SO Motivated to start... not so much to keep going

Morgan_miller27

I keep trying so hard to be healthy and it work... for about 3 days. Any tips on how to keep it going when I just want to give up?

Skillet007

The thing that has helped me was to get out of the mindset that you're starting something and that your just changing something temporarily. I think that many people get in the mindset that they are starting a diet or that losing weight is something they just need to do for a while. You have to remember why you're over weight to begin with and if you start something, and you finish that something, have you made the changes needed to keep that weight off? Instead, I like to think of my weight loss as a lifestyle change. I cut calories not ONLY because I needed to lose weight but because eating 3300 calories a day would kill me one day. I started going to the gym and hiking more not ONLY because it would tone my body up but because I genuinely wanted to feel good and be able to do things that I used to could not do. After a few months it is like a little switch in your brain gets flipped and you just embrace these changes. The weight just starts to fall off, like magic, but the thing is that you want this permanent change. Don't get into the mindset that you have to do this or that you have to do things a certain way (like a fad diet) because that is not something you'll keep doing the rest of your life. Instead, take a step back, and remember that moderation is key. I live in Colorado but I originally come from Alabama. I have not been home for Christmas in 5 years. Last time most of my family saw me I was 315 lbs. Now I weigh 190 and it felt great to come home. However, I do not have a foodscale here or a weight scale. Yesterday I ate SO MUCH FOOD. I mean, so much I felt sick. It made me mentally ill inside as well, however I enjoyed one big meal with my family. What's the harm in that? Today, I am back to where I have been for a year now- making health conscious decisions on the food I eat and exercising. I didn't make myself do those things, but I WANTED to do these things because it is the lifestyle I have chosen and embraced. It makes me feel good!

HelenaChang

Start small. Too much too soon is overwhelming. I wrote down my goals and tackle them one at a time until each becomes a habit. Also. Eating small meals/snack through out the day really helps. I never let myself become so hungry that I am ravenous and eat everything in sight like I used to.

olyrose

I have the same problem! A couple things that help me:

Pre-log your week as much as possible. I basically eat the same breakfast, lunch, and snack every day, so every Monday I log those for the week and then fill in dinner daily. It feels like you're already a step ahead each day, and know what your plan is

Plan for snacks or whatever you like to indulge in. I try to work them into my daily calories, and to buy things that are low-calorie that will still satisfy any craving I have

Make sure what you're doing to be healthy is actually sustainable. You don't need to cut out all "bad" foods, you really just need to account for all the calories you eat, and make small changes to make sure those calories are mostly coming from "good" foods

JeromeBarry1

Make some progress, be pleased with that. Be proud of that. Keep that. Get more of that.

rugratz2015

Don't think too hard - make small changes, plan ahead and only buy low calorie snacks so so you won't do too much damage if you over-indulge. Plan (non of edible) treats for yourself and try and do a 10 minute walk, in the fresh air if possible, everyday.

Most importantly, think about your reasons for doing this, do you want to be the same in 3,6,12 months time?