Struggling to be consistent

GoldnRampion wrote: »

I totally understand. I have several immediately family members diagnosed with bipolar and although I'm not manic depressive, I do seem to have inherited larger than average mood swings that are very similar in nature to my family's.
1. I've noticed being consistent with a healthy diet and exercise helps to stabilize my highs and lows. Remembering that, esp. When I'm trending low is sometimes all the motivation I need.
2. Joining one of the challenge groups on here is really helpful for social support. Knowing people were counting on me helped me come back from a slip-up just recently.
3. Unless the environment forces otherwise, finding a running buddy for fee for a free outdoor workout is a great idea.

goldthistime wrote: »

CommanderEmily wrote: »

goldthistime wrote: »

Any chance you are making it tougher than it needs to be? Can you reduce your deficit to slow down the process and improve the likelihood of sticking with it? My goal weight is only 0.5lb /week and I don't always make it. I'm not particularly consistent but I'm persistent and that's enough. It took me over a year to lose 30lbs, but I feel like it will never be back. Losing slowly has been a game changer for me.

I'm okay with the idea of losing slowly. Any progress is good progress to me. Though, most days I don't meet the calorie goal. Unless I dine out or having a really crappy day where my food options weren't good, I usually stay under the calorie goal easily. I used to have a harsher calorie goal and other than not liking it I never noticed a weight change. That's one of my biggest demotivators, when I can stick with it I don't see the scale budge much. I worked out 5 days a week for 4 months at a local gym for a few hours every day after work. I was smart about it, there were on floor trainers there to help give advice and etc when needed. Even did a counseling session exploring the science behind weight loss and building muscle. It was wonderful. I felt fantastic those four months. But the scale barely budged. My weight just went up and down in the same small range. At the end of it, I was still the same weight and hadn't lost an inch around my waist. I had left the job that made it easy to get to the gym and quit. So at this point, I'm focusing less on the big goals and more about habits. I want to make healthy habits and not focus on my weight. That way when I eventually go see a doctor, we can address whatever underlying issues I am having (that corrupt the process) and treat those. If the good practices are already in place, it will help.

I also changed my focus from the scale to good habits. It took the pressure off, which is what I needed.

To sneak in on the conversation about couch to 5k, it's a great program but you definitely don't need to run to lose weight. It sounds to me like there are far safer ways for you to get some exercise in. Brisk walks come to mind. What did you do at the gym for those 4 months?

Also, not sure if you would be similar, but I have mostly given up participating in challenges. I was overly upset with myself when I couldn't complete something in a group setting. For that matter, I turned off most of my notifications too. I have a pretty decent login streak going atm, but found myself overly emotional about the public loss of a streak in the past.

Go easy on yourself. I am certain that if you stick with it the scales will eventually budge. In the meantime you can be proud of those good habits.