How Do You Keep the Momentum

Just keep reminding yourself why you're doing this (make sure you know why you're doing this first LOL)

The best motivation usually comes out of desperation. Thats why you see many people lose a lot of weight initially and then put it back on when they tell themselves, I don't look that bad anymore. Let the circle of life begin. Those who don't learn from their mistakes (ME) are doomed to repeat them.

That's typically been my problem too--a few weeks of commitment, a bit of a loss, and then I either a) get bored with dieting or b) start eating whatever I want as soon as I start to feel a little better. This is the first time I've stayed on a "diet" more than about six weeks, and I totally credit MFP. The support network really keeps my interest, and helps rally me when I'm frustrated, bored, or down. So I'd keep the momentum by building a friends list you care about and that cares about you...they'll keep you going, really!

Once you start seeing results from the scales, the measuring tapes, people noticing, clothes getting too big, feeling fitter and healthier and stronger ....that's what motivates me!

Also, it's really important not to see it as a diet, but a whole new way of life. Not every day has to be perfect, as long as you're heading in the right direction!

I used a monthly goal to get me thru the month and then a reward day. After a few months the habit kicks in and you know you can get thru the month (or a week if that works). Its been 18 months for me and I am 3 lbs from my goal wt. then it will be maintenance time which I will work out when I get there. The real key is to look at a lifestyle change---exercise,better eating habits, more wholesome foods, and learning to indulge Once in a while,

bumping, interesting read!

This time I knew I had to do things differently. My motto was NEVER GIVE UP. However I approached it I knew that I would keep redesigning for success, not failure.

You have to find a plan that works for you. We already know that eating as and what you have been eating doesn't work. You should know yourself well enough by now to know what you WILL do and what you WON'T do. I made a list. Food plans. I was after health and a lifestyle change so I picked one that made perfect sense to me. I think cutting out the crap of my diet was good. I don't believe in a cookie every day. Or every week. Doing that means you already "deserve it". It's like buying a new pair of shoes. Do you buy every pair you see regardless if you can afford it or not? good luck if you do! You should only buy those when you need them and if you can afford them. Once in a while you treat yourself to a pair of shoes. Food treats should be the same. I don't always eat the cake if I see it. I must be at a reasonable point in my weight loss. I must have made some reasonable progress. I am on track and I am in control. It isn't because the cake is calling to me. That isn't being in control.

I don't have a lot of time so I chose to do simple exercises that wouldn't side line me potentially with injuries. My knees are old so I pick activities like walking the dog twice a day EVERY day or swapping out one of those walks for a bike ride with the dog. And simple strength training at home.

Make your goals achievable so you can succeed. Not everyone can lose 2 pounds a week or even lose steadily every week. You have to be willing to go the distance. Decide what you can do to succeed instead of just giving up. If losing weight was easy, we wouldn't be talking!

It took me over a year to lose 35 pounds. I still am usually one pound off, but over time I will conquer that. I went from a 10 to a 4 so a year or not, I still got what I wanted! My diet and exercise are so a part of me now that I just DO them every day!

Good luck!

This is weird but I find watching documentaries on diets/obesity or things like the biggest loser help, or I'll look at healthy recipes on the nutrition section of stumble upon. If I'm not eating food then somehow reading about it or even watching cookery shows helps and makes me appreciate it as a treat rather than something I need to constantly have so I don't lapse if I'm losing momentum.

I have the same problem but what keeps me going is remembering the reason why you started in the first place. And all the health problems that obesity is linked to. It always gives me that extra boost of energy.

anger helps me...

I am not an angry person by any means, but I am angry when it comes to being out of shape and disliking my body.

I take pictures of my fat butt and force myself to look at them, very motivating

read your goals on your profile page when you feel a slip coming on. it's why you started here in the first place, after all. good luck!

- consistently make mini goals that require you to always work. it could be stuff like perfecting a healthy recipe version of your favorite unhealthy meal, finishing a 5k, beating your last time/distance on a cardio machine etc. i'm pretty competitive, even with myself :laugh:, so this really works for me

- think of some good rewards for when you reach your smaller milestones. dont make these food related, either. for instance once i hit 30 pounds i'm getting 3 new nail polishes!!

- remember the larger reasons for why you wnt to be healthy and be committed to seeing that through. if you're committed to your goal then honestly it's not going to matter how motivated you are to do it.

- dont beat yourself up when you falter a bit, just continue on. this definitely helps when you slip up on a meal and overeat, just get over it and eat better the next meal

Its not moment you seek.

It's habit. And a damn great one!