Tips for Not Getting Discouraged By Younger (Thinner) Photos of Yourself

lovelymusiclady
lovelymusiclady Posts: 25 Member
edited November 29 in Motivation and Support
Hi all!

I was backing up my photo collection a few days ago and, to be honest, found myself getting really depressed over how much weight I've gained in the past 5 years. Seeing how thing I was set me back mentally a bit.

I know I can't compare current self to my 21 year-old self. I will never be that weight again, that's just the way it is. But seeing it has made me feel bad about myself physically.

Any tips on how to kick these negative thoughts?

Replies

  • Whitezombiegirl
    Whitezombiegirl Posts: 1,042 Member
    Why wont you be that weight again?

    I was a skinny teen. Im 40 now and now i weight similar or less than when i was 15. Its totally do able. Can you use the photos for motivation?
  • alphastarz
    alphastarz Posts: 55 Member
    Here's what I think helps.... Go to the success stories here on mfp and look at all the before and after photos. Soooo many people not only lost a lot of weight, but look younger and or regained energy they thought was only possible in youth. You can too.
  • krrbrr
    krrbrr Posts: 221 Member
    Success stories definitely help me too!

    Also taking your own NEW progress pics along the way! Even if you have to sit there for several minutes to find the differences, you can find them! You're not alone! Keep it up!
  • sanfromny
    sanfromny Posts: 770 Member
    I use the old pictures as motivation..Now granted the last time I was smaller than I am now I was in college 20 years ago but it can still be done.
  • GUARDiAN_GUiLD
    GUARDiAN_GUiLD Posts: 163 Member
    When you get the chance, check out the success stories (photos) section and you'll be amazed and motivated by the great things people have accomplished despite of their ages. The blogs also have great reads. Cancer survivors, first-time full marathoners, etc. Truly awe-inspiring.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    I also use old photos as motivation.

    I'm 38 now and have had 3 kids, and I still fit into clothes I bought in my 20s. I've still got a bit more weight to lose, but I know I can do it.

    The thing that upsets me about old photos is how young I look! And the lack of bags under my eyes back then lol.
  • bbilliethecat
    bbilliethecat Posts: 62 Member
    i LOVE looking at photos from way back and knowing that if i have looked like that once, i can definitely look like that again :D smokin' hot, here i come ! hahaha
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    I was s skinny kid, and became obese when I reached puberty. Then I was overweight my entire adult life, at my skinniest I was 5 lbs overweight.

    When I reached my thirties after having my third child, I lost 35 lbs and am thinner than I've been since I was eleven years old.

    If I can do it, so can you.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,021 Member
    When people go on this "shedding for the wedding" goal, undoubtedly it's so they can take pictures being at their best (if possible). Then once the wedding's over, weight regain happens. And I've always wondered, why work that hard, discontinue and then later feel dejected about how you look now after looking at the pictures? I've mentioned this to clients who were losing for a wedding, and they seemed to think that it wasn't going to happen to them.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    When people go on this "shedding for the wedding" goal, undoubtedly it's so they can take pictures being at their best (if possible). Then once the wedding's over, weight regain happens. And I've always wondered, why work that hard, discontinue and then later feel dejected about how you look now after looking at the pictures? I've mentioned this to clients who were losing for a wedding, and they seemed to think that it wasn't going to happen to them.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png

    I got pregnant a month after my wedding lol. I continued exercising throughout pregnancy though, but still gained weight. I've now had 3 children (now 6, 4 and 20 months). I was back working out 6 weeks after having each of them. Don't think I look too bad for 38!

    If I hadn't got pregnant I'd have continued working out and I doubt I'd have gained the weight back.
  • 20yearsyounger
    20yearsyounger Posts: 1,630 Member
    I am 41 now and I think I have a better body and definitely more endurance (not speed) than my 21 year old self.
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