For those with a lot to lose, how do you stay motivated?

purpleipod

A little background on myself: I've lost and gained 186 pounds total over my life (give or take some). I'm only 26 years old. My last round of weight loss I lost 56 pounds and got down below 200 pounds. Since I've lost that I've gained every bit of it back + about 10 pounds.

How do those of you with a lot to lose stay motivated? I've gotten down into the 190s twice now, and gained the weight back both times! That seems to be my breaking point where I just say "screw it, this is too difficult", even though I feel and look so much better!

I don't understand what's wrong with me

AceDuddyMegaa

if your diet is too extreme and you cant wait to get to your goal weight so you can get off of it then your chances of maintaining the weight are slim. fitness isnt temporary so never be satisfied push your limits. indulge every once in a while to keep yourself sane

Daisy80

I always wanted too much too fast and every time I fell of the wagon eventually. I just wanted it all at once and put too much on my plate (quite literally). I felt like I had to work out like crazy and stick to silly diets.
Now I have found exercise that I enjoy ( Jillian Michaels) and a very easy diet (South Beach) and this is all I am doing. Yes I could probably exercise more than just doing Ripped in 30 but I feel happy and I feel I can manage the routine. Now I just said to myself to be happy with a pound or two loss a week and accept that it is going to take me till next spring to reach my goal but I will reach it comfortably without killing myself.

Maybe try and find an exercise routine that makes you happy (I recommend Jillian) and find a way of eating that is healthy but easy to stick to and see this as your new way of living. The weight will gradually come off!

Not sure if this is any help but it has helped me...

All the best!
Daisy

Lupiemomma30

Try setting small goals instead of one huge one. Set a goal of maybe 10lbs and then set a time frame for you to keep those 10 lbs off. Then do another 10 lbs. it'll be slower but you're more likely to keep the weight off if you go slow and steady.

ansonrinesmith

if your diet is too extreme and you cant wait to get to your goal weight so you can get off of it then your chances of maintaining the weight are slim. fitness isnt temporary so never be satisfied push your limits. indulge every once in a while to keep yourself sane

THIS!
Your weight loss has to be something you can live with. I had the same problem with Atkins. I lost 60lbs but couldn't live with it. Since then I've just started eating healthier and exercise. More pounds off and more to go!

jhardenbergh

if your diet is too extreme and you cant wait to get to your goal weight so you can get off of it then your chances of maintaining the weight are slim. fitness isnt temporary so never be satisfied push your limits. indulge every once in a while to keep yourself sane

I have done numerous extreme attempts to lose weight, it wasn't until being in a medical monitored program that made me fully understand that this isn't a short trip but a long neverending journey. Yes, you can increase the amounts you eat from when you lose weight to when you are maintaining the loss, but it's gonna be a constant struggle and the more you do it, the more it becomes natural and second nature. Until I got the mental support the program provided, it was all fails.