Can we talk about what are you struggle with the most?
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amycollier88 wrote: »That's an easy one for me. I find sticking to healthy eating a lot easier than going to the gym. The gym intimidation is real. After years of putting it off, about two weeks ago I finally joined and it's just as bad as I thought it would be. This will be an ongoing struggle for me but it's just something I had to bite the bullet and do.
Have you tried going to a ymca?0 -
chaseracer2386 wrote: »Living in a camper right now so can't cook healthy meals.. And motivation to keep walking everyday.. Anyone got good ideas for meals in the microwave?
Ideas: steamable potatos in a bag, uncle Ben's ready rice, campbells healthy request chunky soups ( split pea, chunky country vegetable beef soup, other varieties). Healthy Choice meals.0 -
For me, it's just fitting everything in to my life without cracking - I work full time, am currently doing a masters degree, I have a husband and 2 young kids, I'm manager of their soccer teams, I do pretty much everything in terms of family scheduling/feeding/cleaning etc so trying to fit in healthy eating and working out for myself on top of everything else is a struggle, and some mornings when the alarm goes off at 5am so I can get my workout in I am soooooo tempted to ignore it and sleep another hour to try to catch up on what is probably a pretty massive sleep deficit.....
I'm really looking forward to retirement at this stage. In 30 years.5 -
Depression, since I'm limited to naming one thing. Have tried getting medication, but my GP refuses to give me any. I'm sitting on a long-donkey waiting list for therapy that I don't want, but if I refuse it, I get denied all help.
I have seen you mention this in other threads. I just wanted to say that I, too, hope you're able to get the help you need soon. I have had clinical depression since childhood and it is indeed debilitating and consuming. Mine is entirely chemical based and is treated with medication which I supplement through exercise. Nonetheless, at age 43, it still struggle with it regularly; having plenty of days where I feel I am trying to move against the current. But, I also have wonderful days now and don't find the small things as difficult.
You're not alone. And I know you've probably been informed of all the things you should try (most of which seem like so much effort) but getting just the smallest bit of movement and sunshine can work wonders. I hope you have someone to talk to (again, very daunting I know) but if not and you need to rant/release, feel free to blow up my personal message box.
Excercise boosts endorphins , so try to get moving with aerobic excercise such as jogging, swimming, hiking, cycling, cardio equipment etc. Look into joining you local YMCA. If money is an issue you can apply for a scholarship.0 -
I struggle with making friends. I just don’t know how to talk to people. My 10 year old son has now told me after a week that he doesn’t like summer camp because he doesn’t have friends there and it makes me so sad because I know how that feels and I don’t want him to deal with that. I keep saying I’m going to make an effort to go out and try to meet people and I never do. I suck.
Watch what you tell yourself. Beating yourself up saying that you suck does nothing for your self esteem. Plus you teach your boy to get down on himself like you do.
Some family counseling could be helpful. Have you tried the YMCA summer camp for your kid? Or a local boys and girls club? Or a local sports team perhaps , such as soccer?
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Alone, bored and kinda want to eat food.
If there's not anything I specifically want to do that moment, and I'm home alone, I really struggle to not wander to the cupboard and grab something. My partner helps keep me accountable, but he's a shift worker (and I'm 8-4), so there's loads of times when I'm home alone.2 -
Depression, since I'm limited to naming one thing. Have tried getting medication, but my GP refuses to give me any. I'm sitting on a long-donkey waiting list for therapy that I don't want, but if I refuse it, I get denied all help.
I have seen you mention this in other threads. I just wanted to say that I, too, hope you're able to get the help you need soon. I have had clinical depression since childhood and it is indeed debilitating and consuming. Mine is entirely chemical based and is treated with medication which I supplement through exercise. Nonetheless, at age 43, it still struggle with it regularly; having plenty of days where I feel I am trying to move against the current. But, I also have wonderful days now and don't find the small things as difficult.
You're not alone. And I know you've probably been informed of all the things you should try (most of which seem like so much effort) but getting just the smallest bit of movement and sunshine can work wonders. I hope you have someone to talk to (again, very daunting I know) but if not and you need to rant/release, feel free to blow up my personal message box.
Excercise boosts endorphins , so try to get moving with aerobic excercise such as jogging, swimming, hiking, cycling, cardio equipment etc. Look into joining you local YMCA. If money is an issue you can apply for a scholarship.
Thanks. I do already exercise a lot. Regular running and weight lifting. I have a home gym and have run a few bulk/cut cycles. Indeed it helps. Once I started lifting I was able to cut my meds in half.0 -
Depression, since I'm limited to naming one thing. Have tried getting medication, but my GP refuses to give me any. I'm sitting on a long-donkey waiting list for therapy that I don't want, but if I refuse it, I get denied all help.
I have seen you mention this in other threads. I just wanted to say that I, too, hope you're able to get the help you need soon. I have had clinical depression since childhood and it is indeed debilitating and consuming. Mine is entirely chemical based and is treated with medication which I supplement through exercise. Nonetheless, at age 43, it still struggle with it regularly; having plenty of days where I feel I am trying to move against the current. But, I also have wonderful days now and don't find the small things as difficult.
You're not alone. And I know you've probably been informed of all the things you should try (most of which seem like so much effort) but getting just the smallest bit of movement and sunshine can work wonders. I hope you have someone to talk to (again, very daunting I know) but if not and you need to rant/release, feel free to blow up my personal message box.
Excercise boosts endorphins , so try to get moving with aerobic excercise such as jogging, swimming, hiking, cycling, cardio equipment etc. Look into joining you local YMCA. If money is an issue you can apply for a scholarship.
Exercise can only do so much for depression. It really helps with mild depression, but does diddle squat for clinical/major depressive disorder. If it did help, I would be the happiest person in the province.3 -
Depression, since I'm limited to naming one thing. Have tried getting medication, but my GP refuses to give me any. I'm sitting on a long-donkey waiting list for therapy that I don't want, but if I refuse it, I get denied all help.
I hear you loud and clear. I have depression and PTSD. It really sux and the struggle is constant. Don't be so reluctant to seek counselling. My psychologist has helped me immensely. I would hate to think of where I'd be without it.
Walking has also helped me, as long as it is outside and in nature. It is my calm within the storm. I'll even be out at 5:30 am if the weather is right. Seeing the sunrise on another day helps. Sending you lots of hugs and hope you find some real help soon.0 -
Grocery shopping! I keep buying too much food, I’m looking at new products and finding lots of lower calorie options that appeal but I’ve been buying too many different things and now my pantry and fridge are overflowing with different foods! On the plus side I have lots of choice... and a family of five so it will get eaten just not by me
I’ve also been struggling with balance and sustainability for the lifestyle changes Im making. I tend to go all in to anything I do then feel burned out so I’m trying to monitor myself3 -
Grocery shopping! I keep buying too much food, I’m looking at new products and finding lots of lower calorie options that appeal but I’ve been buying too many different things and now my pantry and fridge are overflowing with different foods! On the plus side I have lots of choice... and a family of five so it will get eaten just not by me
I’ve also been struggling with balance and sustainability for the lifestyle changes Im making. I tend to go all in to anything I do then feel burned out so I’m trying to monitor myself
haha I've learned don't go grocery shopping on a empty stomach, I'd ended buy more than I need. Especially junk foods which I ended up not even eat them. Good thing I got kids so they helps with it. lol1 -
amycollier88 wrote: »That's an easy one for me. I find sticking to healthy eating a lot easier than going to the gym. The gym intimidation is real. After years of putting it off, about two weeks ago I finally joined and it's just as bad as I thought it would be. This will be an ongoing struggle for me but it's just something I had to bite the bullet and do.
Have you tried going to a ymca?
That's exactly where I go actually!0 -
My biggest struggle is just not eating too much. I can maintain pretty easy (even after a weight loss) - just some mindfulness and avoiding being a piggy wiggy, and I can maintain where I'm at.
Trying to lose from where I'm at, however - that's a different story. Requires tight logging, weighing of food, and dealing with the hungries for hours every single day. And that, for a pretty minimal loss
I realize a lot of this is because I have a very sedentary job, and outside of the gym, don't see a whole lot of activity. It still sucks though!0 -
Water. I can drink 32 oz at my CrossFit box. I struggle to drink the other 32oz all day long.0
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Stop drinking. I lost 7 lbs in one week when I cut out the booze.kschwab0203 wrote: »I struggle with eating with in my calories EVERY.DAMN. WEEKEND.
The alcohol and good food get me EVERY.TIME.
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garystrickland357 wrote: »I struggle living with the fear of old habits. I've lost almost 45 pounds (woohoo!) by eating reasonably with a calorie deficit. At the same time, I've slowly been rebuilding my fitness which involves running and cycling. Now I'm at a point where I have to eat quite a bit to maintain a slow weight loss.
So what's the problem, right? Wa wa wa...
I struggle with not going for the easy calories - you know, go ahead and have the extra beer, eat a serving of chips, have the cookie. These (not the beer) are some of the trigger type foods that led to my obesity. This is not a terrible problem to have and I don't want to sound like one of those, "I can't eat my calories" folks - but the struggle IS real. Knowing how to get an extra 400-500 sensible calories is something I'm working on.
I personally haven't been there yet, but I can understand it. My Dad had gained weight in his 50's and 60's. It bothered him a lot. When he was diagnosed with cancer he lost weight and was proud of his weight loss. He was hospitalized for his last 3 weeks. He told me when I was trying to get him to eat one night in the hospital that he was scared of gaining the weight back. It's a truly mental thing I think.0 -
I am struggling with eating the healthy foods and not wanting to eat all the calorie dense foods. I don't believe there are "bad" foods, I just like the ones that have more calories. I'm quite lazy and tired at the end of they day and would rather grab something than go home and make a meal. This is bad for my waist and my wallet.1
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Alone, bored and kinda want to eat food.
If there's not anything I specifically want to do that moment, and I'm home alone, I really struggle to not wander to the cupboard and grab something. My partner helps keep me accountable, but he's a shift worker (and I'm 8-4), so there's loads of times when I'm home alone.
I totally get this, and go through it with food as well as years ago when I gave up smoking.
I love to read, but can easily hold a book with one hand and chow, so that solves nothing. The only thing that helps is keeping my hands busy - handcrafts, deadheading flowers in the garden, washing dishes, writing on keyboard or paper, computer/video games, or grabbing a cup of tea and sipping it while I stroll around the block ...0 -
I can relate to so much of this! I might have several biggest struggles ...
Struggle to even WANT to use the extra calories I get in maintenance and from exercise for anything except the calorie dense over-eating trigger treats that will get me yoyoing again if I suddenly can't exercise...
Struggle to do even the most basic mindfulness/meditation practices that I know will help with my anxiety / depression / mental obsessing... and let me clarify, I am VERY lucky to only have a shadow of these things, not the real full on stuff.1 -
I am a slug. I don't cook and hate to clean (but I like a clean house, so it doesn't get too bad). I get regular exercise and will be adding more walking to my daily routines with the park-far-away strategy and a few others, but at home, I have hours where I do nothing but read. I want to lose weight and change my lifestyle to include fixing healthy meals, but I Just. Hate. Cooking. Don't have a strategy yet to change that, but will be exploring what has worked for others.
Cooking I don't mind so much, as I generally cook plenty for the freezer. Cleaning is another story. I eat off paper plates and use plastic utensils, and use paper towels, which eliminates a lot of it. I live full-time in a motorhome, and keeping food solids and grease out of the gray water tank are a must, otherwise (if I lived in a home) I'd just have a dishwasher. I have nothing but time, but could understand those with a hectic schedule having issues with it all.chaseracer2386 wrote: »Living in a camper right now so can't cook healthy meals.. And motivation to keep walking everyday.. Anyone got good ideas for meals in the microwave?
I've been a full-timer (RV'r) for 10 years, but I have an apartment-sized range/oven. I use the grille a lot, I have a small and larger Webber. I also have an electric convection oven, as well as a microwave. I steam veggies, scramble eggs, and cook oatmeal in the microwave. I generally cook outside in the summer, and inside in the winter, depending on when I could use some extra heat inside, and when I don't.
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Sweets. I have a horrible sweet tooth.
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I struggle with making friends. I just don’t know how to talk to people. My 10 year old son has now told me after a week that he doesn’t like summer camp because he doesn’t have friends there and it makes me so sad because I know how that feels and I don’t want him to deal with that. I keep saying I’m going to make an effort to go out and try to meet people and I never do. I suck.
Oh I'll add this to mine. I am a solid introvert who forces myself to be interested in others. 18 years ago I made the conscious decision to change my behavior and start asking questions and simply talking to strangers. Still to this day this is the most discomforting act, but I've become so practiced that my friends are shocked when I confess this.
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The Toastmasters group is an excellent way of flexing this muscle.
This is so insightful and powerful.
I'm an inherently shy, introverted person who mostly relied on my people-centric, warm, outgoing husband to nurture social connections for both of us . . . until he died at age 45 (I was 43, now 62).
I realized I needed to cultivate social skills, because isolation would be bad for me. It was so, so uncomfortable and awkward at first! I learned to ask people about themselves, and to enjoy plumbing what they were about. I didn't connect with everyone, but I think I can now make interesting conversation with literally anyone . . . by drawing them out about what most people enjoy discussing most, themselves.
The thing to understand, IMO, is that it's a skill, not an invariant, innate characteristic. You can practice (painful! ) and improve. But it's very worthwhile.
Bottom line, @hesn92, this is something you can work on and improve. And that will be a great model and example for your son, enriching his life.
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nickssweetheart wrote: »Lately I have been struggling most with sleep. I lie awake and worry and worry and worry. Then I finally drop off and wake up in 2 hours and start the process again. Then I'm like a zombie going through my day and in the evening at home I fall asleep unexpectedly (which can be kind of scary as I did it once with a pot of spaghetti water on the stove to boil.) Then when it's time for bed again, I'm wide awake and the process starts again. It's been going on for several months and I'm so tired of being so tired. Plus it's embarrassing to call appointments and say, "I'm so sorry I'm running a little behind, I fell asleep in front of my computer, I'm on my way."
This totally s**ks. I get it. I've been there.
Consider meditation (there are very simple, totally non-religious things like relaxation response, www.relaxationresponse.org/steps/ . Even if it doesn't help you sleep, drawing yourself back to the practice is restful. There are also meditation apps (on your phone) that can help.
Another thing that helped me - no lie - is hypnotherapy. There are apps or YouTube videos for this, or you can go to a trained hypnotist or even licensed hypnotherapist (latter is what I did).
My heart goes out to you over what you're going through! There are sleep clinics (ask your doctor) and other options, as I've mentioned. Wishing you well in finding a sleep solution!
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Y'know, I get that I have no real problems. I've got enough food, clothing, shelter. I'm active/strong, and I have friends. The big bases are covered, for sure.
I struggle a little with how to handle thinking about aging (I'm 62 now). As a childless, orphaned, widowed only child, I know that things like a medical power of attorney and an executor are really important. When I look around me, I'm not sure who to turn to. I have close friends, but they're close to my age (and often not as strong/healthy).
Also, as a Deep Hedonist, I struggle with periodic food overindulgences, and with alcohol. (I'm not an alcoholic, or even close, but the calories/clarity/priority are sometimes an issue, even in maintenance.)
Social relationships are always hard for me as an introvert by nature, but important.
Even some trivial things are on my radar: I'm tryin to learn to play bluegrass banjo, trying to make jewelry, trying to keep up a house and garden. It's good, engaging, but challenging.
I don't know what I struggle with the most, or what's most important (the two don't necessarily align). Soldier on: Only rational option!
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lemongirlbc wrote: »For me, it's just fitting everything in to my life without cracking - I work full time, am currently doing a masters degree, I have a husband and 2 young kids, I'm manager of their soccer teams, I do pretty much everything in terms of family scheduling/feeding/cleaning etc so trying to fit in healthy eating and working out for myself on top of everything else is a struggle, and some mornings when the alarm goes off at 5am so I can get my workout in I am soooooo tempted to ignore it and sleep another hour to try to catch up on what is probably a pretty massive sleep deficit.....
I'm really looking forward to retirement at this stage. In 30 years.
You are completely rocking and ruling. You're holding the whole thing together: You're doing everything that strong women do. Kudos!
Retirement will be pretty wonderful (but odd, empty 'til you fill it, challenging in a different way). Meanwhile, you're building the foundation for your future happiness, and doing more than your part to build a world that will be good not only for you and family, but for the rest of us.
Thank you. 1 -
I workout too much and too hard. My job is very physical as well. I’m ALWAYS in pain. I go through tubes and jars of bengay and tiger balm. I take a muscle relaxant and a 500 mg naproxen every night to help me sleep. I just have this HUGE fear of regaining the weight I lost. I have no issue sticking with my deficit either. I just feel like I HAVE to keep pushing myself or I’ll end up right back in that pit of despair. Working out is also a huge escape for me and it gives me a sense of control in my very stressful life, but I take it too far. I’m paying for it now because I’m stuck in bed with a pretty bad sciatica flare up.1
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nickssweetheart wrote: »Lately I have been struggling most with sleep. I lie awake and worry and worry and worry. Then I finally drop off and wake up in 2 hours and start the process again. Then I'm like a zombie going through my day and in the evening at home I fall asleep unexpectedly (which can be kind of scary as I did it once with a pot of spaghetti water on the stove to boil.) Then when it's time for bed again, I'm wide awake and the process starts again. It's been going on for several months and I'm so tired of being so tired. Plus it's embarrassing to call appointments and say, "I'm so sorry I'm running a little behind, I fell asleep in front of my computer, I'm on my way."
I’m an excessive worrier too and I’ve had insomnia for YEARS. My demons love to come out to play when it’s time to go to bed. I’ve had crippling anxiety since I was a teenager. The only thing that helps me sleep is meds, and I am not ashamed to admit it. Not being able sleep is an AWFUL feeling. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.0 -
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Negativity. This whole eating well and exercise thing I've got. Lost 170lbs, took a year off to recomp and let skin tighten, gained a grand total of 6lbs without tracking anything...
It's the constant BS from people, and NOT losing my temper that's the biggest struggle. Everything from "you'll look like a man" because I enjoy lifting (because packing on 30lbs of solid muscle is so easy....*sarcasm*) to telling me how everything I'm doing to lose weight is wrong, even though I'm down a person in fat and they have to lose and keep off more than 5lbs. The "you're too skinny" by family and (now former) friends, I'm still overweight....I wear a size 8, I am NOT too skinny. While I have never had to stop myself from punching someone, I do have to hold my tongue on many an occasion.2 -
I wouldn’t listen to anyone but yourself . There are people in the world that like to criticize because people are not happy with themselves. Just do you and be happy with yourself and you can come along way0
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