How to keep motivated with a lot to lose.

Pterod
Pterod Posts: 131 Member
edited November 27 in Getting Started
I'm just beginning to try to lose weight again. Usually I get disheartened after a week or so because I have 65lbs to lose and 0.5-1lb per week feels like slow progress. This time I'm determined to keep going no matter how slow the progress. How do you stay motivated at the beginning?

Replies

  • Tblackdogs
    Tblackdogs Posts: 326 Member
    I recommend not worrying about the actual weight loss for the first two or three weeks, if possible. Instead give yourself other goals like meeting your calorie goal every day for a week, then two, then three. Or the goal of drinking enough water or getting enough fiber. If you're focused on something other than the scale number, you might remained more motivated.
  • Pterod
    Pterod Posts: 131 Member
    That's a great idea. Thank you.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Your motivation is all the reasons you want to lose weight to begin with. You cannot even think about the total amount you need to lose. Think about the next pound or the next 5 pounds. Allow several weeks to see any progress at all, because the timing differs for everyone. If you choose, you can probably set your calorie goals to lose 1-2 pounds per week the first several months and it would still be a healthy rate. Read the sticky posts at the top of this and all MFP forums to be sure you are weighing and logging your food accurately. I don't eat back exercise calories, but most people here recommend eating back no more than 50%.

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  • Pterod
    Pterod Posts: 131 Member
    Thank you lorrpb. I think it's thinking about how much I have to lose which is putting me off. Good idea to start with much smaller goals.
  • ForeverSunshine09
    ForeverSunshine09 Posts: 966 Member
    I started with 60lbs to lose and I have lost 33.6lbs so far. I just made small goals to reach first it was to get out of the obesE BMI category then to reach healthy weight and now it is to be in a certain size clothes. Your goals need to be custom to you and your end goals.
  • PaytraB
    PaytraB Posts: 2,360 Member
    I agree. Don't look at the big picture. Have smaller goals of losing 5 lbs (for example). Concentrate on finding sustainable eating habits that will stay with you for life. Weigh all your food, learn to recognize the portion sizes by sight, learn to recognize your triggers and how to balance parties & such things into your life and not gain.
    By concentrating on all these goals, the pounds will drop off sustainably and you will stay motivated.

    You can do this.
  • Pterod
    Pterod Posts: 131 Member
    Congratulations on your loss so far. Thank you foreversunshine09. I'll have a think of some goals. First one is easy, to get under 200lbs, I'm 206 at the moment. I think if I can reach that I'll have more motivation because I'll be able to see it working.
  • luluinca
    luluinca Posts: 2,899 Member
    I've lost about 75 lbs and it literally took over two years, but I never really had a setback where I gained more than a pound or two back. Take it slow and enjoy the ride.

    Celebrate all the accomplishments along the way and change your eating habits over the long haul and then stick to them.

    It's not a race!!!
  • Aria_Luna
    Aria_Luna Posts: 20 Member
    I pick really arbitrary weight goals to focus my mind as I'm just starting off as well. I try to keep it between 1-5 lbs. Right now my goal is 3 lbs, despite the end goal being 60. I've also thought about just saying an inch off my hips {where I'm the largest}. Lots of good advice in this thread. Find one that sounds great to you. :)
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