Need some encouragement

bostonbirdie
bostonbirdie Posts: 4 Member
edited November 24 in Motivation and Support
Hey all- I've been feeling discouraged lately, so I wanted to reach out before I fall off the wagon. I'm really struggling with losing weight and the mental challenges that come with it. Only two years ago, the pounds came off quickly and steadily, but now...not so much.

I managed to lose 4 pounds (16 more to go!) in January even though I moved halfway across the country and started a new job. I know I should be happy with my progress, but I have so much anxiety when it comes to weight loss and I feel like I could/should have lost even more.

I aim for about 1400-1500 calories a day (nutritionist recommended) and exercise 5-6 times a week (more than I've ever exercised in the past). I have serious water retention problems so I know I am 100% setting myself up for disappointment when I weigh myself every day. I know it's unrealistic to expect to see results so soon, but in the past I did...maybe that's why I gained half of it back

Anyway, I wanted to see if anyone had some kind words of advice or was also facing a similar struggle. Thanks!

Replies

  • independent_ownerale
    independent_ownerale Posts: 2 Member
    Hi! I’ can definitely relate to you ! Im in the struggle as well. I can actually say we know we have a problem, and it’s more of a challenge. And we gotta learn to take this day by day! If we didn’t do this right maybe start fresh again tomorrow.
  • WifiresGettingFit
    WifiresGettingFit Posts: 1,773 Member
    How have you been feeling? How are your clothes fitting? Are your measurements down? The scale isn't the only measure of success.

    If you want to weigh everyday, I highly suggest using a trending app (Libra/Happy Scale) or TrendWeight (Web) as it'll give you a better picture of what's really going on. Weight loss definitely isn't linear so it can be reassuring to see that even though the scale may be up, your weight is still on the downward trend.

    Here's a visual that might make you think differently about your 4 pound loss. (I couldn't actually find a 4 lb reference photo so 5 pounds will have to do.)
    c95kv8bd7hml.jpg

    Keep up the hard work, you're doing great!
  • alviaud
    alviaud Posts: 7 Member
    Hi,
    I know yhe feeling. I've not shed an ounce in a week although my diet is perfect and my calory count is slightly below what I should consume. Am not dispirited yet just taken aback.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/40735688#Comment_40735688
  • 88olds
    88olds Posts: 4,538 Member
    If you read this board much you’ll find that increased exercise and short term weight gain is a common complaint. Lots of reasons to exercise, but as a weight loss strategy it’s overrated.

    That voice in your head, telling you it used to be better, saying you should lose more and easier, then telling you that you should be satisfied with your losses, tell the voice to shut up. It will make you crazy.

    Step back. Try to put aside what happened before for this reason. If you’re closing in on your goal, you’re moving into uncharted territory, what worked at the beginning may not work so well at the end. Look at your fitness goals. When you hit your goal weight, what do you want your life to be like? What’s your plan for maintenance?

    With those things in mind, make a plan to get to goal. One thing you don’t need though, is a timetable. Give yourself lots of time to experiment and adjust. If you’re going to work at fitness don’t be surprised if end up adjusting your goal weight.

  • loztandfound
    loztandfound Posts: 73 Member
    You've already made the first move by recognising it! keep up the good work, and I'm sure us guys commenting would be up for a new buddy here :) KEEP THAT ISH UP, YOU WINNER!!
  • Steelheader102
    Steelheader102 Posts: 17 Member
    I've lost 31lb since August 15. I'm close to my goal, another 15 to get me to + - 190... I'm feeling your pain as I'm starting to get frustrated and impatient. I've come a long way, but I'm getting tired of it. I'm going to stay strong, but man 6 months is wearing on me.. I just want to slowly get up to maintenance mode and a 34x32 pants again... But I'm growing weary.
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    bostonbirdie wrote: »
    Hey all- I've been feeling discouraged lately, so I wanted to reach out before I fall off the wagon. I'm really struggling with losing weight and the mental challenges that come with it. Only two years ago, the pounds came off quickly and steadily, but now...not so much.

    I managed to lose 4 pounds (16 more to go!) in January even though I moved halfway across the country and started a new job. I know I should be happy with my progress, but I have so much anxiety when it comes to weight loss and I feel like I could/should have lost even more.

    I aim for about 1400-1500 calories a day (nutritionist recommended) and exercise 5-6 times a week (more than I've ever exercised in the past). I have serious water retention problems so I know I am 100% setting myself up for disappointment when I weigh myself every day. I know it's unrealistic to expect to see results so soon, but in the past I did...maybe that's why I gained half of it back

    Anyway, I wanted to see if anyone had some kind words of advice or was also facing a similar struggle. Thanks!

    16lbs is a small amount, which means you have no margin for error. Plus, it will take time to come off. Persistence and patience. If you haven't been using a food scale, get one. If you have, keep doing what you're doing in being as accurate as possible and give it time. You've already lost 4lbs, so you're already on a good track :smile:
  • DebLaBounty
    DebLaBounty Posts: 1,169 Member
    You lost one pound per week. That is excellent progress!
This discussion has been closed.

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