Bouncing back after losing a loved one

LyssaRonnell
LyssaRonnell Posts: 182 Member
edited November 22 in Health and Weight Loss
I was doing so great with my fitness goals until my life was turned around and I lost all of my motivation. All of August my life revolved around supporting my dad while he was sick and all of this month I have been mourning his death. All of this stress and going through this loss has affected my lifestyle. Anyone have any advice to help me get my motivation back? I so bad want my old lifestyle back, but lately it seems impossible.

Replies

  • HM2206
    HM2206 Posts: 174 Member
    So sorry for your loss! I lost my dad to cancer at a young age as well. It's normal that you won't focus on 'frivolous' things like diet when times are hard, I would rather focus on how healthy foods and exercise will help your mental health.

    Maybe spend time with someone close doing activities that are unrelated to food? Or unhealthy food at least.

    Do some exercise that are good for you all around - do you have options for hiking?

  • EatingAndKnitting
    EatingAndKnitting Posts: 531 Member
    I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a year ago on the 28th of this month. Grief is hard.

    I would suggest not trying to diet right now, but eat at maintance for a few months right now while the grief is so raw and fresh.

    Adjust MFP to maintain so you know how many calories to eat, track every few days to stay on track and not undo your progress, but just relax and take care of your self.

    If you don't exercise regularly now is not the time to start an intense program, but gentle walking a few times a week would be a good idea. It helps relieve stress and depression that comes along with grief.
  • pinuplove
    pinuplove Posts: 12,871 Member
    Grief and healing after loss is not a fast process. Sometimes we're made to feel like we should be 'over it' as soon as the funeral is done. That said, you taking care of yourself would have been very important to your dad, I'm sure. Eat well and try to get side exercise in. It's good for your state of mind as well as body. I'm sorry for the loss of your dad.
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Sorry for you loss. I'm sure your dad would want you to be healthy and live a long life. Make sure you're taking the steps needed to get there.
  • Lillymoo01
    Lillymoo01 Posts: 2,865 Member
    LyssaRonnell wrote: »
    I was doing so great with my fitness goals until my life was turned around and I lost all of my motivation. All of August my life revolved around supporting my dad while he was sick and all of this month I have been mourning his death. All of this stress and going through this loss has affected my lifestyle. Anyone have any advice to help me get my motivation back? I so bad want my old lifestyle back, but lately it seems impossible.

    I am sorry for your loss. Grief can be hard work and you will never really get your old life back because it will always be different.

    My biggest means of survival during my grieving process has been walking. To get outdoors and into nature while pushing myself physically, has helped to enable healing. Some could get the same from a good workout at the gym. It releases endorpins and is a great way of getting rid of those built up emotions. Don't worry about dieting at the moment but be mindful of the food choices you are making. Stick to the 80:20 rule of 80% wholesome foods, 20% treats where possible and don't fall into the trap of eating away your emotions with high calorie, little nutrition foods.

    Most of all, take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. This journey sucks, is unique for every individual, and can be a long process.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    So very sorry for your loss. :( Hugs.

    I lost my mother to heart disease last year. It was really tough.

    My tip? Eat at maintenance to start with and do meal prep (I basically made breakfast muffins, bulk meals for lunch and dinner)so I didn't have to think about food too much. Once you feel "ready", move on to a 250 cal deficit, then 500 if your TDEE allows.

    Start slow and go easy on yourself. You are healing...
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