Feeling a burnout coming...

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drwaddy
drwaddy Posts: 50 Member
in Motivation and Support
- Started eating healthier in march
- Started lifting weights 6 days a week in april, loved it
- Found out my workout plan was terrible for what I wanted and had to adjust it to 4 days a week, which sort of depressed me
- Find myself saving up all my calories from the day by drinking protein shakes, just so I can have one meal a night I enjoy.
- Food still feels like a treat, a reward, something that helps me feel less stressed... /rage

Woke up this morning and had a very difficult time convincing myself to pass by chik-fil-a on the way in to work, ultimately drank my protein shakes, but I'm still feeling exhausted and depressed. The honey moon phase, the early energetic burst of dieting and getting healthy and all it can do for me is starting to fade, starting to feel that constant nagging temptation...

Does that ever go away, or do you really just have to gut it up every single meal of every single day?
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Replies

  • joeboo81
    joeboo81 Posts: 28 Member
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    I know how you feel. It just seems like you are giving up so much to get where you want to be. And in truth, you kind of are. But I would recommend rewarding yourself from time to time. Go to Chik-Fil-A and get a grilled chicken sandwich and a small fries. Work them into your calories. The next time you feel like Chik-Fil-A, just get the sandwich. Want a pizza? Get a small veggie pizza instead of a large meat lovers.I think you'll be surprised if you just making small changes will result in a drastic cut in calories. Also, making the small changes and still eating your favorite foods will help keep the weight off when you reach your goal.

    I haven't lost all my weight yet, and I find it hard at times to make the necessary changes. Damnit! I want a full Chipotle burrito loaded with cheese and sour cream! But, when I go, I try to opt for a bowl, with veggies and maybe some guac. It's a sacrifice that I know, in the long run, will be help me achieve my goal.

    Good luck to you and fight through this. It'll get better.
  • sshintaku
    sshintaku Posts: 228 Member
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    Some people advocate small treats daily. Personally, it helps me to stay motivated if I am "good" all week, to have one dinner out at a restaurant or something over the weekend. I plan for it in my calories and have had no problem doing things this way. Is food supposed to be a reward? No, probably not, but I think it most people were honest, they would agree that it is, and there isn't anything wrong with that.

    I think if you try to live off protein shakes and salads the rest of your life, you're just setting yourself up for failure.
  • becs3578
    becs3578 Posts: 836 Member
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    I felt that way when i tried protein shakes. They are easy but for me NOT rewarding. Could you go back to "real food" for those meals in moderation?

    And sadly, I desire for CHICK FIL A never goes away but my will power increases every day.

    For me is it consistency. I go to crossfit 4 times a week and run 3 to 4 a week. I keep a schedule. FOR ME THAT IS KEY. It has been 15 months since I started crossfit and really started my weight loss and body transformation going. I just keep trudging along.

    YOU CAN DO YOU.... MFP can help and everyone here is here to support you!
  • spicegeek
    spicegeek Posts: 325 Member
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    Looking at your diary your one meal a day appears to consist of a very high calorie fast food - you could easily spread that between 2 healthier meals - this does not mean eating salad - but instead of getting fast food burgers - grill your own beef patties - make some healthy sides that you like

    Some of your protein shakes are also 400 + calories - what not east those 400 calories as real food
  • SoLongAndThanksForAllTheFish
    SoLongAndThanksForAllTheFish Posts: 831 Member
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    Get the Chick-FilA sandwich, if you toss the bread and use lettuce for bread for example, its not even outside of a normal small meal in calories and the protein is great. I work most of what I want to eat into my calories, in fact I don't even necessarily toss the bread out, but if you are worried about it, why not? Thinly breaded chicken with light condiments and a few veggie slices on it isnt many more cals than a protein shake, and kills a craving.
  • rpyle111
    rpyle111 Posts: 1,066 Member
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    Have a heart to heart with yourself. If you want it, you'll be able to do it. Don't think of passing the fast food place as a deprivation, think of it as taking another step toward success.

    I'm a big fellow like yourself and went through many attempts that ended in failure. Felt like I was depriving myself all of the time. Now, learning from all of these great people here, you don't have to deprive yourself, you just need to make choices and be accountable to yourself for these choices.

    I have incorporated protein shakes into my routine as well, but I don't see them as a chore in order to get to a big 'regular meal'. I see them more as a meal that is low calorie and has enough protein to keep me from feeling hungry for a while.

    The strength you are developing is not only in your muscles, it is also mental strength to do what you have decided to do to get to your long term goals.

    Be Strong!
  • MickeyCastello
    MickeyCastello Posts: 269
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    Maybe you're making it all too hard and stressing yourself out too much. Have you considered having a cheat day once a week? I do this on Friday's. It got me through losing, and I still do it in maintenance. Don't go wild, but that would be the day to visit Chick-Fil-A, or any other place you might choose. For me it means a 12" at Subway instead of a 6". Things like that.

    Edited for additional commentary.
  • flawwd
    flawwd Posts: 32 Member
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    I think the only way this site works is by gradually changing your eating habits so that this becomes a lifelong way to eat. I could never lose weight eating fast food all the day, plus there's not much nutrition, so it's no wonder you're getting tired. Do you cook? Try grilling up a real steak, baked potato with low fat sour cream and a heap of grilled veggies brushed with a bit of olive oil. I try to mix up my meals as much as I can so as not to get bored. Look up recipes on line, or buy a good healthy heart cook book. Plus I am here, not just to lose weight and eventually put on muscle, but also to change my eating habits for life. I have more energy, not less. Hang in there!
  • CanadianCountryGirl1973
    CanadianCountryGirl1973 Posts: 108 Member
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    I'm lucky I can avoid the fast food. All it takes is watching some documentaries on the garbage that's in it. And the financial cost...!! Oh my goodness! So at least that was never the issue for me. I agree about the protein shakes. Then you're on a diet and it's not sustainable. Lifestyle change is better. Change the habits before worrying about the food and calories.
  • itsadogslife
    itsadogslife Posts: 209
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    Maybe you're making it all too hard and stressing yourself out too much. Have you considered having a cheat day once a week? I do this on Friday's. It got me through losing, and I still do it in maintenance. Don't go wild, but that would be the day to visit Chick-Fil-A, or any other place you might choose. For me it means a 12" at Subway instead of a 6". Things like that.

    Edited for additional commentary.

    I would suggest a cheat MEAL not a cheat day. You can undo all your hardwork you put in for the week with a day full of calories..

    Also, you could have more variety and more satisfaction if you chose healthier dinner options.. Anything made at home will give you a way more satisfying serving than fast food will. I love to do intermitten fasting on days I'm not at work. I have something small just before the gym around noon, and then a post-workout shake, and at dinner I just devour 1000 cals,. or more depending on how much activity I had that day,
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
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    I looked at your diary... just have chick-fil-a. It's not more calories than what you've been eating lately.

    But unfortunately, by having those high calories restaurant dinners every day, you're going to have to drink shakes to make room for them. Your diet is basically crap, IMO. Where are the fruit and veggies? You're just eating 'junk' food and shakes. Of course you're going to feel awful.

    I strongly suggest that you look up some recipe websites like skinnytaste.com and start to learn to cook the foods you crave for half the calories.

    I'm guessing none of the posters above actually read your diary.
  • MickeyCastello
    MickeyCastello Posts: 269
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    Maybe you're making it all too hard and stressing yourself out too much. Have you considered having a cheat day once a week? I do this on Friday's. It got me through losing, and I still do it in maintenance. Don't go wild, but that would be the day to visit Chick-Fil-A, or any other place you might choose. For me it means a 12" at Subway instead of a 6". Things like that.

    Edited for additional commentary.

    I would suggest a cheat MEAL not a cheat day. You can undo all your hard work you put in for the week with a day full of calories..

    This is true if someone goes wild. Moderation is still required, even on a cheat day. All I know is what worked for me. Different strokes for different folks. People can always choose to save a few daily calories for a certain day if they like.
  • JoeMO
    JoeMO Posts: 524 Member
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    Francl27 nailed it with your diary. This is not an absolute, but IMO you're eating out too often. Knock that down to once or twice a week could help you. I've found one of my current favorite meals is a Morningstar Farms Chipotle 1/4 Burger with a slice of pepper jack, two slices of healthy life 35 cal wheat and some spicy mustard for 330 in calories. Maybe even two if I'm crazy hungry. Throw in some veggies and it's a meal. Also, some days are just tough. Even if you have a horrible day, you'll be alright if you get back in the game. It's having a couple bad weeks or a month that makes it really tough. I've seen a lot of good suggestions for you. Hopefully you'll find one or several that work for you. Joe
  • mebepiglet123
    mebepiglet123 Posts: 327 Member
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    Looking at your diary your one meal a day appears to consist of a very high calorie fast food - you could easily spread that between 2 healthier meals - this does not mean eating salad - but instead of getting fast food burgers - grill your own beef patties - make some healthy sides that you like

    Some of your protein shakes are also 400 + calories - what not east those 400 calories as real food

    Was going today the same thing. You are not fuelling your body properly, that's where the cravings kick in.
  • ABeautifulDistraction
    ABeautifulDistraction Posts: 348 Member
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    I'm just getting started (again) but I'm finding it easier this time by going clean. Healthy fats, lean protein, fiber and plenty of water has kept me almost craving free. I swallow a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 3 to 4 times a day as well. I was most concerned about craving fatty/cheesy burgers, but so far so good. By eating whole foods and keeping things like avocados and coconut oil in my body I stay full and satiated, especially when I started eating 4-6 times/day. Oddly enough I found I can kill a craving for a double cheeseburger by baking a sweet potato and dressing it with organic hemp oil, apple cider vinegar, and pumpkin seeds. If I crave pizza I make a veggie loaded pita pizza. Smart swaps aren't as difficult as I thought they would be and even though I've only been doing this a week I feel so good I'm angry with myself for not doing this years ago.
  • Elsie_Brownraisin
    Elsie_Brownraisin Posts: 786 Member
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    After looking at your diary, there doesn't appear to be much variation, the same breakfast each day and similar lunches. This could be why it is becoming tedious.

    I don't drink protein shakes, so I don't know how filling they are, sorry, but the amount of food you eat would leave me famished and ready to inhale the next thing I saw, leaving me more susceptiable to the allure of the chippy or McDonalds. You could eat great deal more for the calorie allowance you have.

    The websites for the mens fitness or stength magazines will have simple recipe ideas for high protein, lower fat foods. Fish, steak, chicken, eggs etc.

    Also, if you're unhappy about reducing your lifting days, is there anything you could be doing on your rest days? An activity that isn't as strenuous as your lifting, but still gets you in the gym or doing something you enjoy?

    Edit to add - there certainly is a point when the novelty wears off and you're in it for the long haul, alone (apart from here). There are days when motivation wanes, but it doesn't have to be a dreary and horrible experience either.
  • ABeautifulDistraction
    ABeautifulDistraction Posts: 348 Member
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    I think the only way this site works is by gradually changing your eating habits so that this becomes a lifelong way to eat. I could never lose weight eating fast food all the day, plus there's not much nutrition, so it's no wonder you're getting tired. Do you cook? Try grilling up a real steak, baked potato with low fat sour cream and a heap of grilled veggies brushed with a bit of olive oil. I try to mix up my meals as much as I can so as not to get bored. Look up recipes on line, or buy a good healthy heart cook book. Plus I am here, not just to lose weight and eventually put on muscle, but also to change my eating habits for life. I have more energy, not less. Hang in there!

    THIS!!!
  • drwaddy
    drwaddy Posts: 50 Member
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    Couple years back I started having horrible pain in my stomach after eating, so much so I would almost pass out, so I went to see a doctor. She wanted me to see a specialist, after two surgeries to look through my entire insides, doctor couldn't find a thing wrong... My blood work was normal, except my tri-glycerides were a bit high, all in all they couldn't explain it.

    Any time I eat nuts of any kind, it feels like my stomach is on fire or being raked with needles, a lot of fruits with seeds cause the exact same reaction. Any type of course greens will do the same, yet lettuce and asparagus heads give me no issues... Bananas and applesauce cause me to have these adverse reactions also, found that quickly after being put on the BRAT diet right after going to see the doctor.

    A lot of things that are healthier for you, like greens and fruits etc, even some kinds of fish, cause me to have these problems. I just went to the doctor this week because after trying celery out twice, I developed rashes. I believe I have some crazy food alergy or something, but it's cause me to be pretty paranoid about what I try and how I approach my diet. Generally I stick to things that work and don't go out of that comfort zone much.

    I'll give some more thought to trying to incorporate more actual meat instead of protein shakes into the diet and see if it's more rewarding to eat than drink, I'm sure it will be.
  • Myfitfutureself
    Myfitfutureself Posts: 34 Member
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    Feeling a burnout coming...







    ME TOO!!!

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  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
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    Yes I'd skip the shakes. No way a drink would make me feel like I had a meal. Try cooking up a batch of chicken breasts to have ready for a few days for your protein source.

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