I am in need of a major overhaul!

beachboundgirl2012

Hi everyone! I haven't been on in a while and I am now needing a push! Not just a little one either. 2010 has been a really rough year and I've been out of work since May. I have lost motivation and self esteem and everything is continuing to go downhill. I originally thought that this was the perfect time to get off my tushy and do something - but instead - I've done nothing but feel sorry for myself. I have no excuses and I have no reasons! I just don't know how to make that "first step" - :sad:

okfine

My first step was just recording what I was eating, with no judgments, just so I could tell what I was really doing. I then decided what was the most important thing to do first. The first week was less sweets.(My first few days, just on a notepad, was mostly carbs...) The second week my goal was more vegetables. Now that I've been looking at what I've been doing since July (yes, it took me that long to really get ready) I realize that the best way to go is celebrate every victory, every meal I choose well. My measuring stick is, "Good, better, best". Nothing is on my "bad" list, everything is on my "have" list. Every meal when I've eaten better than before and I still feel light, energetic, and ready to go, I celebrate! I am happy now, I am living now. I'm not waiting until I get to my goal wait to be happy. I'm doing it now. :happy: You can do it!

TaraMaria

First off, you are in the right place for a major overhaul. Thats what I thought when I joined two years ago, and was able to commit a year ago. I've lost over 100 pounds since my pregnancy and 65 pounds since last November. I'm just one of the MANY successful people on this website who have used MFP as a tool of calorie counting and encouragement.

I really suggest making a list of goals. Writing them out is important, a visual aid to see exactly WHY you want to loose the weight. OF course we all want to feel good and look great, but WRITE it out. What size pants do you want to fit in? Is there a reward you want as an end result? Write that down too! Take advantage of the blog option here on the site and share all of this with us so we can not only relish in your victories but hold you accountable.

Its absolutely normal to feel sorry for yourself in times of crisis. But once you pick yourself up, its what you do from there that matters. STAND STRONG! GET ANGRY! DECIDE TO DO THIS! GET YOUR LIFE BACK! COME ON GIRL! You totally have the strength and will power to do this! I have faith in you! If I can do it, anyone can!!! I'm so happy you are here!!! )

And just think, you are ahead of the curve! All of the people that are going to join AFTER New Years when they make their resolutions and you will have a two week head start on them!!!

themommie

BIG KICK in the tush , LOL. You need to make up your mind that now is the time you are going to do it. And start out small. Like I am going to exercise for 15 mins , 4 days a week this week, I can do 15 mins, then the following week do 20 mins and so on. And try replacing your foods you eat now with similiar lower cal versions. Like I love ice cream so now I replace it with skinny cow ice cream sandwiches or weight watchers ice cream bars. I love starbucks, but now I order nonfat. I hope this helps. If you want you can add me. We can do this. It is easier to do it when you have someone who is doing it with you. Where do you live ?

beachboundgirl2012

Thank you ladies! I know I can do it - I just have to take responsibility and get off of my lazy butt! LOL - I know WHAT to do, I have done it before, I just have somehow lost the motivation behind doing it! I know it's stress and I am an emotional eater to the definition but again - not an excuse! So, I am going to blog, I am going to do whatever I can and probably go overboard. I actually have been a member of a gym for several months but they'd probably think I was a new member if I walked in now - I haven't been in a bit! OOPS!

So, again thanks and sorry this is short, but I am going for a walk! YIPPEE!

CarlydogsMom

Lots of good ideas expressed to think about; I have a few more to add:

1. Making a list of every reason why you want to lose weight. A friend of mine did that, and for example, on occasion she's out in the woods with a forest health committee. One of her reasons was "to be able to pee in the woods and stand up after!". In other words, list every little thing. Once you review that list, it's hard to rationalize why you DON'T want to get going to lose the weight.

2. Have one or two BIG incentives. Not some of the above listed reasons, but big ones; ones that don't involve food. For me, one of my main hobbies is knitting/crocheting. Being able to attend a national workshop that goes on every year in California is one of my dreams. I will "let" myself go to it once I lose my weight. Think BIG. And these don't have to be expensive.

3. The process of losing weight is one of the BIGGEST boosts to self-esteem; you take control over your eating/food habits. Once I committed to losing weight, and when I started MFP, counting calories, documenting my exercise--I was in control of the food I ate, and it felt WONDERFUL. You know how it feels when you overeat, eat things you shouldn't, etc.--you feel lousy. It's the exact opposite when you're committed to losing. Even when I had only lost a few pounds (you really couldn't tell I had lost weight), people remarked that I just had a different, more confident air about me. That boost may also help you in your other life issues....very important!

4. Make the commitment. Seriously. With no firm commitment, #3 won't happen and you'll end up slipping here and there and getting bummed out about it.

5. I've found listening to podcasts on my MP3 player on weight loss helps me stay motivated. Search the web for podcasts, there are a bunch out there; listen to them on your computer or put them on an MP3 player. Exercise while listening to them.

6. Tell people you're on the road to losing weight. I told just about everyone. Now you're stuck--lose it or look silly.