Disappointed with dieting and fitness
chani8
Posts: 946 Member
I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
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Replies
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I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
Maybe, as you seemed to have stated, you over did it in the dieting and exercise. Life isn't merely about food and fitness, it should just be a part of it. It seems to me both of your choices of directions are extreme. Below are three, 8 and 11 minute strength exercises you may wish to try to replace your push ups.0 -
You are certainly not alone and thank you for being honest. Most people would not post this. The benefits of being fit is that you'll be around for your family and healthy for as long as possible and reduce your risk of disease. On your point about being on a diet for the rest of your life, that's not really true. Once you reach your maintenance level, you can start a reverse diet. This is slowly adding in calories every week. This results in building up your metabolism so you don't have to eat 1300 cal/day to maintain your results. I have a friend that reverse dieted after getting lean and now he maintains his weight at 3400 cal/day. He can pretty much eat what he wants and won't gain anything (as long as he doesn't all out binge of course).
It is possible. It just takes time and consistency. Hopefully this is helpful, and if you need anything, I'm always happy to give encouragement and advice.
Allan0 -
things you can do to work out that dont include your wrist.I also have CTS but I bike,ride horse,TKD,hike,run,lift,these are just a few of the things I use to mix it up,I get bored fast with the same thing day after day,,seriously I couldnt even do the whole 90 days or whatever it is for insanity because I was going insane with boredom..Oh,,I also have ADD,,that MIGHT be the issue..lol,I also volunteer for the local 4H club as project leader for the dog project,and also help the kids with their game horses,I help some family friends with their kids training their own horses..just get out and start trying new things,,maybe you just need something new to get out of your rut0
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lol- sitting around on the couch feeling my fat rolls is enough to keep me from getting that way.... but it happens- that whole- man i have to do this FOREVER to maintain this- it can be daunting- you aren't alone.
also- touch your body- see how it feels- I don't mean in a dirty way- I can tell when I'm not happy with my body- if I put my hand on my leg while I"m laying down (say reading a book) I don't like the way it feels or moves.
you know your body- and if you are okay putting on weight than do it.
But if you have goals or you like your body like that- you'll continue to push.
Having goals helps- "being skinny" isn't enough.0 -
At maintenance...
- I feel free to allow myself a free food weekend here and there. Knowing that I have some wiggle room.
- I can play more actively with my kids
- I can take the stairs and not huff and puff
- I feel great clothed
- I feel great naked
- I have confidence
- I appreciate my hard work
- I love setting new goals and new personal bests
It's like running up an escalator that is travelling downwards...
When you first start out... it seems like you're going no where. You're stuck at the landing. You have to push some to get up, because the movement of the escalator is pushing you down.
But the harder you push, the higher you get.. and as you make your way to the top of the escalator... you have some freedom to slow down and rest a few steps here and there.
Stopping entirely... well you know where you'll end up. And if you are ok with that... then that's your call...
Personally, I like the energy and the view that comes from being near the top... and sometimes riding it and running it is fun.
I also like finding that sweet spot where I know exactly how much energy I need to spend in order to stay where I want to be.
Congrats for getting near the top!!!... now you can decide... do you want to try different things to find a better way to stay there? Or are you going to ride it all the way back to where you started?0 -
Reason to not be disappointed;
Spartan Race! Because I can!!
Color run.. because YAY!!
Out running my son and all his friends! Whoot whoot!
Out LIFTING my son and his friends.. BAD *kitten*!
Food tastes so much better now!!
You can wear nicer clothes!!
You've reached and demolished your goals!! You're an achiever! A Doer!
Stopping the unhealthy cycle in my family! AWESOME
Smiling more because I'm not always sick or feeling run down! AMAZING!
Being a good example to my son and his friends! Priceless
Knowing I'm more likely to be around for grand kids and great grand kids. Heart warming 0 -
I'm just about a maint. and it's so funny, I kind of feel this same way. I never had a lot to lose, but it's taken me forever. About 10lbs in 6 months. I only had about 12-13 to lose. Either way, I'm about here, and I feel myself slacking and getting frustrated. My body is beat up from working out, my hair looks like crap all the time (AFAM with natural hair that's a pain in the *kitten*), i'm sick of counting calories, and I'm just so OVER it. And on top of that, it's a lifelong battle. It will never end unless I decide to just let myself gain it back.
Unfortunately, the alternative is being fat (thicker in my case). And it's not worth it. I'd rather deal with the crap above then be unhappy with my body. There are ups and downs to both sides. But way more down sides to being overweight.
I know it's tough...but there are going to be good days and bad days. Just like with anything.0 -
I love exercise. Love it even more because I can eat more. Winning.0
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thanks, really glad you posted:flowerforyou: ... what a great way to put it!! Keepin it positive:drinker:At maintenance...
- I feel free to allow myself a free food weekend here and there. Knowing that I have some wiggle room.
- I can play more actively with my kids
- I can take the stairs and not huff and puff
- I feel great clothed
- I feel great naked
- I have confidence
- I appreciate my hard work
- I love setting new goals and new personal bests
It's like running up an escalator that is travelling downwards...
When you first start out... it seems like you're going no where. You're stuck at the landing. You have to push some to get up, because the movement of the escalator is pushing you down.
But the harder you push, the higher you get.. and as you make your way to the top of the escalator... you have some freedom to slow down and rest a few steps here and there.
Stopping entirely... well you know where you'll end up. And if you are ok with that... then that's your call...
Personally, I like the energy and the view that comes from being near the top... and sometimes riding it and running it is fun.
I also like finding that sweet spot where I know exactly how much energy I need to spend in order to stay where I want to be.
Congrats for getting near the top!!!... now you can decide... do you want to try different things to find a better way to stay there? Or are you going to ride it all the way back to where you started?0 -
I felt that way too after losing 90lbs and becoming more fit than I had ever been. Yay goal reached! It's finally over.... and then over the course of the four following years I gained back all of the 90lbs I had lost. Now I'm here again. Motivation is tough.... and ya, it has to be forever because as previously stated, it just comes back. I totally feel your misery. I hope you can pick yourself up and keep at your maintenance!0
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I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
Maybe, as you seemed to have stated, you over did it in the dieting and exercise. Life isn't merely about food and fitness, it should just be a part of it. It seems to me both of your choices of directions are extreme. Below are three, 8 and 11 minute strength exercises you may wish to try to replace your push ups.
Not sure what happened. Here are the links to the workouts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mV-c3u2KAQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvzaUmLaTjI
Intermediate Pilates Workout (11 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKVBHmUMxw 0 -
At maintenance...
- I feel free to allow myself a free food weekend here and there. Knowing that I have some wiggle room.
- I can play more actively with my kids
- I can take the stairs and not huff and puff
- I feel great clothed
- I feel great naked
- I have confidence
- I appreciate my hard work
- I love setting new goals and new personal bests
It's like running up an escalator that is travelling downwards...
When you first start out... it seems like you're going no where. You're stuck at the landing. You have to push some to get up, because the movement of the escalator is pushing you down.
But the harder you push, the higher you get.. and as you make your way to the top of the escalator... you have some freedom to slow down and rest a few steps here and there.
Stopping entirely... well you know where you'll end up. And if you are ok with that... then that's your call...
Personally, I like the energy and the view that comes from being near the top... and sometimes riding it and running it is fun.
I also like finding that sweet spot where I know exactly how much energy I need to spend in order to stay where I want to be.
Congrats for getting near the top!!!... now you can decide... do you want to try different things to find a better way to stay there? Or are you going to ride it all the way back to where you started?
I needed this today. Thank you :flowerforyou:0 -
At maintenance...
- I feel free to allow myself a free food weekend here and there. Knowing that I have some wiggle room.
- I can play more actively with my kids
- I can take the stairs and not huff and puff
- I feel great clothed
- I feel great naked
- I have confidence
- I appreciate my hard work
- I love setting new goals and new personal bests
It's like running up an escalator that is travelling downwards...
When you first start out... it seems like you're going no where. You're stuck at the landing. You have to push some to get up, because the movement of the escalator is pushing you down.
But the harder you push, the higher you get.. and as you make your way to the top of the escalator... you have some freedom to slow down and rest a few steps here and there.
Stopping entirely... well you know where you'll end up. And if you are ok with that... then that's your call...
Personally, I like the energy and the view that comes from being near the top... and sometimes riding it and running it is fun.
I also like finding that sweet spot where I know exactly how much energy I need to spend in order to stay where I want to be.
Congrats for getting near the top!!!... now you can decide... do you want to try different things to find a better way to stay there? Or are you going to ride it all the way back to where you started?
I needed this today. Thank you :flowerforyou:
You're very welcome!
It's one of the reasons why I've taken longer to get to the top...
I think of it this way... This is a long bloody escalator... it's not a sprint. If I sprint up the escalator.. sure I'll make it to the top faster... but when I get there, I'll be exhausted and panting, hands on my knees, and before you know it... I'm halfway back down.
If I can find the pace that has me slowly advancing, eating foods I enjoy, managing exercise I find palatable... then I'll have the energy to sustain that never ending trip. And eventually, it becomes easier. Way easier. And I end up actually enjoying it. :-D0 -
I know what you mean, OPer. I think the key thing is to not think about being fat or slim but focus on something that has meaning and is interesting to you.
For me, it's seeing what the effect of exercising has on my body while trying to fit it into a life where I'm not living to exercise or living to stay in healthy shape. This means doing stuff that is fun, interesting and helps me to achieve other goals in life whilst accepting nights out with friends and family.
That's why I do sports but that doesn't mean I'm particularly competitive either (sure, I hate losing so I will attempt to win!). For instance, I just attend a social tennis session which means you get to smack a tennis ball about a court, socialise, have a laugh, learn a bit of technique, work the body and burn calories.
I did that HIIT cardio stuff in the past but frankly it's boring. I'd rather take twice the time to burn the calories but actually enjoy my time which means I'm likely to keep training far beyond my goals. In fact, I don't need any goals. I just want to play tennis right now, now that I'm thinking about it! And when I play, I can just keep playing and playing as I enjoy it so much. I do have goals - for instance, to improve my technique. As an aside, I'll burn a ****load of calories and improve my cardiovascular system.
I guess it's a bit like that saying, "If you enjoy what you do, you'll never work another day in your life" - if you enjoy what you do, you'll never exercise another day in your life.0 -
I think it's important to set new goals. Like the OP stated, it's hard counting calories when you're not working on a goal to lose weight. It's hard to exercise if you don't have a goal in mind.
I like to set fitness goals. I want to run another 10k. I want to finish a 10k in under 60 minutes. I want to run a half marathon, then a full. I also like to lift, so seeing the weight I can lift go up is another benefit to continuing exercise.
I do struggle with always counting calories, but when I was at maintenance, I realized that I had more wiggle room (like several other posters). I also realized that I can eat without logging for a while, watch the scale, and when it starts creeping up more than I can blame on daily fluctuation, I know I need to be careful for a few weeks and log again. It's okay to fluctuation 5 pounds around a goal! And I certainly am not going to let the diet mentality rule my life! I go to restaurants with my husband from time to time, I enjoy birthday cake and ice cream, and other treats, and I prepare and enjoy foods I like. My overall lifestyle and attitude toward food has leaned towards the healthier stuff, but I allow for treats. I enjoy maintaining more than losing, personally.
[Note: I'm currently in a gaining phase because of pregnancy, so I'll have to do some of the losing again, that's why I'm not in maintenance now ... in case that was confusing]0 -
Set fitness goals, not just weight loss goals to keep yourself motivated. I got close to my goal weight and my personal trainer and I came up with new goals to accomplish. My first goal was to complete a triathlon, that meant doing more cardio for me. This was good because I would prefer to lift, so now I did both more regularly.
It also helps that I love the fitness part, I like trying new classes. I like doing fun 5Ks like Warrior Dash and stuff with my friends.
The food part, I am not as good at that. I would love to eat all the pizza and wings and drink all the beer I want, but I don't want to go back to where I was. Plus, I really do feel better when I eat better.
Edit: I had the Gallbladder issue too, never had any problems. One day it was so bad, went to the emergency room, the admitted me and I had it out the next day. I don't miss it :laugh:0 -
Maybe losing so fast has left you with a feeling of 'job done' and wondering what you now do for that sense of achievement? A good variety of exercises rather than excessive pushups would be kinder to your body and should hopefully keep things more interesting for you. Please don't undo all your hard work. Maybe set yourself a small deficit to take off anything you've put back on and find a way of eating that'll satisfy you for life without seeming too restrictive.0
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I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what. So what? Pretty clothes, feeling good.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life. Yes everyone should. The key is to make it a hobby and do what you like. Zumba, kickboxing, yoga, long walks
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life. Yeeees, but you have to eat within a certain calorie range. Eat what you want but in moderation.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast. So don't lose so fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups. So don't do push ups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight. Then stop counting calories or at least be a little looser about it. I estimate my total calories for the day and log it that way. It still works.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation. start eating food you like in moderation and try different exercises.0 -
I would really encourage you to consider why you made the changes you did. Is this a true lifestyle change? Or was it just to fit into smaller pants? If it was, that's totally fine, but I don't think that's going to be enough to sustain you if you simply equate exercising to smaller pants.
I would suggest finding an activity you genuinely enjoy participating in. Something you would do even if it didn't burn calories - something just for you, something that won't seem like "work". If you're a competitive person, find an activity you can compete in - running, baseball, football, whatever. This will be the path to creating a true lifestyle change.
But in the end, it's up to you. Only you can decide if exercise was just a means to an end (smaller pants) or if you were really and truly so dissatisfied with how you were, that you couldn't possibly go back and you'll find a new lifestyle and activity you enjoy even more. I'm not saying one is wrong or right for you, but you need to decide and figure out how to proceed.0 -
I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
I'm sorry you feel this way! It sounds like you were trying to follow to rigid of a plan. Try not to think of it as a 'diet'. It's a healthy lifestyle!! It doesn't mean you are condemned to salads and the treadmill for the rest of your life. Food should be enjoyed!! Eat a variety of foods is healthy portions, don't eliminate food groups or restrict your calories too much. As far as exercise - MIX IT UP! You do not have to kill yourself at the gym for general fitness. Do things that you enjoy!
Gallstones - I've been there. It was due to a poor eating habits all my life. Once you finally start losing the weight is when a lot of people start having the attacks......probably due to the calorie restriction.
Being overweight and unhealthy is not going to make you feel any better. You may even have a mind case of depression. Ease back into it slowly. Work on developing a healthy relationship with food and take some nice therapeutic long walks. Hang in there!0 -
At maintenance...
- I feel free to allow myself a free food weekend here and there. Knowing that I have some wiggle room.
- I can play more actively with my kids
- I can take the stairs and not huff and puff
- I feel great clothed
- I feel great naked
- I have confidence
- I appreciate my hard work
- I love setting new goals and new personal bests
It's like running up an escalator that is travelling downwards...
When you first start out... it seems like you're going no where. You're stuck at the landing. You have to push some to get up, because the movement of the escalator is pushing you down.
But the harder you push, the higher you get.. and as you make your way to the top of the escalator... you have some freedom to slow down and rest a few steps here and there.
Stopping entirely... well you know where you'll end up. And if you are ok with that... then that's your call...
Personally, I like the energy and the view that comes from being near the top... and sometimes riding it and running it is fun.
I also like finding that sweet spot where I know exactly how much energy I need to spend in order to stay where I want to be.
Congrats for getting near the top!!!... now you can decide... do you want to try different things to find a better way to stay there? Or are you going to ride it all the way back to where you started?
This post reflects my sentiments exactly! Well put.0 -
I never feel this way. But I choose things that I want to do that also keep me healthy. It's something I want to do and I am not running away from something else.
I wouldn't want to "diet" and "exercise" for the rest of my life either. Maybe if you find things you like that are compatible with good health you wouldn't have such a horrible outlook on it.
Also, I'm not sure why you think exercise needs to cause you pain or soreness.0 -
Need better goals. Try to be good at something.0
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The result of taking a shower is being clean. In order to stay clean, regular showers are recommended. It's not always convenient or pleasant, but it's what we do to maintain the state we prefer. Same goes for brushing teeth, wiping the butt, and yes, fitness.
It's nothing new (at least, it shouldn't be) that you need to keep exercising to maintain your weight. What, pray tell, were you expecting to have happen once you got to goal? Didn't you think this through?
Not sure what else to tell you, other than that you aren't a rare specimen of human (though I'm sure you're a delightful enough individual), we all have the same maintenance issues.0 -
I haven't read all the responses, so this may have already been said, but...
Rather than eating in such a way that you lose too fast and get gallstones, learn to eat in a way that is sustainable...learn how to eat everything you want, but in the right portion size.
Rather than exercise in a way that you injure yourself by over-training, figure out something active that you can do that you might enjoy (biking, hiking, obstacle races, martial arts etc.).
If you're at maintenance, then you won't have to work nearly as hard to maintain than you did to get there. The trick to life is to do as much as you can in a way that you can enjoy it. Whatever you do....don't throw it away though!0 -
Such beautiful comments. Thank you to each of you. I'm usually one of the cheerleaders here on MFP, but I just hit a mental plateau and then a big diet/exercise fail, so I reached out. I have to say, it's really special to be on the receiving end of all this encouragement and support. I'm going to take your comments to heart, and think about new goals, and imagine how I could make exercise and eating at maintenance more enjoyable...and more of a stable part of my life.0
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I just have to be brutally honest. I'm totally disappointed with dieting and fitness. I made it to maintenance. And what did I gain from all this hard work??? Being fit and trim. So what.
In order to stay fit, I have to exercise for the rest of my life.
In order to stay trim, I have to diet for the rest of my life.
The opposite is gluttony and laziness. It's so much easier. As much food as I want. No pain from exercise.
I lost weight and got a gallstone as a result of losing too fast.
I worked out hard and got carpal tunnel symptoms from too many pushups.
On maintenance, it was really boring counting calories without the goal of losing weight.
My exercising motivation went down after hurting my wrists, since I couldn't make my pushup goals.
Seriously. I've been on a binge for a month now. I'm gaining weight. I want to stop the weight gain. But I've lost all motivation.
I totally get what you are saying! After losing almost 100 pounds, I felt EXACTLY the same way. I was so discouraged by the thought of never being able to let down my guard. Then I just gave up for a while, gained back almost 40, and caught myself. I am working on getting back down, and I am trying to get my mind in the game. I wish I had some words for how to overcome the mental funk (there were some great thoughts posted by others on the thread) but I am responding to let you know you are not alone in those feelings. (hugs)0 -
Thank you for creating this post. I'm so far away from my goal weight, over 150 pounds, that I've never even thought about what happens next. Is being a smaller human enough to keep up this healthy eating and fitness lifestyle I'm still learning?Such beautiful comments. Thank you to each of you. I'm usually one of the cheerleaders here on MFP, but I just hit a mental plateau and then a big diet/exercise fail, so I reached out. I have to say, it's really special to be on the receiving end of all this encouragement and support. I'm going to take your comments to heart, and think about new goals, and imagine how I could make exercise and eating at maintenance more enjoyable...and more of a stable part of my life.
I suppose health concerns will be my built in motivation to never give up or go back to how things are now. I'm counting on that being enough.0
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