Anytime that I start to lose motivation or I plateau for a bit, I try to stop, re-assess and change something. At different times I find that I need to focus on different things. Some different areas I've focused on during the past year: getting enough sleep (so I feel like doing the other stuff), reducing/dealing with stress (so I feel like doing the other stuff), reducing/eliminating highly processed foods (it's actually fun to focus on all the yummy real stuff), and of course, after working on the afore mentioned items, I was able to better focus on calories. Right now, I'm finally starting to focus more on exercise. Everyone's different and times change. Keeping it fresh can be part of the success. And of course, I continue to work at getting good sleep, dealing with stress the best that I can and eating clean. It seems to require constant diligence to make these things into habits as life continually tries to pull me off track. Ultimately, I try to keep the focus on the long-term health benefits and to know that as I long as I keep trying and don't quit, I'm still succeeding. The successes and failures seems to even out a bit over time and simply become a part of the overall journey.

As for goals: I set them high and have no trouble changing them as I need to in order to keep them reachable. Jan 1st I wanted to reach my ultimate goal weight by Dec 31st. There came a point where I knew it wouldn't happen. I changed the goal. I reached a point where I knew it wouldn't happen again. I changed the goal again. Even if I miss that goal, it's a goal that is reachable and I will continue to work for it. But if I don’t make it, I will be kind to myself, know that I tried and will set new goals for 2016. So far this year, I've lost 30 pounds. That isn't the 60 I set out to lose. But it's 30 that I lost because I kept trying. Along the way this year, I have developed some really good, healthy habits and I feel so much better physically and emotionally.

Sometimes, I wish I could be one of those folks that's able to just jump into it, exercise like crazy, eat perfect, and lose quickly. But I'm not. So, I continue to work at being a better me and be okay to keep moving forward most of the time. I would recommend to others, to not wait until you're my age (57), to finally get on the right track with the healthy stuff. (Hoping this doesn't sound too preachy. I've been on MFP for 1 year, as of yesterday, and I'm feeling a bit reflective this week.)

JMarcella57 wrote: »

Anytime that I start to lose motivation or I plateau for a bit, I try to stop, re-assess and change something. At different times I find that I need to focus on different things. Some different areas I've focused on during the past year: getting enough sleep (so I feel like doing the other stuff), reducing/dealing with stress (so I feel like doing the other stuff), reducing/eliminating highly processed foods (it's actually fun to focus on all the yummy real stuff), and of course, after working on the afore mentioned items, I was able to better focus on calories. Right now, I'm finally starting to focus more on exercise. Everyone's different and times change. Keeping it fresh can be part of the success. And of course, I continue to work at getting good sleep, dealing with stress the best that I can and eating clean. It seems to require constant diligence to make these things into habits as life continually tries to pull me off track. Ultimately, I try to keep the focus on the long-term health benefits and to know that as I long as I keep trying and don't quit, I'm still succeeding. The successes and failures seems to even out a bit over time and simply become a part of the overall journey.

As for goals: I set them high and have no trouble changing them as I need to in order to keep them reachable. Jan 1st I wanted to reach my ultimate goal weight by Dec 31st. There came a point where I knew it wouldn't happen. I changed the goal. I reached a point where I knew it wouldn't happen again. I changed the goal again. Even if I miss that goal, it's a goal that is reachable and I will continue to work for it. But if I don’t make it, I will be kind to myself, know that I tried and will set new goals for 2016. So far this year, I've lost 30 pounds. That isn't the 60 I set out to lose. But it's 30 that I lost because I kept trying. Along the way this year, I have developed some really good, healthy habits and I feel so much better physically and emotionally.

Sometimes, I wish I could be one of those folks that's able to just jump into it, exercise like crazy, eat perfect, and lose quickly. But I'm not. So, I continue to work at being a better me and be okay to keep moving forward most of the time. I would recommend to others, to not wait until you're my age (57), to finally get on the right track with the healthy stuff. (Hoping this doesn't sound too preachy. I've been on MFP for 1 year, as of yesterday, and I'm feeling a bit reflective this week.)

Thank you for your insightful post! It was great to read and I agree with you on many of your points. It can be so difficult to focus and be diligent but as long as we are making small steps and effort along the way we can bring it all together. I am struggling to get out of my previous habits and its not comfortable and annoying but I know I need to do it. Congratulations on your 30 pound loss! That is fabulous! I hope 2016 can bring the other part of your goal to you. Developing good healthy habits is the the thing you can be most proud of perhaps.

J3inOTT wrote: »

My Challenge is that I am pretty good during the day, then tend to slide in the evening! Need to get smarter about my evening snacks!

I have the same challenge as you. I'm perfectly fine during the day and then I snack way too much at night.

I have not been feeling that well over the past week. With Christmas and the big weekend I ate A LOT of really rich foods and wine and while it was delicious I feel like I have not been doing my part. Sleeping has been so difficult for me, especially when my bf sleeps over or I sleep at his. It is like it is impossible for me to sleep. (We only each have a super twin bed). I just don't get it. I have some anxiety issues and it bugs me

Then yesterday I had two lipomas removed from my arm and waistline area that are fatty lumps but were painful to the touch. That was not fun. Plus seriously I have not slept peacefully in two nights plus my period seems to be late. Really stressing out ladies.

thom2369 wrote: »

I have not been feeling that well over the past week. With Christmas and the big weekend I ate A LOT of really rich foods and wine and while it was delicious I feel like I have not been doing my part. Sleeping has been so difficult for me, especially when my bf sleeps over or I sleep at his. It is like it is impossible for me to sleep. (We only each have a super twin bed). I just don't get it. I have some anxiety issues and it bugs me

Then yesterday I had two lipomas removed from my arm and waistline area that are fatty lumps but were painful to the touch. That was not fun. Plus seriously I have not slept peacefully in two nights plus my period seems to be late. Really stressing out ladies.

Rest is an amazing thing! Praying that you get some good sleep before New Year's.

thom2369 wrote: »

I have not been feeling that well over the past week. With Christmas and the big weekend I ate A LOT of really rich foods and wine and while it was delicious I feel like I have not been doing my part. Sleeping has been so difficult for me, especially when my bf sleeps over or I sleep at his. It is like it is impossible for me to sleep. (We only each have a super twin bed). I just don't get it. I have some anxiety issues and it bugs me

Then yesterday I had two lipomas removed from my arm and waistline area that are fatty lumps but were painful to the touch. That was not fun. Plus seriously I have not slept peacefully in two nights plus my period seems to be late. Really stressing out ladies.

Yes, luckily this weekend Friday and Saturday nights I stayed home alone and could sleep as long as I wanted.
I got amazing deep sleep both nights. Was so tired I couldn't get out of my pajamas the whole day Saturday. But it felt sooooo good and amazing to do that. Feeling mostly better and ready to get my eating better. I will make sure not to miss this Wedesday's weigh-in again! However my right shoulder has been hurting for a few weeks. I think I did something to it while lifting weights.

lipomas I know what your talking about I have one on my arm I got it from my dad who has it on his back. My sister being as loving as she is said Oh Thank god you got that and not me. LOL. We have true sisterly love I'm kind of glad she got the kidney stones from him as I seem to have everything else.

Glad to hear you got some rest. when I hurt my shoulder I do simple shoulder rolls til I work out the knots when it's really painful sometimes it has to be done after a hot shower.