the "getting started blues"

wallerinaprincess

Yep I got em. What did everyone do the first couple weeks to keep at it? Its easier once you lose like 10 or more because, when you have a bad day you can say, "well at least Ive come this far, I can go more". But you members who have lost, what did you do to keep on track in the very beginning?

lbpw

i basically just kept reminding myself that this was something that was going to make me soo happy and if i can just stick with it for a month ill see a difference. and then after that month i told myself i made it that far and it wasnt so difficult so i know i can push myself more. then after a few months it became a routine and i didnt think twice about it. now that im pretty much done my motivation is wayyy down again but im trying to work on that. just keep telling yourself that your strong and can do this and you will see a change. you can do it!

PJilly

Yep I got em. What did everyone do the first couple weeks to keep at it? Its easier once you lose like 10 or more because, when you have a bad day you can say, "well at least Ive come this far, I can go more". But you members who have lost, what did you do to keep on track in the very beginning?

What I do is decide what it is I need to do for the next week, and then I commit to doing it. I look at my schedule first and make sure what I'm committing to is reasonable and doable, yet challenging. Then I do it. It's pretty much that simple.

kaytbognar

I try and focus on the things i like about the changes I'm making and things I can look forward to. I just did some initial testing for strength training and at first I was pretty disheartened by how poorly I did. I came back to my numbers a few hours later and started designing my plan for strength training and felt a little better. Looking at the number of reps and sets I'd doled out for myself each workout, I realized how managable the routine will hopefully be and how it really won't take ALL that long for me to start getting stronger. Six weeks may feel like a lot on paper or in my head, but it'll fly by before I know it.

Plus, I try and take stock of other accomplishments I've had. Today, after only a week and a half of swimming drills, I felt like a champ doing sprints in the pool. I kept my time down, pushed myself to give my all, and didn't let myself get discouraged even when I felt myself losing a little steam.

Also, if the scale is giving you no encouragement, try taking you measurements. You may be losing inches without realizing!

You can do this! I know it's hard not to get the blues, but try and find that silver lining and hopefully tomorrow will seems like a brighter day.

BrenNew

Yep I got em. What did everyone do the first couple weeks to keep at it? Its easier once you lose like 10 or more because, when you have a bad day you can say, "well at least Ive come this far, I can go more". But you members who have lost, what did you do to keep on track in the very beginning?

In my own case, I really never expected MFP to work. :noway: I just figured it'd be like all the other "diets" I'd tried over the years. Much to my surprise though, I guess all I really needed was to see EXACTLY how much I was putting into my mouth, because I started steadily losing. Let me tell you, the daily diary/log is SUCH an eye opener! :noway: I had no idea how "bad" I was being, when I really didn't think I ate that much at all! I started working with my numbers by making better food choices and getting in some exercise, and the weight slowly started coming off! Once I realized that I COULD actually DO IT this time, lose ALL the weight that I wanted to, I lowered my goal to where I really wanted to be. It took me about 8 months, but, I did it! And if I CAN do it, ANYONE CAN! :laugh:

BrendaLee

I was very motivated when I first started, and was so happy to have found MFP. I was enjoying logging everything, enjoying the exercise, enjoying eating healthy for the first time in years. It got harder for me as time went on.

weaklink109

I agree with BrenNew. I always thought I was "watching it" but still kept gaining.:brokenheart: When I did some research, I learned that people who log their calories and track their exercise are more successful at losing, and when they follow a program of moderation, rather than extremes they are more likely to KEEP the weight OFF, I was lucky enough to find MFP, :drinker: and the rest is history.

If you are a couch potato, find a cardio activity that you like and try to do it every day. I enjoy walking, so that is what I have been doing. At first, walking was all I really felt up to tackling. Now that I am at a more flexible and manageable size, I will start strength training in the New Year, as I know I need to tone up, especially my thighs and mid section.

Take things one day at a time. Don't deprive yourself. P-L-A-N your food intake so you can enjoy foods you like in moderation that maybe aren't as "healthy" as other options. If you are surrounded by family and they are not supportive, or disinterested in your efforts, don't use it as a reason to sabotage your efforts. You can gain lots of support and info from your friends on MFP.

Good luck. It will get easier, and keep track of your sodium intake and DRINK your WATER. :drinker: :drinker: It does help.