Demotivated

I started the adventure in February, and lost a total of 13 kg. I went to Spain on vacation and alas, I gained 3 kg (so I'm -10 kg now). I just can't seem to get back into the swing of things and set my mind back to sticking to my diet. Any advice out there? I really have no motivation whatsoever to seriously start dieting again!

Thanks!

What was your original motivation ?

I don't know what kept me motivated to be honest, but I suppose it was because when I started I looked and felt horrible. :) The progressive weight loss also kept me going. Now, after a month of having lowered my guard, I gained those 3 kg, and that really put me down.

I fear that I'll have to watch what I eat and be on a diet for the rest of my life, and if I think about it, that's really scary. Sometimes I just feel like throwing in the towel...but I won't. I weighed in this morning and - to my amazement - lost 1 kg; I ate a total of 1,196 calories, so I guess I have put myself back on track without me realizing it! :)

You likely lost that 1 kg because, without you even knowing it, you've learned a better, healthier way to eat which may just turn into a permanent lifestyle (and not a life-long, painful diet).

In my opinion, you should eat and enjoy yourself on a vacation !  For most of us, eating is a passionate, enjoyable experience (that includes fat people, skinny people, all types).  Most people probably do gain a few pounds and have the sense to "cut back" afterwards to make up for it.  That is how they maintain their normal weight.  Maintenance doesn't mean that you never gain or lose a pound along the way.

As far as dieting forever or always having to watch what you eat, I see it this way . . . .

As you lose weight, your stomach shrinks and you will naturally crave less calories.  It will probably be much more natural than you'd expect.  That being said, everyone in the world needs to watch what you eat.  Not doing that is what got you (and me) to this point where we need to painfully deprive ourselves now (for a relatively short time).  However, once you get to your desired weight, it will be easier because you'll know more about what you are eating.  As I count calories now and look at what I used to eat, I think, "well, it's no wonder I'm fat !".  If I had known what I know now, I would have made better choices and that's what I'll do after I've reached my target weight.  That's what you'll do as well.  I don't think it will be as painful as you think.

Hang in there !  Your pain is shared by millions.

Just think how good you'll look and how much you'll be admired by everyone you know when you are done.  If it was easy, no one would admire you.

Thanks, Slick_Philly for your wise words. They made me smile and made me realize that maybe my future won't be so bleak. :) Good luck!

I try not to think of myself as being "on a diet." I am making permanent lifestyle changes. Some days are just going to be better than others. It helps me be more gentle with myself. Hang in there!

The word "diet" is not a part of my daily vocabulary. No matter what weight one is we are all on some kind of diet whether it is self prescribed or not. "Diet" is just our daily eating pattern. With that I think more in terms of lifestyle. Our lifestyles change from time to time. Vacationing is a temporary change in lifestyle. A time for adventure and to try new things (including different foods).  I too slip into unhealthy eating habits but that too is a learning expereince and as soon as I realize it isn't good for my body or how I feel about myself I self-correct. It's not always easy to get that motivation up, but it does come around.

Thanks msatkins and 2245.

I'm motivated and sticking to it

I was the same way when I had a restricted type of diet.  My new plan allows me to eat the kind of things I love.  In the 9 days I've been on this diet, I've lost 15 pounds.

I started my diet with a prime rib meal with a loaded baked potato: sour cream, bacon, cheese, the works!

Last night I ate half a chicken tuscan pizza.  Delicious.

Today I had a McDonald's hamburger, fries, and a parfait.

You can do it, too!  Don't give up.

I was the same way when I had a restricted type of diet.  My new plan allows me to eat the kind of things I love.  In the 9 days I've been on this diet, I've lost 15 pounds.

I started my diet with a prime rib meal with a loaded baked potato: sour cream, bacon, cheese, the works!

Last night I ate half a chicken tuscan pizza.  Delicious.

Today I had a McDonald's hamburger, fries, and a parfait.

You can do it, too!  Don't give up.

crikey adam! I'd put weight on just looking at a pizza! lol!

how are you doing lousyfood?

how would you like to lose weight by not changing what you eat?

www.yescni.com      went from a size 8 to a size 2 and have kept it off since March 17