Need a fire lit!

Hab1978

Hi all! So, I've been around MFP for approx. 4.5 years... I lost about 50 lbs the first year then maintained it for the following two. Since then, sadly, I re-gained about 40 lbs. Yikes, I know!!! For the bulk of this year I haven't logged faithfully and have bounced around doing all sorts of crap and can't seem to stay motivated to faithfully log my meals and exercise consistently. I know that's what it takes, and I want to do that, but I find myself severely lacking in motivation. I recently was diagnosed with a Binge Eating Disorder which I have fought against for the majority of my adult life. I would love to have some new motivating friends to help keep me accountable and help me stay on track. I'd love to offer the same to others as well. The first go-around I truly believe that is what kept me excited and focused on my weight loss goals; logging in and interacting with others and forming bonds and crushing goals. So anyone else interested in the same thing? Wanna be friends? Have any awesome advice to offer?

MissusMoon

Don't rely on motivation.

Do you go to work when you don't want to? Pay your bills? Not overspend? Brush your teeth?

Being healthy is self care. I've been able to not overeat and exercise whether I feel like it or not by changing my mindset. I don't have to be motivated. I just needed to shift my thinking. Taking care of my body is part of "adulting".

Kullerva

Like MissusMoon, I don't think motivation is actually a thing. (Or, well, it *is* a thing, but it was made up by people to make money, which makes more sense.) Determination is my word, because it implies decision-making. You can make a decision to treat yourself better today, or you can decide to keep going where you're going. It's up to you: you have the power.

I'm a touch orthorexic, and while that's not BED I understand what it's like to be food-obsessed. I try to adopt an "everything in moderation" approach, and work in things like pancakes and pasta by either making or buying the "better for you" varieties. I've lost 50 lbs in two and half years mainly by choosing to treat myself excellently most of the time. Deprivation is not a word or concept I like, and in fact when my diet's gotten too restrictive I've demonstrated binging behaviors.

One tool I have used to get me to treat myself better is an app/web service called Habitica. It's free, and inspires you to complete tasks by offering you game-like rewards (pets, equipment, armor, etc.) I don't strictly need it, but I can't deny that clicking the "Flossed" button--or "Met Calorie Goal" button--is deeply satisfying.

Add me if you like. You're here, so you clearly want to do right by yourself. Decide that you can do it, and you'll be able to.

Hab1978

I understand what you're saying @MissusMoon and I'm not saying other people will do the 'work' for me. I know I have to do the work for myself and I'm ready to do so, I was just saying that having others with the same mindset helps me and keeps me going. Makes it feel like you're not so alone. I was just saying having new friends would be great... sorry if I didn't express myself correctly.

cee134

MissusMoon wrote: »

Don't rely on motivation.

Do you go to work when you don't want to? Pay your bills? Not overspend? Brush your teeth?

Being healthy is self care. I've been able to not overeat and exercise whether I feel like it or not by changing my mindset. I don't have to be motivated. I just needed to shift my thinking. Taking care of my body is part of "adulting".

Wow, this is great advice. I have lost 100 lbs and then through lack of care, gained it all back. Now I'm losing it again. But this time I want to keep it off. I've been thinking alot about this and think a healthy diet has nothing to do with motivation (other then to start it) I think the key word, now, would be discipline, a seemingly seldom used word in the America vernacular these days.

StrongGirlFitGirl

I'm glad I read this thread. I was diligent all through June and July, then mid-August through yesterday, I was lazy. I ate too much and too much of not healthy foods, and I didn't track. I thought, Oh, I can just do this in my head.

This thread has helped me reframe how I see this whole process. It's simply a part of my life. I'm down 28 pounds so far, but I'm obese and really need to get at least another 17. Preferably 37.

If anyone wants to add me, please do!

StrongGirlFitGirl

Hab1978 wrote: »

I understand what you're saying @MissusMoon and I'm not saying other people will do the 'work' for me. I know I have to do the work for myself and I'm ready to do so, I was just saying that having others with the same mindset helps me and keeps me going. Makes it feel like you're not so alone. I was just saying having new friends would be great... sorry if I didn't express myself correctly.

I understand what you're saying! I could use someone in the same spot as me. I'll send you a request!