Mega motivation needed.....

You need to want to work out, not just have to.

Can you watch a movie on the exercise bike, or meet a friend for a cardio class and maybe go shopping after?

This says it all. What made the difference for me is wanting to do what I do. I've tried several times in past years to get into regular exercise and failed after 2-3 weeks. When I finally got goin last year for real it came down to me wanting to feel better and be healthy, not lose fat, so I didn't focus on that part, just eating well and exercise. I definitely struggled at first and would stop after a month or so for a few days or a week. But in the end, I stuck with it, I wouldn't stray away from my routines and schedules for more than a week. Eventually I learned to love it. I love it so much I lie to people to get out of restaurant outings and avoid doing things to get extra time in my gym.

Haha, to be honest I hinder my own progress by being addicted to it like I am. I need to learn to take a break. Work on something like that instead of looking better. And I promise you wont regret it.

Find an activity that you love and that will help. Some people find out that the love things they never thought they would. I personally love lifting weights...I don't do it because I look massive but I love it and do it when I get the itch. I love running as well . I've heard that Zumba is really fun...look into that.

You really have to make a conscious decision to do it then keep doing it until it is a habit & you don't want to miss it. Always good to keep a rest day in there each week.

Don't start off with a routine that is too hard to keep up with or you will give up. Start with a 15 to 30 min walk each morning or a fun workout video then work your way up from there.

I've gone around and around finding something I like. I found I like riding my bike, I like swimming. When I do those things and I feel good, then I do the stuff I don't like (strength training).

I am having a real problem being motivated to workout.....believe me it gets a lot harder the more weight you put on. Over age 40 gets even harder. Stay determined to get a handle on it while its still manageable. I wish I had done so. However, the food part for me isn't quite so bad. I am filling most of my diet with protein. This helps curb the appetite and stays with you so much longer. Protein shakes are the best for meal replacements and snacks especially when you are on the go. I have found that if you cut out the bad things entirely and just eat them on occasion it helps kick the cravings faster. After a few weeks your body adjusts and you don't even want it anymore. I had the same addiction to sweet tea and just cut it out completely. Now I hardly even like it. I was buying 5 lbs of sugar each week. I have cut that down to a 5lb bag about every other month. Huge difference.