Motivation needed!

sunnydayonthebeach

Hi,

I've only just signed up.

About 5-6 years ago I lost 21lb with Weight Watchers (old points), I went from 11st 6lb to 9st 13lb.

I maintained this without too much trouble for two years, then got injured so was unable to exercise, but I still kept on eating as before. I tried slimming world two years ago, but it didn't really work for me - sticking to it religiously would let me lost about 1.5lb a month.

At the moment I'm 10st 10lb, and a UK size 14, but not very toned. I would really like to get back into a UK size 12, which I think is about 10st (and more muscle tone!) for me.

I'm OK with weight watchers (old) points, but don't know the calorie values of ordinary food, and also find that I can get a bit obsessed with food if I am very strictly monitoring myself, so I'm not going to learn the calories.

Instead I'm going to do something like a combination of slimming world (only healthy food) with weight watchers sized portions that I would have eaten (eg: main meal 60g of rice/pasta/cous cous, with 100g lean meat and lots of veg). I'm going to try to limit non-healthy snacks and alcohol.

In addition to this, I'm going to increase my exercise. I currently walk at a moderate pace for about 1.5-2 hours per day (I have a dog). I also go to one exercise class every week. I have a fully paid gym membership, so I've decided that I should try to use it three times a week.

This week I am on holiday from work and going away for two nights, so I don't know if I'll be able to put this in to place whilst I'm away, but I was thinking that this week I will do the following:

Monday - zumba; healthy food
Tuesday - (travelling) - try to have a healthy lunch - free choice for dinner - (try to swim/use gym in hotel - no pressure, anything is better than nothing)
Wednesday - (away) - either lunch or dinner must be healthy - try to swim/use gym in hotel (no pressure, anything is better than nothing)
Thursday (travelling) - healthy evening meal (no exercise)

Then at least two of the exercise classes below:

Friday - healthy all day; spin class (5.15 - no excuse not to go!)
Saturday - healthy all day; kettlebells (10.45am)
Sunday - healthy all day; swim or gym

I think I'm usually quite good at being motivated at the beginning and then it slips, but at the moment I keep on thinking that I've got so far to go that it's really hard to get started. I think that's why it might feel easier this week as I know I'm not likely to lose much weight, but at least I can get started with the increased exercise.

A.

RCharlotteRose

It sounds like you have a plan there!

Like you I usually become quite obsessed if I start counting calories etc. I did do WW for a while but the mementum didn't last very long and I just found it a hassle.

I go to the gym a lot during the week and I know that I need calories and energy in order to complete my workout sessions effectively.
I have got it out of my head that I need to stay away from calories and instead I am just wiser with how to consume them.

The only thing I have found though is that I cannot set myself up to workout everyday as I feel so much worse if I don't complete one of the sessions. Instead I plan to go twice a week on set days however always ensure my kit is ready for me every morning if I feel in the mood to workout. I always feel so proud of myself when I complete extra sessions this way I usually end up working out at least 4 times a week.

I think this site is great at allowing people to discover how best to use the information offered and I hope you reach your targets!

Good luck and let me know how it goes!
C

LivingtheLeanDream

you sound like me a year and a half ago!! good plans and you can do this - if I can anyone can :-D
get active doing something you really enjoy and WILL keep up
Watch how much/what you eat and those pounds will slide off

Keep focusing on your goal and how good you'll look and feel when you get there

(ps I'm now at my original goal but still want to lose a few more to have some leeway during holidays etc )