diet, motivation-check! But... how do you Conquer DOUBT?

mommamandyloo

I have iron will power. Junk food? Carbs? Forget about it, I'm cool.

I love running. I love strength training. I have no issues staying motivated to work out.

My problem is patience. If I hit a plateau, which I have, I just wanna quit and admit defeat.

How do you Conquer THAT?

DawnieB1977

I just keep focusing on where I want to be.

I lost 66lbs after my 2nd baby and was a size (UK) 10/12 (US6/8) and I was so happy to get there. Then I got pregnant again and I'm now a large uk 14 and I'm working my *kitten* off to get back to pre-pregnancy size, and I have my doubts sometimes that I won't get back there again. I look in the mirror and cry because I still look huge, and I get annoyed because I'm putting so much effort in for what seems like crappy results. But I don't quit, because if I do then I definitely won't get back where I want to be, and I know when I'm back in my old jeans, all the effort will be so worth it.

mommamandyloo

I look in the mirror and cry because I still look huge, and I get annoyed because I'm putting so much effort in for what seems like crappy results.

This has been me for a week straight. I was proud of my results, but the longer i stagnate the more i start to hate what i see in the mirror. I feel like I'm putting in A+ effort and getting C- results.

I keep saying, "my input isn't matching my output" I dont get it...

I too am battling baby weight.

DawnieB1977

I look in the mirror and cry because I still look huge, and I get annoyed because I'm putting so much effort in for what seems like crappy results.

This has been me for a week straight. I was proud of my results, but the longer i stagnate the more i start to hate what i see in the mirror. I feel like I'm putting in A+ effort and getting C- results.

I keep saying, "my input isn't matching my output" I dont get it...

I too am battling baby weight.

I don't get it either, but I know from my own experience that it will happen, and me stressing over it won't help it happen faster. I keep,telling myself to just relax about it, just get on with my life, and eventually I'll look in the mirror and see the slim me again.

How old is your baby? Mine is 5 months.

mommamandyloo

My babies are 4 and 2. I'm sure some of this pudge is left over from them, too...
But Im really battling weight from a baby I had via surrogacy 5 months ago as well. May 16th!

It's specifically hard for me, because I don't have an end goal in my mind's eye. I have a number I'd like to see, and an image of how I looked the last time I was there...

But the last time I was there I was a recovering anorexic... with a beer gut... And I'm now a distance runner with a weight lifting addiction. So that number might be unobtainable with my new (and better) lifestyle. So I really don't know how far I have to go... Or what "done" looks like.

50sFit

I conquer doubt with on-going results. After a season of winning, fear and doubt vanish.

mommamandyloo

I conquer doubt with on-going results. After a season of winning, fear and doubt vanish.

But what if you're not getting results? thats where I get stuck.

I haven't lost anything in a while now, inches or pounds. And my diet is on pointe. My exercise is impressive... If I can toot my own horn a bit... I'm having a hard time trusting my body and believing in myself.

50sFit

My babies are 4 and 2. I'm sure some of this pudge is left over from them, too...
But Im really battling weight from a baby I had via surrogacy 5 months ago as well. May 16th!

It's specifically hard for me, because I don't have an end goal in my mind's eye. I have a number I'd like to see, and an image of how I looked the last time I was there...

But the last time I was there I was a recovering anorexic... with a beer gut... And I'm now a distance runner with a weight lifting addiction. So that number might be unobtainable with my new (and better) lifestyle. So I really don't know how far I have to go... Or what "done" looks like.

Sounds like you could use some focus regarding your goals. It's nice to strive toward an achievable ideal that's measurable.
I believe strongly in having specific goals in every areas of life, and every action I take either moves to toward those goals or away from those goals. That's how we take ownership of our lives. I may succeed or fail, but I own the result, because life is largely governed by our choices with or without goals.

1princesswarrior

My babies are 4 and 2. I'm sure some of this pudge is left over from them, too...
But Im really battling weight from a baby I had via surrogacy 5 months ago as well. May 16th!

It's specifically hard for me, because I don't have an end goal in my mind's eye. I have a number I'd like to see, and an image of how I looked the last time I was there...

But the last time I was there I was a recovering anorexic... with a beer gut... And I'm now a distance runner with a weight lifting addiction. So that number might be unobtainable with my new (and better) lifestyle. So I really don't know how far I have to go... Or what "done" looks like.

I can't help with the baby weight. But I can relate to everything else here.

I had surgery in May and have been stuck since then. I also am working on becoming a longer distance runner (10-13 miles) and lift weights. And I have a number in mind but have no idea what done will look like.

I stay motivated by my small gains and small changes. For example, I am getting definition in my arms or I am quickly adding distance to my runs and just today did a short run at my quickest pace since before my surgery in May. That makes me keep pushing myself because I know I'm gaining strength even though I may not be "seeing" results right now.

50sFit

I conquer doubt with on-going results. After a season of winning, fear and doubt vanish.

But what if you're not getting results? thats where I get stuck.

I haven't lost anything in a while now, inches or pounds. And my diet is on pointe. My exercise is impressive... If I can toot my own horn a bit... I'm having a hard time trusting my body and believing in myself.

When I fail to get results, it's because of my actions. Look at your actions and you'll discover the key to why things are stalled.
Adjust those actions.

DawnieB1977

That's lovely you carried a baby for someone else. My third was born May 1st. I logged and exercised all pregnancy and still gained and am sad about that.

I think focusing on fitness goals is a good idea too. I did a 5k colour run on Sat for example, and that was the first time I'd done a run. I'm trying to improve my running, and my rowing. I'm holding planks for longer and longer. I think if I focus on goals like this it'll be better. I am losing, but just not fast enough for my liking!

asdowe13

Closed Diary....



Chances are you are eating more than you think you are or,
Burning less than you think you are or,
You haven't given enough time, how long have you been on this plateau?

I spent 4 months losing on average 1.5 pounds per week, I spent the 4 months after that hovering within a 3 pound range.
I looked back, and it ended up being the summer months and I was eating more than I thought.....

I fixed that and am now losing weight once again albeit a little slower...so closer to the 1 pound/week

ETA. Nothing wrong with what you call 'Junk Food' and or carbs.

SueInAz

If you're lifting weights you shouldn't be trying for a weight goal. Seriously. You're adding muscle which weighs more than fat by volume. Have you been taking body measurements? If not, you should. You'll often see the numbers moving on the tape measure when the scale isn't budging. Keep in mind that the scale is just a number and only you, and your doctor, see it. Everyone else sees your physical size and how you look.

I run and lift weights, too. I'm just starting to train for a half marathon in January. I had to give up running early this year due to a foot injury and along with a loss of focus on my diet put on 15 pounds or so pounds over the last year. My smallest a few years ago was 122 and I was watching what I ate and running, no strength training. I started again this May at 140. This time around I'm also lifting weights in addition to running 10-12 miles per week (there are no races in the summer here so I'm just ramping up now). My measurements have dropped significantly but I've only lost 8 pounds. I'm about as small now as I was at 122! If I relied only on the scale I'd be very unhappy now, too.

ETA: After typing all of that, and getting interrupted in the middle, I see you mentioned inches. I still think you should be looking at goals beyond the scale. Give yourself running goals (time, distance), weight goals, change up your routine or find something else to strive for and the scale will eventually begin to move.

asdowe13

If you're lifting weights you shouldn't be trying for a weight goal. Seriously. You're adding muscle which weighs more than fat by volume. Have you been taking body measurements? If not, you should. You'll often see the numbers moving on the tape measure when the scale isn't budging. Keep in mind that the scale is just a number and only you, and your doctor, see it. Everyone else sees your physical size and how you look.

I run and lift weights, too. I'm just starting to train for a half marathon in January. I had to give up running early this year due to a foot injury and along with a loss of focus on my diet put on 15 pounds or so pounds over the last year. My smallest a few years ago was 122 and I was watching what I ate and running, no strength training. I started again this May at 140. This time around I'm also lifting weights in addition to running 10-12 miles per week (there are no races in the summer here so I'm just ramping up now). My measurements have dropped significantly but I've only lost 8 pounds. I'm about as small now as I was at 122! If I relied only on the scale I'd be very unhappy now, too.

You will not / cannot grow muscle eating a caloric deficit.
You can only grow muscle by eating a caloric surplus.


All you have done by adding in the resistance training, is prevent muscle loss.
So burning off more fat, less muscle.

Smart. I like losing fat and not muscle.

SueInAz

If you're lifting weights you shouldn't be trying for a weight goal. Seriously. You're adding muscle which weighs more than fat by volume. Have you been taking body measurements? If not, you should. You'll often see the numbers moving on the tape measure when the scale isn't budging. Keep in mind that the scale is just a number and only you, and your doctor, see it. Everyone else sees your physical size and how you look.

I run and lift weights, too. I'm just starting to train for a half marathon in January. I had to give up running early this year due to a foot injury and along with a loss of focus on my diet put on 15 pounds or so pounds over the last year. My smallest a few years ago was 122 and I was watching what I ate and running, no strength training. I started again this May at 140. This time around I'm also lifting weights in addition to running 10-12 miles per week (there are no races in the summer here so I'm just ramping up now). My measurements have dropped significantly but I've only lost 8 pounds. I'm about as small now as I was at 122! If I relied only on the scale I'd be very unhappy now, too.

You will not / cannot grow muscle eating a caloric deficit.
You can only grow muscle by eating a caloric surplus.


All you have done by adding in the resistance training, is prevent muscle loss.
So burning off more fat, less muscle.

Smart. I like losing fat and not muscle.

While I know this is supposed to be true both my calves and biceps have added a half inch since May and they're definitely not larger because of added fat. So perhaps I am a freak.

asdowe13

If you're lifting weights you shouldn't be trying for a weight goal. Seriously. You're adding muscle which weighs more than fat by volume. Have you been taking body measurements? If not, you should. You'll often see the numbers moving on the tape measure when the scale isn't budging. Keep in mind that the scale is just a number and only you, and your doctor, see it. Everyone else sees your physical size and how you look.

I run and lift weights, too. I'm just starting to train for a half marathon in January. I had to give up running early this year due to a foot injury and along with a loss of focus on my diet put on 15 pounds or so pounds over the last year. My smallest a few years ago was 122 and I was watching what I ate and running, no strength training. I started again this May at 140. This time around I'm also lifting weights in addition to running 10-12 miles per week (there are no races in the summer here so I'm just ramping up now). My measurements have dropped significantly but I've only lost 8 pounds. I'm about as small now as I was at 122! If I relied only on the scale I'd be very unhappy now, too.

You will not / cannot grow muscle eating a caloric deficit.
You can only grow muscle by eating a caloric surplus.


All you have done by adding in the resistance training, is prevent muscle loss.
So burning off more fat, less muscle.

Smart. I like losing fat and not muscle.

While I know this is supposed to be true both my calves and biceps have added a half inch since May and they're definitely not larger because of added fat. So perhaps I am a freak.

You defy science if this is true, and you are truly eating a deficit

lemurcat12

I conquer doubt with on-going results. After a season of winning, fear and doubt vanish.

But what if you're not getting results? thats where I get stuck.

I haven't lost anything in a while now, inches or pounds. And my diet is on pointe. My exercise is impressive... If I can toot my own horn a bit... I'm having a hard time trusting my body and believing in myself.

Can you get past the hump by focusing on other kinds of goals?

I haven't hit that stage yet, but when I lost weight before I got stalled around 135-140 (I think I lost my motivation a bit). I took something of a break and ate at maintenance (I wasn't counting, but that was the effect) and then decided to worry less about my weight and more about just sticking with my eating plan and pursuing some fitness goals (triathlon training). Pretty quickly after that I started losing again, but it was the new goals that got me motivated again.

I know you are already running and lifting, but maybe decide to focus on improving your performance in some way and just not thinking about the weight so much for a few weeks.

rides4sanity

I measure progress multiple ways... Weight, measurements, performance... If one is sucking there is usually something that is doing well. If I'm not dropping pounds, I may be dropping inches or I may be hitting new PR's... The scale has never been my friend, but I still track it because it is the first indication that I'm slacking when my gain goes beyond normal fluctuation...

Good luck...

My internal mantra for when things are not going my way... Chose to make today better than yesterday. Tomorrow you will thank yourself.