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MellowGa

OK this ahs been a life long thing for me, including school.

I would start off Strong, then I would tailor off, then go back to back to strong again.....then the cycle continues.


For instance...I would eat clean and work out for 2-3 weeks....then boom pizza, beer, wings....no work out....2-3 weeks....then I get mad at myself then back to eating clean.

This pretty much happens in all aspects of my life, you name it is effected by these swings, and it started as a child, I would do this in school.

so really I am just venting here, I know I do it, but I just can't seem to break that ugly cycle, and it is frustrating.

Do any of you suffer from this? maybe we can keep each other accountable? any advice on how to break this cycle?

I even though about seeing a shrink to see if this could help. I mean I am normally a pretty mellow person and upbeat, I do a ton of things, I do like to stay busy, but I always have those "dips"

I just don't know ...why?

Jestinia

Currently in a swing of not being accountable or holding others accountable, so not much use friending me, however, I have the same issue. Over the years I've figured out a few things that cause it:

1. Stress. I just don't tolerate it well.

2. Seasonal changes. I think it's allergies. I'm miserable and lazy and weak willed all Spring, for instance. I don't tolerate heat well, either. Trying to find a combo of supplements I can take year-round to help with that. Still working on it.

3. Over-expectations get me sometimes, too. I think things are going to be better than they are, if I only I get to a certain point in such and such a goal, or reach goal. When I don't suddenly obtain the perfect life and super powers, well, it's kind of demotivating.

4. Diet. Too few calories, too many, calories empty of nutrients. Messes me up every time.

JoRocka

some thoughts:
> stop taking such big steps

> start with something small- and commit to it long term.

> don't view a pizza and wings and beer night as a failure- I typically have one frozen pizza a week- and I almost always eat the whole damn thing by myself- and then the next day it's back to business as usual.

> Find an accountability buddy- someone who will challenge you. Help you stick to goals- they understand the need for self discipline- if they are willing to try a challenge too. Don't use someone who goes "why are you doing that" use the person who goes- "COOL next challenge we can try doing THIS instead"

> realize life isn't one linear progression- there are ups and downs and that's

> set some concrete realistic things for you to succeed at (success builds confidence- and that means more success by more dedication and drive)

> Realize you aren't alone

poster above me had some great points too- seasonal issues are WILDLY over looked ( I get depressed super easily in winter) same with money troubles- puts me in a massive funk)

WhiteRabbit1313

Yes. I found that the concept of "eating clean," or restricting specific foods, has been the direct path to failure for me. Balance has been the only way that I've been able to maintain my goals. If I decide a certain food is "bad," I will inevitably indulge in it to excess. It's better to work your favorites into your eating plan so that you never feel deprived. Otherwise, you end up having a food orgy and the self-loathing that happens immediately afterward.

luckydays27

I used to be this way before I started MFP. Now I am doing better at being consistent because I don't restrict what i want to eat. If I want pizza and beer, or tacos, or burgers, or anything that is technically not "clean", I make room for it in my calories for the day. If I go over today, I do better tomorrow. Its just how the cycle works for me now.

I try to eat "cleaner" but in reality, I eat what is available to me at the time. Meaning, if I am home, I am more likely to eat veggies or a salad. If I am out I am more likely to enjoy but try to make better choices. I do my best to not go over my calorie goals for the day. I have been able to lose most of my 62 lbs lost this way and I am a happier gal for it.

I am not irritable, hungry, depressed, or any other crappy emotion because of "dieting".

Allowing myself the foods I enjoy at any time in the process has made me more successful at it. And I suspect, it will mean that I have a better chance of sustaining the loss for the rest of my life because of it.

MellowGa

good points by all, thanks.

I did realize that when I get to a point in working out where I notice the change, and start seeing my Abs and more definition on my body, that I almost sabotage myself.

Almost like I have a goal, but when I come close to achieving it, I stop?

almost like I punish myself for attaining my goal, that I have met the challenge.

Which for me is very odd, I am athletic, I want to win, I have a personal challenge to always be the best in my sports and have several championships as a player and coach, but when it comes to my body, for what ever reason....I screw it up.

I do have allergies and do suffer from the change of seasons. But I have set a goal of running a 10K on July 4th. I currently run 5K's while working out.

But is the goal, I just don't want to sabotage myself again, and what I mean is not run/walk it...run the whole thing, time is irrelevant, I just want to complete it.

I thank you all for your input, if anyone wishes to friend me, please do, I appreciate all those whom help me and I try and be a positive person to those around me.

neandermagnon

Aim for moderation and long term compliance, rather than trying to be perfect. No-one is perfect, and no-one can maintain perfect. What you have to maintain is eating a diet that provides your body with all the nutrition it needs and sticking with an exercise programme that's going to help you reach your goals.

If you're fighting the urge to eat fatty junk foods... are you getting enough fat in your diet? A lot of food cravings are physiological caused by not getting enough of a particular nutrient.

Also you look pretty hot in your avatar... are you trying to be too perfect?

Phaedra2014

OK this ahs been a life long thing for me, including school.

I would start off Strong, then I would tailor off, then go back to back to strong again.....then the cycle continues.


For instance...I would eat clean and work out for 2-3 weeks....then boom pizza, beer, wings....no work out....2-3 weeks....then I get mad at myself then back to eating clean.

This pretty much happens in all aspects of my life, you name it is effected by these swings, and it started as a child, I would do this in school.

so really I am just venting here, I know I do it, but I just can't seem to break that ugly cycle, and it is frustrating.

Do any of you suffer from this? maybe we can keep each other accountable? any advice on how to break this cycle?

I even though about seeing a shrink to see if this could help. I mean I am normally a pretty mellow person and upbeat, I do a ton of things, I do like to stay busy, but I always have those "dips"

I just don't know ...why?

What are you afraid of that makes you quit a good thing once you've got it going?

EmElite14

I am exactly the same with the self-sabotage thing, I don't do it intentionally but as soon as I get the "oh you look like you have lost some weight" comments I seem to lose the plot and go back to my unhealthy ways until I put on any weight ive lost and a bit more, which is where I am now- starting AGAIN