New here - AGAIN! I lack motivation.

Hi There- this is the first time ive ever felt compelled to write a reply!

I think it’s actually hard(er?) to lose weight when you have only a small amount to lose:

1. A REASON
You probably look (and possibly feel) “ok” and don’t have the same drivers to keep you on track. You might be in your healthy range (as I am, just!) and so your health is not a huge motivation. But it doesn’t mean that it’s not important for you…and you have to FIND some purpose behind your weight loss, something so important that is motivating enough to overcome the Friday night takeout!!!

2. COMPLACENCY
I actually work in medical research and speak to lots of overweight patients. I always come away feeling thankful that I am not battling weight of the same magnitude because it seems so tough… BUT this attitude just makes me complacent and continue with bad habits! Try to find others who have a similar weight to lose. For one, it will combat complacency and secondly, you will not be disheartened by other people’s big weekly losses that are unachievable for someone smaller. My Dad has a >40 BMI and he can lose 5lbs+ a week (if he wants!) whilst -0.5lb would be an achievement for me – hearing of his big losses disheartens me.

3. SUPPORT
Leading on from the above, I can imagine that your friends/family/colleagues don’t understand why you really MUST NOT share that bottle of wine and will try to tempt you into it. When you look “normal” people often can’t understand why you want to lose weight…you need to really focus on communicating your reason to them and to make them understand that, although it’s “only” 11lbs, it makes you unhappy so you need their support. I know people who say “ah well its only one time, you can lose weight next week”. Weeks tick on and lbs tick on…you must make people realise that the sooner you get it under control the sooner you can share that bottle of wine (after going for a run ;-) )

Good luck- you can do it, you just have to find a reason that is compelling enough!!

SM x

For me, my motivation is avoiding going back to being diabetic... but honestly, I really crave how i feel after i exercise...im hooked. With that being said, there are days where i was just so busy i could not get it in, and seeing the posts from my friends, on their workouts...well peer pressure is a powerful thing.

The heart rate watch is a tool, im not sure how it would motivate you, it shows your heartrate. If you are looking for more of a techno fix maybe something like a fit bit? (http://www.fitbit.com/) or a bodybugg? (http://www.bodybugg.com/) these would give you a better idea of where you sit with calorie burning for the day.