What do you tell yourself to keep you from quitting?
misssmarita
Posts: 130
I'm only a week in and I'm SO tired of counting calories, and so defeated by how much good eating and exercise it actually takes to lose a lb... Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like just giving up. But I won't, because I'm in this for the long haul and I know there are gonna be ups and downs. My question to you is: what do you do when you feel like this? How do you pick yourself up from such a slump?
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Replies
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This won't be the first time you'll feel like this on your weight-loss journey. You just have to focus on your goals and tell yourself that the best things in life are the ones we've worked hardest for and that nothing worth fighting for comes easy. My advice is to find ways to make sure that the community/environment that's around you is pro-active and supporting of your weight-loss goals. As you start to see change and others around you pick up on it, the praise you'll receive is such a boost to carry on and on.
Best of luck with it. I'm sure many, if not all, of us have been there at some stage or other x0 -
Ive tried alot of diets that demanded a extreme life change in a very limited time. Those didnt work for me because im a natural slacker and i get easly frustraded. Instead of eating 1000 calories a day and 2000 calories the other day because im starved, i keep a medium calorie intake where i loose arround 0.5 lbs a week. Might seem a small amount of weight when you want fast results but translates to 10 kg a year. I dont quit because i dont really feel like quiting , i am very satisfied with what i eat and when i exercise and dont exercise.0
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I think - I want to feel good and not be uncomfortable! I also constantly tell myself I don't want to be FAT. Motivate yourself with your own inspirations and desires? Good luck and keep going! All the best : )
Don't count the calories all the time, enter your food on here but don't obsess about it, just keep your regular activity up and you will surely progress. It is handy to have a picture in view somewhere of how you want to be or what you want to look like0 -
Surround yourself by positive people. If you have a bad day - don't sweat it - tomorrow is a new day. If you can catch yourself wanting snack food. Drink tea or water to curb the feeling. You can do it have faith in yourself.0
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I'm only a week in and I'm SO tired of counting calories, and so defeated by how much good eating and exercise it actually takes to lose a lb... Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like just giving up. But I won't, because I'm in this for the long haul and I know there are gonna be ups and downs. My question to you is: what do you do when you feel like this? How do you pick yourself up from such a slump?
Don't dwell on it too much..just focus on each exercise and the awesome feeling you get when it's completed! and try and make sure that you enjoy the exercises you are doing..nothing worse than hating exercise as it makes it a chore!0 -
"It doesn't matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop."
Some days/weeks are harder than others and you might feel like you're not progressing...but if you quit...you've made that a certainty.0 -
I look at pictures of myself (before I lost weight), especially ones where I'm standing next to "normal sized" people. I remind myself that I can choose to look/feel that way or I can make choices--hundreds every day--that will help me move away from that and toward being a healthier and thinner and happier person. I remind myself that weight loss will not get easier as I get older and that the weight makes so many medical conditions more likely and/or harder to treat. And last I remind myself that EVERY good choice I make, no matter how small, is a victory.
Oh, and I try to focus more on "action goals" like getting in a certain number of produce servings or water a day or a certain number of workouts a week or even just getting into habits like never taking elevators and always parking farther away at the grocery store.
Good luck! Giving up may be tempting but why make a choice you already know you'll regret?0 -
"Either strive to be the best you can be, or stay mediocre"0
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Quitting just isn't an option. This is my life now, and that's the end of it. Of course, it's not quite that simple, but that is the underlying thought in my head. I also think about how much better I feel now than I did 2 years ago, how much more able to do things I am, how much better I feel about myself. Working out makes me feel like a damn warrior (I can't believe I just said that, LOL). There's no way I'm giving that up.0
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Hi I have also only just started trying to lose weight uising this site but have tried to lose weight mant times and I quit cause I feel it's too hard. this time I already feel better as myfitnesspal counts my calories and adds my exercise for me so it doesn't seem so hard. I also like to walk so it's not a chore for me I take mt little dog and try to take a different track a couple times a week. try to find something you enjoy and makes you feel better then it doesn't feel like a chore and you will find it makes it easier. I know I will feel like quitting again but this time I'm determined to get my life and weight under control. Keep going it will get easier (Hopefully)0
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I keep telling myself I don't want to be the fattest person in my office, I want to be able to walk into any clothes shop and know there will be clothes in there that fit me, I want my blood pressure to keep coming down, I want to be able to walk upstairs without getting out of breathe, I want people to keep saying you're looking fantastic and most of all I want to get back to being me instead of that unhappy, low self esteemed, fat person that I was this time last year.0
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I cant quit, this lifestyle change is how i will eat for the rest of my life now.....Yes i'll have bad days, I'm human!! but ill never ever ever
go back to asking for an extender on a flight,ill no longer hang back when games of water polo are being organised on holiday, ill never tell my kids no we cant go for a walk, im too tired never ever again,. This is what fires my motivation,0 -
I'm only a week in and I'm SO tired of counting calories, and so defeated by how much good eating and exercise it actually takes to lose a lb... Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like just giving up. But I won't, because I'm in this for the long haul and I know there are gonna be ups and downs. My question to you is: what do you do when you feel like this? How do you pick yourself up from such a slump?
A week? Crikey.
Focus on what the new you will look like. Focus on how you will feel, how people will treat you, all the new clothes you can buy etc.0 -
I empathise with where you are coming from. It is so hard some days! I have 50 lbs to lose to a healthy BMI... 6lbs have gone in two weeks and that is what is keeping me going...along with encouragement from people in the same boat! Logging my calories and exercise, accepting that I'm human....and sometimes will lapse. I don't want to be this big anymore!0
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If hour a week I'm and feeling that way maybe your restricting yourself too much. How many calories are you eating. Eat a sensible amount that will keep you full and satisfied. Maybe 1500-1700.
Don't max out on carbs. Get plenty of protein, veggies and water in as well as fiber. Try to cook from fresh it will taste better and you'll get to eat more quantity.
This is a huge change, your not too different from my starting weight. Make one change a day if you have to. It does get easier! Once you start really seeing progress you may have bad days, but you definitely won't want to quit!
I can't see your diary, but if you'd like advise on setting your numbers at good goals for weight loss feeling full etc then PM me and ill talk you through them.
Zara0 -
I go clothes shopping and it gives me motivation, to lose weight so I can buy pretty clothes!
Really give yourself a month to show weightloss. I didn't notice the scales move for about 6 weeks. It took me a whole year to get to where I wanna be.This is a life journey, not a 12 week challenge.
Treat yourself, but in moderation! I haves piece of dark chocolate every day,u can check my diary.
You can do this if u want to do this!0 -
Just tell yourself, "There is nothing stopping me from losing weight/getting fit but me. I can do this."0
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Mostly to keep me focussed on my goal I think about all the times my trousers have dug into my tummy. How many times the doctor has put my problems down to my weight. Every time I have been used as a weight comparison '...and this girl was about as big as you...' All the heartbreaking moments when you buy your size in clothing only to find that you have gone up a size and are too shy to go and get a refund. Everytime I have ordered something at a restaurant and had the thought in the back of my mind that the waitress/waitor thinks Im a pig.
How I feel self-contious about eating infront of people incase they think its all I ever do. How my work uniform is slowly getting smaller and smaller on my chest and I have to some how pluck up the courage to ask for a new one.
All of these things could have been avoided if only I had just eaten less and got about more. My inspriration is my bright future, Im young, still healthy and have time and ability to change. There are people in the world that have no choice and cannot change no matter how much they want to...and then theres us...Keep your head up high and for every week that goes by that you are still making those changes, you can be proud and everyone around will notice your efforts before you do
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I believe its all to do with mindset, I have never really seriously tried to diet, but when my doc said I was borderline for diabetes that made my mind up and I have not once felt like quitting I think the alternative to losing weight is not an attractive option. so get yourself into the right frame of mind and believe that you are capable of doing anything and you will do it. Onwards and upwards.0
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I have a notebook that I fill with reasons for weight loss, lists, goals, plans, and inspiration. Sometimes when I start to stray from what I'm doing, I feel like I'm betraying the book and that gets me back on track. I usually use those times to fill more pages in the book to get myself going again. I've tried to approach my weight loss as an art project... sometimes you get stuck and then you just need to look at your sketches again.0
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I don't think about it any more. I just do it as part of a habit. Everything we do to lose weight is a choice. I've made the choice to go to the gym no matter how I feel. I've made the choice to eat healthier options even if it means I'm going to spend hours more in the kitchen each week. Push yourself through the first month. It is difficult, but don't worry about the scale that much. Establish healthy habits first and then it won't seem so difficult to lose the weight, it will happen as a side effect of better habits.
One of my favorite quotes:
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. - Wayne Dyer
You own your choices.0 -
I'm only a week in and I'm SO tired of counting calories, and so defeated by how much good eating and exercise it actually takes to lose a lb... Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like just giving up. But I won't, because I'm in this for the long haul and I know there are gonna be ups and downs. My question to you is: what do you do when you feel like this? How do you pick yourself up from such a slump?
I tell myself I was fat and unhealthy and had no stamina......I am off to Miami and Key West in September and don't want to be tired I want to explore. I have a goal and the best way to keep motivated is to have one for yourself.0 -
Stick with it! You are young, and if you get healthy now, and develop habits that will last you a lifetime you will go a long way to avoiding some of the things that often go along with being overweight as you get older. Things like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and joint problems are often mentioned here as reasons for losing weight and exercising. I know. I've struggled with my weight my whole life and was always very healthy. Then I hit 55! I really wish I'd found MFP at least a few years ago. The media (and most likely your friends and family and sometimes even doctors) have a constant stream of instant fixes, and it can be very confusing, but rest assured you are in the right place. Create a small caloric deficit, get active and you will eventually lose, feel great and be healthy. Best of luck!0
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It's incredibly intimidating when you step on the scale and truly realize the amount of weight that you need to lose. In 2011 I weighed in and realized I had to lose an entire person! I tracked what I ate and then slowly added exercise. In 8 months I lost 60lbs!! I think that once you see the scale moving in the right direction and you increase your exercise capabilities you build motivation. Truly success breeds success! Anyway in 2012 I gained a bunch back so I've come back and recommitted. I want to blame stress, or a busy schedule, or school but I know that I gained my weight back because I stopped tracking. I ate too much and exercised too little. This time when I started back with MFP I actually gained weight in my first month!! It was so frustrating. But I told myself that I was ultimately healthier. My heart and body was better for my healthy habbits and that soon the scale would follow through. Now things are moving in the right direction.
Don't focus too much on the scale. If counting calories is too intimidating now and frustrating start slower. Start week 1 with drinking the proper amount of water. Week 2 add in eating the proper amou ts of vegetables. You get the drift. Eventually it will become second nature. I once read a quote on someone's wall: a year from now you'll wish you started today. It really hit home. So when I waver and get bored or stressed or frustrated (with my goal of losing >100lbs) I think of how happy I am to be doing something now and look forward to seeing how I'll look in a year's time!
Finally look for supportive friends on this website. I love the community if people here. You can build such a great support system. You'll be able to celebrate your victories and support each other through your slip ups. You can find so much motivation with your MFP friends. I'm super thankful for mine!
Hope this helps! You aren't alone
) 0 -
I'm only a week in and I'm SO tired of counting calories, and so defeated by how much good eating and exercise it actually takes to lose a lb... Can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel like just giving up. But I won't, because I'm in this for the long haul and I know there are gonna be ups and downs. My question to you is: what do you do when you feel like this? How do you pick yourself up from such a slump?
Well, you're only a week in and it takes time to change old habits. Personally, when 'm feeling discouraged I come here and log in to MFP and read all the success stories and advice. Just seeing how other people have stuck with it and made such amazing transformations is enough to motivate me.0 -
Misssmarita, you are very young and have your whole life ahead of you. You can do this! Just keep taking it one day at a time. Do not give up. It is not easy, but we are all worth the effort that it takes to be healthier. Try not to get discouraged. Set small goals and relish each small milestone. They add up very quickly if you persevere. Take inspiration from the success stories here and one day others will be inspired by you!
I am 61 years old, old enough to be your grandmother, and if I can do it, anyone can. One year ago, I would never have believed that I would be where I am today.
YOU CAN DO THIS!0 -
Well, I need to gain muscle without gaining much access fat that I already have from muscle loss....but I use how my body looks now and how I feel about it when I look at it. I compare to what it use to be and think about what it takes and that it's worth it. I imagine myself getting the clothes I've always wanted to wear, sexy things, tighter clothes, costumes I want to wear, confidence, health and happiness. I remind myself to be realistic and that it won't come easy. I find that if I keep telling myself that it won't long, that I'm only kidding myself and setting myself up for failure and disappointment. When I'm realistic with myself, I won't be so disappointment if I haven't built any muscle and lost any fat in a certain amount of time. I picture my body how I'd love it to look and how I want to feel about myself. I think of my amazing boyfriend and how happier he will be when I'm happier. The intimate times will be much better because I'll feel comfortable in my skin and be finally able to be truly sexy not only for him, but for myself as well...
Like that old saying: "This isn't going to be easy....if it was, everyone would be doing it and everyone would be in amazing shape. It takes work, there is no easy way out of it. It's called a workout for a reason. No work = no results."0 -
I look at pictures and that motivates me... plus, going to the doctors is another!
I read this somewhere one time:
It takes 4 weeks for you to notice any changes,
It takes 8 weeks for family and friends to notice,
It takes 12 weeks for the the rest of the world to notice!
I tell myself: If I don't start now, it will never happen. If I fall, I pick back up and start again.0 -
I like the saying I picked up off here and it rings so true. Pick Your Hard....... Being overweight is hard to look good in clothes, hard to move, and hard on your health with different disease processes. Dieting is hard... Saying no and walking away is hard, counting calories is hard, exercise SUCKS.... Pick Your Hard0
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When I went jogging this morning it was 25 degrees, dark, and snowy. about 1 mile into my run I say a stop sign. My mind said don't stop. (Of course I stopped at the intersection) but the mental image was good enough, I also jogged passed a donut shop twice. 0
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