Trying again and again

denisewht11
denisewht11 Posts: 3
in Introduce Yourself
Hi everyone! I'm new to MFP as of this morning. Trying to start my New Year's resolution a little early. :smile: I've slowly put on about 75-80 pounds over the last 5-6 years and I think have tried every diet out there. I understand the concept of watching what I eat in moderation, exercise, and that whole bit but have always lost willpower or put what little bit I have lost back on.

I want to set a good example for my teenage daughter and hopefully bring my husband along on this roller coaster ride! I need all the support I can get. I've started my goal small and achieveable. My goal is to lose 40 pounds by the time my daughter gets out of school next June. In time for our family trip! Want to look good in that bathing suit....lol :blushing:

Any tips or tricks out there to getting started (and staying) on track?

Replies

  • eyecandyrayce
    eyecandyrayce Posts: 260 Member
    I think one of your problems might be what you consider a "small and achievable goal".

    A proper diet that is healthy (and I say diet as in what to eat every day and not as in a diet to lose weight because the reality is, as long as you keep the idea in your head that this is a temporary means to a goal you will keep gaining it back) is to drop 1 pound a week.

    Today is December 4th so you have 7 months.
    If we go by an average month of having 4 weeks we can take 7 and multiply it by 4 = 28.
    So if you do this in a healthy way you can drop 28 pounds between now and then yet you are expecting to drop double? Now, in all fairness, if you are toning up as you go then inches lost and pounds lost can be off from each other.

    You have to be prepared for the reality of this process and I think you are looking at this in the wrong way. It isn't a diet, it is a lifestyle change. So you have to consider what will work for you as a long term change in your eating habits and you have to be 110% honest with yourself about what you can and cannot commit to. For instance, I cannot live without sweets. So I found low calorie/no fat sweets to reward myself with at the end of the day. It's all about managing what you can.

    And above all else, you need more reasonable goals. I stopped trying for long term goals and went for short term ones because they are more rewarding. I also try to set my goal as the minimum I should achieve so if I achieve more, all the better and I get a huge boost! For instance, my goal is to drop 4 pounds a month and I only weigh myself once a month.

    I wish you lots of luck and if you want to add me as a friend, you are very welcome to do so. I will give you as much encouragement as I can. :) Good luck!!

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