I’ve faltered- Please tell me it’s not a disaster!?

chezmoss

Hi I’m Cher, ive had great results with MFP over the last 16 weeks – logged in, worked out and been disciplined with food. Dropped 2/3 dress sizes, lost 24lbs and changed my body composition for the better.

The last week I’ve not had the energy or enthusiasm, I’ve had a break from the intensity. The last 4 days I totally abstained from exercise which is unprecedented of late and eaten what I like- some might even call it a binge!

My observations are:-
• I’ve already put on 4 lbs! eek! Really, in 4 days! OMG!
• My scales say it’s all muscle (from what I’ve eaten, I know its not!) Why is that?
• I feel bloated and lethargic!
• I feel guilty!
• Wonder where my focus has gone?
• When it’s going to come back?
I still don’t feel ready to get back on the exercise at the same intensity I have been but think some light exercise will get the blood flowing again.
Any new friends with advise, encouragement or to help me get back in the saddle would be appreciated!

sarahrichards81

Hi Cher

Amazing achievement on losing so much already so don't be disheartened.

Please please get back on it as soon as you can though - at the end of last summer I was in the best shape of my life after training for an open water swim. Once I'd finished the swim I gave myself a week off. Well, that week turned into 4 months and post Christmas I'd put on 14 lbs. I just wish I'd given myself a kick up the bum sooner because I'm back to square one. The fact that you've recognised it early one means that it won't happen to you.

I'm no expect but to get back on the wagon I personally would do the following:

1) Draw a line under the last 4 days, right now.
2) Sit down and work out what your all time favourite healthy foods are for each meal - plan to 'treat' yourself with these for the next few days (even if they are the expensive ones that you can't have all the time)
3) Think about your exercising - which bits did you most enjoy? Focus on those for the next few days. I doubt you will have lost that much conditioning in 4 days (unless a binge means smoking 20 cigarettes and drinking gallons of wine)
4) Get out photos of you from before MFP and think about whether you want to be that person, or the person you were 4 days ago.
5) Find a buddy near you who wants to achieve the same thing - it really does help to keep you focussed.

Please please please don't despair. You've obviously got alot of commitment to achieve what you have in the last 4 months, so write-off the last 4 days and keep up the good work.

You CAN do it.

Sarah

chezmoss

Hi Sarah

Firstly thank you for taking the time to reply- it was just what I needed. Your advise was great as it reminding me what i'd achieved.

You will be pleased to know i made it to the gym for spinning and Pilates last night and have been on the bike for an hour today. I'm back on the exercise! Damage limitation.

i guess i deserved the break and probably needed the rest before I got back on it again, with enthusiasm.

Thanks once again
Cher