Getting back on track.

I took a break for about 6 weeks when my beloved dog of 14 years passed away. I gave myself permission to wallow, eat, be lazy, whatever it took to get through it...but I also gave myself a deadline for grieving. When my time was up, it took a bit of effort to get back in the swing of things, and I had to warm up to it, but I did it.

First, you might try examining why it is that you seem to have given up. It can sometimes be difficult to ascertain your own motives, but doing so is extremely helpful. Some people find that having that layer of fat makes them feel safer. They receive less attention from strangers. They have a ready-made excuse for not doing things they don't want to do, or for failing at things they try. If they lose the weight, they no longer have that crutch to point to and blame for their failings.

Second, try baby steps. You don't have to flip a switch overnight and go from average joe to super fitness buff...just take a walk. Eat an extra serving of veggies. Whittle down your serving sizes on non-veggies, just a little at first. Skip the seconds. Skip a dessert or snack, or make a healthier selection for dessert or a snack. You don't have to do it all at once.

Third, work on your motivation. Why do you even want to lose the weight? What might help you feel motivated? For me, I keep a Pinterest board with photos of very fit women. When I work out enough to get sore, my boyfriend gives me massages. I've come to really enjoy the feeling of being a bit sore, and don't feel right if some part of my body doesn't ache a little (yeah, that's weird, but it works for me.) Maybe print some photos of yourself looking hot at your lower weight and hang them on the fridge.

Fourth, make it as easy as possible. Get a few small pieces of equipment to help you get started at home. A small set of dumbbells or exercise bands will let you do some moves while you watch TV. Do you have a dog, or a neighbor with a dog? Walking a dog can be fun and motivating to get you out and moving around. Find exercise that is enjoyable. Go dancing or skating or hiking or anything else active that you like. Do it often.

Are you still logging? I've found that even when I'm going through a difficult path (I struggle with anxiety and depression) that I'll let myself eat what I want etc. but I just have to log everything still but don't worry about calorie counts or carbs (I eat keto). Before I used to just leave MFP all together out of shame pretty much - but having to face what I've done it's useful in helping myself get back on track because I can literally see it.

Doesn't matter how great you were doing in the past, there will always be stumbling blocks that throw you off course. No matter what. Just accept that beforehand, go back to the better habits you once had, gradually, and see that this is not an "either or" type of thing. It's not "eat perfect, workout daily" or "eat junk and do nothing". There's a large range in between that is more sustainable. Find what works for you.

I bribe myself. If I go a 30 day streak of logging, I treat myself to a steak dinner. It's not a meal that will sabotage me, but steak is comfort food to me and that's something I look forward to. So, even on cheat days I will remember to log, and after 30 days, it starts to become a habit again. So, maybe think of something you want to eat or do that's not something you normally do or eat but that you like and will look forward to. And state it publicly, even if no one follows your log. If I do that, I feel guilty for not logging, so that helps too! ^_^;