how do you keep motivated?

I just remember I have lost weight before and went through going up and down on the scale and this time is no different just remember as long as your clothes are not getting tighter you are on the right track...and eventually the numbers will drop you will lose inches before weight....and if numbers still done change do what I did and switch your diet hope I helped somewhat.

Make sure that your sole focus is not only on the scale weight.

Weigh daily so you can note the daily fluctuations, which can be significant, and are generally due to fluid fluctuations - new workout, extra sodium in your dinner the night before, hormonal water retention, etc.

Use a tape measure, difference in how your clothes fit, and photographs to track progress.

Have a fitness goal. This gives you a reason to maintain adherence to a weight loss goal (e.g. being lighter for running).

I just keep in mind that my actions can keep me from my goal or get me closer.

This! You HAVE to remember that this is a long process, and your weight is going to fluctuate up and down. The only way I finally stuck it out and lost the weight was getting into the right state of mind. I always heard people say things about "liestyle" changes and thought no, all I have to d o is DIET and then... well, and then what? To succeed you have to make the commitment to be in this for the long haul. Yes, you can take breaks or go out and have drinks and food and treats. But overall, your focus has to remain on what you truly want. Sometimes I really do want the cake more than the abs :laugh: And that is PERFECTLY FINE! But when the scale goes up, you have to be able to say ok, I will keep pushing forward and that scale will go down next time.

I say all this, but yes I still struggle with the scale not moving as quickly as I want in the right direction. It does get frustrating! But the scale isnt my only motivation anymore, I just overall want to be healthier and happier. I have other goals that in no way pertain to that number, and some of them even hinder the pounds from dropping, but they are more important to me than a lower weight (building muscle, strength training, etc)

My birthday was yesterday. Got all kinds of goodies and treats for the day of, and the day prior. I had to eat the carrot-cake cupcake or it would have been rude (we have all been here!). Up 3 pounds. BUT - I had a great time and would do it again.

Today is a new day...those 3 pounds will be gone in a week or less...as I am sure there is some salt/water-weight in there.

Keep after it. Weight is like weather...it always changes a bit.

I once asked people in maintenance how much their weight fluctuates. Their normal responses were 3 to 4 pounds and the extreme ones were 5 or 6 pounds.

My scale goes up and down 5-8 pounds per week. I just worry about my body fat and my improvements in athletic performance, as well as how my clothes fit.

i just started and i had a cheat snack it said i gained a pound i was so upset and pissed... but i remembered stopping my diet isnt going to make things better nor make me smaller...

i set little goal 10 pounds at a time and once i get there ill buy something i want like new shoes or body shaper or something!

For myself I will look at my diary and see what I can do better, for example the extras I love to have , bread and sugar are my biggest downfall, I would cut those for a while...and add more green veggies..
There is always something I can improve in if I take a good look back at things ...I never run out of Hope! Im a Red Head.....lol

I heard a good example that helps motivate me, as I tend to weight daily and get a bunch of fluctuations.

Think of weight loss as a Credit Card not a Debit Card. Debit cards you see exactly each and every transaction. Credit Cards you get a monthly statement, and that is how you want to look at weight loss. Hit the gym (however often) and at the end of the month you see your progress.

I stay motivated by remembering that weight can fluctuate. Especially in women, about once a month....

Also, I didn't put all the weight on in a week, it's not going to come off in a week. So far I've lost nearly 200lbs... Over two years and a half YEARS! So every time I feel frustrated I remind myself to not ruin two and a half years of work over a bad day or week.

I weigh daily so it's become more normal to see fluctuations (as much as 5lb per day), if I have been stuck for a couple of weeks, I can normally pinpoint the reasons - maintenance days for TOM, higher sodium, etc. On the rare occasions when it does get me down I look back over my trend charts and look at my old photos, they remind me that what I am doing is working.



I no longer recognise the girl in this pic and that is the biggest motivation of all: