First post-I need motivation

mchalel
mchalel Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2023 in Getting Started
Hi everyone, I've been using fitnesspal for a while to track my meals (off and on) and I thought I'd give the message boards a try. Im 35 years old, smallish frame, 5'4 and a half and I weigh 130 lbs. Over the past few years my weight has fluctuated. In my early 20's I was around 125, the in my late 20's I went between 115 and 120.,.usually 120. When I turned 30, I'm not sure what happened but I went down to 110. I didn't have much appetite at all. Ever since then it's been a battle. In 2011. I went up to 120, then 2012/13 I went up to 130. As i get older it seems to be more difficult. My problem is i'm weak when it comes to my cravings and I'm lazy about the gym. I walk about a mile a day (my commute to work) and it doesn't seem to do a thing for me. I just don't like to work out, but I want to like it!

I joined a gym a week and a half ago and I've been twice. I get home from work and the last thing I feel like doing is getting dressed and going to the gym. I recently got married in May and i really wanted to lose weight for the wedding-never happened. My husband has noticed my weight gain, and he said he hopes it doesnt continue. I'm sure that sounds terrible, but I cant say i blame him.

Does anyone have any helpful tips about staying on track? I feel like I want to eat all the time. One of my friends was telling me that all she really eats all day is an egg white sandwich, a fresh juice drink and a light dinner. I could not do that. I just feel like anything i eat bloats me. Work takes up so much of my day! I wish i had more time to work out...

Replies

  • jsrose615
    jsrose615 Posts: 3
    Hi, so I struggle as well but what I find motivating is finding activities that you enjoy. For instance I joined roller derby and just recently joined crossfit. Knowing I have people pushing me and cheering me on helps a lot. Group fitness was always more fun for me, like a class at a gym or a group of friends that work out together.You have to find what is right for you. As far as nutrition goes its the same concept. Find healthy foods that you enjoy so eating healthy is not a chore. You don't have to overhaul your lifestyle in one day,week, or even month. Slowly make changes so its not overwhelming and you stick to it. If your husband is concerned (not dissing cause my bf would prolly say something as well out of concern) ask him if there are activities you could do together and compromising on healthy meals to motivate each other. Just some thoughts and good luck to you.
  • tagstoy
    tagstoy Posts: 2
    I'm trying to find ways that I can eat "more" with less side effects (weight). Like having carrots and celery already in "to" packets to take to work with me, that way I can munch "all day" long, and then 2 oranges in the afternoon, grapes in single serving plastic bags. It is a lot of work when I get home from the grocery store but well worth it in the end. Find foods that you like and prepare them in single serving sizes, that way it's easy going for the rest of the week..............
  • harleygroomer
    harleygroomer Posts: 373 Member
    You need to find friends to work out with. Ask your husband to go with you 3 nights a week,, Would do you both good and would be time with each other as well. But this works better with friends
  • hedwardsb
    hedwardsb Posts: 201 Member
    You and I are about the same height, and I've experienced the creeping pounds since 35.
    I bought a fitbit, and if I can hit enough steps during the day, I don't worry about more exercise after work.
    I'm a teacher & was lazy in July, (walked less than 1/2 my usual steps,) and I gained 5 pounds.
    In my case, if I track my food and up my exercise, I can take the weight off, but it takes 3 times the amount of time to take it off that it took to put it on now that I'm 42.
    To try to keep within your calories, I agree with the poster who recommended adding carrots & celery or other filling foods. I find when i substitute a healthier, lower calorie food for even one of my less healthy choices a day, it makes a difference. I love to eat, and I, also, find meal planning to be very important to avoid an exhausted trip to the drive-thru.
    You're welcome to add me although I may not be the best example because after hitting 135 pounds about 3 years ago, Ijoined MFP & dropped to 112 only to yo-yo between 112, (my skinny weight,) 122, (pants not as comfortable time to get serious weight.)
    My personal goals right now--besides losing a few extra pounds which I think I'll do as long as I concentrate on healthy meal preparation & portion control--is to get back to strength training to maintain my bones as I get older.
    Good luck!
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    Figure out your TDEE and eat that to maintain your weight. Your ideal weight is about 125 pounds. So you don't need to concern yourself with losing weight. If it's really that much of an issue for you, you can burn 150 calories per day through exercise. That will allow you to lose about 1 pound per month. After five months, you'll be right at 125.
  • becky10rp
    becky10rp Posts: 573 Member
    Pack your gym gear and put it in your car - go directly to the gym after work - that way you won't have any excuses NOT to go/work out. I have a gym in my house - when I get home, the first thing I do is change my clothes and workout - that way you do it and it's DONE!
  • AJinBirmingham
    AJinBirmingham Posts: 497
    Make it routine. It takes about 90 days for a new habit to stick.

    For me, keeping a routine means that I have to work out after I take my kids to school BEFORE I get into the rest of my day. If I do anything at all before crossing the gym off my list, I probably won't get there, so I do it first.

    I'm 5'5'' and have been at goal at 128lbs for years (give or take a few on any given day.) I STILL have to track my food and be vigilant. I'm never going to be "done."

    It never gets easy. Never. However, it does get manageable - and managing my weight, however much of a pain it is, beats the consequences of NOT managing it.
  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    Hi everyone, I've been using fitnesspal for a while to track my meals (off and on) and I thought I'd give the message boards a try. Im 35 years old, smallish frame, 5'4 and a half and I weigh 130 lbs. Over the past few years my weight has fluctuated. In my early 20's I was around 125, the in my late 20's I went between 115 and 120.,.usually 120. When I turned 30, I'm not sure what happened but I went down to 110. I didn't have much appetite at all. Ever since then it's been a battle. In 2011. I went up to 120, then 2012/13 I went up to 130. As i get older it seems to be more difficult. My problem is i'm weak when it comes to my cravings and I'm lazy about the gym. I walk about a mile a day (my commute to work) and it doesn't seem to do a thing for me. I just don't like to work out, but I want to like it!

    I joined a gym a week and a half ago and I've been twice. I get home from work and the last thing I feel like doing is getting dressed and going to the gym. I recently got married in May and i really wanted to lose weight for the wedding-never happened. My husband has noticed my weight gain, and he said he hopes it doesnt continue. I'm sure that sounds terrible, but I cant say i blame him.

    Does anyone have any helpful tips about staying on track? I feel like I want to eat all the time. One of my friends was telling me that all she really eats all day is an egg white sandwich, a fresh juice drink and a light dinner. I could not do that. I just feel like anything i eat bloats me. Work takes up so much of my day! I wish i had more time to work out...

    You do have time to work out. If you want it badly enough, you will do it. Try going to the gym in the morning before work - it means getting up earlier, but I find I have much more motivation in the morning than I do the evening,

    The only tips I have for staying on track is to not treat this is a 'diet', it is a lifestyle change. Make room in your calorie allowance for treats and things you can't give up forever. Losing weight doesn't mean living on salads. The rest is down to you and your motivation.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    I find that taking classes at schedules times is more motivating to me than just going to the gym without a plan. I had a free gym downstairs in my dorm room last year and only went once or twice, but I just got a yoga membership and I've already been there 5 times in a week and a half. Also, don't think you have to eat the little amount your friend is eating to lose weight. I eat small meals six times per day. Just be sure to eat a lot of healthy, low-calorie foods.
  • mchalel
    mchalel Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks everyone for the replies! I feel better already :) Given that this weekend was labor day I can't say that I stuck to my plan, but I did ok yesterday. It's a new week now. I appreciate all of the tips you provided. Happy to find this board!
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