How to stay on track?

TerrorMayor

Or get motivated in the first place? I think I'm motivated, I'm definitely ready to lose the weight...I just can NEVER stay dedicated. My boyfriend is the WORST diet buddy. We live together, and it's hard to watch him eat pizza and Chipotle when I'm eating a carrot, so I usually just give in and get what he gets. It's also hard to "go dieting" when let's face it, healthy alternatives are EXPENSIVE. We are two college kids on a MAJOR budget.
My knees are bad, which make running nearly impossible. They give up or flare up so often any kind of cardio is hard for me.
Can anyone help me?! Please, I'm open to just about anything!
Thanks!

mgobluetx12

How about just plain walking? Easier on the knees and just as effective as running for weight loss. If that's too tough, just focus on strength training. Get some hand weights or use water bottles or jugs and do some of the Fitness Blender weight routines on YouTube. You don't have to do cardio to lose weight if it hurts too bad.

As far as eating goes, it would be in your best interest to start cooking at home. Let your bf eat junk and fast food and you prepare and eat something healthy and satisfying. There are lots of good websites out there like www.skinnytaste.com and www.emilybites.com that have tons of easy, delicious recipes that don't cost a lot to make. I buy chicken breasts on sale and freeze them. If you can't afford an ingredient, then just skip it. I bet if you start cooking, he's going to start wanting to eat your food rather than what he's getting out. You have to do this for yourself and not let what your bf does affect your ability to get healthy. Just recommit to this lifestyle every single morning and remember why you're doing this in the first place.

TerrorMayor

Thank you so much, I can't believe I never even thought about weightlifting! Or pilates... And a friend of mine had actually suggested eating in a separate room from him xD Thank you so much! Truly inspiring

sovannac

You have to have the right frame of mind. I live with my boyfriend too and he can eat just about anything and not gain weight and there have been plenty of times when I wanted to give in and start eating what he ate but I would always stop and think of how much I truly wanted it. Healthy alternatives aren't that expensive as long as you plan ahead. Getting a bunch of apples can cost the same if not cheaper than a bag or chips. Pizza, Chiptole and other fast foods add up and hurt your wallet and your waist line. Honestly, menu planning is essential to success.

As for exercise, try some workout DVDs. A lot of people have had a lot of success with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, Yoga and Pilates. Walking will also help. As long as you try, you're going to get results.

ninerbuff

Or get motivated in the first place? I think I'm motivated, I'm definitely ready to lose the weight...I just can NEVER stay dedicated. My boyfriend is the WORST diet buddy. We live together, and it's hard to watch him eat pizza and Chipotle when I'm eating a carrot, so I usually just give in and get what he gets. It's also hard to "go dieting" when let's face it, healthy alternatives are EXPENSIVE. We are two college kids on a MAJOR budget.
My knees are bad, which make running nearly impossible. They give up or flare up so often any kind of cardio is hard for me.
Can anyone help me?! Please, I'm open to just about anything!
Thanks!

IMO, a motivated person overcomes the obstacles that stand in their way. If you can't stay dedicated, then you're not motivated enough. You may desire greatly, but that's not the same as being motivated. Just being honest here.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Chibea

I don't stay on track all the time, but what helps me get myself in check is the food diary in here. Tonight I was starting a binge, but got on here and entered what I had eaten already into my diary. Somehow seeing the results in black and white .....and red in my calories and fats categories..made me stop and put back the stuff I had planned to finish off..
I set the diary to track fiber, sodium and potassium instead of the protein and whatever was originally in there. That helps me too because I can see how I am hurting my body when those nutrients aren't at good levels.
Most important - keep trying. If you aren't perfect, its okay. Everyone is struggling with their motivation or something similar and the ones that succeed are the ones who just keep working at it no matter what challenges come along.

srcardinal10

20 healthy dinners under $3

http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/dinner/cheap-heart-healthy-dinner-ideas/#page=6


Buy a crock pot and find recipes online.


Just some suggestions. I've been BROKE and in college too. How I battle my skinny bf that can eat whatever? I cook for us whenever possible so it forces both of us to eat healthy.

RECowgill

Just my bits of advice, ignore me if you want:

If you really want it you will do it for yourself. You can make it happen, you need to find it in yourself to not care about what others do including and especially your significant other. Remember, this is about you.

Get into this stuff in every way- exercise, weightlifting, food, become a real nerd about it. Then talk your boyfriend's ear off about it... the value of omega 3's, the dangers of a high sodium diet, the workouts you did today, the workouts you'll try next week, next month. What you learned, what you read. If he really cares about you he'll want to hear it, at least some of the time. And in the process you'll start to ween him off his bad habits by example. Be the example for him.

Do weight training. As a fat person its one of the best ways to lose weight and get really healthy. Adding more muscle will burn more fat long term and efficiently. Replacing fat with muscle will keep you from yoyo'ing, you can avoid fad diets and the problems of being thin and unhealthy. You will look better, feel better, have a clearer mind and sense of self. I can't recommend it enough.

That's it. I hope that helps and good luck! :drinker:

SnowDog16

My husband eats what he wants most of the time too. I have to want better for myself. I am doing this for me and no one else. I also have bad knees and hate the thought of running. I am walking with the dog. I am keeping track of my food. This is my first week here and so far I like the food tracking. Also know you do not have to be super good all of the time. I heard of the 80/20 rule. I am going to be good most of the time about my eating and exercise and not beat myself up if a eat out or did not get in my walk. For me it is a life change and I am going to eat a piece of cake now and then, not the whole cake. Stay on track most of the time.

fatjavotte

I've got to have treats in the house for my children and my (skinny) husband. It is hard to resist but I usually manage to by putting biscuits, chocolates etc. in boxes so that having one is a conscious act (having to open the cupboard, take a box out and open the box tends to break the impulse for me).
As for meals, I make a healthy meal for the whole family (usually lean meat with a vegetable-based sauce) and my husband and children are free to add pasta, bread, cheese, etc. It is easier than making two meals.