Finding Your Motivation

paulette8595 wrote: »

Thanks. I needed to hear that. My willpower sucks big time. Sometimes even wanting to be healthly doesn't seem to be enough when food is around. I just eat. I am obese and would like to look like I did before all this weight came. I have changed some of my lifestyle. I go swimming three to four times a week. But I know I need to do more. I was walking 30 minutes a day - then I fell up the steps and busted my knee. So haven't been walking. Sorry I am going on and on.

clicketykeys wrote: »

My motivation so far is that I've done it for this long. I can do it for another day. And then another. I can manage each day, just for that day.

Hi @paulette8595 and @clicketykeys!

I totally understand. We all must take this thing one day at a time.

I am losing weight for my health because less than 5 months ago, I was diagnosed with complications from diabetes. My vision was getting worse, and my hands and feet were becoming numb and painful. My blood sugar was high! The doctor said in a nutshell, "Lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise; if you don't you are going to get sicker and sicker, and you will take more and more medicine. You could lose your vision or become cripple or have organ failure, or die, if you do not change." I cried every day for weeks. I went through a grieving process, but the doctor's warning became my motivation to eat better and lose weight. I don't have a set workout routine yet but I do get some exercise when I can. I can now feel how food affects my body. I am reminded of the dire prognosis of diabetic complications when I eat too much and when I eat the wrong foods.

In March 2015, my A1C was 7.8% (an average of one's blood sugar reading over 3 months; this also means that over a three month period, my blood sugar averaged around 183mg/dl; normal blood sugar should be between 70mg/dl and 99mg/dl, though 90-99 is considered pre-diabetic), BUT I only made small changes. In one year I lost 18lbs by cutting out sugary drinks and not eating late night. This was not enough.

By the time January 2016 rolled around, I was getting sicker (A1C 9.8%; average blood sugar 240mg/dl), but it wasn't until my hands and feet started to be affected that I went to the doctor March 4, 2016. Keep in mind that an average blood sugar over 130mg/dl for an extended amount of time can cause organ failure and other diabetic complications. After my dire diagnosis and prognosis, I changed. I told the doctor that I was going to turn my situation around. I told him that I refuse to eat myself into blindness, organ failure, or into a wheel chair.

As of August 2016. I am down 65lbs, my A1C is 5.6%, and the doses on my medicines have gotten lower and lower. I am down to one pill.

I need to lose 61lbs more! I am looking for people I can motivate and people that will motivate me. I tell everyone that if they need motivation to remember that fat makes you sick and will eventually kill you. Fat affects your life and your quality of life.

Add me if you are serious about your weight loss efforts, and want to give and receive motivation and support.

@SueInAz, I have never heard a description of overweight people quite like yours.

I have seen a lot of success stories on MFP as well, but I have also seen so many people argue over semantics. To some motivation also means inspiration, dedication, and commitment. In my case, motivation has led to a long-term commitment. MFP has a general forum topic entitled, "Motivation and Support" that some people have come to understand as a place you can find friends to inspire/motivate. I have found that most people use the words synonymously. For example: You used the word "commitment" to describe your reason for running even before you realize you are preparing to run. Do something long enough and you began to do it without thinking twice about it. Some could call that a "habit", and a very good habit, I might add.

Yes, it is true that no one can make the change for you; however, inspiring/motivational speeches may be the lift someone needs to get through another day. On a spiritual level and in my years of experience, sharing testimonies of one's tried and true experience can be the catalyst for change. This simply means that the people who have experienced "the prison" have the power to free others from the prison. I have seen miracles performed from a few inspirational words.

@paulette8595 add me @pattycake755. I sent you a friend request.

@King_Spicy I know what you mean about pictures! That can be a motivating factor! I am happy that you found your motivation.

My profile pic is not current. I cannot wear the clothes in that pic unless I want to encourage a wardrobe malfunction I promised myself that I would take a professional photo when I get into "WonderLand." (that is what Chris and Heidi Powell of the TV show "Extreme Weightloss" calls any weight under 200lbs.) It won't be long now. Plus, I am a little over the half way mark of my weight loss goal.

Keep up the good work!

@sandi_s I am glad you read something you needed to hear, and it does not matter whether it was from me or anyone that posted on this thread. We can support each other on our journeys. When I had my first child, I dieted and exercised and I almost got back to my pre-baby weight, and I used sheer will power to do it. I wasn't sick then, and I did not really have motivation or support. In my opinion, motivation can be something that you focus on to get you through when will power is failing.

Here is my motivation everyday: There is a list of foods that I cannot eat due to diabetes and allergies. My body reminds me when I overeat on the wrong foods. Some foods not only raise my blood sugar but they make me sick or cause me literal pain. So when I say that for years I was hurting myself with food, I mean it, literally! When I want to indulge in something I should not, I choose ME over food. I choose to live and have a good quality of life. I don't want to be blind, cripple, or have organ failure. I remind myself that obesity is linked to all kinds of diseases. If I had to explain my motivation in one sentence, it would be that "Fat is threatening my life, and I have got to lose it!"

I will be sending you a friend request. I am always looking for people who want support, and those who don't mind giving support. We are stronger together.