How did you guys pull through the first couple weeks?

Well, honestly, I'm on week... 3 or 4. Can't really remember exactly when i signed up. I didn't even exercise the first week, just made healthier choices. I lost 1.2 I believe. The next week I started exercising and actually didn't lose as much - I believe about 0.6. Now I'm seeing no results and actually gained this week.

However, my gain is my fault and I know that this past week I made bad food choices and didn't exercise as much as I usually do. It's my challenge now to be absolutely flawless in my choices and workout schedule this week and see the results come back.

It's difficult to get into a swing, honestly. I feel the same way as you do. With clothes on, I don't feel quite so bad about myself. Naked is a whole different story. I've already lost 13 pounds and I don't see a bit of difference in my body or in the way my clothes fit. It could be several more pounds before I get to the point of needing new clothes.

My best advice to you is to not let yourself get discouraged if you have weeks when you gain, or if you've been at it for a month and you see no changes. It DOES take time and it is really difficult. I let myself have a tiny pity party last night because I was up 1.6 this week. It's depressing and it makes me feel like a failure, but today is a new day AND a new week so it's time to suck it up and get back on the horse.

You'll do well, I'm sure! This stuff is hard but you will learn. Feel free to friend me for support.

So i started again and just finished my first week, all went well, ate healthy and burned 5483cals for the whole week, i already lost some weight and after this message i will be starting week 2 of my programs.

The thing that bothers me and bear in my mind, i know i am working out just a week and i absolutely dont expect miracles but with my clothes on i can sort of look happy in the mirror but clothes off, don't like it and thinking, how am i ever gonna shred this off and will it ever come off and what the hell am i doing, still got 83 days left etc etc

How did you guys cope with that and can anyone relate?

Don't look at it with a time limit. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet, so you don't have 83 days left, you have the rest of your life left. That being said, make sure that what you are doing IS sustainable for life. Don't cut out anything you can't cut out forever. Don't start an exercise regime you can't keep to.

Too many of us start these things with too good intentions, over-exercise, under-eat, and cut out everything they love because it's 'bad' food, then give up when it becomes too difficult.

I hit 14 months today. It's easy once you are in the habit. I've worked out every single day so far. Not missed a day since 8th Feb 2012. It's easy getting into the habit. I refuse to eat junk anymore, I refuse to have a cheat day or a rest day. If I do I'll make an excuse for the next day to not do it.

My results speak for themselves cause I met my goal weight in 7 months. I've now kept it off for another 7 & actually lost more weight while toning up brilliantly.

I have my setback but I mean, everyone has ..

Ummmmmm not everyone. Not one setback at all. I'm stronger than that. I wont allow myself to fall back into any old habits.

Don't look at it with a time limit. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet, so you don't have 83 days left, you have the rest of your life left. That being said, make sure that what you are doing IS sustainable for life. Don't cut out anything you can't cut out forever. Don't start an exercise regime you can't keep to.

Too many of us start these things with too good intentions, over-exercise, under-eat, and cut out everything they love because it's 'bad' food, then give up when it becomes too difficult.

^This

I think you've started over a number of times over the last year, and every time you start out with doing like 2 or 3 fitness programs at the same time and being very strict on eating. But as that's too far from your actual life it's very hard to sustain.

So that might mean exercising 3 times a week, rather that out of the blue start with twice a day. Don't cut out drinking 100%, give yourself permission to drink a beer or two over the weekend. When you're used to those small changes you add in another small change and another. You'll still be working towards the same goal but with less chance of giving up.

Try taking small steps instead of taking a big leap and falling down.

1. Don't set a time limit. Whatever changes you make you have to keep up for the rest of your life to maintain, so be gradual and have patience!

2. Positivity!

3. Read the success stories here!

4. Know that you might have some slip-ups, don't beat yourself over it, just learn from it, let go, and move on. Things can only get better unless you don't let it be.

You have to view it as a lifestyle change and not a diet. One is a mental positive and one is a mental negative. I believe that really does make a difference.

It took time to put on weight, it will take time to take it off in a healthy way.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/gpstrucker/view/attitude-266103

[Don't look at it with a time limit. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet, so you don't have 83 days left, you have the rest of your life left. That being said, make sure that what you are doing IS sustainable for life. Don't cut out anything you can't cut out forever. Don't start an exercise regime you can't keep to.

Too many of us start these things with too good intentions, over-exercise, under-eat, and cut out everything they love because it's 'bad' food, then give up when it becomes too difficult.

Great View! Remember, being healthy is a life-long goal. We ALL get frustrated because we have not hit our mark over night (or even after 2 years). I have been on this journey since January 2011, and I live it every day of my life. It is all about lifestyle changes, and being happy with who you are.

Hello,
My advice to keep going, if you "cheat" or fall off the wagon, start the next day back on the wagon. Remember it's not meant to be easy. But stay encouraged and start each day with your goal in mine. My first week was a success, the pounds just rolled off. I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe it so much I would weight myself over and over again to make sure. The second week not as successful but I did lose some, by my fourth week I gain none, lost none. And that's when the problem started, I though wow I'm eating my 1200 calories working out at least 2hrs a day and nothing. Then I started think like why, I'm doing all this for what! I would eat a bag of chips (and not feel guility ) and some fruit and vegetables and call it a day. Bad choice but I made it and didn't beat myself up about it. I just got back on the next day like nothing happen. It's a lifetime choice that I have made, and although I'm closer to my goal, I'm in it for the long hail. No real time limit. My real advice to you and anyone is to pace yourself, stay focus and don't weight yourself everyday and the weeks will start flying by and the weight off. Good luck with your journey.