Day 3 - need motivation and inspiration...

scandiebirdie
scandiebirdie Posts: 58 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi
This is my 2nd attempt at FitnessPal (First attempt earlier in the year went really well, but then I injured my foot running and had to not run (or walk long distances) for 2-3 months = Diet totally blown so now back to square 1, ready to go again!)

My injury has healed, I've had two really nice (but short) runs on day 1 and 2 and a good one-hour long walk w. the dog both days. I'm back to logging my food (and walking further if I want more food ;)) I'm on 1350 kals per day and with a projected weekly weight loos of 1,5 lbs per week with approx. 10 kilos to lose (12 would be nice too!!)

I'm a typical example really: 41, first time mom 4 years in and still have to lose the pregnancy fat!!! But I've hit the age where it's harder to lose unwanted weight. It's all entirely my own fault. I work long days and eat the wrong things (carbs in the form of bread mainly). Have started by cutting out rice, pasta and bread and upping fruit and vegs hugely. I'll substitute the "bad" carbs with beans and lentils in salads etc.

But I know I'm going to flag and lose momentum, so any encouragement, tips and ideas are very very welcome.

I need to lose the weight for me and my sense of wellbeing - and there is a holiday in late October as a half-way goal to get me thru the first couple of months.

SB

Replies

  • thecapaccino
    thecapaccino Posts: 138
    Just curious why the injury caused you to go off myfitnesspal. Was it difficult to eat less calories WITHOUT the need to exercise.....just doing the eating side of the weightloss?
  • Its_Nat
    Its_Nat Posts: 184 Member
    It does get harder to lose as you get older, I know the feeling lol. I'm like you, work long days and creamy pastas are yummy and bread is so filling.. and all the bad stuff for us just packs on the kilos! But if you set yourself little goals, doesn't matter what, it makes it seem easier (mind over matter basically)!
  • wee_emski
    wee_emski Posts: 22 Member
    Sounds like you are doing great so far! I try to keep the diet and exercise manageable - I can eat whatever I want as long as it doesn't go over my daily cal allowance if you know what I mean - but usually seeing that say a biscuit is 99 precious cals is enough to put me off. Your exercise sounds great. I'm a mum of three and it's so hard to fit it in. I am doing it by walking my boys everywhere and taking them to the parks lots. It's great to try and get the whole family in on a healthy lifestyle. My partner has also joined myfitnesspal, he has a bit more to lose than me but is determined. Good luck :-)
  • lisav6
    lisav6 Posts: 56
    I know how easy it is for your motivation level to vanish overnight when you have a setback, good that you are back on track now though! I find that my motivation increases the longer I stick at things so hopefully it will come back ten fold in time!

    Those carbs are so tasty too, bread is one of my huge weaknesses. I often make bean or lentil chilli's and curry's and whip up a quick flat-bread to go with them, not so high in the carbs and calories but tastier than any shop bought bread. I can send you a recipe if you like, just ask. Most of my evening meals come in under 400 cals so feel free to peruse my diary for ideas and inspiration if you like.
  • chanson104
    chanson104 Posts: 859
    Surround yourself with positive influences and distance yourself from negative ones -- at least until you are more secure in your abilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It may mean spending more time on MFP interacting with members that you have built a relationship with (be careful of the forums, many times they can be unsupportive), spending time looking at success stories and before and after pictures, finding someone to exercise with or be accountable to, maybe someone you can call if you are having a bad day, read some good books -- I recommend Do the Work by Steven Pressfield as a good one to start with. It is about setting and achieving goals in general, it's a fun read, and a free download on Amazon.

    It may also mean putting some distance between yourself and some saboteurs which I realize, unfortunately, frequently means family and close friends. No need to make a big deal out of it -- just be busy when they ask you over for pizza and beer. Not forever -- just until you have established some healthy habits.

    I have found several ways to be motivated over the last year, but I think that this is a good place to start.
  • scandiebirdie
    scandiebirdie Posts: 58 Member
    I think I just lost the motivation as I couldn't run or even take long walks to make up for loss of running (and my physio therapist recommended pilates which just wasn't "kick butt" enough for me. I needed cardio and with a family and a fulltime job, running was the easiest, fastest and most efficient). There were other (personal) stresses and strains at the time so I think I really just used the loss of running as an excuse. I can now run again so have no excuses :) and so am back on the fitnesspal horse.
  • scandiebirdie
    scandiebirdie Posts: 58 Member
    Thanks - and my thoughts exactly :) Weather over here hasn't helped hugely either (UK). It's rained and felt like winter pretty much since late April...
  • scandiebirdie
    scandiebirdie Posts: 58 Member
    Thanks, guys - really :))) It's just what I need. Lots of MFP support and contact until the "new lifestyle" is fully established and I'm well on my way. I'm quite excited about it all really, but am "good" at finding excuses 2-3 weeks in...

    I'll be dipping in here to stick to the "straight and narrow" and I'll definitely be checking out the flatbread and chili recipe :) (Today though it's huge green salad, black tahini hoummus and skinless chicken for dinner)

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