How to stay motivated?

cpurtschert

I did so well when I first started this, loosing every day a little bit. I felt great and then I got lazy and thought I could do it on my own now without entering every little thing. Then, here I am, almost back to where I started. I don't need to loose a ton, just 15, but it seems impossible now. I keep starting over, do well for a day or two and then back to square one. Why is this so hard?! How have any of you been able to either keep going or start over and have success?

Kminor67

Losing weight is hard work. You just have to decide how badly you want it. It's even harder when you don't have a lot of weight to lose. sett your goal at .5 lbs per week, and stick to it. Don't be so hard on yourself.

WarmDontBurn

Yes! I lost a bunch of weigh after my first daughter and before my sencond. I figured calorie counting worked so well I could eat what I wanted and get back to CC after the 2nd baby. Well she is almost 2 and I am just now sticking with it! I tried many times. I made a goal...when I quit breastfeeding and it lasted a few months, then one slip up let to another and another. In August I decide enough was enough. I have family pictures coming up soon and did not want to have to look everyday at my fat self. I post here every day and find that is great motivation. If you surround yourself by people with the same goals it rubs off. Make a goal or pick a reward and work for it. For me I have to really want it for it to work. All the times I tried I was just not comitted enough.

Since August I have lost 12lbs, I am closer to my goal weight then I am to the old me. I try to walk every day and love buying workout clothes, it is even more fun when they are smaller then before.

You can do. Decide you want to and stick with it! When you feel like slipping come here and post away. If you want a friend feel free to add me and I will kick your butt in gear

KimSchnizleinWECHANGED

You'll do fine if you're consistently recording what you eat. Sometimes we think that going on our own is just as effective as using MFP ... I know that's just a pipe dream for me .... lol ! I really like MFP because of the social aspect ... It tends to keep me honest and consistent. I really enjoy the encouragement from both the give and take ends of the spectrum. I use my friends here on MFP to help keep me motivated, and I have to admit that I've become just a little addicted to the site .... LOL ! Set some exercise and short term weight loss goals, and even if you're not looking to lose much, a couple of 2-3 lb goals might be encouraging once they're reached. It'll take me awhile to reach my ultimate weight goal, but I've already decided to hang out here on MFP for, at least, a month or 2 after my goal weight is reached just to continue to record what I eat, and to record my exercise. Good luck!

BOGmama2010

I think that it helps to not only focus on the end goal weight, but why you are doing this in general. If it's to lose weight for an event, then what happens when that event passes. Or if you are going for praise from others, will it ever truly satisfy you. You need to realize that this will help you be healthier inside and out, you will age better and avoid needing drugs later on in life. The benefits from getting to a healthy weight (and doing exercise, not just dieting to get there) are lifelong. Feel free to add me as a friend. Today is my 70th day on MFP and my 170th doing P90X. I never would have thought I would have stuck with either of them for so long. But, the changes to my body and the general way that I feel are 1000 times better than where I was when I started. I never want to go back to that.

Have a great day!

♥_Ellybean_♥

I am having this very same problem. When I started in March I was on this!! I did well lost 21lbs in my first month. Hired a trainer in April and from April - June lost 10lbs (big disappointment)... then July came around, I stopped working so hard, stopped keeping track of what I ate, gave into my cravings and before I know it end of August comes around and I am up 10lbs! .. I keep telling myself today is going to be a good day.. and I do well all day, and then stop at the gas station on my way to the gym and do something stupid!! ...

So I am vowing that today I am doing this.... no more tomorrow begins a new day.. no more giving into my cravings...

♥_Ellybean_♥

I think we easily lose aspect of what we have accomplished.. and we forget how hard we worked to get there.. and how easily it all can be thrown away.

LisaC1026

For me, I have found that keeping a journal (that I write in when I need to) has really helped. It's opened up the door for me to notice what sends me into my binge eating, what makes me feel good, etc. It's also a perfect way to get that emotional release out on paper and not in my kitchen cupboards! :laugh:

I'm also working on trying to accept and love myself for who I am - regardless of what I see in the mirror. Working towards my goal weight and health will be the ultimate reward, but it's important to still accept yourself the way you are today. Every time I've given this weight loss journey my all, I've totally lost all motivation at one point or another by totally getting upset and/or disgusted with myself. I'm trying to take a different approach....instead of beating myself up for what I didn't do I've been literally telling myself great job, keep it up, you can do one more (when working out), etc. It's really helping me to have this new mindset. Maybe it will help others too! :flowerforyou:

cpurtschert

Thank you to everyone and their encouragement! It's nice to see so many of you trying to do the same thing I am. You have all put a new spring in my step and I really appreciate it! Thank you!!! I can do it and so can you!