Honeymoon is over........ Now for "Real Life"

BTDT! There were a couple of things that helped me.

First, acknowledgement: I wrote it out and posted it on a message board I frequent, as well as here. There was something about simply admitting that this was hard that I found very helpful.

Second, I thought about where I would be in a year if I stopped. Since I've been down this path before, and have ended back at the beginning, I thought about how I could make that different. The obvious answer is DON'T QUIT. I also allowed myself a short break. We went on vacation this summer, and I decided I just wasn't going to worry about it. "Normal" people without a weight problem go on vacation and indulge, then get right back on track. Why was this something I was beating myself up about?

It's helped me keep going :-) Remember this is a life change.

It's often not the routine that brings you closer to your goal but the change. Change your diet, your program, your approach if you get bored. You will see soon enough what works and what does not.

well I'm only 3 months in. And I only found this site about 2 months ago. The one thing that keeps me going so far is setting several goals that I am actively trying to meet on a monthly basis and tracking my progress. I use the lilyslim weightloss tickers to track all of my progress.

My goals for Sept:
*Lose 13 lbs. 7 down, 6 to go
*Burn 55,000 calories. About 31,000 down and 14,000 to go (can't remember the exact number off the top of my head)
*Do 60 hours of cardio this month. 39 done, 21 to go
*Do 120 miles in Sept. (various methods. elliptical, cycling, walking, jogging, rowing, etc) 107 done, 13 to go

I also take measurements so I see the difference even when the scale is being a jerk. Lost over 9 inches from Aug-Sept. Can't wait to measure again Oct. 1st

good luck, you are doing great. failure is just not an option, so hang in there!

I have been doing this for the last 675 days. What made it possible for me was moderation in all things. Moderate calories deficit, moderate exercises. Anything else make me burn out fast.

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” ~Unknown

First of all, 100 days in is an excellent start on the commitment battle. The real reality though comes, like you said, when the honeymoon stage is over. The truth is there will be times when the motivation is not there. Learn to separate motivation from commitment. Tell yourself what you WILL do. "Just Do It!" (Like the Nike Commercial says).

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ~Jim Rohn

Treat it like you would brushing your teeth. It's just another thing you do. Take the emotion out of it. Easier said than done. This takes constant active reflection, time and perseverance.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~Zig Ziglar

Motivation is something you have to constantly stoke the fire to keep it burning. You have to work at it. This comes differently for everyone. Some days, all the trying just doesn't drive it. That's when you fall back on the commitment to yourself.

Here are some things that help me put some motivation back into the day (oh and by the way, I needed this post today):
*support from others
*pep talk to myself
*reflecting on how far I've come and where I want to go next
*making mini goals
*brief change in activities
*talking and reading about fitness
*looking at motivational quotes
*taking progress pictures
*planning a recreational fitness day
*trying new healthy foods
*talking myself INTO stuff instead of out of stuff

“Most people fail, not because of lack of desire, but, because of lack of commitment.” ~Vince Lombardi

This is important. Motivation does wax and wane and you do have to work at it but the bottom line really lies in commitment. That doesn't mean you won't have setbacks. Keep plodding along. Fake it until you make it.

Just got back from my honeymoon a few days ago and gained 7 pounds. The scale was really enough motivation for me though. I just got to kick-start the habit again.

Yeah...I fell off the wagon, resulting in me gaining 20 of the 30 lbs I had worked really hard to lose. I logged for over 150 days, exercised almost everyday, motivating my husband to do the same. Now I'm back, because all my clothes are tight, I just feel miserable, and I want to acheive my goal of 50 lbs lost... I may fall off again, but hey if I catch it 10 lbs lower then where I started the last time, I'm okay with that. I've learned that weight loss/exercising is something I'm always going to have to work at. Motivation from those around me is typically low, and I'm always having to resist those delicious cakes and doughnuts that are brought into work. It's just a part of life I have to deal with.