!

Thanks for your response! Actually, I do the exact same thing! Every Sunday I make a big pot of grains (brown rice, quinoa, whatever, I try to rotate it), and a pot of beans (different beans each week - I don't eat meat) and then I have lots of different veggies I steam every evening. That does work well (in fact I think it is so much easier to do it like this, instead of "cooking" each night after work).

I don't know, I'm just finding myself slipping up with eating pretzels or whatever, when I know I really shouldn't. It is just my motivation seems to be lacking for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on. Partly, I was hoping to see bigger changes after six weeks, so I think that is little discouraging. But, I'm definitely trying to get back on the wagon (not that I've completely fallen off by any means).

Thanks for your reply, I had seen your success story a few days ago and was VERY impressed. Congratulations!!

SideSteel

I want to look and perform a certain way so I do what I believe is necessary to achieve that.

jonnythan

Ok, so this is probably one of those sort of pointless gah-why-does-everyone-ask-this type of question, but here goes. How do you stick with it? Is it just a case of suck it up, buttercup?

For background I've never been overweight and I'm happy with how my clothes fit etc, (I'm 5'6" and currently 122, I started MFP at 126ish with the idea that I would like to really get fit). For the record, I am the epitome of "skinny-fat" with a body fat percentage of 26% (Dexa scan).

I've been strength training and have really cleaned up my diet. This is the first time I've counted calories and really paid attention to what I'm eating, how much etc. I've been at it for about 6 weeks now but I can feel my motivation slipping. I haven't been adhering to my eating plan as well as I had been and I'm up a pound since last week (I know, that isn't really an indicator of anything but still......).

So I'm wondering how you smart, successful people stick with it (the eating part, I don't mind working out) to see the results you want?

I guess I'm just looking for some advice, encouragement.

PS - I'm not sure if is appropriate to post this type of question in the group discussion like this, I hope it is ok!

A few reasons.

1) I see the progress I'm making, and so are other people, and I want to continue it.

2) I don't deny myself anything. If I want to eat some Taco Bell, I'll go to Taco Bell. If I want ice cream, I'll eat ice cream.

3) Binge meals. Once a month or so I'll go to the pizza or Chinese buffet and stuff my face. I know it won't seriously impact my progress, and it's something I can look forward to when it gets a little frustrating.

Chief_Rocka

It about finding the method that sucks the least. Figure out the things that are derailing your diet, and decide how you can conquer them. Some things you can fix with will power, some might take a creative strategy, and others you won't ever be able to stop, so you figure out a way to work around them.

SideSteel

It about finding the method that sucks the least. Figure out the things that are derailing your diet, and decide how you can conquer them. Some things you can fix with will power, some might take a creative strategy, and others you won't ever be able to stop, so you figure out a way to work around them.

^ That's solid advice.

cmeiron

I'm finally achieving the physique and fitness level I've always wanted...what I'm doing is working so I'm highly motivated to keep it up.

Things that make it EASIER to keep it up the food stuff include planning weekly menus, pre-logging my diary a day in advance so I have a game plan to follow, not eating in a restrictive way (food type-wise or calorie-wise), eating a varied diet of delicious food and experimenting with new recipes, and allowing myself to say idgaf occasionally and eating whatever without feeling guilty or punishing myself the next day.

The exercise part is easier, I agree...it used to be a chore but now I'm totally hooked.

NovemberJune

I wish I could figure out the secret so I could share it with my husband! I'm just really motivated to keep working toward my goals I started in 2011 and haven't really had any lapses in motivation. Sure I have crappy food days and crappy workouts sometimes but it never becomes habit. :flowerforyou:

Sarauk2sf

Tagging to share my thoughts shortly.

TipTopMMR

It sounds like you are just starting out on your journey! You said, 6 weeks, right? I think it's really natural to slip into old routines from time to time. The important thing, which you are already doing, is to be cognizant of the slips, then reflect on why and adjust. Keep up the great work, one choice at a time.

Yanicka1

It about finding the method that sucks the least. Figure out the things that are derailing your diet, and decide how you can conquer them. Some things you can fix with will power, some might take a creative strategy, and others you won't ever be able to stop, so you figure out a way to work around them.

Been doing this for 960 days. How do I keep at it? I eat what I like, do exercise that I like. I still eat cookies and ice cream and chips and chocolate.......just not everyday. I hate brown rice and whole wheat pasta......so I eat the white stuff.

LorinaLynn

I'm a couple months behind Yanicka.

I cringe when people use the world "journey," but this is a lifelong... thing we're doing. It's ok to take some detours, visit some roadside attractions, and pull into at rest stops now and then.

Every now and then, I need to just say "eff it all" and forget about calories and macros for a few days. That's only a problem when those few days turn into a few months, but even then, not a huge problem.

Yanicka1

I'm a couple months behind Yanicka.

I cringe when people use the world "journey," but this is a lifelong... thing we're doing. It's ok to take some detours, visit some roadside attractions, and pull into at rest stops now and then.

Every now and then, I need to just say "eff it all" and forget about calories and macros for a few days. That's only a problem when those few days turn into a few months, but even then, not a huge problem.

Last month I needed a break so I ate more. Gained 3 pounds and lost it this month plus a little more. The mental break was really needed

alanlmarshall

I think one of the best things you can do is to think of yourself as an athlete in training. Find a sport you love, it can be lifting or running or anything, and train and eat with the goal of getting better at it for the rest of your life.

Sarauk2sf

I think one of the best things you can do is to think of yourself as an athlete in training. Find a sport you love, it can be lifting or running or anything, and train and eat with the goal of getting better at it for the rest of your life.

^^ totally agree with this.

I have a couple of goal, one is aesthetic specific, and one is performance specific. The aesthetics one is re body composition - gain LBM while staying below a certain weight. This goal will help with my performance specific one (powerlifting) as more LBM = stronger and staying lean will allow me to compete in a certain weight class. Also, the powerlifting goal helps me meet my aesthetics one as I need to progress my strength and stay lean. While there is some contradiction between the two (powerlifting is not concerned with aesthetics), I can work with them to make them so they allow me congruent goals.

So, with the above, I am striving towards something that is not just weight related. It is performance and body comp related.

It seems as though you do not really have a goal or interest that you can embrace to make motivation easier (I am making assumptions here I realize). You are at a healthy body weight and only have those 'vanity' pounds (which is fine as we all have the vanity aspect, whether we admit it or not). They are the hardest to lose/maintain as there really is no end goal, other than that, so imo, it is easy not to achieve and/or maintain it. Having a broader and longer term goal really helps imo. That longer term goal can be anything fitness related, such as running a marathon, doing a tough mudder, gaining muscle, doing martial arts....anything really.

alanlmarshall

I think one of the best things you can do is to think of yourself as an athlete in training. Find a sport you love, it can be lifting or running or anything, and train and eat with the goal of getting better at it for the rest of your life.

^^ totally agree with this.

I have a couple of goal, one is aesthetic specific, and one is performance specific. The aesthetics one is re body composition - gain LBM while staying below a certain weight. This goal will help with my performance specific one (powerlifting) as more LBM = stronger and staying lean will allow me to compete in a certain weight class. Also, the powerlifting goal helps me meet my aesthetics one as I need to progress my strength and stay lean. While there is some contradiction between the two (powerlifting is not concerned with aesthetics), I can work with them to make them so they allow me congruent goals.

So, with the above, I am striving towards something that is not just weight related. It is performance and body comp related.

It seems as though you do not really have a goal or interest that you can embrace to make motivation easier (I am making assumptions here I realize). You are at a healthy body weight and only have those 'vanity' pounds (which is fine as we all have the vanity aspect, whether we admit it or not). They are the hardest to lose/maintain as there really is no end goal, other than that, so imo, it is easy not to achieve and/or maintain it. Having a broader and longer term goal really helps imo. That longer term goal can be anything fitness related, such as running a marathon, doing a tough mudder, gaining muscle, doing martial arts....anything really.

Tots^^^

I thought I should mention that being an athlete includes periods of rest and recovery and does not exclude all social feasting or indulgence. I'm not suggesting that one should be extreme or obsessive.

Chief_Rocka

Anyone interested in reading more on this topic should get "A Guide to Flexible Dieting" by Lyle McDonald. A good portion of it is about the psychology of dieting how to stay on track.

VicPuff

Thank you everyone for your thoughts!! I read and re-read them and honestly, they all helped!

I like the idea of thinking of myself as an athlete (I never really have as I'm not at all coordinated or athletically inclined). However, I think that is a great idea! On the occasional times that I've been focusing on a goal (running a 10K) I was definitely not stressing about eating pretzels and wondering if that would derail me.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to respond. I'm feeling much more inspired!

VicPuff

Anyone interested in reading more on this topic should get "A Guide to Flexible Dieting" by Lyle McDonald. A good portion of it is about the psychology of dieting how to stay on track.

I had wondering if this book would be good. I looked at it awhile back but thought it was pretty pricey for an ebook (if I remember correctly). Maybe I should reconsider based on your recommendation. Thanks!

Sarauk2sf

Thank you everyone for your thoughts!! I read and re-read them and honestly, they all helped!

I like the idea of thinking of myself as an athlete (I never really have as I'm not at all coordinated or athletically inclined). However, I think that is a great idea! On the occasional times that I've been focusing on a goal (running a 10K) I was definitely not stressing about eating pretzels and wondering if that would derail me.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to respond. I'm feeling much more inspired!

Me neither - I trip over my own feet - its about finding something you enjoy and can get into - it does not have to be 'traditional' athleticism either.

And A Guide to Flexible Dieting is a good book, not just only re the phycology aspect.

Sarauk2sf

Locking so we can keep track of active threads better. Please feel free to PM either myself or SideSteel if you wish to make additional comments, including a link to this thread in the PM, and we will unlock so you can do so.