Falling into a slump

samchez0

I did so great for those first two months. Was great about lowering my portions and not allowing myself to over indulge. Was exercising regularly and lost about 16 lbs. These last two weeks have been rough for me though. Exercise has been ok but not great. But I've been bad about my food. I've been going way over my calories at least 3 days a week. I'm still seeing some progress but it's minimal compared to previous weeks. Its just really got me discouraged. How do you just out of a slump and get that motivation from the beginning back?

Also, if anyone would like to be friends and help encourage each other please add me. I find having friends that are seeing my diary and cheering me on to help me stay focused.

queenliz99

Have you thought of eating at maintenance for a couple of weeks? Because eventually you will.

rubyweapon8503

Me too! I did great through January and February, but between my regular fitness classes being cancelled over spring break, travelling for work, and celebrating St. Paddy's with friends, my routine has tanked. Even today, I was planning to do my regular Aqua Zumba class and now I have an event to attend after work and will miss it. (But hey, I was actually looking forward to it! Exercise! That's a start, right?)

I'm just working on getting back on the wagon, even though I know my routine will be disrupted yet again at the end of the month for a wedding. I'm trying to take it one day at a time. It's normal to slip now and then, what is important is that I start over each day with a clean slate and try again.

tulips_and_tea

I try to keep a balance between the one-day-at-a-time approach and the "big picture" approach. Don't overwhelm yourself by worrying about the future too much; just make the best choices possible each day. Some days are better than others.

At the same time, remember the big picture. I think it's a common misconception that you find the "right" food to eat and the proper amount of exercise and just do that forever, but that's not the case. This is an ongoing lifestyle change because our lives do change often. Learning how to adapt to those changes has a direct effect on our long-term success.

I look back at years I did solely cardio. I look back at the way my food intake and dietary needs have drastically changed (and will continue to). I look back and know that one year was exceptionally better health-wise than the next but the main point is to just keep learning and trying to be as healthy as possible.

coalz

Progress not perfection! Sounds like you guys have been doing great with your new year resolutions & honestly I find it inspiring how much you have accomplished in only 2 months. It's normal to plateau every now & then & it doesn't mean you won't keep losing weight it just means you have to keep working at it. & it's ok to slip up as long as you don't give up! Life is a balancing act with everything in moderation. And part of a healthy lifestyle is allowing yourself to indulge sometimes & have some fun. A plateau is just a sign that you need to jolt the system.
You're so much healthier now than you were 2 months ago! Maybe it's time walking became jogging or to try that spin class or do a juice cleanse.
And please don't be so hard on yourself when you do stray!
You deserve to take a break once in a while. I mean, Even God had to rest on the 7th day Instead of feeling guilty when you cheat try telling yourself you deserve this. Because you do! If you are gonna cheat you might as well let yourself enjoy it, right? Otherwise what's the point? It would be like having an affair without having orgasm! I think you'll feel a whole lot better about yourself afterwards & hopefully less discouraged. Then you kindly ask yourself for forgiveness, cordially accept & get back on the wagon.
Ps add me as a friend If you like. I love to communicate & support & appreciate all the motivation we get here at MFP