waging a mental war...

turningstar
turningstar Posts: 393 Member
edited October 5 in Motivation and Support
With myself. As far as weight loss and getting in shape I've always been an all-or-nothing gal. I hit the gym so hard that I can barely move for days or I cut my food so much that I always feel hungry. Im trying a new tactic now. Taking baby steps and meeting small goals so that I can change my life in the long run.
Problem is, if I don't work out every day, or even if I take my day of rest, I feel like I've failed. Then my motivation tanks. I lost weight the first week, but not this last week,, so I feel like I've let myself down, even though I see changes in the mirror.

Anyone else have this problem? Any advice on dealing with it?

Replies

  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    Yep, I'm a workout-a-holic.

    I have found a schedule to be the best thing. I plan my workouts for the week and pencil in a rest day where I focus on eating high protein and clean (uhhh.... not too much luck with that lately, haha!). That way I might not be focused on a workout for the day, but I AM able to focus on eating better, which makes me feel like I am 'doing' something.
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    You need to look at that rest day as a requirement to keep your body healthy!!! Think of it that way and you'll be able to agree with it. Also, if you worry about one day not being great on calories, vow that within the next seven days you will burn those extra calories back off with extra exercise. This way, you feel great at the end of the week with ensuring you did everything right, and you stay motivated. :)
  • jdawson1
    jdawson1 Posts: 14
    I have been there too...when I have felt in the past like I failed, that's when I just stopped. Now, I just try the "one day at a time" attitude. Can I exercise today and when? I do have a plan for that 6 days a week. I also know that my realistic goal is two pounds a week. Some weeks are better than others. I have a long way to go so it will be at least a year before I am at my goal weight. Until then, it is one day at a time. Using this website, slow and steady wins the race!!
  • ECA67
    ECA67 Posts: 802 Member
    I feel like an " all or nothing gal " too. I read a couple good replies here. Just remember each minute of the day is a new beginning. You are in the drivers seat ! And Just like driving a vehicle , sometimes you have to slow down or even stop. That doesn't mean the trip is over ! Fuel up and keep on the journey ! Their will be plenty stops and goes along the way. Stay behind the wheel and just drive.
  • LTGPSA
    LTGPSA Posts: 633 Member
    I made a self-commitment of at least 30 minutes per day of some kind of activity. If I do more than that, great - if not - at least a day has not passed without some form of exercise. 30 minutes is not too much to commit to. In walking - 15 minutes one way, 15 minutes back. Easy. Good luck to you! :flowerforyou:
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    As a full time working mom (with a stinking hour commute each way) with other volunteer commitments two evenings per week, it is rare that I workout more than 3 times per week. I am still losing and don't in any way feel like a failure. I also have my goals set at less than 1 pound per week because I want to be able to still eat enough food on my non workout days. When I was down at 1200 calories I felt exhausted and crazy all of the time. This isn't a race. Do whatever works for you, but do not feel like a failure if you don't work out every day. Think about it, is it sustainable to think that for the rest of your life you will be able to work out 6 or 7 days per week? No. Keep things manageable and sustainable. Also just remain active on the days that are not your workout days. I often do mini workouts on those days like resistance band while my son is in the tub or 10 minutes of yoga, but I just don't log it as a workout.
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