Losing Momentum - how do you get back on track

dortilolma

I've started to lose momentum:

It's been a couple of weeks since I've seen any significant movement on the scales.
I twisted my ankle making exercising tough.
The weather is turning cold and wet again making it a lot less appealing to go for runs or to do gardening.
My appetite has increased and I'm not sure why.
I'm feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning and I'm sure I'm not going to hit my weight loss goals.

Overall, I'm just feeling a bit down and have lost my zeal for my weight loss and fitness journey.

When you hit a slump how do turn it around again?

lamps1303

For the last week, healthy eating and exercise pretty much went out the window for me. It was obviously easter so I took an additional couple of days off work to enjoy an extended break. This break consisted of eating out (a lot!) due to seeing a number of different people I hadn't seen in a while, so logging went out the window. I am back on track today with exercising, logging and eating normally.

For me the biggest kick up the bum is seeing my body change in such a short period of time - whether this is actual change or perceived change (due to knowing I wasn't eating particularly well) is questionable, but I saw/felt change. This is my motivation, as I feel a slight sense of guilt and the desire to get back on track. When you stick with something long enough you will begin to notice change. When you get back into bad habits, you will notice your positive change turning into negative change.

Going through 'low' spells is normal - I've had plenty. You just need to think about where you are now, where you want to be, and how you will get there. If you have gained weight over time, look back at old pictures of yourself to see what you looked like before you gained the weight to show yourself that you can look like that again. Even look at images of yourself at your heaviest for the motivation to know you never want to get back to that again.

Main thing - never give up. Weight loss takes time so you have to be patient. Gaining weight took time, so losing it will also take time - if only it weren't the case, but sadly it is! Feel free to add me if you need any extra support

ValeriePlz

Do walks instead of runs while you are recovering to stay in the habit of working out.

dopeysmelly

Cleared out my closet of the fat clothes that were enormous.

maroonmango211

Read success stories or watch some on YouTube.
Try some new healthy recipes to satisfy your appetite without as much guilt.
Try some Yoga routines while recovering work on flexibility or body strength instead of impact cardio.
Get pampered, it helps to motivate when you treat your body to something special that isn't work out or diet related.

I usually find I feel like giving up when I get bored or when I have to slow down due to stress or injury so I find ways to mix it up even if it means something that burns less calories or isn't as creative in the kitchen.

Fuzzipeg

How does one keep on track. I try to take a general perspective. I know I want to be healthier, fitter, lighter than I was a year ago. I've been in this pickle for some time and it is not to be repeated. My progress is slow. I gave up having specific time scales because this can lead to additional pressure especially if there are other big issues in the air as well. If I have a bad day or week I try to tell myself that to keep on that way will spoil my long term results. I have even put myself onto maintenance in order to give myself a number definitely not to go over, just to give me breathing, thinking space. I am trying to achieve a better long term overall healthy self.

The last thing you need to do is to give yourself additional pressure. Do what works for you and remember weight loss is not liner. Check your measurements you might see a difference there but not on the scales. Its true the day matters but the long-term future matters most. Keep going at it even if it is gently.

dortilolma

Thank you! Seriously - I'm feeling a fair bit better, I'd hit a low point and was just not sure I could keep the logging and tracking up but there have been some great suggestions here.

In retrospect today hasn't been too bad - I even have some room to treat myself a little after dinner.

Thank you again!