Please help me out!

ginaxx118

Hi, so I recently got a new job and before I start I’m required to get a physical and some other testing done. Last time I was at the doctor she told me I gained too much weight and wrote me a script for bloodwork “just in case”. I have put off bloodwork now for 3 months because I am scared of the results. Diabetes and heart problems run in my family and I got really fat over the past year or two. I need to get this done along with the physical, but I really want to at least get started on healthy habits before I go so the doctor can see that I’m at least trying. Any suggestions on motivating myself to quickly get started on better habits?

TavistockToad

If that isn't motivation enough, I'm not sure what strangers can do?

elsie6hickman

The motivation has to come from you. Other people can provide support and encouragement.

I get the feeling reading your post that you aren't really committed to making changes, but to prove something to the Dr. Bloodwork is nothing to fear because it will tell you the truth. If you have pre-diabetes or high cholesterol, high tryglicerides, it's nothing to fear. You need to know these things so you can do something about them, before they become a problem. So buck up and get the bloodwork done.

William54321

I think yoh have listed all your reasons to do this, health and weight. Just start as soon as you can and get as much support as possible. Also get those tests fone, fretting over possibility of results will not get you forward with your health

gstaubs1

I think you should get the blood work done. Its always better to know and then you can deal with the issue sooner. Providing there is an issue. You never know you could be fine start eating healthier and get some exercise it definitely cant hurt. Try starting off slow maybe go for a 30 min walk every day. Try doing some calisthenics at home or outdoors if you like getting outside. Best of luck!

jondspen

1 - go buy a firecracker, the larger the better
2 - bring firecraker back home and place on couch
3 - sit on couch covering firecracker with fuse still exposed
4 - light fuse

That should motivate your *kitten* to get off the couch and be more active. If not, repeat above steps with larger fireracker.

88olds

Count some of us as motivation skeptics. Motivation is too fleeting to sustain anything as long term as significant weight loss.

Motivation only gets you going. You got a frown from the doc and not so good family history. Now you’re here. That’s it for motivation.

Try to aim your efforts at developing some good habits. Best habit is a food diary. Calculate a calorie deficit aimed at losing 1 lb per week. Get a food scale and set about counting calories. Keep logging in everything you eat and drink no matter what. Bad day? Keep your diary going. Crazy bad? Keep your diary going.

You’ll soon find that you have a better chance to hit your number if you have a plan. Make a plan for each day and each week. If you get in a situation where you don’t know how to count calories for a particular meal or dish, make a good faith estimate using whatever info you have, put down a number and keep going.

Calorie counting works. Allow enough time for the learning curve. It’s a pain at first but it gets easier.

Don’t get too caught up in burning calories. Exercise is good for you, but overrated as a weight loss tool. If you’re just starting exercise, start a walking program. It’s enough for now.

Think about how you will cope when discouraged. Work at being patient. That voice in your head saying 1 lb per week isn’t enough is impatience. The time factor wrecks a lot of people. Don’t be one of them. Good luck.

shaf238

It's insane how everything you said in your post isn't enough motivation 🤷🏻‍♂️

Millicent3015

I had undiagnosed diabetes for over a year and it was hellish. I really wish I'd had my bloods done earlier. The earlier you can spot any potential issues, the sooner you can start to deal with them. Heart problems and strokes run in my family so I know the fear that comes with wondering if I'm next. My diabetes diagnosis was the spur I needed to make small and sustainable lifestyle changes and a year down the line I'm doing really well. My diabetes is my motivation, and I've reduced my carbs and added sugars, I'm eating more healthily and I've dropped a good amount of weight that I've been struggling to get rid of for years. Without that blood test I'd hate to think where I would be. Don't worry about the doctor, their job is to look after your health, not judge you for it. They care about you making changes, not proving to them that you can or will. You're probably going to be scared whatever you decide to do or not do, so as Susan Jeffers said, "feel the fear and do it anyway".

lorrpb

Get your blood work done. Go to the doctor. Maybe that will motivate you. Maybe it will help you.