❓❓❓What hints do you have to not quit?

Dianedoessmiles1
Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
edited July 2023 in Success Stories
I've LOVE to hear your comments on what keeps you from quitting when things get hard. Be it an argument with a loved one, your boss, a bad day at work, a chronic illness, oh so many things!! INCLUDING when we gain and gain.

One of my hints is to have support!! I NEED SUPPORT!!! I've lost 117 lbs, but even with that I STILL need support. I do belong to the 2023 Summer 5% Challenge (new and returning members can join any time they'd like). Here is what its about: This is a team/group I get so much support from. But, still all of us struggle your suggestions can help not only me, but others.

Plz join and have fun as we lose 5% of our weight, improve our health and make new friends. Race to Fascinating Places for 8 Weeks. Now you can write your own success story! Have a chat or post questions in the Airport Lounge Discussion. Your friends are welcome too. Start date July 8th.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/144897-2023-summer-5-community-team-plz-join-us

If you'd like to have this support please click on the MFP link above AFTER YOU DO PLEASE sign up by going to the feed
💺Need a Seat on a Team? Post ONLY Here!

Here's that link: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10891482/need-a-seat-on-a-team-post-only-here/p1
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Replies

  • Dianedoessmiles1
    Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
    LOVING THESE COMMENTS!! WOW!! So happy I asked, and I am SURE others will let us know what helps them. ALL of you have put things I'd not thought of! TY TY TY Let's keep them coming! The 5% Challenge helps so many. Let's stay MOTIVATED!!
  • Dianedoessmiles1
    Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
    @Socajam and @Springlering62 Please do join us on the 2023 Summer 5% Challenge.

    @Socajam since you've increased your exercise, have you adjusted your calories? I was so SCARED to do that!! But, as with you I was gaining, when I finally did increase my calories (I did it at first by 50 a day, that was NO help, then I did 100 days (I can't work up a great sweat) that DID IT for me and I started to lose again. Using healthier foods (though I DO have some "junk" food daily it's portion control) I lost again. You are very motivated, you'd do well with our support also!
    @Springlering62, OH MAN Gerd is HORRIBLE!! As with you, as I lost the weight I was able to get OFF the meds!! I am also able to eat what I want and also WOOHOO on the portions I wish. I am on congestive heart failure so I need to be very careful about sodium. I make many of my own spice combos. YUMMY!!! We'd love to have you also with us!

    Here's the link: After you HIT JOIN Please be SURE you ask for seat by clicking on the discussion feed titled User: "kaliswalker"
    💺Need a Seat on a Team? Post ONLY Here!
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/144897-2023-summer-5-community-team-plz-join-us

    The LINK for the
    💺Need a Seat on a Team? Post ONLY Here!

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10891482/need-a-seat-on-a-team-post-only-here/p2
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,985 Member
    What do you achieve by quitting? You don't improve. You don't build self confidence. You don't reach goals.
    The hardship of something helps to define you in character and builds inner strength. Successful people fail along the way on many goals, but they don't quit because of it or they wouldn't be successful.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

  • Jacq_qui
    Jacq_qui Posts: 443 Member
    socajam wrote: »
    If you quit, nothing changes. It's that simple. You won't get healthier, lose fat, or achieve whatever goal you have in mind.

    Thank you for this. I really need it at this time.
    I lost 24 lbs a couple of years ago, never felt happier and lighter, but guess what, got too comfortable and here I am back again.
    I am going to take one day at a time. Ideally I would like to lose 5% of my body weight by end August. I started July 1st, and have felt heavier, not sure if its the weight training, but it sure is depressing to see the scale moving upwards, now that I am exercising every day.
    Well, there nothing I can do but keeping on doing something every day.

    Hey I always find when I start lifting after a break that the scales go up. I think this is quite common. I am 4weeks into a new programme - add me as a friend as I could always do with more people who lift in my news feed :)
  • amyrob117
    amyrob117 Posts: 90 Member
    I have not stopped this journey even though my failures previously have outnumbered my successes. I know eventually this will turn around to be more successes than failures. I can already see the turn towards success happening. It is a slow ship to turn but it is turning in the right direction. It is my tenacity that keeps me going. I refuse to stay down. I just keep getting back up and learn something new from my past failures. Listening to other people's stories and struggles inspire me and I love the community we have on here. Now I am trying intermittent fasting to see if this will help jump start my metabolism. I think accountability through talking to others about your journey and being a part of a community like the 5% Challenge group is great way to keep the motivation and hope of a better tomorrow. Since I have joined this community, my positives have outnumbered the negatives and I am starting to see better results.
  • Dianedoessmiles1
    Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
    @ninerbuff ,,, I have a friend who we can't get to see this, by her always quitting she never improves. She actually told me "ITS YOUR FAULT I LOOK SO BAD!!" Huh? Of course I asked her why "YOU'VE LOST WEIGHT NOW I AM THE FATTEST PERSON (in our group)." I WAS STUNNED!! I encouraged her to lose.
    YOu are very correct I've gained back my self confidence and respect. That person is no longer a friend, I see her when we are in group, but we are not friends.
    @Jacq_qui ,, Have you joined the 5% Challenge? If not, if you do please let me know. A member on our team (more than one, but I am specifically thinking of her) and you would be able to exchange quite a bit of encouragement.
    @RedMiataAZ ,, THANKS!
    @Amyrob117 ,, we are SO DELIGHTED to have you with us!! I know I can't talk to all members, but I've noticed you and know you are striving so well!! LOVE That you are seeing better results. TY TY TY TY for posting on the 5% on various feeds!! We are going to have such a GREAT Challenge!!
  • 12Sarah2015
    12Sarah2015 Posts: 1,117 Member
    I allow myself dessert once a month. MFP tracking calories every day. The more exercise I do, the better. And eating protein-currently I have two boiled eggs for breakfast.
  • MitaRad
    MitaRad Posts: 1 Member
    One of the most important things to keep doing something is to engrain it into your personality. More or less, make it so that fitness and overall training becomes a part of you, of course not to the point you become the gymcel/bro. I know it sounds really abstract, but believe me, when it comes to the point that it feels weird for you not to train a specific day, that's when the habit has been engrained in you. Just keep showing up, and bit by bit you'll get accustomed to it! Also, don't go like the typical gymbro the whole week, or just resting on Sunday, because truly who wants to waste the time that can be used for studies, work or overall life. I recommend that you do a split of training that consists of 4/3 workouts per week, or easier to understand a PPL split. It is quite effective if you can take it to the intensity needed for muscle growth, as that is when you'll reach growth that is unprecedented normally. Hope this helps you! :3 Good luck on future efforts!
  • christineflee44
    christineflee44 Posts: 1 Member
    edited July 2023
    When you want to quit, it's your sign to double down. Wanting to quit means you are not committed enough. It will always be worse if you give up..
  • JigsnReelz
    JigsnReelz Posts: 180 Member
    edited July 2023
    My tip can be a hard one to develop, but if you journal, or you have a mirror with sticky notes on it, or another way of triggering yourself to call it to mind, then do this: Stop and remember what it felt like to be in your prior state, be it unhealthy, overweight, depressed, or whatever was that one moment that caused you to change. Remember things like: I couldn't get behind the wheel of my car without my belly touching the steering wheel. I couldn't walk up the stairs without feeling my heart thump. Then ask the question: do you really think that quitting your program is going to solve that? Face your emotions: is eating going to help? Hint: probably not. What's your go-to when you want to eat and it's not on your list? For me: honey-flavored hard candy. High-protein hot chocolate. If you have to eat 100 calories, eat it. You're only human, and 100 calories is NOT going to knock you off your goal.

    It only takes about 10 minutes to change your mood. Then, CONGRATULATE YOURSELF and go back to your life.
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,324 Member
    My tip is. .when you want to quit if you push through and go through the motions.. you suddenly gain strength and becone a stronger "dieter" for a lack of a better term. But staying on plan gets easier each time you refuse to give up.
  • Dianedoessmiles1
    Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
    Oooh I LOVE THESE!!! WOW!! TY TY TY TY TY!!! I love what @JigsnReelz added about Remember where we were, I personally DO NOT WANT to go back to that!!

  • DawnLindley00
    DawnLindley00 Posts: 18 Member
    Two hints come to my mind. First, I know I have to weigh-in in front of someone. Even though I've been doing this for about year now, I know myself well enough that if I commit to a weigh-in, I'll stick with it. (I have an arrangement with my doctor.) The second one is for me to set a goal for something I really want to do by a specific date. My current motivator is to go on a group hike in December, one that I know I cannot do at this time. I've signed up and am working on it, but on days that I don't feel like moving -- I think about how if I don't improve, I'll definitely be the pokey puppy of the group. Past motivators have been to join a swim class, go on a cruise, and the one that started all this -- total knee replacement surgery! :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,985 Member
    @ninerbuff ,,, I have a friend who we can't get to see this, by her always quitting she never improves. She actually told me "ITS YOUR FAULT I LOOK SO BAD!!" Huh? Of course I asked her why "YOU'VE LOST WEIGHT NOW I AM THE FATTEST PERSON (in our group)." I WAS STUNNED!! I encouraged her to lose.
    YOu are very correct I've gained back my self confidence and respect. That person is no longer a friend, I see her when we are in group, but we are not friends.
    Yeah, I always get a kick out bridesmaids always losing weight for a wedding they're in because they don't want to be known as that fattest bridesmaid. Isn't about the bride? For groomsmen, all we care about is "when can we take our coats and ties off so we can party!"


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png
  • walkintofit
    walkintofit Posts: 4,497 Member
    I started on the former Sparkpeople site. I wanted to get fit, I wanted to eat healthier, I wanted companionship with like minded people. I started walking, doing weights, and rowing. My sister passed away and I wanted to not have a heart attack due to inactivity. I wanted to keep on moving; any movement counts. When I bought my rower I could only do 1 minute. My heart hurt. ya I had a huge problem. Fast forward I can now do 25 minutes easy on the rower. Yes it is a win!
    What is your why?
  • Antiopelle
    Antiopelle Posts: 1,184 Member
    From a more pragmatic point of view: what I did was think about coping strategies at the start, BEFORE it would get hard. You know that one day, in the near future, you'll want to eat a <piece of pie> instead of an <apple> (insert anything that applies to you).
    So sit down while you are calm and not in the middle of a craving and write down what seems to be a good coping strategy when that will happen - because it will !
    Then read that strategy every day and it will more readily accessible in your brain when the piece of pie is beaming at you... It's also good to write down your reasons why you want to slim down, and thus why you want to say no to the piece of pie if you cannot fit it in your calories of that day/week.
  • johnjarcher
    johnjarcher Posts: 1 Member
    edited July 2023
    Remember you deserve it and you're doing this for yourself. Make it you time.
    I'm a bad sleeper and usually get up around 4.30. I used to creep downstairs and sit on the PlayStation until it was time to go to work. Now, I get dressed and get out for a walk with a podcast or two, a long walk! And its quiet and it's my time. I know it's not easy for everyone, if you have dependents etc but make it about you and having your time.
    If you can stick at it long enough the cravings for sweet things disappear but of course you should treat yourself once in a while.
  • Dianedoessmiles1
    Dianedoessmiles1 Posts: 13,963 Member
    edited July 2023
    @Walkintofit ,, LOVE THAT!! You've made such progress!! Though on the 5% challenge we are on different teams, I've seen you around. HEY CONGRATS on that 25 minutes!! And we know you do more than that. You are quite impressive!! My why started my GD was 14 hearing her say about herself "I am fat" broke my heart in so MANY WAYS!! In changing myself, she also changed. I was helping to raise her (had her most of the time). She's now a Mom herself and hearing her assure the oldest child (youngest is only 2 months) "You are okay just the way you are." Makes my heart soar! She is a confident, strong woman.
    @Antiopelle ,, Excellent idea!! Being prepared!! Did you put this up where you could see it in a moment of "OH I WANT!!"? On Sparkpeople it suggested we all do just that. I had mine on a cupboard until someone I 'knew' well had made a nasty remark. She's GONE out of my life, and it's now on my phone which of course I see often now though it's in pictures of those I love.
    @johnjarcher ,, That's a GREAT WAY of taking care of yourself! So much healthier and a fantastic way to start off the day!! TY TY TY TY!! Self care plays into this so much. I'd never of thought that at the start, but now I absolutely do!
  • retreiversrbest
    retreiversrbest Posts: 1 Member
    Two things that help me - first, I only focus on losing 5 pounds although I have much more than that to lose. Using 5 pounds at a time as my goal, helps me feel successful and stay on track to my long-range goal. Second, I tell myself that ice cream, that candy bar staring at you while in a line to check out, crackers, cookies etc will always be there. There will always be grocery stores, movies with popcorn, etc. Food, especially treats, are not going to disappear.
  • abytom1976
    abytom1976 Posts: 3 Member
    I tried and tried so many times to lose weigth and eat healthy but this week, I was diagnosed with hypertension. I came to realized that I was having some hypertension symptoms for some years now but I always rationalize high blood pressure at the doctor as the "white coat syndrome" effect. I always thought that I was healthy because I was doing biking and going to the gym 4-5 / week.

    There is no going back now. I don't want to develop more serious health issues and I want my current health issue to resolve without too much medication. Food is where I need to focus now as it is the last bastion of unhealthy habits that I carry since childhood. Food is my coping mechanism.
  • OrganicPaganBB
    OrganicPaganBB Posts: 1 Member
    People who truly want to loose weight won't quit, people who quit are looking for a quick fix and when it doesn't happen they give up. It is in our nature to take the easiest path.
  • A_B_G_
    A_B_G_ Posts: 1 Member
    edited July 2023
    Hi Diane, I was at exactly this time in my journey last weekend. I could have quit...My goal is to loose all the weight I put on during Corona. So I remembered what it was like to live without the weight. I recalled every step I had already taken for the last months and praised myself for having made the first step, then the next and so on. I realised that I really missed some of the sweets and made some space for it in my daily diet. ;) You can't cut everything, but you can continue. I have lost about 15,5 pounds so far (7kg) and am on track. Now I can really feel proud!
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