So lost

I feel this same way sometimes, especially about doing it two or three days a week then falling off.

Honestly, so far this site has helped worlds in terms of keeping me motivated, because it's so easy to keep track of and the site community is so supportive. I also plan out my workouts and food beforehand because I feel guilty if I don't do it and everyone sees!

As far as not knowing what to do when you get to the gym, I recommend treating (yes, treating) yourself to a few sessions with a trainer or starting with gym classes like Zumba, yoga, spinning or Boot Camp. You can learn so much from a great instructor.

Finally, I made a list of rewards that have nothing to do with falling off the wagon: new pjs, clothes, a massage, bath products, anything that you like (my boyfriend thought this was cute, lol). Even looking at the list makes me feel motivated. I plan on treating myself to one thing on the list every 5-10 lbs, and maybe a vacation at my goal weight!

These are what have been working for me

Affirmations to the mirror at least twice a day (state I am happy, healthy, my desired weight and that I am motivated to exercise and eat healthy)

Drink lots of water and eat what I want - no special diet, can't stick to it. But really downsize the portions (eg. 1 cookie not 3, small helpings of potatoes, 1/2 slice bread, that kind of thing) After a while you just aren't as hungry

Walk, walk walk in addition to gym. I do the eliptical there and a few free weights several times a week (small lbs, lots of reps - mostly for my arms) Also stomach crunches etc. in front of tv at night

I shoot for the gym or treadmill in the morning or lunch,lonh brisk walks on the weekend (have to switch to treadmill in the winter)

lost 30 lbs since May

I keep a weekly exercise schedule posted on the refrigerator for my husband and I both. AM and PM of every day of the week, very specific. This really helps me stay on track with exercising because I know that if I workout on these days, then I have these ones off. As far as exercising, I think the trick is to find something that you really enjoy and do that the most. For me, I HATE doing strength training but I know that it's essential, so I make myself do it. The majority of the time, however, I take group classes or jog because that's what I enjoy. Good luck! It will just take some getting used to.

Definitely start with a HEALTHY goal weight, then break it down in to realistic mini goals. Assign non-food rewards for each mini goal.
At the gym, just go to whatever catches your interest. It's not very hard to start peddling an elliptical, bike, or get walking on a treadmill or track. If the gym has a weight room, the machines should have descriptions of how to use them. That's how I learned

Personally, I have no stated long term goals. I concentrate on staying clean for "hours" or a day at the most and that seems to help. I do NOT go to the gym - the gym is one big hassle and there are too many people looking at me there. I walk, I jog and I push dumbbells at home. VERY simple, very easy, very private, very inexpensive. The gym is a set up for excuses.....can't go because...bla bla bla

There are, however, no shortcuts and yes, you have to exercise will power. People that say you don't need will power are bull****ting. You have to be an adult and exercise control sometimes and say NO.

Planning is the key - but simple planning.

I make daily promises to myself and my only rule is "I don't break the promise". I spend a little time on the weekends planning / writing my exercise INTO my calendar for the week ( I have 3 kids and a stressful job - I am busy) I do simple food planning - I bring cold cuts to work and have nice sandwiches for lunch and may be a yogurt or a cottage cheese. I have fruit or light cereal for breakfast and hang on until lunch without snacking in between. (control......will power). I do my planned exercise at night (sometime late when the kids are "done") and I eat a "normal" dinner with human size portions and no bread.
Lastly, I weight myself every day to keep myself in check and I use this website a lot. If I have a bad day, I move on and I don't cry about it.
Hope that helps - good luck
Joe

A notebook is a good idea-they are great motivators and bonus- it's always fun to look back at those as you get closer to your goal

I'm part of a group that does a monthly challenge- we are big and it is confusing cuz so many of us have started posting (Kickin *kitten* in our 20's)- but basically we set monthly goals some weight goals some non weight related. About halfway through the month we often refresh our goals just to really push ourselves.

But most people set mini goals. The total amount you want to lose feels so overwhelming. Well start with trying to lose 3 lbs by the end of november. Then start a new goal at the beginning of each month- I usually aim for 5. The last two months I've managed 7, so it's been not only great to lose but also to exceed my goals. And incorporate other goals that aren't about the scale.

Also I keep track of everything- I have a whiteboard to keep up with workouts (I've been running and just generally trying to run farther each week). I love the planning- I even have an excel file that keeps track of the "If every day were like today in 5 weeks you'd weigh..." number.

I am not really sure where to start. There are so many challenges on here that i seem to just miss or they have way to many people and I just don't understand them. I am in such a funk. I start a few days maybe a week and then completely fall off the wagon. I have zero idea what I am doing when I go to the gym. I have thought that maybe I should write down my weight my goal and my mini goals or something to help me stay motivated. Or maybe I need some way to visually see my progress. I have even thought of making a motivational board in my room w/ my goals, progress and pics that motivate me.

I need some feedback. What keeps you motivated? How do you stay eating healthy when its so easy not to? What pushes you to go the gym when you just want to plop down on the couch?

you can get help at the gym. just get someone to show you how to use the machines. you can write down the sets, reps and weight settings if you need to. the more you go, the more you'll feel you belong there. right now, you just feel out of place. go to the gym. own it. as for eating healthy, no one's perfect. just try to do well most of the time. log it down, good or bad. it helps you to see your weaknesses, patterns you've established. you could find a work out partner but to tell you the truth, you're the only one you can really count on so get used to going alone. if someone else tags along, great! the trick is, i think, to moderate your moderation. don't try to give up everything at once. it's too traumatic. work your favorites into your calorie count. you don't have to live on lettuce and soy. lol. good luck.