!!!Personal Confession that I need help with!!!

I had quite a few what I call "false starts." I would begin to lose weight then slack off. I also have a partner who could eat anything and stay skinny...I know that feeling! I have found the message boards here keep me motivated, especially if I check out the "Success Stories" section. I need to lose a total of 30 pounds since starting MFP. When I see other MFP people who have lost HUNDREDS of pounds, it keeps me going. If they can lose all of that, then I can lose 30. Their success motivates me. Well, that and not wanting to have a fat rear end anymore.

I have the same problem. I start out great, then something happens during the day and I just start eating whatever I feel like. The next thing I know, the scale is my worst enemy. I have found the best way to combat this problem is to prepare on Sunday as best and realistically as possible what my eating plan will be for the week. Again, if possible. Then I commit myself to walking. I don't do the job thing,but I like to walk. I try to walk at least 4 to 5 times per week, no less then a mile at a time. I allow myself a day during the week to cheat. When I cheat I allow myself 1 cheat meal and then it is over. I plan that on a day when I know that I am exercing.

I have also purchased a few outfits in the next size down from what i wear. I hate to waste money, so i am super motivated to get into those clothes. As with the other folks who responded, you have to find your "thing". What works for one may not work for the other. The important thing is that you are open to suggestion. That is a big step in attaining success.

I wish you well, I know you can do it.

I so hear you on this one! I am what I call an "all or nothing girl." I tend to either be totally hard core or out. THIS TIME, I'm trying to do everything in moderation. I'm trying to think... o.k., this is for life (not just hard core for a month and then quit). I'm not denying myself anything - if I want a cookie, I will eat A cookie. (if I told myself no, I'd end up eating it anyway PLUS 5 more!) I'm working out (running) on a regular schedule (but I'm listening to my body - my foot hurts today so I'm taking an extra day off).

There ARE going to be days where we are going to flub up - notice I didn't say fail. If we think of one slip as a fail, then we just want to quit. If it's a flub, then you just keep going and don't let it stress you out. (of course, don't let it mean nothing, but don't let it derail you).

Planning is key to success. If you KNOW something is coming up, prepare for it. For example, if you KNOW you are going out to dinner somewhere, go online and find the menu. Pick out what you are going to order and plan the day around it. Allow yourself a glass of wine or whatever you want. It's o.k. If it's a huge portion, ask them to put 1/2 in a takeout container BEFORE bringing it to you (it's too easy to nibble while you wait for the waitress). If you want dessert, split it with your friends (take one or 2 bites). If you go over your calories for the day, don't freak about it - just go workout the next day.

Life is supposed to be lived. Too many people lose focus of that when they are trying to lose weight. I think the people who are successful in the long term are those that have learned to relax and go with the flow.

Also wanted to share my favorite quote from a MFP friend :happy:

"The moment to restart is the very moment you took that last bite of a unhealthy choice"

While you are figuring out what your "thing" is... Take things one step at a time. Make a single change, give it a couple weeks until it becomes a habit that you are comfortable with. Then do another, give it a couple weeks, make it a habit and get comfortable with it. Take on each challenge, make it a habit, get comfortable. If you want a cookie, candy bar, greasy burger or what ever, find a way to work it in your daily goal. Don't deprive yourself of anything that you really want....better to indulge under controlled circumstance than to deny yourself and binge on it later.

Don't go gung ho on everything at once.... that is a direct route to burn out and giving up. Good days and bad days will happen. Life happens. Be patient. When you slip up, get back on the next minute, don't wait until tomorrow. Good Luck!

I have the same problem, which has always affected my long-term weight loss (and, honestly, I notice that my motivation decreases or increases depending on the time of the month).

For me, something just clicked recently, where I realized that instead of "wishing" things would be different, I had the full power to make them different. I set little goals (5 pounds, then another 8 pounds, etc) so my goals seem doable. When I get close it gives me a push.

I also joined a challenge on here so I feel like I'm not only accountable to myself, but to other people as well. I know I might not meet the challenge, and I honestly doubt anyone would really notice or judge if I don't, but I don't want to be the one not logging every week or the one who sees no results.

I agree that you have to find your "thing", whatever you feel is that push. For me, it was realizing this is within my control, and while many other things in life are not in my control, this is something I can focus on and make happen.

Also, every day is new. If you can stick with it for a couple weeks, those changes will start being habits. It's OK to take a couple days off, just try to find the moderation. Good luck!!