Doing this alone.

Hello from Chicago. Same problem here. I followed someone's suggestion of "friending" successful people, look at their food diaries and learn from it. I noticed that all of them eat at a caloric deficit and are active. No magic, just plenty of hard work and consistency and I'm sure glory from losing a ton of weight! :flowerforyou:

How about listening to an audio book when you walk? You need to be alone for that. Think of it as "me time".

The only person you should be getting fit for is you, ergo the only person you need there is you. Empower yourself to do this without "help".

If it's still a struggle, then try to start a walking group in your neighbourhood.

I've always needed support myself, not only for dieting but for many other activities in my life, and blamed my lack of results on the fact that the people around me would not support and help me. I'm probably a *much more extreme* case than most, so please don't feel I'm judging or blaming you.

When I hit what I felt was "rock bottom" I came to the realization that expecting other people to help me out was bound to disappoint me over and over again, because expecting other people to organize their lives around ME was very unrealistic and frankly quite wrong. This is my life, my journey, my issues, and my need for constant support and reassurance is actually driving people away because they don't need these extra responsibilities. So I slowly started to take control of things. Face my issues alone, taking baby steps. At first it felt very lonely, but after a while, when I started getting results, loneliness became a strong sense of power! Not only that I've proven to me and everyone else that I can do what I set my mind to do, but I did it on my own!

A nice side-effect was that people actually started wanting to help and tag along! Partly because THEY were inspired by me and wanted to do the same, and partly because I did not give off this "needy" vibe that made them uncomfortable.

My mom always tried to push me to be self-reliant, and as independent as humanly possible. Oh was she right!...

That's totally me! I figured out that it's because I just don't like walking. It hurts my legs, because I'm heavy and my muscles aren't very strong. Then, I ignore the little voice that says, "Yes, but that's exactly why you should be walking," because exercise is supposed to be fun, and that just isn't fun right now! Therefore, I have made a playlist with only really upbeat songs that make me feel invincible. I have ones that tell me how cool I am and how cute I am and then I turn it up and just dance and dance like nobody's watching! (because they aren't...lol) I check my pulse after every song to be sure that I'm in the right zone (not too fast, not too slow), and the next day, I hop on the scale, and it goes down just a little more. Woo Hoo!

Feel free to add me as a friend if you're looking for more friends and support. I know I am!

meetup.com

You can meet like minded people. This is NOT a dating site but in my area they have all kinds of walking, biking & hiking groups.

As a single mom, I feel you.... I sometimes take the little one to the park and play for my activity but it's just not the same. I have started up again, hot & heavy. Going to the gym and doing the treadmill (my iphone keeps me company, lots of music) or am now doing Zumba classes. That helps keep me motivated.

You need to find that magic thing that helps motivate you, maybe like me it's music, or maybe a good book (I can only read when I'm doing the exercise bike), maybe use a solitary walk as your way to unwind from the day.

Best of luck to you :flowerforyou:

Don't think of it as a sad thing.

This is YOUR time.

YOU walk because it lets you clear your mind or gather your thoughts.

No one has to be there for YOU to want to do anything.

YOU can do this!

If you are relying on someone else to support you to get to where you need to be it won't happen. That is way to much pressure for someone. You need to get to a place where it is just for you and you challenge yourself. That way you can't say well I didn't want to walk with myself so I won't go. You'll have to admit it is all on you. Then you'll start seeing results!

It is hard. My fiance doesn't need to lose anything and the worst is getting up an hour earlier than he does to workout by myself. That's why I turned to MFP. There are tons of us on here in the same boat. It's hard to explain to someone who's not going through the same thing as you about your struggles. Feel free to add me (and others) for daily support!

I am a lot like you in that regard too. My journey has had it's up's and downs...this is my second time on here. My first was very successful and my husband started with me, but then he dropped out. But I was determined to keep going. One of the things I started seeing on tv after trying to get in shape were these commercials with wounded warriors. It dawned on me that many would give anything to be able to walk and be active as they once were, and I was choosing not to use what I had. Taking it a step further, I realized if I didn't do something myself soon, I would end up regretting it. I watch older people who chose not to take care of themselves and have ended up in chairs or on canes before they really should. They can't go out and hike to see things. I think both sets of people have regrets. So I am thankful I can get off my couch and go do something. My walk or run today is building my future, and I am grateful my legs can carry me!

Any chance you have one of these furry little critters?


Ok, so you probably won't take a cat on a walk, but what about a dog? I've become much more interested in routine, sustained walks now that I've got a pooch who wants to go with me.

meetup.com
You can meet like minded people. This is NOT a dating site but in my area they have all kinds of walking, biking & hiking groups.

Hi DONNAAKAMAGMID. Thanks for the site "MEETUP.COM." I just checked it out and joined a fitness/nutrition group around my area -- northwest side of Chicago. Will let you know how it goes. First meeting is Sept 18 at 7pm. Hoping it'll be a good experience.