Motivation to Stick with it

EricaH7

Hello All,

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for the past few weeks. At this point I am down a little over 6 pounds. I currently weigh 178 and would like to get into the 140-150 range so I have a long ways to go. I have always struggled losing weight. I will start a diet and become 100% committed for a couple weeks and then decide I miss eating unhealthy, eating out with friends or coworkers, and just being able to eat whatever I want and go right back to my old ways. What is your motivation/what do you tell yourself when you start feeling this way in order to keep going and not give up? I know my willpower is getting stronger, but sometimes it just feels like it still isn't strong enough to keep me going until I get to where I want to be!

jdb3388

I look at pictures of what I used to look like when I was proud of my body, and then I look in the mirror at how I look now. That's about as motivating as it gets.

geneticsteacher

You can still eat whatever you want, just not as much of it. Don't think of this as a diet - think of it as eating what you normally eat, but within the calories you have set. There are no restrictions on what type of food you eat. I try to eat as many fruits/veg as I can, but it is nowhere near the 5-7 or 7-12 servings daily that is suggested. We have fast food about once a week - all of the chains have their nutrition information online and choosing wisely will allow you to fit fast food into your calorie allowance. I also eat cake, pie, cookies, and ice cream - just not all on the same day!

maidengirl_

Don't look at it as a diet. But a lifestyle change. You don't have to be extra restrictive to reach your goals. You can still each things that you like and want but in moderation. I know what it's like. I have been in your shoes and have been where you are. I tried everything and every program imaginable but until I really sat down and evaluated my goals and what I wanted to achieve is when everything started to click. Set realistic goals and realistic expectations. You are gonna fail a few times during this journey before you get it right. The key is that you LEARN from it and be better for it!