How do you get motivated?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
How do you get motivated?
4
Sun, 06-04-2006 - 11:59pm
I've lost and gained so many times now that I'm finding it hard to get motivated again because I feel deep down that even if I lose weight, it will just come back like it always has. I've done WW, SlimFast, going to a gym, and running. All with success. But at some point the weight just starts to creep back up and I lose all motivation. I have an all or nothing personality. I don't know how to get over it. Anyone else feel this way?

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Mon, 06-05-2006 - 8:07am

This is a tough question. I am not sure if it is possible to stay motivated all the time. I think you should be using the time when you are motivated to build up habits that stays with you for a lifetime. You know.. a lifestyle change. I know how cliche this sounds, but it really works. I used to eat fast food most days of the week.. and you can't believe the portions that I used to eat. I started out by cutting it slowly out and right now I only have junk food once in a while and even when I do, I don't eat as I normally do. On the other hand if I was thinking in with a 'dieting mind', I will probably cut all junk food cold turkey until I lose the pounds, then once I lose I start eating again like I did. I think the mental factor is very important. Right now I am changing things and I want them changed forever. That doesnt mean I am not eating any chocolate or burgers for the rest of my life. I will, but in moderation. And when I go overboard one day, I restrict myself the next. And so on.


Don't feel like a failure for gaining the weight back. This is not an easy struggle and every time you are learning something new. Try again this time, but don't go on a diet... rather, change you life. And believe it or not, it is so easier than dieting.


We'll be here to support you and help you. We an all do this once and for all!


Welcome aboard

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Mon, 06-05-2006 - 10:23am

Welcome aboard and good luck....I can't really add anything that Mary hasn't already said, except that the weight can be kept off. My friend is succedding in maintaining after losing over 100 lbs. She is my motivation and inspiration. Do you know anyone like that??

Angela

 

Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Tue, 06-06-2006 - 12:00am

Thanks Mary and Angela. It does make sense that you have to change your lifestyle. I know that I can't keep eating the way I do and not exercising and expect to lose weight and be healthy. I just can't seem to find the spark this time. I have done some things like cut out cokes and ice cream. But obviously I'm just making up for it in other ways! I keep saying I'm going to start exercising but something always seems to "get in the way." I'm really just feeling sorry for myself lately. I don't know anyone who has lost a lot of weight and kept it off except for the people who had surgery. I'm starting to think about looking into that, but I would like to give it another try on my own first. Thanks for the insight and support. I'll be hanging around here to learn from everyone.


Jackie


 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Tue, 06-06-2006 - 7:09am

Jackie, lots of people do it and keep the weight off. I understand what you mean about lack of motivation.. the spark not being there. I had a similar rant a couple of weeks ago saying the same thing. But you know what? Although I didn't get my spark back, I am still doing it, I made a plan and I"m following it (trying to anyways). Who says you have to be super excited about something to do it? I am not super excited about getting up to work everyday when I rather go to sleep, but I still do it. I am not super excited about picking up the house every hour, but I still do it.


It does help to have

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