Newbie looking for some help

I am a newbie here. just registered today.

I know im unhealthy and i know how to change things to be the way i want to be them. My problem is i lack motivation

Can anyone suggest any motivation tips to get my backside up!!!

Also has anyone tried the new sketchers shape ups? love sketchers. are they worth it tho

Motivation is a very personal thing and what motivates you might not motivate others.   If you know you're unhealthy, consider that as a motivation..... the prospect of a healthier and longer life is quite compelling, let's face it!

My suggestion would be not to wait for your motivation to arrive before you start doing something positive.... you could wait for ever if you do.   Instead, treat your healthy lifestyle like any other project.     A good exercise is to go through your cupboards, fridge and freezer and literally junk the junk.  Throw away anything that you think is keeping you unhealthy.  The action of removing the rubbish from your home is like cleaning the slate or drawing a line under the past.   It's a good way of saying 'I've started'. 

I'd also say that small improvements can make a big difference.  If you can identify one or two unhealthy habits and tackle those successfully then you can really change your life.   For example, someone who is in the habit of skipping breakfast and who starts to get a regular breakfast instead will see a big change in their energy levels.

I don't know what a sketchers shape up is, sorry. If it's some kind of diet food my recommendation would be that you try to get 90% of your calorie intake from fresh, wholefoods.... vegetables, lean meat, low-fat dairy products, wholegrains, oils.... as they tend to be more nurtritious and filling for fewer calories.

Good luck

Motivations is DEFINITELY depending on an individual basis... but here is what I can offer:

Go a step at a time.  If you need to make changes, don't do them all at once because it can feel overwhelming.  I found that when I tried to many things at once, I couldn't keep up and then I didn't know what worked best... so switching from whole to skim milk, from regular pasta to whole wheat, from eggs to egg beaters, from doing nothing to joining a gym and doing pilates + weights + kickboxing at the same time... didn't work for me.

Start by making substitutions to your foods, if you eat white bread, start by buying a honey wheat light version, so the taste doesn't clash too much with what you're used to, for example. 

Set yourself small, short term goals AND celebrate the successes.

Don't be disappointed if you fall off the wagon one morning, healthy living is not an "I'll start over on Monday" thing, it can be an "OK, I slipped, I have the rest of the day to make it up"!

Stick to what you start for a few weeks, it may take your body a little while to adjust to a new routine!

And if you feel low, come in here and read some forums... at least that helps me!

Hi!  Welcome!

I find posting and reading others peoples posts to be quite motivating. Sometimes it just seems like I am the only one struggling with my weight and when I use the forums I feel hopeful.

How's it going so far?

So far i already have done things like semi skimmed milk and if i can find it the 1% fat stuff as im not too fussy bout it.

Bread prefer wholemeal or ones like granary (with a little crunch) anyway.

Dont realy eat cheese but when i do its always low fat.  Very fussy about which meats i eat. HATE FATTY MEATS!!!

I think my biggest downfall is junk. I think i have just got that used to not eating meals so substitute it for crisps and sweets.

I work in a shop too as my second job so all day i can go without but then when i work at night its in front of me.

I have decided that i will concentrate on getting the exercising first. and try to cut out choc and crisps etc but if i fail its ok. Another technique im using is that if i have an urge for junk ill have for examply one square of choc or one crisps. then put the packet away. sometimes thats enough for me. unless its a treat or something i.e. cinema.

I need motivation for exercising. Once i havfe done the exercise i do feel good. But its getting that feeling to get up off sofa, out of bed, etc to do it.

Thats what i need it for. Was just hoping for some tips. I have a load of pictures when i was smaller and felt good about myself (although i probably needed toning up i think i looke dgood). I have saved these to my ipod and now when i feel cravings for junk or when its time to exercise i look through them in the hope that it will drive me to do something about it.

Any other helpful hints appreciated.

Original Post by 0400772:

I think my biggest downfall is junk. I think i have just got that used to not eating meals so substitute it for crisps and sweets.

I think this is where you'll see the biggest improvement.  Subbing meals for grabbed junk is why you're fat.... agreed?  If you make a point of getting regular, healthy meals you really won't need the junk.  It's going to mean a) a hearty breakfast and b) taking portable healthy lunches/meals with you to work and c) taking 10 - 20 minutes out to sit down and eat...... will take some organisation and planning but that's got to be worth the effort.

Your job sounds very active so lack of exercise probably isn't why you're overweight.  If you manage the above - getting healthier, more regular meals - I guarantee you'll have more energy for exercise.  This seems to me more logical than trying to haul yourself into an exercise programme when your diet is still poor.

hello again,

I struggle with getting out of bed for exercise too. I find that telling myself I only need to walk 10 minutes or promising myself a junk food treat after wards helps.  Exercise in and of its self is very good for you. Also, the more you do it the easier it becomes. I remember once hearing it takes 3 weeks to create a new habit.  Maybe you and I could make a pact to check in everyday regarding exercise for October.  It helps to have someone to be accountable to, any interest?