One-year hump

dekutree

Hi there,

I don't really use the forums much (hi!) but I'm at a little bit of a wall at the moment so thought I'd write to see what advice people had as I'm sure I'm not alone!

So I've been doing this for just over a year (today is my 400-day streak!) and have lost 74lb. A few months ago I'd lost 89lb. My weight has sort of yoyo'd over the last few months for various reasons. Well, we all know the reasons. I've got tardy with my eating/logging and with my exercise.

I feel I have made huge compromises over the last year, especially socially... not drinking or eating out except on very rare occasions... and I guess I've enjoyed living a seemingly more 'normal' lifestyle over the last few months. And all thing considered, being +/- 6lb or so really isn't that terrible.

I'm finding it kinda hard to find the discipline again. I don't want to keep yoyoing, I still have at least another 28lb to lose. I've also been feeling some old, negative feelings as the novelty of my new-and-improved (but still fairly wobbly) body is wearing off. I guess I'll probably never be 100% happy with my body (who is?) but right now I almost feel like I'm starting from the beginning again.

Ah, I dunno, I'm rambling a bit. My only exercise is running, so I think I need to find something new.

Just wondering if any of you have had similar experiences and what you did to come out the other side, cos I'm feeling quite low right now. The scary thing is that I am beginning to feel those old emotions of a lack of control, a futile, hopelessness. Which I know isn't the 'real me'. But old habits die hard and I'm terrified of getting big again.

Thanks.

Immab118

Looks like your "reason" has changed. I also struggle as now I don't have as much weight to lose and I don't see the big losses anymore. Find your new reason.
I actually am going to go do the gympact app, that pays money when you hit your weekly goals. If you don't you pay up. If I don't have a reason deep down inside of me...I find something else that will put some pep in my step! Maybe you should look into a similar challenge?

Good Luck and awesome job on the streak!!!!

CTcutie

No answers here, but sympathy!

I'm also closing in on a year, want to lose a little more and am kind of losing some motivation. I also use GymPact, run, and never thought that when I started MFP last summer I would ever be so succesful or do it for this long!

I also made significant "social sacrifices", especially the first 3-6 months... rarely drink (have an Amstel Light usually, just bc I KNOW the calories!), and generally find eating out to be a hassle- never REALLY knowing the nutritional info of what I'm eating and "guessing" has led to weight gain (only 2-5 lbs, but still), etc. Dating has been difficult bc I'm not the kind of person who's remotely happy with a salad as a meal (unless there's fried chicken, cheese, and bacon), but the whole "leaving half my meal uneaten", (not to mention mentally keeping track of how many pieces of calamari or fries I've eaten) has caused some odd conversations, to say the least.

dekutree

Thanks both of you. I never heard of GymPact, shall check it out.

Immab - I think you're right, my "reason" has changed. A year ago I was overweight to a point that meant I got out of breath just keeping pace walking into town with my housemate. I'm a musician and I felt very conscious about performing and teaching. I had to just buy clothes that fit and never wore anything that I actually liked. Those fundamental problems are now fixed. But I think the more you get into the health and fitness "scene" you realise it's sort of never-ending. Just maintaining my weight will always require a conscious effort from me I think. And I suppose now I'm facing the reality of having been bigger for all that time, and wondering if it's ever possible to tighten up my tummy, to have a body that I am actually happy with. And I know that is another incredibly hard and slow journey!

CT - well done on your loss and upcoming MFP anniversary! I'm pretty much the same re. eating out. Most of the time I'd rather just do it only occasionally but have exactly what I want. The odd occasion I've found myself in Wetherspoons or ASK (I think?) or somewhere else which has low-cal options (and the cals on the menu) then I will pick accordingly if I want to.

I just need a bit of a lightbulb moment like I had in June 2013. Thanks again for your thoughts

Lizzy622

Although my current profile has 2012 I have been here since 2010. I learned that I needed to find my new "normal". I go into maintenance mode from Christmas to April. Between the holidays and working horrible hours I just can't be in loss mode. But I am very careful to keep logging and not to gain. Try to stay at maintenance and find your new "normal" before trying to lose. I know now that cooking at home and doing at least 15 to 20 minutes of exercise ( which I don't always log if under 30) is my normal. Yes I go out occasionally and do have a beer or 2 but I account for these and make room. You can do it.

dekutree

That's interesting and a good idea, thanks Lizzy. I suppose the last few months I sort of have been finding my 'normal' in that I've basically stayed the same but +/- a bit. I suppose it's probably good to get to know what that is and also to show you can live 'normally' and maintain