My entire summer was hit or miss as far as logging or eating right. As a result, I gained another 10 pounds on top of the 10 I had already gained...OUCH! Denial was what got me through it...not a good thing. I did try several times to get back on track but I wasn't ready emotionally to do that. I hadn't hit bottom yet. My friends here were encouraging but, as with all motivation, it has to come from within yourself.

What got me out of it was when I looked in the mirror at a ladies boutique I went into...it was a full length mirror and I was totally appalled at what I saw...someone I never thought I would ever see again. Tears welled up in my eyes and I wanted to crawl into a hole. That was the kick I needed..I had hit bottom again, like just before I joined MFP.

This group is going to be my lifeline....I need this accountability. One thing that causes me anxiety is being embarrassed and since I want to avoid that, I will be here till Christmas and I will do what must be done. I WILL lose the weight.

Everyone goes through those weak times. I have to hit bottom before I can rise again.

I just stand naked in front of the mirror, that's usually the kick I need, but I also pray about it, I think sticky notes with encouraging words left on the fridge or bathroom mirror are great. Make a list of why you want to drop the weight. Also don't make large goals, 5 pounds at a time, 5 days of logging, things like that, You can do it!!

I find being mean to myself never works for me. If I feel disgusted when I look at myself I tend to think well whats the point trying. The only time I can lose weight is when I feel good about myself. If I feel strong, healthy and attractive in my head I then start to want the body to go with the mind. Sometimes I can't resist the cravings but the day after I try to put in perspective. I stand on the scale and say okay I've gone up by 2lbs this week, but since the start I'm still 6lbs less than I was.

I also had to find my reason for doing this and think about that constantly. The little things like I really want to get into a size 10 don't work for me, but the big, gun to your head reasons, the life or death reasons keep me focused. For me it was diabetes. My entire family is diabetic and I will not go down that road. That reason stopped weight loss being nothing more than a vanity issue for me and turned it into something I had to do to stay alive.

Above all, don't give up! Focus on positive things you've accomplished. You've lost 25 lbs! You've come a long way. Focus on small things you can accomplish and don't beat yourself up for hitting a bump in the road.

My motivation has weakened slightly in the last week or so, but I keep sight of the road to my goal. With my motivation taking a slight detour, I pulled out something from my closet that I would like to fit back into. I don't shop for clothes very much; I also haven't cleaned out my closet in about 8+ years, so I have a selection of items that I haven't fit into for a while. I've reached my current goal of fitting back into my wetsuit before my diving trip, so I needed something new to spur me on. I pulled out some cute red pants that I fit into when I was at/near my goal weight, squeezed my big butt into them - hey, they fit! Wouldn't wear them in public, but at least I got them on. They are now hanging front and center in my closet staring me in the face.

Take things one day at a time and you'll win the race.

My b-day was on the 1st , I did poorly eating and drinking all weekend and last night I ate 1/2 bag of chips..( my downfall)
I am starting fresh today and logged food and exercise.
Took my measurements also, have not done that in the past and was amazed and disappointed how my mid section had grown.
I am committed to loose the 15 lbs by Christmas so here's to everyone in this group to say we can do it!!
Lets keep each other motivated!!