08-12-2014 21:31
08-12-2014 21:31
So, I have been struggling with my weight for about 8 years. I've gained about 5 pant sizes in this time. I have lost weight in the past but I always lose motivation or get injured and then I gain all of it back, and more. I'm the heaviest I've ever been, and I feel awful and I don't look the way I want to look.
I think my hardest struggle is to stay motivated to work out and to keep on a healthy eating plan. People at my new job always want to go out to eat for lunch or bring in cookies, doughnuts, cake, etc.
Any tips on how to stay motivated and not lose interest and/or how to say no to going out to eat, and any unhealthy food being presented to me?
Answered! Go to the Best Answer.
08-13-2014 04:34
08-13-2014 04:34
My tip for motivation is one that's internal...its all on how much you want to be healthy. So go buy an outfit you love, in a size you want to be in. Hang it on your wall. I have heard of people buying jeans and keeping them in the fridge so they are reminded of where on their journey they are trying to get to. For me it was taking a picture of myself in my bra and shorts. I keep it in my night stand and look at it atleast once a week. Even though I am losing weight I keep the 1st picture so I can see how far I have come and remind myself I don't want to go back there. Yes somedays I do not want to exercise, however I know I have to, so I do it. It has taken months but even on my rest days I still go hiking because I can't just rest.
For the food/work...I'm saying you have to eat healthy nomatter what your co workers are doing. I say no alot when my co workers go out and I brought my own food, but guess what I am also saving money and eating healthy. You have to not be hungry to feel tempted so try to eat 5 plus times a day. I know it sounds like a lot but when a "meal" is 9 almonds and some chocolate its easy. The best eating plan I have found so far is The Shred, its not just about losing weight. It's about teaching you how to eat. We have lost that connection within ourselves to know when we are full. So pick up the book or another on eating healthy...look for food plans (you are not on a diet...you are eating for your life) that let you eat all food groups. Of course come back here to ask for help!
08-13-2014 07:28
08-13-2014 07:28
For me, a new outfit just wouldn't motivate. I kind of hate clothes. But, I have my eyes on hiking the Camino de Santiago, in Spain. I keep a picture of that in my mind and try to view my walks/hikes as practice and stepping stones to that journey. It is many pounds (and years) away, but I try to keep a mental picture of that 'reward'.
The other thing that helps me stay focused is to imagine my grandchildren (not yet born). I want to know my grandkids (if there are any). And I don't want to be an unhealthy burden to my children. That imagery helps me get on track to be healthy enough to be independent, and to enjoy years ahead with my children (and possibly their children).
That being said, I do terribly with that focus. I have lost and gained weight over the years. It is just very very hard to keep telling yourself "YOU CAN DO THIS!!" and "IT is IMPORTANT!". I shout at myself in uppercase in my head when I start to feel like a slug. Even on the bad days, I'm trying to keep close to the 10K steps.
Good luck. It is a lifetime of practice to achieve and sustain fitness and health. Most of us fumble often, and sometimes for long periods. But, YOU CAN DO THIS! Believe in yourself. Good luck.
08-13-2014 04:34
08-13-2014 04:34
My tip for motivation is one that's internal...its all on how much you want to be healthy. So go buy an outfit you love, in a size you want to be in. Hang it on your wall. I have heard of people buying jeans and keeping them in the fridge so they are reminded of where on their journey they are trying to get to. For me it was taking a picture of myself in my bra and shorts. I keep it in my night stand and look at it atleast once a week. Even though I am losing weight I keep the 1st picture so I can see how far I have come and remind myself I don't want to go back there. Yes somedays I do not want to exercise, however I know I have to, so I do it. It has taken months but even on my rest days I still go hiking because I can't just rest.
For the food/work...I'm saying you have to eat healthy nomatter what your co workers are doing. I say no alot when my co workers go out and I brought my own food, but guess what I am also saving money and eating healthy. You have to not be hungry to feel tempted so try to eat 5 plus times a day. I know it sounds like a lot but when a "meal" is 9 almonds and some chocolate its easy. The best eating plan I have found so far is The Shred, its not just about losing weight. It's about teaching you how to eat. We have lost that connection within ourselves to know when we are full. So pick up the book or another on eating healthy...look for food plans (you are not on a diet...you are eating for your life) that let you eat all food groups. Of course come back here to ask for help!
08-13-2014 07:28
08-13-2014 07:28
For me, a new outfit just wouldn't motivate. I kind of hate clothes. But, I have my eyes on hiking the Camino de Santiago, in Spain. I keep a picture of that in my mind and try to view my walks/hikes as practice and stepping stones to that journey. It is many pounds (and years) away, but I try to keep a mental picture of that 'reward'.
The other thing that helps me stay focused is to imagine my grandchildren (not yet born). I want to know my grandkids (if there are any). And I don't want to be an unhealthy burden to my children. That imagery helps me get on track to be healthy enough to be independent, and to enjoy years ahead with my children (and possibly their children).
That being said, I do terribly with that focus. I have lost and gained weight over the years. It is just very very hard to keep telling yourself "YOU CAN DO THIS!!" and "IT is IMPORTANT!". I shout at myself in uppercase in my head when I start to feel like a slug. Even on the bad days, I'm trying to keep close to the 10K steps.
Good luck. It is a lifetime of practice to achieve and sustain fitness and health. Most of us fumble often, and sometimes for long periods. But, YOU CAN DO THIS! Believe in yourself. Good luck.
08-13-2014 16:08
08-13-2014 16:08
I found both of these responses extremely helpful. I do have a super cute skirt from when I was very thin that I would love to get back in to. Maybe I will use that as motivation. I like the idea of a healthy eating book. I will try that too.