Long Streak, Low Motivation

jprewitt1

I'm currently riding a 814 day login streak. However, I haven't weighed myself since September. I log all my food daily (almost all the time) even when I overeat. I weighed myself this morning and I'm sitting at 366 lbs. I was down to 347 just three months ago. I've lost over 100 lbs already, so I know I can do it. I have to get back on track and I am sorely lacking in motivation. Just need some friends to see their progress and have people to help me through this. I'm the type of person that doesn't need positive reinforcement all the time. Sometimes a good kick in the pants is what I need. Anyone else feel similar?

pizzafruit

The point is that you're here reaching out. Like so many MFP members many have overcome difficult challenges. I would have to say losing weight is the most difficult. Food is everywhere and logging everything every day especially when you're over is tough. Don't throw in the towel; break your day into segments. Do it for you. Many have succeeded and you will too.

try2again

You have done an amazing thing in taking off 100 lbs and keeping the vast majority of it off! I've been at this a while myself. About 5 years ago I lost about 35 lbs using a different website, probably over the course of 6 months or so. Lost my focus, or motivation, or whatever for a couple of years, but mostly maintained that weight loss. When a few lbs did start creeping back on, and I began to suffer from weight-related health issues, I knew I needed to get back at it. Wasn't particularly motivated to do it, but I knew it needed done. I found MFP a little under 2 years ago and have lost another 40, again mostly in the first 9 months, and my motivation has been lagging the last year or so, but the *habit* of logging has kept me in maintenance all that time. Good habits are better than motivation any day, since motivation comes & goes. So my viewpoint has changed a little bit. The periods of low motivation when we aren't interested in pursuing a deficit don't have to be the death-knell of our weight loss. It's not a race, after all. BTW, just this week I have started a serious attempt to eat at a deficit again.

If you aren't in a good place mentally to pursue a deficit right now, maybe set your calories to maintenance and be scrupulous about it for a while. Since you've apparently been overeating, that might ease you back into a position of being willing/able to take on a deficit again. Do you feel better physically & mentally having lost that 100 lbs? Focus on that, as there are more of those benefits to be had! Wish you the best!

goodasgoldilox165

814 days and 100lb down - hey you are a success jprewitt1.
We need all the successes we can get - this is no time for back-sliding. BACK TO IT and sing as you go!

If motivation is down - you could always try a change. There are many different approaches to losing weight on here. Why not select a new one for a while? (Try the 5/2 or go low carb - taste a new plan and try a new set of restrictions or rules.) You could vary the kind of exercise you do too - and catch your body unawares. Suddenly demand weights - or take it for a swim.

Now - sing!

jprewitt1

try2again wrote: »

Do you feel better physically & mentally having lost that 100 lbs? Focus on that, as there are more of those benefits to be had! Wish you the best!

I definitely feel better that I used to. My heaviest was 470 and I could barely stand up from the couch without hurting. I'm definitely more active and healthy than I was. I just see no end in sight right now. Nothing makes me feel better than food, and that's where I'm at. I know I can get better at it, and I will.

try2again

jprewitt1 wrote: »

try2again wrote: »

Do you feel better physically & mentally having lost that 100 lbs? Focus on that, as there are more of those benefits to be had! Wish you the best!

I definitely feel better that I used to. My heaviest was 470 and I could barely stand up from the couch without hurting. I'm definitely more active and healthy than I was. I just see no end in sight right now. Nothing makes me feel better than food, and that's where I'm at. I know I can get better at it, and I will.

Don't look for the end... look for the next 20 lbs down. I was shocked how big of a difference a 10-15 lb loss could make me feel. Losing just 15 lbs eased enough pressure on my joints to allow me to start walking.

I totally get what you're saying about food! Remember I talked about not having motivation when I joined MFP? This is exactly what I was saying (literally- I was muttering it) as I made my account: "Already feel lousy and now I'm not even going to get to have the one thing that I enjoy!" This is where reasonable goals come in. I was shocked that my original calorie allowance was fairly high (I think with my weekly goal set at 1.5 lbs/week). After a few days of logging, I realized I wasn't necessarily going to be deprived and was very relieved. If I'd set a 2 lb/week goal, I probably would have found it very depressing. You're still quite big and male, so your calorie allowance for 2 lbs/week is going to be very generous. Don't deny yourself anything, just start learning to make some smart choices that leave room for the good stuff too (which you've likely been doing to have been so successful already).

I really like how thoughtful & self-aware you seem to be... that's actually a great indicator of success! Would offer a friend request, but I choose to only have women on my list.

ECTexan

This is me right now, too. I'm logging in daily and my streak is at 807 days, but my motivation lately has been super low. I've gained back a lot of weight. I wish I had the answer but this is where determination and perseverance are needed most. Keep at it.