I've gotten a little lost - need to get back on track

mbeth21

I need some help getting back on track. I'm largely doing this weight loss on my own, not a lot of in person support. I tend to log in and track my food for a week and then stop and then start up again and stop.

Any hints, tips and tricks for getting back on track and staying there for longer than a week or 2?

jenniferlynn2477

I do everything from my phone pretty much and always keep it handy so i can normally scan the foods i'm eating. I figure this way I know exactly how many calories I'm eating and what I'm doing in the way of losing weight. Motivation for me is the fact I want to lose the weight and I've lost a little over 25 pounds so far and can tell a difference in how my clothes fit and how I look in the mirror. I've got a long way to go, but seeing what these 25 pounds coming off has looked like makes me keep working at it. Sometimes it sucks when I look at what other people are eating and they're thin, but over the last few years I put this weight on and I didn't think about what I ate. It took me this long to put the weight on and I know it won't come off overnight.

hippychickuk

I notice that you've been on the site nearly a year, and that you only have 6 friends. One thing that keeps me going, and keeps me honest, are the friends I have. Everytime I've logged in for another 5 straight days, I get lots of congrats! When I've logged my food for the day, and I'm under my goal, more wtg messages! And because people are so nice to me that way, I do the same for them. Add me as a friend if you like, and find some more friends -- twins are great! this community will come through for you!

kelseyhere

First thing is you have to remember that weight loss is a long, slow and difficult process. Many people give up after a week or two because they haven't seen results yet. I was the same as you when I started MFP, pretty flaky. Once I started taking this site seriously, I had results in about a month.

I also don't have much in-person support, I get all the support I need on this site. Find some MFP friends with similar body types and goals, and who enjoy the same types of fitness activities as you. When some of my friends brag about walking their dog or going hiking, it motivates me. Especially when I know that some of them are single moms, or have three young kids at home, it's an extra kick in the butt. If they can do it, so can I! I'm also naturally competitive so when I see someone who has logged for 90 days straight, it makes me want to try that much harder to do the same.

Start by setting yourself a goal- maybe something like "I will log for 30 days straight." Check off your calendar every single day, and if you miss a day go back and fill it in as much as you can remember. Make sure to tell your MFP friends about your goal too so they can help keep you accountable. Once you've gotten past the first month, it will start to become habit. Another way to help keep yourself on track is to pick a fitness goal. Maybe sign up for a 5k or something like that in your area so you have to train.

If you like reading I'll suggest the book called "The Oz Principle." It's really directed towards business but it's all about accountability, holding yourself accountable and how to make that happen. I had to read it for my job but found it even more helpful in my personal life, especially when it comes to being accountable about food and fitness.

spynoodle

Me too. I just got back from vacation on Monday and can't seem to get back on track with workouts and eating right.

Plus, I'm going through some stuff now that has me depressed. I kinda want to just say "Eff it!"

buzzcogs

Log everyday not matter how "painful" (i.e. you slipped and cheated, etc). You will get in the habit of logging everyday. Log honestly, it will help you get into the habit of eating right and exercising. Post as well. For me the feedback from MFP peeps is what keeps me going!

laurienkids2

Feel free to add me, we can keep each other going...I'm fairly new at this & can always use some extra motivation from friends. :-)