Not sure where to start AGAIN

mel35645

Been on and off MFP numerous times over the past several years. Lost 40 lbs about 5 years ago gave up sugar wilhich I am EXTREMELY addicted to, started to work out got to my goal weight and felt great.
Go to the point where it felt natural to eat well and work out it no longer felt like a diet or a chore. Not sure why or even exactly when it all changed, can't recall the trigger and not sure it even matters all I know is that I've gained half of the 40 lbs I worked so hard to lose I dont feel well and I am not happy with how I look or more importantly feel.
Bottom line is there are dozens of reasons I could give for falling off the wagon (daughter and grandkids moved from being 2 minutes from my house to 7 hours away, my son lost his job, stress at work blah blah blah) truth is life happens and I need to find a way other than food and sugar to get through it.
Guess I'm asking for support and ideas on how to get back on and stay on track. I remember feeling so good when I was on track just don't remember how I got to that point. Trying to take it one meal one choice at a time but I only seem to find comfort in eating to the point that I have to take several antacids a day because of all the empty sugar filled calories I consume. Thanks

kommodevaran

If you had weight loss as your goal, hitting goal weight meant that you no longer had any reason for eating and exercising like you did. To keep weight off permanently, you need a permanent diet and exercise routine, one you'll want to stick to because it's just as easy (with a little planning) as a lifestyle that creates weight gain, and makes you happy, not because it makes you lose/maintain weight, but because you like it.

mel35645

Very true I hadn't really thought of it that way. Thank you

mammacoty

I've been in that same boat... successful with MFP before, only to stop logging or lose motivation in other ways, or letting minor injuries totally sideline me.
10 days ago, I decided to take a break from refined sugars, breads, grains and dairy. I'm upping my healthy fats, protein & veggies as well as chugging water. I feel so much better already. Headaches are gone, my energy is way up, and I feel so much more satisfied when I eat smart choices. I'm exercising regularly because I feel good. 3 weeks ago, I barely got through a day without needed a quick nap at some point.
My Fitbit is very motivating. I'm striving to reach all my goals it tracks each day. Now that I have a streak going, I really hate when I'm falling just short, so sometimes I'm outside at 10 pm walking my driveway to get the steps in.
Motivation can come in many ways and forms. It's also much easier to eat smart when you stock your kitchen with healthy options. Good luck

mel35645

Thanks. I gave up sugar and artificial sweeteners a few years ago when I lost the weight bitbobce I took the first bite it was all over for me. I clearly remember feeling better, more energetic etc. just struggling to get back to that mindset. I had to laugh when you said sometimes you walk the driveway to get Th rest if your steps in cause you sound like me, I march or jog in place in my living my room when I'm close to my step goal!!

busyPK

I take it one day at a time. Finding an exercise I enjoy has helped out to keep me focused. I strive for short-term goals (run further, spin at a higher resistance, fit into a pair of pants I haven't in years and one meal at a time) and keep the long term number I want to see on the scale as a secondary bonus.

kenyonhaff

Give yourself a big hug from me. Now pour yourself some tea.

You could see this as a twenty pound failure but that is s bit harsh. You lost it before so you can again. And you haven't gained it all back.

kommodevaran

mel35645 wrote: »

I gave up sugar and artificial sweeteners a few years ago when I lost the weight bitbobce I took the first bite it was all over for me. I clearly remember feeling better, more energetic etc. just struggling to get back to that mindset.

I think you fall off long before you think you do. You can't really give up sugar (there is naturally occurring sugar in fruit, vegetables and dairy) and naturally occurring sugar is processed the same way by your body as added sugar (after all, table sugar is made from plants). Sweet foods also taste good, so we want to eat it. Adding sugar to food doesn't in itself make the food unhealthy. So not only are you aiming for something unnecessary, you are trying to do something impossible, you deprive yourself from innocent pleasure, and you have perfection as your goal. Can you see how easy it is to fail a plan like that?

Artificial sweeteners are safe in normal amounts, and don't even have any calories, so there is no real reason to give them up. They can more easily be avoided, though.

What you can do to permanently feel more energic, stop overeating, and lose+maintain weight, is to stop demonizing sugar. The mental energy spent on avoiding sugar, can be channeled into exercise and other hobbies, and planning varied and balanced meals, and responsibly enjoying everything life has to offer, is a wonderful mindset to have, much better than one where you are aiming to restrict as much pleasure as possible. In addition to give you a sense of freedom, it's also more effective when it comes to managing health and weight.