Why do I feel down???

snowy_sk · April 2011

Back in January I lost 14 pounds by just eating really healthily. However, February and March, I slipped back into my old habits and hey presto, discovered I had put 8 pounds back on! So a couple of weeks ago I signed on to mfp and have lost 8 pounds already by just sticking to my 1200 calories. It's amazing!!!

So..... the question is, why do I feel so disheartened?? I'm so happy that I've lost the weight I gained but now I can feel my motivation slipping. All I really want to do is go to the nearest shop and grab a whole load of chocolate bars! For the last 3 days I have been at 12 stone exactly and it's been 4 years since I was under 12 stone so I should, if anything, be even more determined to carry on! What on earth is wrong with me????? :-( It seems like in the first couple of weeks when I lose mainly water weight, I have so much motivation because I can see small changes in my weight every day. I know that that's not realistic long term, but I really struggle to keep trying so hard when I don't see movement on the scales every day.

Sorry for the ramble...... I'm trying to figure out where so super motivated me of yesterday has disappeared to!

x

JellyPrz619 · April 2011

Do you have mini goals and rewards set??? I sometimes feel like that too! What helps me are my mini goals and if possible I log on here and go to success stories and look at before and after pics. Just know anything is possible so if you're really commited you WILL lose weight.

srp2011 · April 2011

It sounds like you possibly have a fear of success? 14 pounds may be the point where you actually see/feel a change in your body, and your life will begin to change - people will start treating you differently, etc... This can be a good and bad thing - sometimes the people closest to us are threatened when we change for the better, and may start to sabotage you. Even positives, like getting more attention from other people can be scary, and can trigger us to backslide into our comfort zone/rut. Try doing some focused imaging exercises where you see yourself at your goal weight, living your new life, happy and safe and confident. Surround yourself with images or other reminders of why it is so important for you to lose, how it will have a positive impact on your life. Try googling 'fear of success' for some other tips on overcoming this block.

Hope this helps!

HaleyAlli · April 2011

Well, if you're anything like me, going without your favorite foods is like withdrawal. Buy yourself a (small) chocolate bar whenever you reach a goal and keep getting small treats that fit within your calorie budget. Then you won't feel so deprived anymore

gupton11 · April 2011

It's important to set long-term and short-term goals. Also try to only weigh in once a week as your weight can fluctuate a lot day-to-day and this can be discouraging. Give yourself rewards for eating good but don't over do it, once in a while you just have to have some pizza or a cheeseburger. I eat pretty much whatever I want just in moderation. It's a lot more about how much you eat rather than what you eat.

arwamya · April 2011

It sounds like you possibly have a fear of success? 14 pounds may be the point where you actually see/feel a change in your body, and your life will begin to change - people will start treating you differently, etc... This can be a good and bad thing - sometimes the people closest to us are threatened when we change for the better, and may start to sabotage you. Even positives, like getting more attention from other people can be scary, and can trigger us to backslide into our comfort zone/rut. Try doing some focused imaging exercises where you see yourself at your goal weight, living your new life, happy and safe and confident. Surround yourself with images or other reminders of why it is so important for you to lose, how it will have a positive impact on your life. Try googling 'fear of success' for some other tips on overcoming this block.

Hope this helps!

I second this

bethrs · April 2011

Not to be too weird/personal- but seing that you are female.... when I lost a certain amount of weight my hormones got all jacked up and I had some strange associated problems. Perhaps this might be a factor as well?

Dnsnyder · April 2011

I've found that whenever I start to feel down, sluggish, depressed, etc., if I just take the time to go to the gym or get in a good aerobic workout, it helps me feel a lot better. I know how hard it is to keep motivated...after a few weeks I tend to start drifting away from good habits and back towards bad ones. However, I'm doing a lot better at fighting this off. I've found that by eating healthy and exercising I feel more energized. I also take a multivitamin to help ensure that all of my systems are getting what they need to function properly. Also, I'm trying to find things I can do for fun and to help alleviate stress. I've noticed that when I become more stressed, I lose energy and feel depressed.

Also, something that has really helped me is finding healthy habits / foods to substitute in for bad habits / food. Instead of eating a candy bar or something, I like Special K Chocolatey Pretzel snack bars (90 calories). That way I can fulfill my chocolate craving without excessive calories and fat. I think it''s important to find healthier things that you really like.

lpm3925 · April 2011

A good workout will release endorphines and make you feel better. Add some exercise!

Also, find what you really are doing this for. I bet it's not actually losing weight for losing weights sake. I'm losing so i can be healthier for my family. it's my gift to them. Also, not going preachy, but how's your spiritual life, faith, whatever you want to call it? I'm a firm believer in Body, Mind, Spirit. You have to work at all three constantly. How's the mind? I'm 33 and decided to go back to college. Exercise everything not just your physical self.

Why do I feel down???

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