it's going to take over a year, how to get motivated?
Starhaven
Posts: 9 Member
I grew up thinking I was fat - probably because I grew taller and more quickly my peers. I was 5 ft 7 at 11 years old. I was probably 120 pounds. By high school I was the same height but probably 145. I thought I was fat. I used to train for half marathons at that weight. In retrospect, I'm wondering why my mother didn't give me a head shake.
So after two babies who are now 5 and 7 I'm 212 pounds. How did that happen? I think I lost me somewhere. I stopped running. I stopped going to the gym. I ate popcorn made on the stove with oil. I hibernated during the long winter.
How do you really get moving and get back to health after you've had a period of years of being unhealthy.
When you know it's going to take a year or more and you're on the first day - how do you find the motivation?
So after two babies who are now 5 and 7 I'm 212 pounds. How did that happen? I think I lost me somewhere. I stopped running. I stopped going to the gym. I ate popcorn made on the stove with oil. I hibernated during the long winter.
How do you really get moving and get back to health after you've had a period of years of being unhealthy.
When you know it's going to take a year or more and you're on the first day - how do you find the motivation?
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Replies
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Try making smaller goals and rewarding yourself along the way. Non-food rewards are the best rewards, since you don't have to track them.
I have just a few pounds to go before I reward myself with my new riding helmet. The bigger goal will still be there, down the road. You just need a few mile markers along the way to keep you going. 0 -
Just dive right in. I kept waiting for ''the right time'' and the ''spurt of motivation'' and when I finally succeeded at getting into it was a random weekday, in the middle of the day, I just said ''I'm starting NOW'' and that was it. Don't expect to feel motivated or energised about it all the time. There are many times when I am really just plodding along and going through the motions. Remind yourself of how you DON'T want to be in April 2015 thinking ''dammit, I'd be at my goal weight and fit again if I'd started this time last year''.
I was the same as you, a super skinny and fit kid/teen but didn't see it at all, and then ended up 177lb (5' 5'') by the time I reached 2nd year in college. It's been hard getting back to fitness but it's such a great feeling when you notice your endurance improving! I set my weight loss targets at just 2.5lb. So right now I've lost 20lb and my next target is 22.5lb. It's feels so much more doable than aiming for 10 or 20lb goals, on those bad days.
Just start. Get logging, get moving. Time will pass whether you're losing weight or not, that's what I remind myself constantly.0 -
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A year will pass whether I lose weight, gain weight, or maintain my weight. I ask myself which outcome will make me happiest.0
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It's a decision. That year will pass no matter what, how would you rather spend it? While losing, you can still live your life.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants0 -
Smaller goals, one change at a time...and realize the year will go by whether you start this journey or not. Do you want to be right where you are now in one year? You can do this...just get started!0
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Jump straight in and surround yourself with people who will keep you motivated be that in person or mfp friends and Break down your goals into smaller goals (weight/health/exercise) and reward yourself when you reach them - also keep a positive attitude, keep going and see it as a lifestyle change - You can do this!
:flowerforyou:0 -
Hey, you sound a bit like me. I was a swimmer (not very good, but still...) in middle school. Then I got injured and couldn't find any mojo to do anything anymore. I have gained so much weight in the last year (about 10 kg) and just want it off. Sort of now... I recognize the feeling of losing yourself. I want to regain the girl who ran a 10k because of stubbornness, the girl who could swim 4 miles and think nothing of it, the girl who always took the stairs, the girl who rode her bike everywhere.
Right now my life is a bit hellish because of work-related stress. I find that doing exercise helps so much with that particular thing, and is worth it just because of that. I feel like crap if I eat wrong, still I do it because of convenience. I try to change this too.
My way of motivating myself is thinking that "I love myself, I love my body enough to try to take care of it". I feel good after doing a "run" in week 3 of the C25k programme. It makes me feel like I'm doing something good. And it's something I can just do without having to think. I read on a blog I really like that her first step after losing herself in a similar way was to think "I will be the sort of person who takes the stairs" and "I want to be the sort of person who exercises" and so on. It's about giving yourself a pat on the back every day because you are actually trying. You are doing good.
Set up small goals. Try going without sweets for four weeks. That is what I'm going to try to do, but allowing sweets once a week (my friends like dessert and I hate feeling left out) and exercising to burn of the extra.
Feel free to add me if you like. We are the same height, so probably a similar build.0 -
It's funny how these things happen. I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. I don't want to be lecture-y, but maybe some of these things will help....
I know that when I slip up (and you will slip up sometimes), i get caught in a terrible all-or-nothing thought cycle like, "well shoot, i had some chocolate cake, my diet is RUINED i may as well eat a pound of chips and a pizza too". I'm slowly getting better at getting back on the horse, but I think being forgiving of yourself if you mess up and then getting right back on track is helpful.
I'd also suggest mini-goals -- like for you, a first one might be to get under 200, and to get some running endurance back. (Not sure if you having been working out at all but you might check out couch to 5k -- as someone who used to be in much better shape, i was mortified at the first workout or two when i could barely jog for a minute, but a few weeks later i'm feeling much stronger and it's also been easier to lose weight and inches).0 -
Definitely short term goals. But you also have to step back and look at the big picture long term occasionally too - a year from now do you want to still be where you are now, overwhelmed by the prospect of how long it might take? Or do you want to have owned that year, making progress and great strides in your health, fitness, having lost weight, become stronger, leaner, more flexible, challenging yourself with new and awesome things, reaching goals and milestones throughout that year?
A year from now you don't want to be saying "I should have started a year ago", you want to be saying "Look how much I have accomplished in a year!!".
You can do it!0 -
small goals, along the way,
make friends here or other weight loss places (I use another forum www.3fatchicks.com more for support here for questions)
strart putting excercise back into your weekly routine!
and good luck!0 -
Don't focus on the time it will take, it will always seem overwhelming and you'll find excuses (or I did). Think in very small goals. They seem puny and unimpressive sometimes, but they add up quickly. For me, it's a day by day thing, and some days, a minute by minute thing, but it's working, and it will for you too!
I have a sign posted at work and at home that says "a year from now, you'll wish you'd started today. make things happen!"
Good luck!!0 -
Oh well... edited to try and make the picture work, but no cigar. In any case, it's one of my favorite motivational posters that says "A year from now, you'll wish you had started today." I'm sure you've heard or seen that, but it really puts it all in perspective to me. No matter how far I've got to go, I'm still closer than was before I started.
Best of luck to you! Add me if you need a friend 0 -
think of how NEXT summer you will rock that bathing suit.
ugh. I wish. I can never wear a bathing suit again.
OP, git 'er done NOW so that this doesn't happen to you. You don't have THAT much to lose in comparison to some people, and you HAVEN'T actually been 'fat' for that long....so your skin may still forgive you. Start now for the sake of the bathing suit. lol.0 -
A year will pass whether I lose weight, gain weight, or maintain my weight. I ask myself which outcome will make me happiest.
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The year is gonna pass either way.0
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You commit. A committed person will pursue their goal regardless of obstacles and setbacks.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I need to correct your thinking, it will take you much longer than a year. It will take you the rest of your life if you intend to keep the weight off. I don't say this to be discouraging, just the opposite. You need to have the mindset of someone who wants to be healthy for the rest of her life, not just for a year. That's part of why it's important to develop new habits slowly, to make sure those new habits are livable.0
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A year will pass whether I lose weight, gain weight, or maintain my weight. I ask myself which outcome will make me happiest.
This is brilliant - what a great way to look at it! I totally agree, it may take a'a whole year' but I suggest make your aim for one week and then one month - notice how much better you feel after you exercise, if you are breathing deeply more often, happier, feeling less bloated or acidy etc etc..... And have inspiration clothes. Maybe something one size smaller that you really love that you can try on once a week and see that it fits that little bit better - that is my favorite and the only real way I measure my weight
Good luck!0 -
This is good perspective. Thank you.0
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Your story is almost exact to mine. I was always the tallest in the class, I was taller then the boys too!! I was 5"8 at 11, and it was always rough being so much bigger then the rest of the kids. Now my Son is in the same situation.
After giving birth I weighed 202, I was miserable!! I was so depressed, but I just kept eating anyway. finally I decided that I really wanted it!!I didn't care how long it took, I just wanted to feel better. Now I weigh 135, and am very happy. I don't worry about the scale now, as my goal is to lower my body fat percentage but I'm not hung up on it. I completely changed how I lived, I couldn't imagine ever going back now. It took me way longer then a year, but I'm in it for the long haul, so time isn't an issue. But once it becomes a lifestyle change, it all becomes easier. Its just part of daily life. You'll get there! Just keep on going! :-)0 -
I am grateful to you all taking the time to post. I had no idea how supportive this community could be (and appreciate the attitude/perspective adjustment many have given me). Thank you all. 0
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I need to correct your thinking, it will take you much longer than a year. It will take you the rest of your life if you intend to keep the weight off. I don't say this to be discouraging, just the opposite. You need to have the mindset of someone who wants to be healthy for the rest of her life, not just for a year. That's part of why it's important to develop new habits slowly, to make sure those new habits are livable.
This!!
Exactly what I was trying to say.0 -
Setting small goals is the most helpful for me. Started by saying I am going to get under 210 (started at 212.5), now I am aiming for under 205. Only 1.5 away from that, and I should be there in about a week :happy: . If I stop and look at the big picture it gets a bit overwhelming but those small goals are doable. Of course, if I think about the rocking body I will have next summer that can also be a big motivation.0
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"a year from now you'll wish you had started today" don't be that person just start today-if you even just stay same weight at times better than gaining fat- wish i would have started 20 yrs ago but hey doing great now and so can you0
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Small weight goals and rewards along the way definitely help. But what I really need to do is change behaviors and build new habits. So I have 2 daily goals : (1) eat under my calorie goal, (2) exercise at least 30 minutes. Each night before I go to bed, if I have achieved those two goals I drop a pebble into a jar. I get a sense of satisfaction from seeing the number of pebbles in the jar grow.
I focus on these behaviors for two reasons. First of all if I do those two things each day, as long as my calorie goal is a deficit the weight will come off. Second of all, these are two things I will need to do one I have lost the weight to maintain. My calorie goal will be a maintenance level and I still want to aim to exercise at least 30 minutes per day. I don't anticipate it will be as long or intense as it is now in my weight lose phase, but exercise needs to be a part of my life if I want to maintain.
I have lost and regained weight my entire life. I need to do something different this time if I want to succeed not only in losing but maintaining. As you start this process look at it as an opportunity to train yourself and develop new habits that will help you be healthier the rest of your life.0 -
I'm on a 1 year journey from 310 to 200.... my old diets were like being lost in the woods, knowing you had to walk 15 miles to get out, you worked hard but you couldn't always see progress, all the trees looked the same, eventually you give up because you never knew where you stood....
I am so motivated now, with MFP I always know where I stand... How many calories I've consumed today, how many I have left, I enjoy eating smaller healthy meals all day long... I don't feel deprived or hungry all day...I depend on some good diet products to keep me on track, WW Smart Meals, Slim Fast Bars and Shakes etc they have a beginning, middle & End, not like home made spaghetti, you can eat 2000 calories if your not careful
So now picture being lost in the woods with a GPS.... You know you still have to work hard but at least you know you are heading in the right direction...
Another way I look at this journey is I have gone in Debt of 375,000 Calories.... I am paying down my debt to the tune of 1000 calories per day, if the odd day I only make a payment of 500 Calories or maybe even none, that's OK...On a weekly basis I am still paying 6000 + calories towards my debt
Lastly, I remind myself that in this journey I am making progress on 3 Fronts 1) Weight 2) Inches & 3) Health... We tend to only measure weight and than get disillusioned when you plateau or gain a bit.... But at the same time you are losing inched and improving your health.... Measure all 3 and when you see no immediate progress in weight and inches, remind yourself of the benefits you are getting to your health....
I have lost 27 of 110 pounds and have never been so focused and convinced that I will succeed... So can you, MFP is your GPS...work hard, stay with it and you'll get out of the woods
Carlos0 -
Maybe do a backwards countdown...365...364...etc. As others have said, you'll be amazed at where you are in year but you have to start to get there! Good luck.0
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Small goals. Feel fre to add me. I am on everyday.0
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I'm on a 1 year journey from 310 to 200.... my old diets were like being lost in the woods, knowing you had to walk 15 miles to get out, you worked hard but you couldn't always see progress, all the trees looked the same, eventually you give up because you never knew where you stood....
I am so motivated now, with MFP I always know where I stand... How many calories I've consumed today, how many I have left, I enjoy eating smaller healthy meals all day long... I don't feel deprived or hungry all day...I depend on some good diet products to keep me on track, WW Smart Meals, Slim Fast Bars and Shakes etc they have a beginning, middle & End, not like home made spaghetti, you can eat 2000 calories if your not careful
So now picture being lost in the woods with a GPS.... You know you still have to work hard but at least you know you are heading in the right direction...
Another way I look at this journey is I have gone in Debt of 375,000 Calories.... I am paying down my debt to the tune of 1000 calories per day, if the odd day I only make a payment of 500 Calories or maybe even none, that's OK...On a weekly basis I am still paying 6000 + calories towards my debt
Lastly, I remind myself that in this journey I am making progress on 3 Fronts 1) Weight 2) Inches & 3) Health... We tend to only measure weight and than get disillusioned when you plateau or gain a bit.... But at the same time you are losing inched and improving your health.... Measure all 3 and when you see no immediate progress in weight and inches, remind yourself of the benefits you are getting to your health....
I have lost 27 of 110 pounds and have never been so focused and convinced that I will succeed... So can you, MFP is your GPS...work hard, stay with it and you'll get out of the woods
Carlos
Congrats Carlos!! Your on the right path!! (I personally don't agree with weight loss products like slim fast, but that's your choice not mine) anyway, I love your post and know you'll succeed with that attitude!!!0
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