need help with motivation

hmg90

So I'm not looking to lose too much weight. Am female, 23, 5"9 and around 147 lbs. Looking to lose about 16.

I've managed to lose weight quite efficiently before, just counting calories, moving more and so on. This time around I'm having a harder time.

I've become more of an emotional eater, at times drinker. As a student there are not too many fun things going on right now, looking for part time work but not finding any, not having money to spend on just about anything at all. I think I'm becoming slightly depressed, and the idea of eating little/boring all the time just makes it worse. Unless I can have a drink or some candy at the end of the day, I feel as though there is nothing to look forward to.
I have too much spare time on my hands looking for work, so there is no particular joy in putting on a TV show or a comedy. I had to sell my ipod and I hate walking/running with no music.

Does anybody have any tips? What do you do when you need some sort of stimuli in order to not feel down?

PinkCoconut

I was a total emotional eater before I lost my weight so I can definitely empathize with you! What worked for me were a couple of things: 1) I started journalling. Every time I went to reach for food when I wasn't hungry I'd instead sit down and start writing out what was going on for me at the moment. By the time I was done I was feeling better about things and not feeling like eating. 2) I got myself a hobby. When I realized I was bored and about to eat I'd do that instead. So try a bunch of different things that you've always wanted to try or go for a walk every time you're bored. When you find enjoyment in something OTHER than food/drink that'll really help you out!

Finally, if you really do think you're depressed, I highly recommend going to see someone about it. Most schools have some sort of program where you can see a therapist for free or have some form of coverage. If you are depressed, you don't want to go it alone and there's no reason to!

Feel free to friend me!

mulecanter

So it looks like you are trying to lose the "freshman fifteen". Being poor is normal in school. I think a part-time job would help the money and the boredom. It will also help you from grazing as a hobby. The other thing I'd mention is your studies. I don't know anyone who could not stand a few more hours in the books--your grades will haunt you your entire life. Go sit at the library and study--it's where the food isn't and its free. I wouldn't worry too much about your weight--16 pounds isn't bad. Set your priorities and some goals (like getting A's and getting a great job after graduation). You are using food as a relief to stress from school, money and boredom issues. If you remove those stress sources you will not graze on empty calories.

DedicatedRepublic

You need to work on your mind...and find your WHY (reason) for wanting to lose weight. I would start with the book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth." Your weight loss has to be intentional. Fitness results (the weight loss) will just be the product of you changing how you think about yourself, then you will want to do the consistent daily activities necessary to achieve your goal.