The Long Haul

Guitarist4L1fe

Hi All,

I have been trying to make this lifestyle change stick for many years of my life. I think I have finally hit the point where I will make this stick for the rest of my life. Not sure if its a Mid Life Crisis ( If i live to 100 ha ha) I will be 50 this winter. I am just shy of losing 60 pounds in 3 months time. I also quit drinking which has been a very large factor as to why I have been very successful so far. I have not gone off of plan one minute of this whole process. I have been fighting MMA and doing a lot of cardio. MFP had me at 1550 and dropped me to 1450. I never eat my calories back from exercise (Yet). I have been under a lot of stress with my wife's mom having a health crisis etc. Its been a tough time but I am rock solid with my plan. I would currently like to loose 100 pounds which i am well on my way. I just feel very edgy... not that i am on the brink of going off my plan I just feel very odd. I feel good health wise (Better then i have in many years) I truly believe I am ready to stay on point the rest of my life. Not sure if its fear or health issues etc. But I am ready. I have no point to this post other then I feel off. Has anyone else ever lost a good amount ...felt and looked better but still did not feel right? It could just be the years of being overweight? No one has to answer this post since it really is a ramble but I just felt like saying it. I am including a before and so far pic.

violasmith85

I understand what you mean. I'll be 30 next year and it hit me that I wont be in my 20s anymore and that was like a shock. Like a slap in my face really. I have a disabled son and I realized taht I had to add as many years to my life as I could so that I could be around for him. It really does take a specific time in your life for it to really click and be the right time for it to work. You have to be ready for the change. Congrats on your success so far and I wish you the best of luck in the future!

essterne

You've made some really big changes in a pretty short amount of time. Good for you, because they seem to all be in good directions! But, like any major change, it takes a lot of time to readjust to your new "normal". There's research that indicates that your body gets used to a certain metabolic level and a certain weight, and it will resist attempts to lose (or gain, sometimes) weight. Difficulty maintaining lifestyle changes is definitely well known across the psychological world. So, yes, it is normal and okay to feel like your new lifestyle is weird, or that it doesn't feel like you. It takes time for new habits to really sink in. Just keep doing these good things for yourself, and by this time next year, you should feel much better about things.
However, if you're really disconcerted by the feelings of weirdness, or you think you need more help, then I would seek out a therapist for a few sessions. It might seem like overkill, but I've seen one before when I was going through some heavy stuff, and they were very helpful.
No matter what you choose to do, just remember that you have made some very positive choices for your life, and they are making a real difference for the better.
Hang in there!

colors_fade

Radical change takes adjustment. It will take time for you to reach equilibrium.

You know you're moving in the right direction, so don't derail yourself.

The comfort level you seek will happen.

Firefly0606

Perhaps a check up with your doctor is in order? Just to be sure that "feeling off" isn't an underlying medical issue.

Also, you could give yourself a week or two and see if the feeling goes away. It might be good to talk to someone. I had a highly stressful situation earlier this year, went and got some counselling. I am not the type of person that would normally feel the need for counselling - 3 sessions later I felt like I could handle the situation again. Thinking back, I know it was the right thing to do as the stress was starting to make me feel physically sick....the point is that it is ok to seek help, even if it feels like a little thing, because that can help you deal with it before is becomes a huge issue.

You have achieved so much - your photos look amazing. Congratulations and well done - keep looking after yourself - physically and mentally.

RodaRose

Congrats on your weight loss and on sticking to your plan.

Maybe this feeling "off" is because you went through years of being overweight. Give yourself time to become used to the new you. Have you given yourself any rewards along the way? Try a new different workout or tickets to an event you might not have gone to in the past or make plans for a trip.
Also, for sure give or throw away all your all big clothes. It will be cathartic. Better yet, burn them.

Guitarist4L1fe

I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and kind words. This place seems to be more then just counting calories. I do appreciate it. It's funny i actually have a regular Dr's appointment today. I am sure the doctor will be pleased by the fact that i have lost 60 pounds since the last time i saw him.

Liftng4Lis

Congratulations on your loss. Losing 60 pounds in three months is quite a bit. At 5 pounds a week, its probably starting to catch up with you. Try eating back half of your exercise calories.