Overwhelmed

I have about 90-100 lbs to lose. Sometimes it just seems very overwhelming and like I'll never get there.

A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step. I had that much to lose less than a year ago. It really is a daunting task when you think about it. But if it's too much to handle try breaking it up into smaller numbers. Set goals that are closer, like just losing 5-10 lbs and then seeing if you can lose more after that. There isn't a race or any time frame you need to have it done by unless you want that for yourself so there is no hurry.

For me personally I just know if I'd given up and not started I'd be heavier than I was, instead of 70lbs lighter and over half way to my goal, and I'm glad I kept going and didn't give up And I know that when I do finally get to my goal it will be worth it.

First, try not to think in terms of a deadline. There's no reason to rush. The weight will come off in time, just like making house/car payments until the loan is paid off. Yes, the mortgage/loan is a huge number if you think about the amount owed, but the monthly amount is (usually) pretty affordable and not so scary, yes? So instead of thinking, "Oh my god. I have to lose 100 pounds," think of it as, "I'm going to lose 8-10 pounds per month until I'm finished."

It also helps to make some mini-goals. They'll give you a sense of achievement and something fun to aim for. It helps me keep my mind off the big number. If you look at my ticker, you'll see my goal weight is 299. That's not my ultimate goal; it's a short-term goal to get under 300 pounds. Seeing a ticker with 20-something pounds to go is a lot more encouraging than seeing a ticker with 160-some pounds to go. Once I reach 299, I'll change the ticker goal weight to 275 or 250, depending on how I feel then.

I also have some "fun" mini-goals. Examples: when I weigh 275, I'm going to buy a plane ticket because I'll be small enough to fit in one seat again. When I get under 200, I'm going to buy a ticket to Cedar Point because I'll be small enough to ride coasters again. Stuff like that.

My problem is my impatience! If I have a bad week or day, I used to get discouraged. I am trying to: 1. only think of smaller goals- right now all I can think about is 20 lbs. 2. When I feel discouraged I'm saying to myself-"Get mad, get determined, not discouraged!" I was on a week long plateau, (the MFP community gave me great support!), even when I was exercising like crazy & under my calories every day. I changed my exercise a little and upped my calories a little. SO glad I didn't give up, I lost 3 lbs.!! Good luck to you,

I can abolutely relate to your feelings. I have 100lbs to lose as well. The previous posters are all right - don't rush yourself, set smaller goals, keep at it.

For me, the nuts and bolts of this journey haven't been eating right and exercising. I know how to do those things and if you think about it, eating healthy really isn't that hard. The kicker for me has been changing my relationship with food. The saying "Live to eat or eat to live" rings true. Before, I lived to eat...I loved to eat. I ate for any reason I could think of! Sadness, joy, boredom - you name it. I've had to not only uncover the emotions behind my eating habits, but actually face them head on. It's not always easy and sometimes I don't do well. When I changed my perspective and realized this journey is about more than weight loss, the patience I gave myself increased tremendously.

What's also helped me is to keep track of non-scale victories. I've been keeping track of body fat percentage lost and each month that total gets bigger! I look at things like my overall energy, self-confidence, being able to lift my handicapped child without feeling like I'm going into cardiac arrest, not feeling so sluggish all the time, clothing fitting better and sleeping soundly. When we tie ourselves to the number the scale flashes, it's easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed.

Be good to yourself through this. Set realistic goals. Understand that this is a journey of progress, not perfection.

And remember one thing: you have value and purpose in this life. You are worth every drop of sweat, every victory - big or small.

The hurried mental timeline that keeps popping up in my head has to go too but it's hard when you have the yo-yo diet mentality for so long. However, that mentality got me smaller for a couple months and then bigger than I started.

I agree with what everyone else has said - take it small chunks at a time. I counsel people on this topic all the time and my answer is always the same:

1. Choose YOUR why. Why do you want to do this? It has to be important to YOU. Doesn't matter what society, your friends, or your family say to you - it has to be for you. Your dreams must be stronger than your excuses.

2. Don't think of this as a D-I-E-T. This is a lifestyle change and it's for a healthier version of you. As you mentioned, that "yo-yo" mindset is going to just keep you going down and then further back up on your weight. Learn about and then take small changes in your nutritional habits. A good nutrition plan is always about moderation, never about depriving yourself.

Start somewhere and move on from there. It'll take time, but you will get there. Slow and steady wins the race!

Let me know if you need help!

Mel