I'm tired and I'm struggling.

Go to your profile page and read through what you wrote down for why you want to get fit and what/who your inspriations are. Give them some thought and re-write if needed.

You've come this far, giving up or backtracking is a waste of the time and effort you've put in so far. Sounds like you're under a lot of stress with everything going on so I'd say at least for the next few months, try to keep it simple...but set a deadline like as of Jan 1st, you promise to get fully back into this program. I get the gung-ho attitude that some people have but IMHO, you need to make your goals realistic or they're not going to work. You're not giving up, you're still trying, you're just backing off a little and there's no harm in that.

Keep tracking your food and fit in exercise whenever you can. Even if it's just a 20 minute walk during your lunch break, walking up and down stairs in the office...or even if you're only able to exercise on the weekends...something is better than nothing. Maybe even get your boyfriend involved. You two could join a gym together or at least go for walks together after dinner. If you can keep within your calorie range, you'll still be losing weight and whatever you can get in for exercise will be a bonus.

Good luck!

*hug*

As a good friend tells me when I feel like this (which is all the damn time at the moment!), "Results or Excuses; never both".

Keep at it. When you want this more than you want the easy option, you'll make it. x

Sometimes, when I need to, I just take a break. I try not to go crazy...of course, but I just took 2 weeks off from logging all my foods (I still log into MFP daily and write on people's walls when I can.) I just enjoyed not stressing about it and spent time on feeling better. Now that I feel better, I'm back to doing right, the best I can and I've seen a loss already, lol.

Also, I do go back to the basics and look online for motivation. Youtube has some amazing transformation videos and people who share about their results and feelings around weight loss.

Otherwise, TOM sucks, it will blow over and eventually you will feel better. Just don't give up completely.

I know you're beating yourself up right now, but look how far you've come! You've lost OVER 20 pounds! That's incredible. You're 129 days in and 20 pounds lighter. How long were you holding onto those pounds? If you're like me, it was for a number of years and now poof! In 1/2 a year they're gone and while you're not losing more weight right now, the weight you lost is NEVER EVER coming back! And heck, yes, you may inevitably gain a few back (as I sure do), but even if you gain all but one back- you're still lighter than you were when you started! For me, I fall off the wagon a lot, usually every Sunday to be exact, but I pick myself back up on Mondays. Having one bad day is better than having seven. So yes, I may lose 3 pounds and gain back 1-2, but I gotta tell myself I'm still better than I was! And bit by slow bit, I am still working my way down the scale as you are too. So you've hit an impass and may have a few bad days- pick yourself back up and start logging in those calories again. If you start to lose a pound or two again, you'll notice how your outlook on life in general improves. I think everything is connected, both mentally and physically. Whatever's going on the inside of me is happening on the outside as well and it's very telling! If I'm depressed, my house is in shambles and then I get more depressed about feeling like crap AND having a messy house! It's a slippery slope to hitting bottom! Not only that, it affects the attitudes of those around me. Get back on the wagon! You've come so far and worked so hard, so you know you can do it and that the hard work pays off! If you start eating better again and get all of those junk-food toxins out of you, you'll lose the weight and hopefully see life a little more optimistically. A happier you helps others have a better attitude too! Best wishes, Jenn

I've been on MFP for 129 days. The first 70 or so were great! However, the past 59 or so have been more of a struggle. In September I traveled, I moved, and I celebrated three family birthdays. I'm adjusting to now living with my boyfriend and I have a longer commute. I'm dealing with some issues at work, the weather is changing here in IL and I'm currently dealing with TOM. I'm tired and I feel like I'm failing... I know these are all challenges and/or excuses. I also know I need to recommit to exercise...and I guess I need to get remotivated. I'm still going through the motion but I am disappointed in myself.

Any advice? I know the *best* advice is just do it, but I'm looking for more constructive answers for now...

Browse the success forum. There are so many people who have made major body transformations in the face of adversity. It's a humbling experience!

I want to add that if you're tired, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Adequate sleep is just as important as exercise for your health and well-being.

Google "sleep and weight" It's very interesting.

Be kind to yourself. It's very easy to fall into the 'I'm doing everything wrong" mindset and give up. Don't. You're human. Things are going to happen. You can't change them, you can only learn from them and then keep going. If this is something you want, you'll find your way.

Good luck.

You only fail when you give up. Until then, you have things to learn from and challenges to overcome.

You've been here for more than 2 weeks, start to look for your willpower for strength to make the right choices.

I feel like I can relate to you right now. I maintained my weight loss for a year and a half and then for some reason in the last few months I stopped exercising regularly and started eating poorly. This is a bad time of year to lose focus. Shorter days, colder weather, and the start of holiday goodies at the office daily are killing me. Also, I am very tired from the no exercise and crappy food. I gotta figure out a way to get remotivated also!!! I was thinking about buying a new workout video. Maybe that would get me excited. Also thought about a friendly workout/healthy eating challenge with my husband. Hope you can find something to get you re-motivated!! Good luck!

I sympathize. It is a battle, but it IS a battle that can be won. support I think is key. This site has been instrumental to my latest efforts and I am committed to making exercise and good nutrition my lifestyle. key word: LIFE. It will be a lifelong way of going about our daily routines. It must be a priority. If you're at your best do it in the morning. if you get up earlier to do it you will have way more energy aNd if you're better at night, do it then but find vaRied waYs to exercise, that;s aNother thing I'm doing this time aRound that I didn;t do before. now I;m not getting bored aS much. Good luck aNd haNg in there.

My three things for today.

1) STOP! Stop everything you're doing and go out and take a 5-10-15 minute walk. Stop reading this and go do that right NOW!
2) Lose the "or" mentality. The only failure is in giving up. Don't focus on being perfect - just make sure that the next decision you make is a better one.
3) Turn off every single sensory input device you have and go stare out a window or up at the sky for 5 minutes.

Set yourself up for succes. A couple things I have recently changed that re-energized me:

1) Planning a menu for meals. Lowered my shopping efforts and made my week easier. I get everything ready for breakfast and lunch for the work week. This has reduced my stress and my ability to deviate and go out instead.

2) Try a new workout/workout partner/group class, etc. Make your exercise portion new again. Dedicate the days of the week you will go to the gym and be consistent with it. I recently trained with a trainer for a month (they had a special) and it really renewed my faith that I CAN DO THIS! When I go to group classes I feel the same - watching the others around me and knowing they all started somewhere.

BELIEVE in yourself! You have the knowledge to continue your successful journey. Make eating right and exercising easy and fun - this has really re-energized me.

The past is the past there is nothing you can do to change it. Each day recommit yourself. Take it one day at time.

I sounds like you are stressed. Use exercise as a form of stress relief.