no will power what so ever
laurapark27
Posts: 3
so i am really trying to log on to my fitness pal every single day. and iam really trying to log all my foods down everyday . each day i wake up determined to have a good day and really want to loose the weight. however i fail every single day and give into sugary unhealthy foods. its like i must have them. i then feel such a failure and guilty that i cant stick to a diet for one day. anyone else been like this and how have you turned a corner to make a permanent change to succeed. thanks for taking the time to read my post.
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Replies
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For me, it was a gradual process. Instead of cutting myself off COMPLETELY, I just started cutting them out slowly. If you have no willpower, don't go cold turkey. IMO you're more likely to binge. Taper them off slowly, don't try to completely deprive yourself.
Sooner or later the cravings will diminish a little unless it's your TOM. Then it's hellacious all over again (for some people
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You're overcomplicating it. Feeling guilty over eating something is counterproductive. Add it to your food diary, and move on. Stay honest, just because you don't log something doesn't mean it doesn't show up on YOU.
Make friends with people who have open diaries, and take ideas on what they're doing for their meals and incorporate that into your lifestyle.
I had to be slapped in the face with diabetes and high blood pressure before I got off my lazy bum and did something about it. I started off small, reducing my sodium intake. As time went on, I found it easier to change more and more things about myself.
Opening my food diary to the public is holding me accountable. Do I want everyone to see me eating 10 candy bars? Heck nah. Will I have one, and make it count towards my total calorie/fat/carb etc goal? If I feel like, yes I will.0 -
I know this my sound cliche,,but you really take it one day at a time, like i tell my clients at the gym,,remember there's always Monday, meaning as long as you never give up on yourself you can always start again on Monday.
Hope this helps 0 -
For me, it was all about readiness. I swore I was done with my weight, I was dying to lose and look good, but I couldn't track calories to save my life. I would lose 10lbs and then give up and gain it back. I did this for years.
This time around, it worked. I was ready to do it and stick with it.
Your intentions may be great but you might not be ready.
Good luck, and I hope you can stick with it!!
(yes, I understand I may ruffle a few feathers but it is what it is!)0 -
Your intentions may be great but you might not be ready.
Good luck, and I hope you can stick with it!!
(yes, I understand I may ruffle a few feathers but it is what it is!)
No, I think you're spot on. If you're not absolutely 100% ready to make a change, it's just going to be that much harder.0 -
Don't want to come across as mean as it is always hard for anyone to adopt new habits but ultimately you just need to do it!
You can read hundreds of success stories & make the most well intended plans but when it comes down to whether you have that 1st treat, 2nd treat, 3rd treat etc there is no one but yourself to hold you accountable. You are going to fail everytime if you can't resolve to stick to the promises you have made to yourself.
If you really find it that difficult then firstly the obvious one is just don't buy anything that will tempt you (may be difficult if you live with others?) just try and not have it in the house. If you are spending time away from home either at work or out somewhere else take food with you that you have already planned and prepared ahead of time only eat what you have packed in your lunchbox, if it helps & isn't too impractical don't take any money with you to work for example, if you can't buy anything you can't eat it.
And just really good luck :flowerforyou: , it is hard to change your habits but it does come down to your own willpower at the end of the day, if you are not prepared to take the action needed to get to where you want to be then perhaps at this point in time you simply don't want it enough to make it happen.0 -
I also tried this and failed... Don't cut yourself off of EVERYTHING at once.. Try cutting out one sugary thing and see how it goes and keep logging no matter what you eat. For me it was Mountain Dew! I lived on that stuff and I have been 30 days free of it (and no bodies in my path YAY!) lol The first few days will be rough (as you already know) but stick with it and you can do it! Don't give up and just focus on one day at a time. Feel free to add me if you need extra support 0
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For me, it was all about readiness. I swore I was done with my weight, I was dying to lose and look good, but I couldn't track calories to save my life. I would lose 10lbs and then give up and gain it back. I did this for years.
This time around, it worked. I was ready to do it and stick with it.
Your intentions may be great but you might not be ready.
Good luck, and I hope you can stick with it!!
(yes, I understand I may ruffle a few feathers but it is what it is!)
^^^This ^^^0 -
Your intentions may be great but you might not be ready.
Good luck, and I hope you can stick with it!!
(yes, I understand I may ruffle a few feathers but it is what it is!)
No, I think you're spot on. If you're not absolutely 100% ready to make a change, it's just going to be that much harder.
Yup. 100% spot on.0 -
I agree. It is a gradual process.
Also, definitally make friends w/ people who share their diary. Many folks that have been doing this a long time have learned how to satisfy their bodies within the constraints of their diet.0 -
Log food everyday and be honest....I got to the point that I would log before I fixed it and at time I would see the cals and change my mind....0
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I never used to log anything when I started this journey but as I changed diet I decided to log it and now it's a way of life, You have to do it so it becomes the norm. Even if you log down crap you have eaten as then you can see what foods are eating into your daily cals so then you become more aware and then you make changes to it. Going cold turkey can be bad as you end up binging mind. Maybe look at IIFYM as it might suit you better.0
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I've read a book called the power of habit. It talks about how we all have will power and it's like a muscle. Some of us... me wear this muscle out early in the day trying to resist so much. Then as the day goes on our will power is worn out and to tired to work for us. I've been working on this principal of not wearing it out. Having preplanned meals and snacks. Hoping that once late afternoon/evening comes I'll be able to resist better.0
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Hey! I know it's tough. I used to eat 2 donuts every morning WITH breakfast (not FOR breakfast) and looking back, I can't believe I didn't have more health problems. I saw an awful picture of myself on Facebook and knew I had to change. I cut down to 1 donut per day. Then the next week I got 1 every other day, then the next week I just got one on Friday. As I was weening myself off of the damn donuts, I was also doing my own research on how to shop for/prepare healthy meals and snacks and started bringing my lunch to work every day. I started doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and while I could get through less than half of it on the first day, I kept at it and did a little more every day. I noticed changes pretty quickly and it gave me the motivation I needed to keep pushing forward. This all went down August 2012. Now I've been in maintenance for 8 months and while I definitely have my rough patches, it's pretty smooth sailing because I've been practicing lots of new healthy habits.
I will tell you, in the beginning you really have to force yourself. Like another poster said, force yourself to stick to your calorie goals for ONE day. When you wake up the next morning, you will feel like a million bucks and you'll want to do it again. Make sure you treat yourself every now and then, and going over your cals once in a while will NOT ruin your progress! We are all human. You can do this!0 -
What really helped me, especially with willpower improvement, was articles like this one: http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2011/12/29/a-conversation-about-the-science-of-willpower/
Turns out willpower is like a muscle. If you work on it little by little it improves and gets stronger. But it's also something you have to rest from time to time to keep it healthy. When it comes to weight loss there are no finite things that work for every single person other than calories taken in need to be less than the calories expended.
For myself I had to learn to limit snacking and "junk" foods. But I started with really REALLY small goals. I made the third week of every month a "no fast food week" and when I first started working out it was one month at two days a week, the next month three days a week, etc. Taking baby steps made the changes feel gradual and they were easier to stick to.
Remember that one set back or two doesn't mean you can't succeed. "Fall down seven times; stand up eight."0 -
I'm with ya babe. Yesterday I had to log pizza, half a can of almonds, and Milk Duds. At least I am getting honest about what I am truly putting in each day. I have to know what I am starting with.
Also, on my bad days (which has been most of them) there are things I learn. Like I may notice I got too hungry or didn't drink my water.0 -
I have never met Will Power and doubt that he exists in my universe so I know exactly how you feel.
How about if you don't try to cut anything out but just log honestly for a week or so. Then look back at what you've eaten and see where you can make small changes - like cut out maybe one soda a day. Carry on like that. I think that logging honestly is the key. Then you can see where you can make the changes. Don't try to do too much at once. Start by just getting into the habit of logging honestly.
Whatever, if you meet Will Power will you please tell him that I desperately need him to get in touch with me! :bigsmile:0 -
What's wrong with sugary foods? Eat them, track them, stick to your calorie goals, lose weight.0
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Instead of cutting myself off COMPLETELY, I just started cutting them out slowly. If you have no willpower, don't go cold turkey. IMO you're more likely to binge. Taper them off slowly, don't try to completely deprive yourself.
I was going to suggest the same.0 -
so i am really trying to log on to my fitness pal every single day. and iam really trying to log all my foods down everyday . each day i wake up determined to have a good day and really want to loose the weight. however i fail every single day and give into sugary unhealthy foods. its like i must have them. i then feel such a failure and guilty that i cant stick to a diet for one day. anyone else been like this and how have you turned a corner to make a permanent change to succeed. thanks for taking the time to read my post.
Well there is your first problem, stop demonizing food group and work on the mental aspect of this journey and learn to portion out those things that you like and fit them into your daily caloric intake and be satisfied... I eat my fair share of chicken breast and veggies but I be darn if I don't get to enjoy a bowl of ice cream or some cookies , etc when I want them.... Best of Luck0 -
HANG IN THERE!!!!! THIS MAY HELP
I have this belief that Losing weight is broken down into this percentage: 80 percent (Mentality) 10 percent (Diet) 10 percent (Exercise): What do I mean? Here you go....
MENTAILITY: In order to be successful at losing weight you must 1st changed the way you think. You must prepare your mind for the journey you are about to embark on. Losing weight is easier said then done. There will be days you don't want to eat right, or exercise but that's where your WILL POWER goes into effect and you push yourself to do what is right despite of how you maybe feeling.
DIET: Eating a well balance diet is important..Changing how you eat will Change how you look
EXERCISE: Is the icing on the cake! It will help get your body burning engine going..and give you the energy you need while on your journey of changing your body.
SO MY ADVICE TO YOU IS TO CHANGE HOW YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF BEFORE YOU TRY TO CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE...GOOD LUCK! COME FOLLOW ME ON FITNESS PAL. I WILL MOTIVATE YOU ALONG THE WAY!0 -
For me, it was all about readiness. I swore I was done with my weight, I was dying to lose and look good, but I couldn't track calories to save my life. I would lose 10lbs and then give up and gain it back. I did this for years.
This time around, it worked. I was ready to do it and stick with it.
Your intentions may be great but you might not be ready.
Good luck, and I hope you can stick with it!!
(yes, I understand I may ruffle a few feathers but it is what it is!)
I struggled too until I was finally just ready to treat myself the way I treated everyone else. You have to really want to get healthy, not slim or whatever, and work at developing a normal relationship with food. Once I was ready, this thread helped me put it all into practice, without overly expending myself at the gym and without starving myself or binging.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974889-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet
Best of luck!0 -
Yes, been there, done that, got the t-shirt, several times over.
I agree with the people that mention "readiness". You have to be at a place where the goal is more appealing then the poor diet. Until you hit that point, the cookies will ALWAYS win.
I was at my ultimate goal weight once.. for about 10 minutes.. hah.. and then I sloooowly regained 10 lbs. I still felt pretty good about myself, so I just stayed there. And then I slooooowly regained 10 more pounds. I was NOT happy at 20lbs over my goal and I had to get to the point where my 'goal-weight-self' was so much more appealing then my 'current self' that I could restart my exercise regime and tracking calories. I *abhor* tracking calories. HATE IT. But it is the only thing that has ever worked, so I really have to get to a place where I'm miserable with my weight before I'll do it.
I have also found that I have to keep my environment safe, at least when I first start. I have a family of 6, but luckily *I* buy the groceries. When I'm on track, I simply do not buy anything that would tempt me to overeat. I have learned that I will lie to myself and say, "I'll just have a few and let the kids eat the rest". But it never works out that way, I always eat most of it and feel horrible, so I just don't buy it in the first place. If I'm going out to eat (which thankfully is a rarity), I pre-plan what I'm going to order.
Have you tried pre-tracking your day? The night before, fill in your meals for the next day (including a treat, if you want to.. there's room in the calorie budget!) before the day begins. Then the next day, just follow your plan. I think sometimes it helps to not have to think about and decide what you're going to eat at the moment when you are very hungry and it also removes the anxiety that you won't have planned well and that you'll have no calories left over for dinner.0 -
well i am totally blown away with all your kind messages and support. you lot are amazing. thanks so much for the advise it is much needed, and much appreciated. well i am going to start fresh again tomorrow, remembering all these supportive messages and really useful tips. going to start taking baby steps so to speak and start with a new approach. thanks again everyone and well done on all your hard work xx0
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I have never met Will Power and doubt that he exists in my universe so I know exactly how you feel.
How about if you don't try to cut anything out but just log honestly for a week or so. Then look back at what you've eaten and see where you can make small changes - like cut out maybe one soda a day. Carry on like that. I think that logging honestly is the key. Then you can see where you can make the changes. Don't try to do too much at once. Start by just getting into the habit of logging honestly.
Whatever, if you meet Will Power will you please tell him that I desperately need him to get in touch with me! :bigsmile:
Will Power actually drives an Indy car....True story so he does exist...0 -
Seruously track ALL of your food. I just got into the habit of tracking everything that I ate for an entire month and it made a huge difference. I ate 3 pieces of banana bread in one day, tracked, eat an entire box of pudding in one night tracked! Get into that habit first so you become accustom to tracking your daily intake. Make sure the portion sizes are honest too. I track everything I eat now, from the lick of a spoon to a sample at the grocery store. It all adds up. To be able to go back see everything, draw conclusions from it, figure what days/part of the day is your downfall was really useful for me.
In the end it really does come down to your brain though, you have to be ready for the change in your life. I was constantly pushing blame onto something/someone else as the reason for why i couldn't lose weight. I would say like oh well I went up my friends house so of course I had to eat Banana bread. Or Mom and dad keep bringing home pizza and thats what there was for dinner So i ate it.
However now I know that if i REALLY want to change i will not use those as excuses. I chose to put those calories into my body. Not anyone else ME. Same goes for you, remember, you are responsible for yourself. What you put in your body, how you feel after eating it. the Guilt from eating those foods is coming from you. So start to make choices you feel good about so you don't have to feel this way anymore.0 -
so i am really trying to log on to my fitness pal every single day. and iam really trying to log all my foods down everyday . each day i wake up determined to have a good day and really want to loose the weight. however i fail every single day and give into sugary unhealthy foods. its like i must have them. i then feel such a failure and guilty that i cant stick to a diet for one day. anyone else been like this and how have you turned a corner to make a permanent change to succeed. thanks for taking the time to read my post.
Well there is your first problem, stop demonizing food group and work on the mental aspect of this journey and learn to portion out those things that you like and fit them into your daily caloric intake and be satisfied... I eat my fair share of chicken breast and veggies but I be darn if I don't get to enjoy a bowl of ice cream or some cookies , etc when I want them.... Best of Luck
^ This. If you know you can still enjoy your sugary treats then you might not feel the need to overindulge.0 -
For me, getting over the feeling bad, feeling guilty, etc. was essential. I cannot change the past. When I slip up, I log it, sometimes I do some extra exercise to make it 'fit' in my calories (if it's not too much), but otherwise, I just move on.0
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well i am going to start fresh again tomorrow, remembering all these supportive messages and really useful tips. going to start taking baby steps so to speak and start with a new approach.
Why wait until tomorrow.. why not start now? Plan out the rest of your day and stick to it.0 -
Here's what I think...
1. Motivation comes from doing, not from waiting around for it to strike you. Do some small exercise, even if it's only 10 minutes. It will elevate your heart rate and make you feel good. Keep doing this until you can stretch it out to 20, 30, 40 minutes. That's when it starts to become a habit.
2. Like I said above, things become habits when you gradually introduce them. You wont be able to stick to it if its too hard! Give yourself a break and start small, for e.g. a few mins of exercise per day, a healthy salad to replace lunch, etc.
3. If you want something bad enough, all of these issues are just bumps in the road. Keep going. They're part of the process of growing and becoming a better person. You can do this!0
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