Hey GUYS! Where do you get your motivation to lose weight?

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Replies

  • stylelush646
    stylelush646 Posts: 44 Member
    I think for anyone no matter if you have to lose 5lbs or 100lbs, its hard to stay motivated. Sure, we have countless reasons as to why we want to lose the pounds but theres always a defining moment where you really stick to it. I've tried countless times and this time around I'm actually doing it! I think whatever I thought of that day, its somehow in my brain (in my subconcious) so whenever I pick up a fattening treat or whatnot my brain is telling me NO! I never had that, of course dedication has a lot do with it and sticking to a goal. Just like you study for a test you have to study for your body just to get all the answers right. you might get stuck a few times and you may get it wrong but you keep at it to try to solve the problem. Hope this serves u well. God bless and just tell yoour self everyday, today i am going to make better choices and care for my body. :)
  • angela828
    angela828 Posts: 498 Member
    looking at wedding dresses does it for me EVERYTIME.

    Also - I think about how bad I felt everytime I gained weight and saw my friends or family members... now that I lose weight every time I see them I feel fabulous. I never want that bad feeling again. I'm finally learning to love my body and my self and that is enough for me.

    Of course, there are days I have no motivation (mostly Saturdays and Sundays haha) and if I decide not to work and eat badly.. well so be it. Monday is always a new day.
  • Dtrmnd86
    Dtrmnd86 Posts: 406 Member
    I just think about how many times I've failed and how bad I really want it this time. Plus, keeping "fat" pictures of myself around helps. I also put on my computer screen "A Year From Now, You Will Wish You Had Started Today" - It really helps because I got off track back in February and I realized that if I kept going, I would be 10 lbs from my goal weight right now. Instead, I'm 46. It's all mental. you just have to want to lose weight bad enough that all those "temptations" aren't anywhere near tempting anymore. Remember that by sticking with your food plan, you aren't losing out on certain foods (like ordering a salad instead of a burger), you're gaining weight loss and willpower. It all comes in time.
  • kfitz10103
    kfitz10103 Posts: 354
    I read motivation quotes I have and I also look at old pictures of me. Not ones when I was skinny, but the one I saw on facebook when I realized I was 253 lbs and looked like CRAP! That reminds me where I was and keeps me motivated to stay on track to not go back there.
  • tevez032
    tevez032 Posts: 47 Member
    I had an epiphany (of the non-religious kind) when my youngest son was rushed back into hospital with complications after an operation. Since sitting in A&E for 7 hours that night i've given up booze, am getting fit and I'm an alround better person. You only get one life. Make the most of it!
  • bearsfan2334
    bearsfan2334 Posts: 137
    I keep coming to these message boards when I get discouraged. I really like reading about other people and what they are doing in their struggle to continue to lose weight. I think my favorite part are the Before and After pictures - they keep me going!!
  • Fochizzy
    Fochizzy Posts: 505 Member
    I remember that I want to wear my grandmother's dress when I get married.
    I remember that my fiance would LOVE it
    I look at pictures of myself from high school (I was damn thin back then and did not even have to try)
    I tell everyone so that they can hold me accountable
    I remember that this is not optional.
  • LondonLad
    LondonLad Posts: 31
    I have a one year planner on my bathroom wall with my weekly, monthly and 3 month goals marked on it. My goals are obviously weight reduction but also waist reduction as well.

    I check my weight every morning and mark the planner accordingly.

    Childish I know but if I make a goal I mark that day with a gold star.

    The planner is 3 feet high and 4 feet wide.

    Anyone using the bathroom can see it and I dont want to fail myself or my family.
  • baisleac
    baisleac Posts: 2,019 Member
    I walk into the bathroom in the morning and look in the mirror (sleep in the buff) and it always motivates me for the day.

    Also... I have my before and after pictures as my computer desktop (before = fit & healthy, after = highest weight).
  • cobaltis
    cobaltis Posts: 191 Member
    I found that the begining was the hardest to break my old routines and food cravings. Your body will adjust and stop craving high calorie foods as much when deprived of them for time. I used to tell my self that giving in once would undo everything. I was tough on myself due to my motivation that led me to lose weight... Anyway I now just plan out my protein for the day basically then eat whatever else I want if it fits into my calories.

    To maintain my motivation I try to check out bodybuilding.com daily and suround myself with inspirational friends on there. Looking at the physiques of where I want to be helps me a lot.
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    I've got two words for you: goal pants.
  • prettyash76
    prettyash76 Posts: 117
    I think about getting back into my too small clothes and this pair of cargo capris i never had a chance to wear.
  • Chubby_bunnyy
    Chubby_bunnyy Posts: 50 Member
    Skinny girls, people I don't want to look like, a bit of self hatred lol, and also I wouldn't fit all the small small clothes I just bought
  • agent300
    agent300 Posts: 73
    Each of us has within us the ability to be what and who we want....you just have to decide. Now go do it!

    xo

    exactly. everything is a choice.
  • sbarrett7171
    sbarrett7171 Posts: 65 Member
    Do jumping jacks in front of the mirror while nude. That usually pisses me off enough to not want to blow it.
  • michellemariescott
    michellemariescott Posts: 26 Member
    I started counting calories in March, lost 18 lbs and then hit a summer wall of bbq's, lime beer and white wine spritzers. I haven't gained any weight for the last 2 months, but haven't lost any either. I am finding it very difficult to get back on the wagon and start tracking my food again even though I have another 15 lbs to lose.
    All these comments are helpful reminders of the mindset i need to return to!
  • fitnesspirateninja
    fitnesspirateninja Posts: 667 Member
    Man...I was doing so well until about a month ago and then all my motivation totally crapped out on me. I had lost 37 pounds and felt great. I don't know what happened!

    I gave myself a little bit of a break with tracking and now I'm getting back in the swing of things. I am motivated by my health. I don't want to put myself at risk for preventable illnesses. I've watched my dad's health deteriorate at a rapid rate and he's young. Also, I just feel better when I'm taking care of myself. I've felt like crap since I fell out of my routine. Feeling comfortable in my body is a big motivator.
  • i_love_vinegar
    i_love_vinegar Posts: 2,092 Member
    I look at tiny ANIME CHARACTERS (Yeah, I know I am weird lol. It helps though :laugh:).

    Also, every once and a while (I remember my dreams vividly almost every night), I have a dream where I wake up and I am TINY (I become smaller, AND shorter -- I like being short and have actually shrunk this year)! I become extremely excited and can't wait to try on my clothes and look cute...I then think about what I am going to buy and feel so excited. :wink:

    Also, when I go out in public and look at my legs jiggle. :embarassed: That always inspires me
  • sd892310
    sd892310 Posts: 151
    My daughter, i dont want her growing up with an unhealthy mum and thinking it is ok to eat whatever you want whenever you want. My partner, i want to be as attractive to him as i can be. Past pictures of me at my highest weight. MFP - is great these boards are so supportive and everyone elses success is such great motivation. Looking in the mirror does it for me too! When i see slim girls in their fitted jeans/shorts/dresses etc, i just think "yep thats what i want to be"
  • bethy0316
    bethy0316 Posts: 75
    I look at pics of skinny girls I am jealous of ... and I know that with a little hard work I can be that.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I get my motivation because I was tired of letting myself go. I was tired of making excuses as to why I was fat, and watching the numbers on my pants get higher and higher.

    Now that I've started going to the gym and eating better, i'm addicted. I'm addicted to the muscles that are showing in my legs and arms and back. I'm addicted to the fact that when I wave or walk my arms and legs don't jiggle as much. I'm addicted to the fact that a size 10 which was way tight months ago, now needs to have the waist altered.. and even that is getting to be too big!

    There is motivation all around you... don't be afraid to use it!
  • The memory of a couple of attacks of angyna last year and 24 hours in hospital attached to a heart monitor keep me motivated!
  • DrHDLM
    DrHDLM Posts: 43 Member
    Get an Emo to tell you how ugly he or she thinks you are (even if is not true)
  • ZebraHead
    ZebraHead Posts: 15,207 Member
    It comes from inside. No external motivation tool will work. You have to 'want' it for yourself.

    You are the only one around when the food hits the plate!
    You are the only one with your hand on the fork!
    You are the only one who can kick your own *kitten*!
    You are strong, you have will, you demand, you will succeed.

    All of your friends on MFP are here to support you! But in the end only you can help yourself. You know this already, but it's easy to lie to ourselves. We've all done it.

    Now - Go kick your *kitten* and get it done!

    "Strength is a matter of the made-up mind." - John Beecher
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