Need motivation please!

uortian
uortian Posts: 28
in Motivation and Support
Greetings! I've recently lost a few pounds, roughly 9-10 pounds, but I've noticed that I am starting to slack a bit. I want to lose about 20 more pounds, but am starting to let myself slide. I had an injury last summer in which I broke my ankle and leg, so there is a pain there that won't ever really go away. There are times, though, when I start to push myself and things start hurting again. I then take time to rest my injuries, but then rest turns into a permanent vacation. I have been a bit off these past couple of weeks.

My question is, especially to those who have been successful in losing weight...this is my first attempt to try to lose, what do you do to motivate yourself into working out and staying active? I've been able to stay under calories, but I know that losing weight will take more than just eating less. (And I will also admit, I haven't exactly been eating the best foods as of late, either, but I have eaten in moderation.)

I also live in the middle of nowhere, so there isn't really a gym or pool or anything around. Sometimes it's just me and the elliptical machine in my home. That tends to get a bit boring. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Replies

  • dwh77tx
    dwh77tx Posts: 513 Member
    I motivate myself by reminding myself how the clothes I love are not fitting right and how I'd love to fit into them properly again. I also started weighing daily, and I now look forward to seeing the number in the morning.
  • nickalow11
    nickalow11 Posts: 99 Member
    I find the motivation in the results and how they make me feel. Even the tiniest loss on the scale, or no more muffin top on my pants. I understand the motivation issue. With a lot going on in our lives, its easy to make excuses. Sometimes we just have to fake it until we make it. I had an injury and just spent the last couple months in physical therapy. I feel like I'm almost back to normal, and I'm just careful with exercises that trigger the issue. I also feel like the less weight I've got on my injury, the faster it's likely to heal.
  • songbirdtree
    songbirdtree Posts: 79
    I recommend going to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's and splurging on fresh, healthy produce that's going to help you burn fat and stay within your calories. I am so inspired to cook and eat fresh healthy food after my visit last night! This is like the best time of the year for cheap watermelon, blueberries, green veggies, etc.
  • _SASX_
    _SASX_ Posts: 255 Member
    motivation can be really hard, especially if you have pain from an old injury. Have you checked with your doctor about it? Or go in to see a physiotherapist? They might be able to help with the pain, or give you ideas to work with it.

    One thing that motivates me is that I make a commitment to myself to workout. I write it on my calendar, in ink. I usually have a workout in mind-as that helps me focus and then I know what I'm going to do. Strength, cardio-whatever it is, it's on the calendar. And that way, I can also put a big check mark on it when I'm done, or put a sticker on it :laugh: (Primary teacher, here LOL). but it really does work for me. Seeing that calendar with all the stickers and check marks shows me how much hard work I've put into myself. and it irks me when there is a day with nothing...I hate a day with nothing (btw...even scheduled rest days get a sticker! if it's on the calendar and I do it, it's a sticker/check!). that commitment-scheduled appointment for me is just as important to me as making it to an appointment with the dr, or accountant. It's something that I can do for me. And that's part of the motivation!

    Also, use the trackers on here, exercise and food. they kind of become stickers...or use them in a different way...once you've completed your food and exercise trackers for the day, sticker/check something off.

    another suggestion: start with small goals. for small amounts of time. say....drink 8 glasses of water everyday for a week. if you can do that...do it again....or...schedule your workouts for 6 days, then after the 6 days are up, schedule 6 more.
    pick 2 or 3 goals to start and then go from there. but not too many or for too long. it can get hard keeping track of them all and if it's a long time, it gets hard doing it for a while. (my next goal is no snacking after 9pm. if I can do it for 1 week, I'll extend it for another, and another) you can make one goal a fitness goal (not a weight goal, but a fitness goal-exercise!!) one a food goal to start

    if you have good access to the internet, I'd try looking at some of the free online workouts that you can get.
    fitnessblender.com is all free- online and has a huge variety of workouts from beginners to advanced, yoga to medicine balls, pilates to kickboxing, plus the two trainers are a cute married couple who make it fun

    good luck! you can add me if you want
  • uortian
    uortian Posts: 28
    Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions. I live about 2 hours away from a big city, so the next time I go, I will definitely hit up a Whole Foods place. (I wish I had gone when I lived there.) As for making a calendar, I think that is a great idea. (Fellow teacher here, too!) I may need something more visual to give me motivation to keep going.
  • Connie5674
    Connie5674 Posts: 21 Member
    Motivation comes from the small victories for me - esp. in overcoming emotional eating. Today was one of those days....so I'll share.....I generally don't have problems with Monday but today was an exception - but on a good note, I did NOT give in to my cravings for food as a means to de-stress and to self-medicate. It feels good to make healthy choices and to be wise enough to see the cravings for what they are and disciplined enough to say no to placating bad feelings with food

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