Staying motivated without exercise?

I_am_katy

I recently ruptured my ACL and am still waiting from the physio to get the all clear to go back into the gym (I only just had the operation a few days ago) but even before the op, I found it really hard to be motivated to eat healthily without exercising.

Prior to the accident, I found if I exercised in the morning, I could motivate myself to be healthy for the rest of the day, but without that morning exercise, I'm really struggling and have fallen into bad habits.

As soon as I can, I'm going to get back to the gym but I want to get on top of the bad eating now, any tops to stay motivated?

Thankyou!

And anyone else feel free to post who also struggles to stay motivated, hopefully all together we can do it!

Vansy

It's going to take some mental strength to tell yourself "no". I understand the feeling though, I feel like I eat MUCH better on days when I work out! My suggestion would be to just stay away from the bad stuff -- i.e., don't go out to eat, don't drink, don't keep junk food in the house, etc. And try to remember that you want to continue losing weight even though you can't exercise right now; that way when you are able to exercise you're not having to start ALL over.

lilgemforgets

I have tendonitis and am finding it tough! TBH i have been going to the gym and just doing light weight non weight bearing stuff such as cycling. The truth is though that is just making it worse. I am going to have to stop which i am dreading! i too find it really hard to keep motivated when i cant exercise. If you discover anything that helps please let me know!!

supplemama

My 17 year old son just went through this! He tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. His surgery was on June 14th, and he just got cleared to go off crutches. He still has to wear a knee brace for another month. It was very hard for him because he is used to being very active. The first couple of weeks were the worst. I know it's frustrating to not be able to exercise!

I_am_katy

Yeah I do try and stay away from the bad stuff but unfortunately I'm still at home and I have 2 little sisters who are both very active and at school so the cupboard is full of their school food which isn't always the healthiest option

I do remember reading somewhere that apparently looking at yourself in the mirror every couple of days or once a week or something and just visualising how you want to be is supposed to help? tbh the idea sounds a little scary...

Unfortunately I think I have to do what you suggested and just learn to say 'no'

anels449

I'm recently getting over a knee injury which put me out of exercising commission for 5 weeks. It was certainly a struggle (and still is) to stay motivated. I was stuck on the couch for almost 4 weeks unable to move without some sort of pain and it's only been recently that I've been able to walk without crutches. My biggest help has been my friends on here actually. Seeing them log healthy food and exercise daily makes me want to get back at it and continue trying instead of just giving up. It's been a really frustrating and painful time and they've really helped me through it.

Swissmiss

Are you able to exercise parts of your body not affected by your injury? You would be exercising, and hopefully getting motivated to eat right in the process. Am I thinking correctly...the ACL is in the knee?

I_am_katy

Yes, the ACL is in my knee so there's not really any excuse for me not to do other parts, I could do some simply upper body stuff at home in the morning and set myself up for the rest of the day

kakklespakkle

Hi I_am_Katy, I am Kate.
I've been ill for two and a half weeks with a nasty virus. I know it's not the same and I should be better soon (hopefully! - third doctors visit later today as I seem to be getting worse again...) but I really understand how difficult it is to stay motivated without logging that daily exercise. It's been driving me crazy, I was doing so well and now I am stuck in limbo, overeating all the time because I feel so ill and weak and hoping and praying my weight doesn't go up again. I was really active before and now it's a strain to even try and walk my dog. Without my exercise cals I feel I am always struggling (or failing) to stay at my daily calorie level. Sorry, I know this is not helping you, I just wanted you to know that I really feel your pain and understand how hard it is. Much love xxx

ZugTheMegasaurus

Really think about it every time you go to put something in your mouth. Ask yourself, "Why am I eating this? What do I want out of it? What are the real effects of this kind of choice? How am I going to feel about this later?" If it's something that you probably shouldn't have, just reminding yourself of that and why it won't help you reach your goals could help you put it down.

For me, this is pretty much foolproof. If I face what I'm doing and am honest with myself about it, then most of the time, I don't eat it and I feel good about the choice. On the occasions that I actually do think that the food is worth it, then I don't feel guilty about eating it because I've already weighed my options and made a rational decision.