So Frustrated!!

ok, so first here's a little background info. I'm 5'5, and I weigh about 145-150 lbs. not HUGELY overweight, but definitely a little 'pudgy' around thw middle. (its my inner tube). I'm really into losing that, and every time I try losing some weight, I'm all for it for about 2, 3 days, and then its like i just give up. I understand that its a lifestyle change, I don't look at it as a temporary diet. Maybe that's my problem? It's almost like I subconciously program my brain to forget about the diet altogether, and just not care anymore. Then I feel horrible! Anyways, I'm looking for some suggestions to actually stick with it. I need this gone!! It makes me feel pretty low on myself to know that I have such a hard time sticking with something that I want sooo badly!!

Why do you give up after 2-3 days?  Are you denying yourself too much? Like you said, it's a lifestyle change, so in order to stick to it, you need to find what works for you.  Make small changes to start, don't completely change your life overnight, it's too big of a shock to the system.  Start with portion control, and really getting a good idea of how many calories you are eating.  After that, start paying more attention to what you are eating, and start making some healthier choices.  Over time you will learn to substitute fruit for a sweet tooth instead of chocolate.  I'm not saying you can't eat chocolate, that would just be crazy, but a small treat here and there.  Once you are comfortable with that, start incorperating some exercise.  Again, start small.  Go for walks, lift some light weights.  Do something you find fun. 
Eating right once you start exercising is so much easier.  I always feel like I don't want to eat a bunch of junk after working out so hard, not to mention, I just don't crave it after exercising. 
So take your time, do small changes first, and some days you may just have to force yourself to do something until eventually it will just feel natural to eat right and exercise.
Good luck, I know this is hard, but you can do it.

thats all good advice. i am a pretty healthy eater, i love fruits and vegetables, and i am fairly active, although i could definitely be more, if i could find the time. right now i go to school full time and work 28 plus hours a week, which makes it hard to have any downtime at all

HI Volker87, this is a very common problem I face when providing free personal training as the clients haven't invested money into their transformation and it's easy to drop out when you have nothing to lose. It's easy to forget and put it out of your mind.  You need to take an IN YOUR FACE approach! Here are some suggestions:

1. Print out your workout calendar, before photos and a goal photo clipped from magazine or a younger version of yourself.  Place these reminders EVERYWHERE! On your refrigerator door,  the  inside of your front door, in your car, at your computer, on the bathroom mirror.  Make it impossible to hide or deny this promise you've made to yourself!


2. In addition, take a day, week, or month at a time approach. Whatever chunk of time works for you.  No one is suggesting you can never have another bag of chips, white bread or a bowl of pasta again.  That is unrealistic for most of us.  I like to commit to a workout program 8 weeks at a time. I know I can experience an exciting transformation in 8 weeks. For that reason I can agree to give up nightly bowls of pasta or dessert for that 8 weeks. After I see the results, I can then decide whether or not I want to continue at that same level. If I'm happy with where I am, I'll introduce desserts back into my life, or indulge in favorite treats more often.  If I'm not, I'll take a week off of my program and then commit for another 8 weeks.


3. You don't need to have willpower 24/7. You only need to have willpower when you go food shopping. If you don't bring the temptations into your home, you'll guarantee your diet success! Eat up before going to the grocery store. Studies show those who shop hungry buy more sugary, fatty foods than those who shop on a full stomach.


4. Make sure you have a measurable definition of Success. Take your measurements in addition to your weight every four weeks. Your results may be a loss in inches, which is ideal, but that may or may not show up on the scale. You need to know your measurements to determine if you are succeeding.

i've definitely fallen off the wagon after two or three days before too! Just remember that one bad meal, doesn't mean you can't keep doing it.  Don't let yourself think that if you slipped, it's all over.

Remember, every good day counts toward something!  Tell yourself you're going to stick with it for an entire week.  Even if you slip during that week, pick it back up again during the next meal.  After that first week, tell yourself you're going to do it for another week.  Eventually, it will become slightly more second nature.

Also - weigh your food if you can.  I know that changed things for me DRAMATICALLY!  I had no idea I was eating so many servings of cereal at a time!

Good luck and remember, you are doing this for you.  It is a lifestyle change, so take it slow.  Learn more about your body and your habits.  You'll make it work. 

Also - this site is super helpful!  Keep reaching out to people, they will help keep you motivated!

thanks so much for the great suggestions guys!! its awesome just having the moral support, and someone to talk to when i do have a question or problem!! Your the best!!