lost motivation...help!

shonovo
shonovo Posts: 104
in Motivation and Support
i realized tonight that i have zero motivation... all i wanna do is eat candy and junk.. i lost 55 lbs.. i know i had the ability to do tihs... i was so motivated... im petrified to gain the weight back but im disgusted at the thought of salad and i just want mac n cheese and candy and chips and donuts.... how can i get out of this and keep plugging on to lost my last 20 lbs??
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Replies

  • lilac67
    lilac67 Posts: 311
    How about giving in to that mac n cheese craving....responsibly??

    http://www.hungry-girl.com/biteout/show/2455

    Maybe try one of these or try to find a healthified recipe for it. You've come too far to go backwards! Good luck!
  • paprikas
    paprikas Posts: 118 Member
    I think that if you really need to eat junk, allow yourself one session of the stuff you really crave. Track it, account for it and then forget about it. Then think about ways you can look after yourself that are not food related. Have a massage or buy yourself something nice to wear.
    Then just calmly go back to tracking your food, eating clean whole foods. Please please eat all the calories mfp tells you to so that you can sustain this way of living. Exercise and eat back every one of those calories. The main thing is to take care of yourself. Even just aim to maintain your weight until you feel that you have the emotional energy to start losing again.
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    How about giving in to that mac n cheese craving....responsibly??

    http://www.hungry-girl.com/biteout/show/2455

    Maybe try one of these or try to find a healthified recipe for it. You've come too far to go backwards! Good luck!

    thanks so much i am going to look into it!!! u are so right about coming to far to go backwards... i want that motivation back... guess the honeymoon period is over...
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I think that if you really need to eat junk, allow yourself one session of the stuff you really crave. Track it, account for it and then forget about it. Then think about ways you can look after yourself that are not food related. Have a massage or buy yourself something nice to wear.
    Then just calmly go back to tracking your food, eating clean whole foods. Please please eat all the calories mfp tells you to so that you can sustain this way of living. Exercise and eat back every one of those calories. The main thing is to take care of yourself. Even just aim to maintain your weight until you feel that you have the emotional energy to start losing again.

    i dont really need to eat junk thats the problem... i went on just fine in life when i was losing weight really not eating junk and if i did eat junk it was like once a month before PMS time and it was limited to one day and i still lost weight... i should really go back to that... but for some reason my mind just isnt at the place right now.. i can try the maintaining idea but i feel like that will stress me out bc seeing loss and results keeps me motivated... im so messed up...
  • sleibo87
    sleibo87 Posts: 403 Member
    I felt that way after listing 42 pounds. So I took a week off...no exercise and ate what I wanted. Gained 5 pounds lol but I don't feel burnt out anymore and I'm back on track with even better workouts! Sometimes you just need the break. I know I will be back to normal weight in no time. Good luck
  • HLeAnn
    HLeAnn Posts: 261 Member
    I am just coming out of my slump too. I had lost 22 lbs over 6 months or so. Then, I went on vacation, came back, and just stopped tracking and working out like I used to. I gained about 10 lbs back. Then, a few days ago, I was going through a friend's pictures on facebook from 2 years ago, and I saw myself at my heaviest. It was the first time I had looked at that old of a picture of me since I've lost weight. Granted, I wasn't extremely overweight, but it's all relative to each person. For me, that did it. I thought, "There is no way I'm going back to that. " It kinda freaked me out and made me realize how lazy I was being and how I needed to get my s**t together. So, maybe try looking at some old pictures for motivation. Maybe that will help you to put down the donut :) And girl, i know how hard that is. I freaking love donuts lol.
  • ittybittybadonkadonk
    ittybittybadonkadonk Posts: 11,634 Member
    I lost 78 pounds in the past ..... I lost my mojo and then had some tragic things come my way the past few years but I am back now ......I CAN DO THIS and SO CAN YOU :bigsmile:
  • jelr
    jelr Posts: 98 Member
    I think find a way to fit it in yur calories for the day, or hell if you don't screw it and eat what you are craving anyway. Don't Binge but treat yourself. You have worked hard and it is a lifestyle change not a diet. So find ways to give yourself those little things when they pop into your head. Everything in moderation and you are fine, the goal isn't to forever kiss those things goodbye but learn how to incorporate them into your new lifestyle that doesn't make you feel like all is lost. You got this now go have your treat and if it screws up today's food goals oh well tomorrow is another day and most likely by the end of the week as long as you take it in moderation it will balance out.
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I think find a way to fit it in yur calories for the day, or hell if you don't screw it and eat what you are craving anyway. Don't Binge but treat yourself. You have worked hard and it is a lifestyle change not a diet. So find ways to give yourself those little things when they pop into your head. Everything in moderation and you are fine, the goal isn't to forever kiss those things goodbye but learn how to incorporate them into your new lifestyle that doesn't make you feel like all is lost. You got this now go have your treat and if it screws up today's food goals oh well tomorrow is another day and most likely by the end of the week as long as you take it in moderation it will balance out.


    my problem is moderation though.... i am a food addict and i have a very strong tendency to binge... it is most definitely best when i stay away from these trigger foods bc once i let one in my mouth barriers are down and thats it...i need to find starches that arent trigger foods... for me that is popcorn and vitatops... but somtimes i want more and thats when things go down....
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I lost 78 pounds in the past ..... I lost my mojo and then had some tragic things come my way the past few years but I am back now ......I CAN DO THIS and SO CAN YOU :bigsmile:

    thanks :) you are so sweet!!!
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I am just coming out of my slump too. I had lost 22 lbs over 6 months or so. Then, I went on vacation, came back, and just stopped tracking and working out like I used to. I gained about 10 lbs back. Then, a few days ago, I was going through a friend's pictures on facebook from 2 years ago, and I saw myself at my heaviest. It was the first time I had looked at that old of a picture of me since I've lost weight. Granted, I wasn't extremely overweight, but it's all relative to each person. For me, that did it. I thought, "There is no way I'm going back to that. " It kinda freaked me out and made me realize how lazy I was being and how I needed to get my s**t together. So, maybe try looking at some old pictures for motivation. Maybe that will help you to put down the donut :) And girl, i know how hard that is. I freaking love donuts lol.

    i know u are right i am so petrified of getting back there... but whyyy cant i put down the donuts :( i made side by sides to help me but its not bc im thinking immediate gratification and not long term.... there is more emotional stuff behind this obviously... but i had it before too... oh man im a wreck...
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I felt that way after listing 42 pounds. So I took a week off...no exercise and ate what I wanted. Gained 5 pounds lol but I don't feel burnt out anymore and I'm back on track with even better workouts! Sometimes you just need the break. I know I will be back to normal weight in no time. Good luck

    thanks ive been taking a whole month off... gained 4 lbs back.... i need to change this...... i keep saying today wil be the day and then i mess up... i feel like a failure
  • Rosytakesoff
    Rosytakesoff Posts: 321
    Make one right choice. Each right choice makes the next easier. You can do this, you are worth it, and we are here for you!
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    Make one right choice. Each right choice makes the next easier. You can do this, you are worth it, and we are here for you!

    thanks so much for the support and great advice!! i will try that!! :)))
  • bikinibod4
    bikinibod4 Posts: 4
    Congratulations on losing 55 lbs, you look great!!! Keep going, and every time you see a donut, and mac and cheese, just think that's what got me fat in the first place. If that doesn't help, try this other site, it's a food & exercise Planner, it helps you see what you are eating and how many calories you are putting in your body. It also helps you keep track of your exercise. Say for instance, you didn't have time to put in that 55 minute workout video, but you walked with your dog, or children, you can log in walking for 2 mph. and it will tell you how many calories you've burned just for walking and it will probably give you incentive to do more walks next time. Let me know how it works for you. WebMD, then look for living healthy, look to your right, click on WebMD Food & Exercise planner and register, its absolutely FREE.
  • anettamajor
    anettamajor Posts: 2
    Congrats on your success! MODERATION for now though. Don't deny yourself. Just have smaller/lighter portions.....maybe while sitting in front of the mirror naked or something. It works for me sometimes. :-)
  • bikinibod4
    bikinibod4 Posts: 4
    Oh I forgot to mention this, let's say you put in an exercise video, well the dvd doesn't tell you how many calories your burning right, well this Food & Exercise Tracker will, for example high impact aerobics, search for the video from the options that they give you and add it, put in how many minutes you execised for, and you will see the calories burned. If you don't see the video options, just write in general what type it is, if its weights, put in conditioning, aerobics, well you'll know, you'll see it. Very easy to follow. I LOVE THIS WebMD. Gives you sites on health too. HIghly recommend it.
  • wendybird5
    wendybird5 Posts: 577 Member
    I went through that loss of motivation as well and ended up gaining 10 pounds back binging when I was only 22 pounds from my goal. What helped me was to find someone I could be accountable to for a while who could push me when I was having trouble pushing myself. And also turning to exercise and warm tea every time I started craving food helped as well.

    You can do it. You've come this far. Hold on and I'm certain you'll find your motivation again.
  • AnimePrincess13
    AnimePrincess13 Posts: 60 Member
    I've found if i really crave something now. Instead of going to buy it. I make it homemade from scratch. From doughnuts to candy. That way 1 I know what is in it, and 2 I have to get up and make it so it lets me decide if i really really want it because if i do i'm cooking or baking in the kitchen for a while. I hardly ever eat junk anymore, and when I do I can make it a bit healthier with all the flavor. It helps being a chef. :) Hope this helps.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    I would eat all of that stuff, just not a lot. If your motivation is gone, maybe you need to put yourself on maintenance and take a break. Come back to the weight loss later - maybe when the sun comes back in the Spring. Meanwhile, maintenance will give you some more calories without undoing any of the hard work you've done! That would be my motivation - not wanting to back slide - what a waste that would be. Good luck! :drinker:
  • es358
    es358 Posts: 1
    Don't eat just salads!! I let myself eat what I want, but I have to be conscious of how many calories I'm having and do my best to keep under that goal. Today I had a burger and fries, but I also was careful at breakfast and tried to be good at dinner so as to not gain, but at least maintain by keeping close to my daily goal.

    In my opinion, the key to losing weight isn't about cutting out everything but salad or super healthy things. It's about moderation, or learning how to limit certain things in certain occasions. When I cut out something, I want to run back to it on hard/stressful days.

    I hope my rambling is at least making some sense and helps in some little way. Either way, best wishes to you!
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    Congratulations on losing 55 lbs, you look great!!! Keep going, and every time you see a donut, and mac and cheese, just think that's what got me fat in the first place. If that doesn't help, try this other site, it's a food & exercise Planner, it helps you see what you are eating and how many calories you are putting in your body. It also helps you keep track of your exercise. Say for instance, you didn't have time to put in that 55 minute workout video, but you walked with your dog, or children, you can log in walking for 2 mph. and it will tell you how many calories you've burned just for walking and it will probably give you incentive to do more walks next time. Let me know how it works for you. WebMD, then look for living healthy, look to your right, click on WebMD Food & Exercise planner and register, its absolutely FREE.

    thanks sooo much!! i will definitely check it out :)
  • shonovo
    shonovo Posts: 104
    I went through that loss of motivation as well and ended up gaining 10 pounds back binging when I was only 22 pounds from my goal. What helped me was to find someone I could be accountable to for a while who could push me when I was having trouble pushing myself. And also turning to exercise and warm tea every time I started craving food helped as well.

    You can do it. You've come this far. Hold on and I'm certain you'll find your motivation again.

    thanks! wow u really were in same boat as me! ive gained 4 lbs back so far and i dont wanna gain anymore... i have my nutritionist... but ive had her all along maybe somoene new to be accountable to might help... thanks :)
  • bikinibod4
    bikinibod4 Posts: 4
    By the way, I lost 10lbs and the month hasn't ended yet. Try this, you'll love it.
  • bikinibod4
    bikinibod4 Posts: 4
    I started this WebMD, on Jan. 4th.
  • NimotheFrog
    NimotheFrog Posts: 29
    You have so much support here!

    Sometimes you need to give into a craving, or modify your craving so you don't feel like you completely went downhill. Allow yourself some room for error. Just keep on going once you get that urge out of the way.


    I like to mix up frozen bananas and cinnamon and eat it with dark chocolate :D
  • sumjoy
    sumjoy Posts: 84 Member
    That happened to me, too. I found pictures in my daughter's online photo album from 4 and 5 years ago. When I saw them then, they didn't seem so bad, but now that I've lost as much as I have there is no way I ever want to look like that again. Now I can look at the food and calories and remind myself what happens when I eat more than I should.

    I had another motivational surge over the weekend while watching YouTube videos of dancing. I want my legs to look nice and toned so I can wear shorts and dresses that show them off. They are not there now. It was enough to send me to the gym on a day I didn't feel like going.

    My progress bar is not accurate because I didn't start my weight loss with mfp. I've lost about 40 pounds since 2008. The fat picture in my profile is from 2010 after I had lost 25 pounds.

    Judy
  • jelr
    jelr Posts: 98 Member
    I think find a way to fit it in yur calories for the day, or hell if you don't screw it and eat what you are craving anyway. Don't Binge but treat yourself. You have worked hard and it is a lifestyle change not a diet. So find ways to give yourself those little things when they pop into your head. Everything in moderation and you are fine, the goal isn't to forever kiss those things goodbye but learn how to incorporate them into your new lifestyle that doesn't make you feel like all is lost. You got this now go have your treat and if it screws up today's food goals oh well tomorrow is another day and most likely by the end of the week as long as you take it in moderation it will balance out.


    my problem is moderation though.... i am a food addict and i have a very strong tendency to binge... it is most definitely best when i stay away from these trigger foods bc once i let one in my mouth barriers are down and thats it...i need to find starches that arent trigger foods... for me that is popcorn and vitatops... but somtimes i want more and thats when things go down....

    How about you make a small batch of something like macaroni and cheese from scratch. Find a recipe figure out how many servings it makes and modify the recipe so all you make is the one serving to satisfy the craving. You get your treat without any extras to tease yourself with. If you buy candy, cookies, or something of that nature and pre-portion it as soon as you get it home. I find if I have a box or bag full of something it is harder to stop myself. If I make my own portioned snack bags I tend to grab my one bag walk away from the area and go sit down and enjoy my treat without really being drawn to over doing it. I also log things before I eat them, that way I account for just that and don't want to sneak additional bites of anything.
  • 24redwine
    24redwine Posts: 43
    Think about why you are feeling this need now. Many of us eat emotionally, and for you, something triggered the change in motivation. Broken heart? Trouble at work? Feeling unappreciated? Get to the bottom of it. Be sure to get moving and work out. Getting the blood pumping is empowering. Good luck.
  • boatsie77
    boatsie77 Posts: 480 Member
    Think about why you are feeling this need now. Many of us eat emotionally, and for you, something triggered the change in motivation. Broken heart? Trouble at work? Feeling unappreciated? Get to the bottom of it. Be sure to get moving and work out. Getting the blood pumping is empowering. Good luck.

    ^^ This ^^

    Do some soul searching to try to get to the cause of your desire to comfort yourself with food. Willpower will only get you so far, if you can eliminate the reasons why you feel the need to use food as a distraction, you can pretty much guarantee long-term & permanent success.

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