anyone else feel like giving up? :((

Sorry you feel that way. I try to stand aside from my feelings. If I feel bored or sad I don't have to go with those feelings -- I can just let them pass by and not get swallowed up with them. I can't wait until I feel inspired to take action.

It always helps me to go for a walk outside. I walk in a nearby nature area a lot. Right now it's winter and very cold out there because of the wind coming over the fields, so I walk in town -- to a store, the library, anywhere. Exercise, especially outside, always lifts my mood. Walking is good because once I walk somewhere I'm stuck and am forced to walk back -- I can't just get off like on a treadmill.

Do you exercise? A zumba class might be fun, anything to get moving. If you sign up for a class that would be a great way to keep going.

Seeing results helps me get through those feelings, I hate working hard and not seeing results on the scale. I'm not sure what your goals are, but just today i took a look and a before picture of myself 20 lbs, 2 months ago and i was SHOCKED, so looking back on progress ive made helps. Set short term goals for yourself, I started my journey at 196 pounds, my 1st goal was 175, Im down to 158, with a short term of 150, but eventually want 140.

Not to sell you my diet, there are sceptics who will put it down, but I started a very low carb diet a month ago tomorrow, it took me about a week to get used to but its working, your body switches from burning calories from carbs you are eating to fat you are eating. For me, it put me in control, you have less hunger and see more results, i feel like a machine. Ive been about 5 days on intermittent fasting, there are also a few ways to do that, right now I am eating one meal a day, high protein healthy fat low carb, and I'm not hungry during the day, and have plenty of energy for my work out.

Sorry for the babble, but if you think it could work for you I'd give it a try because ive been struggling with weight my whole life and finally feel in control.

Final word of advise, make healthy choices, but if you are feeling down, there is always tomorrow. I did zero work outs this weekend, and started my work out today with a bang and im feeling much better. Good luck stay positive! =]

I do! I find this time of the year the hardest. I'm always so much more fatigued and the temperature change makes me crave comfort food. That being said, I have to make sure I'm like super watchful to make sure I don't slip back into bad habits. Just make a list of why you started and refer to it often. track your calories and get your workouts in. Good luck and happy holidays!!

I do at the end of a day where i do awful (like today)but i know tomorrow is another day.

I read through the Success Stories, it helps me realize I'm not alone. If all those people can do it I can too.

^^This^^
Lots of inspiration from the Success Stories.

I have spent the last 4 years and 300+ lbs. of weight loss establishing that I am fortifying a lifestyle and I plan on living a very long time. When you come from being home bound and unable to walk to having the world and my future at my fingertips and how it is again truly unwritten. My motivation lies within that and I see no need for ever giving up, I have had the taste of success and I am hungry for more... This is the best way I described it..... You have to find that drive within yourself and just live....... Best of Luck

Put on some good music and go for a walk. Always improves my mood and motivation. Or look at photos of what fat looks like. That usually scares me back into eating right!

there are some days that i feel great and others (like today) i feel like giving up. what do you do to help get out of the funk?

Stick to the routine you have setup/outlined for yourself.

Yup, especially on days like yesterday. I must be going into hibernation mode but no matter what I ate yesterday it wasn't enough. Add to that the fact that with the holidays here and multiple jobs, my workout routine is pitiful if not completely non-existent. It becomes a downward spiral that gets me mad at myself and food becomes the easy way out. But, it didn't take one day to get as fat as I was and it won't come off in one day either. And one bad day is not going to ruin me. If we all had nothing but good days none of us would be here to lose the weight would we? As mentioned above, music and a good walk are great therapy and help me immensely. I will use my lunch break if needed to get 20-30 minutes out walking with no people or issues to deal with. A little head-clearing usually ensues and I come back refreshed, mind and body, ready to start anew. Fight the urge and just get a few minutes of motion in. It just kind of hits a mental reset button and it's off to the races again. Keep going, and good luck!

Sure! There are days when I'd love to eat all the foods because it's EASIER. Hell, that's why I was obese for nearly my entire adult life up to a couple years ago. Being active and eating right isn't easy, if it was there wouldn't be an obesity epidemic!

I think the key is to establish some really strong short term and long term goals. Really think about WHY you want to lose the weight and get healthy. Family history of disease? Pre-diabetic? Half-marathon or tri-athalon on your bucket list? Or maybe you want to lose the "baby weight" or get down to the dress size you wore at your wedding. The however to setting goals is to make them realistic. Don't go by what you see on tv shows like Biggest Loser or Extreme Weight Loss.

Make sure your weekly weight loss goal is appropriate for the amount of weight you have to lose. As your profile is private so I can't do the math for you, here're is a good guideline to use:

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal,
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal, and
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal.

Also know that weight loss isn't linear. Very few people lose exactly 1 pound per week even if they're right on target with their calories. Water weight is a huge factor for scale losses - high sodium, not enough water, exercise routine changes, hormone cycle, etc can all have an impact. So in addition to tracking progress on the scale, take body measurements, take progress pictures, pay attention to how clothes are fitting (and keep a "before" item or two of clothing). Take joy in every success whether it's lost pounds, inches, belt notches or the need for a new pair of pants!

You got this! Just be patient, put in the time and effort and it will happen.

Honest answer - No I don't. On days I eat more than I should, on days the scales go the wrong direction, it just motivates me to work harder.

I like to suggestion above on goals. I signed up for a marathon in July when I weighed 200 + pounds. By the day of the marathon, which was October 20th, I weighed 155 pounds. To keep motivated over the winter - I signed up for 2 marathons in March of 2014.

It comes down to determination & motivation. I decided that being fit, that being healthy, and the ability to run a marathon is what is MOST important to me. This morning I weighed 143.4 pounds. That is less than I weighed when I was 17-18 years old. 30 years later, I am the healthiest and in the best shape of my life. It was difficult, but it was worth it.

So my recommendation to anyone that feels like giving up - assess your motivation, and don't let anything stand in the way of achieving your goals.