What is your WHY?

diane4734

My why is simple. My mother has always been obese. Always struggling with her food addiction. Growing up with the fat teacher mom wasn't easy. I didn't want that for my sons. Now in her 60's her body is breaking down. I too have been over weight. Pregnancy was ruff, when I ate I didn't feel sick. At 21 I found myself at 235 pounds. I gained 70 pounds in 9 months. I went on a quest to figure out nutrition and exercise. It really was a surprise how much I had been doing wrong. Now in my 40's it's still a commitment to stay healthy. Yes I struggle, as do we all.

hkincaid87

I have so many 'whys'. To live better, to live longer, to be a good role model for my 4 year old, to feel better physically and mentally, to not be 'the fat girl' or hear you'd be so pretty if you lost some weight or you have such a pretty face, to be able to be proud of myself and feel like I've actually accomplished something in my life, to wear cute clothes and turn peoples heads (in a good way).

Its very hard, all my life I have been the only fat person in my family. My mother was constantly after me to loose weight and eat right cause she didn't want to have a fat daughter. I didn't do anything but make it worse. Now I am a mom of a very active 4 year old and I just cant keep up. I just started my journey (again) 3 days ago, I went to the gym for the first time and my daughter asked why we were going and I told her to make my tummy smaller, she cried and said she doesn't want my tummy smaller, she likes to cuddle it (lol). I have to do this, im just too tired of my life not too, and the older I get the harder its going to be so there is no time like the present. My first weigh in is on Monday, I am hoping for a big number!

fewkesk1

My health - not your ordinary "want to feel better" or "lose a few pounds" health, but "if I don't get something going I will likely suffer till I die" health. I have a 30+ year chronic illness, and with it came other chronic conditions as secondary and tertiary to the main issue. My heart is the most recent to start failing, though it is abnormal in size and shape now, could not be prevented, and can't be fixed, it can be helped. All I have to do is find away around the life-saving, weight inducing medications that I must take. I've struggled with weight most of my life, I'm built like an apple, I take steroids to live, but I'm not ready to give up and after 30 years I finally found a doctor willing to help me lose some weight to help my heart be as strong as it can be, and hopefully not suffer to badly the rest of my life. I hope this site will help me help myself.

jennypenny6375

I've wanted to be healthier and lose weight for a long time. But my WHY was never strong enough, I suppose.
THEN I got Lyme disease and my life went haywire...
My WHY now is to lose weight, eat better, get overall heathier so my Lyme doesn't control my life. I'm now eating healthier, drinking lots of water, being more active. I do this because it makes my body feel better. I have less joint pains and other symptoms of Lyme now that I am putting good healthy things in my body, staying hydrated, and losing weight. The depression I've had for most of my adult life is even getting better.
My WHY became about whether I was going to hurt so badly I wanted to die everyday or take control of my life and do something to lessen the stranglehold Lyme has had over me.
I'm not saying that the disease is gone, I don't have any pain, or that I don't have bad days. But less than two months in on making some lifestyle changes and I already feel more improvement and better quality of life than I thought I'd ever have again. I've still got a very long way to go, but I have a very important reason to make it work this time...
My WHY became about saving myself...

Juggernautpint

This is round two on MFP after having lost over 55 lbs in 2011. Went back to bad habits and gained it all back.

Why this time? Because I'm going to do things differently when I reach my weight goal this time. It isn't a finish line, it's a beginning.

MikePXstream

I love reading all your reasons why. Keep them coming.

adriannenan

Such a great topic. I completely agree that in the past I've failed because it was all about looks. And the moment I fit into those jeans, or that dress, my motivation disappeared, out like a light. I've lost and regained the same 60lbs more times than I care to admit (and probably could even remember). This time however, my why is a lot bigger than a new outfit.

Late last year, my mother too was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It's a disease that runs in our family and since it hit so much closer to home this time. For the past year, I've watched her struggle so much more with her eating and health, that it has literally broken me. I know it's time to make a change. My mom and grandmother have struggled throughout my life with various diseases and ailments. I'm to young to be dealing with the same issues they didn't have until their 50's. So here's my BIGGER why....

I want to deny the diseases that have taken some of the women closest to me in my family the opportunity to take my life.
I want to be an example for my niece and remaining family members that overcoming obesity is possible and that it's NEVER to late to start.
Should I ever have children, I don't want them to be led down a path of self-destruction that I will have to try and redirect and feel shame that I led them there in the first place.
I want to honor my God by honoring the tempe he has given me.

There is no hoping that it will stick this time, come hell or high water, this is my life and I will not allow it to be taken from me.

vhicks2006

Hi! My name's Vanessa and I am 29 years old, married with 4 children.
What kicked me into gear was my cardiologist telling me I was going into heart failure.
I was swollen up to my waist with fluid.
At 29 years old!!!!
Granted, I already have congenital heart disease from a congenital defect, there's no reason I should be going into heart failure.
I've tried many times before without motivation and hearing this did it.
I want to breathe again, I want to be able to wear my old clothes again, I want to be able to run and play with my kids without having trouble breathing, and I want to not worry about my blood pressure, heart, and sugar.
My cardiologist started me on medicine to remove the fluid, curve my hunger, and lower my blood pressure 1 week ago.
I already feel better and lighter!
To top it off I've been under my calorie and sodium goal!
I started at 216 last Friday morning and I'll be weighing in again on Friday.
My goal weight is 130!

MikePXstream

These are some great reasons why. When you figure out why you want to be healthier, I mean truly and undeniably certain, it makes all the difference in the world. I'm not talking about the numbers on the scale or what your body fat percentage is. I'm talking about knowing that you are doing all you can to be healthier all the way around. To hopefully get off of certain medications, to be able to play with your kids without being winded or hurting yourself, to be able to love free. That to me, is what it is all about.

MikePXstream

I have been struggling the past few weeks and have even lost my reason why. Frustrating for sure. One minute everything seems great, and the next, poof, don't care. I have been too relaxed with my nutrition, hit or mss with my workouts, and I am feeling it. I had a nice 6 days off, which helped. but now trying to get back into the habit of things is proving difficult.

amysteri

I'm tired of being weak, I want to be stronger
I'm tired of being slow, I want to be faster
I'm tired of being depressed, I want to be happier
I'm tired of being tired, I want to be healthier

I want to be a better version of me - so it's train insane or remain the same

StevLL

Great post! I started originally because I had a 7.5 A1C and I asked the doctor to give me 90 days to try to get it to come down before she started me on meds. I was 371 and that first run got me down to 305 and 5.1 A1C and I stayed there for 3 years. Then for the next 3 years, I yoyoed between 315 and 340. I ended up in the hospital in February of this year for a bp of 192/145 and that motivated me to work at it again and then was diagnosed with kidney disease and an aneurysm in my abdominal aorta. All of a sudden mortality is real and I had complete control if I chose to take action. So today my why is I want to stick around a bit longer. I have made good progress down 37 lbs since February and started officially today on a mainly plant based diet to help my kidneys have to work less and continue lowering my bp. So today my why is increased kidney function and decreased BP to slow the progression of these diseases. My habits created the disease, now I need to have habits that heal them.

MaggieGirl135

StevLL: Your story shows that you have the ability to achieve your goal. I wanted to note, 'awesome', then changed it to 'insightful', and then 'inspiring'. Then, I have to tell you it was all three!

Mr_Healthy_Habits

Why? It's just the way I am...

I don't "want" to be the type of person that gets up at 6am, lifts weights for 45min, then runs 4 miles, followed by ab work and stretching... I "am" the type of person that does these things...

98% of people who have lost weight, gain it back... I say f-u-c-k that...!

If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl - MLK Jr.

I have many short term goals, benchmarks that I'm trying to reach...

However, my biggest, long term goal is to die one day of old age, as an example that we can beat this, you can keep it off for the rest of your life, statistics do not decide our fate...

That's one of the reasons why I will never quit!

Merrysailor5

My why? because I want to be the best me.... strong and healthy. I've got this one body, I should want to take care of it.

Momepro

I'm not sure actually. I got hurt (again) just walking, because I'm fatI think it was just a last straw. Why is this time different though? I honestly don't know entirely. I think it really helps that this time I have a couple tools I've never had before. Medication to help my sleeping issues, chronic exhaustion, and depression. And time to actually rest, plan, exercise, and do what I need to for me. Always before, I was fighting overwork, illness and constantly being e completly beat.

Unknown

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kristikitter

Because, for me, it's either get it in hand NOW, or keep adding on another 14lbs a year until I reach 300lbs+ (which I believe I would be fully capable of doing, since my hunger signals are a mess).

Alongside the whole "hey I have HUNDREDS of potential clothes out there that will not look good on me unless I am a healthy weight!!" thing

MaddMaestro

Beetus.

midlomel1971

I don't want to be one of those women in their mid-40s that has let herself go.

daphnekoonce

Awesome discussion topic, initial post, and feed back.
I sat down and listed reasons why I wanted to loose weight a few years ago and revisited the list frequently. I also logged journaled daily. These habits helped me stay focus on the hard days.
I have added to my initial list throughout my journey. I have fallen many times and found a way to climb back up. In October I started working out more. I wanted to gain strength to continue working crazy hours and to have the strength to kayak and hike. I can now carry my own kayak and easily keep up with my walking/hiking buddies. I just want to stay active to have fun and inspire my children and grandchildren.

Wotan48

Was always what society considered big,determined and angry. Grandma suggested to use that to my advantage and start weight lifting, so I did. I ended up solid, proud and healthy. After some tragic live events ( loss of son, cancer , car accident that tore multiple tendons and made left shoulder useless) it rolled all downhill. I would get back up dust myself off after each event and start all over again cause it makes me feel good to lift weights. The car accident was the end of last Sept. My bicep and some ligaments in my leg just finished healing. So I went back to the gym...only thing is I feel lost, I was told I will never lift weight again, or at least not like I was used to. I hate cardio and curling 15 lbs is boring. Though I do it cause it is healthy, cause a body in motion stays in motion. Luckily I have ADD, meaning I rarely deviate from my routine ,so in end it is my sanity that keeps me going.

Jdismybug1

I want to feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I watched both of my parents, one uncle and one aunt pass away from illnesses. Both of my sisters have high blood pressure, one is pre diabetic. I've suffered a miscarriage recently, and about two weeks later lost a good friend to a motorcycle accident, she was a little younger than I am.
I realize that for years I hadn't been living my life. I'd never actively persued anything I wanted to, I made excuses to myself about everything, and let depression lead my life instead.
I want to have a long and healthy life. I have a SO and a daughter to live for.
I'm teaching myself to eat healthy and be active.
I've accepted that not every day will be perfect, but I'm going to do my best.

karenswett1

I am 58 in over the last couple of years I've developed the metabolic disorder trifecta: diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia. I can't believe how much I have aged just over the last three or four years. When I was 50 I'll happily celebrated the idea about the "50 is the new 40". Now it's 58 I'm feeling like 58 is the new 68. I don't want to do this to myself, I want to be as old as I really am and not a day older.

Lovephoenix365

My why is simple... I want to succeed in reaching my ideal weight. I want to be the strong woman i know I can be and say no to unnecessary junk and yes to working out. I want to be my best friend

MikePXstream

For me, it is still be healthy to support my family, as well as be a good role model. All my kids now are very fit and active. Running is the foundation for them. My two oldest are in cross country and track, and my youngest is in track and soccer. I can't even keep up with them in 5k's now. Not even my 8 year old son. He currently runs a 25 min 5k. I'm still back at 28 minutes.

curvesfordays8907

My why:
Because I was waking up every morning tired and in pain.
Because I felt 78 rather than 28
I hated the way I looked
I loathed going clothes shopping and would end up empty handed and in tears.
I was spiraling fast into a depression
I was questioning why my boyfriend was with me
I spent almost every moment out side of work in bed or on the couch.
Because I was back up to my highest weight
Because I had enough and decided that I love myself enough to change my bad habits.

snowyjr1

My whys is to restore my broken health. I want to become a more active member of my family. I do not fit in the world right now, literally. I want to look better. I've lost alot of weight in the past. I need to do it one more time and keep it off. I am looking for support from anyone going through the same challenges.

SafioraLinnea

Mine is a number of things.

A desire to avoid heart disease and diabetes is high on my list.

Being a good role model for both my daughter and patients.

I felt so terrible and unhealthy. I feel so much better when I'm closer to a healthy weight. Between feeling sluggish and starting to have pain in joints and my back I was in a rough place physically.

A desire to be more physically active.

A desire for a healthy relationship with food. For me to not follow my family trend of obesity and negative relationships with food. My large sized family (about 100 people in just 3 generations) has more than 3/4 of that number who are obese. Of the ones who aren't, at least a dozen have eating disorders.

MikePXstream

Well, I have discovered that my A1C level is 5.8, which is technically pre-diabetic, so I need to tighten up my nutrition and get back on the straight and narrow. I always suspected that I may still be susceptible to it, being there is a family history of it, but the better I can control it, the better. So my why is just focusing even more on what I started out with.