Patience and Endurance

Hi -- I'm not new to CC but new to posting. Thought it was time to plug in a bit more so here we go!

How do you go about motivating yourself day after day (after day) to keep on track with whatever you're doing to lose weight and eat more healthful foods?

For me, a main theme throughout the years, whether the days are focused on calorie control/exercise, or totally unfocused/lazy/eating whatever I want, is having the ability to be PATIENT with this whole process of better eating = better living = eventual weight loss.

I'm NOT patient enough, let's put it that way. Not often enough, anyway. BUT, I will say that in reading many posts here, especially within my age group of 50-somethings I am feeling pretty motivated here and I believe this community of like-minded posters might be just the thing to help.

Obviously, we need to learn how to independently do what we must to keep from eating too much, and must actually exercise (and not just think about it like I sometimes do!) to ever make any progress. Other members can motivate us to be sure but no one but me can keep me from eating poorly. I know, this is all common sense -- am just talking to myself out loud here. But this type of stuff is something I have to face in order to be in the right frame of mind to step into this each day, which also helps me jump back on the wagon when I fall off time and time again.

Anyone else out there feel like sharing your personal daily struggle with all this?

Hello!  I like this site too because of the folks who are in my age group.   Some days I don't know how I make myself exercise, because it is so depressing to step on the scales and see nothing has happened.  It is such a slow process!  But, if I do see the slightest loss, I am so elated, and know all is not lost!  Plus, I always try to remember how much better I feel emotionally after a good work out.  I have a tread-mill I use.  If it is a pretty day I like to walk out side.  One of my tricks to get myself moving if I am having a bad day, is to tell myself I will only walk for 20 minutes.  Usually, by the end of the 20 I am feeling much better and keep going for another 10, then another 10, etc.  Just a little mind game I play on myself. 

I just started on Nov 1 but being 50 I don't know what to expect in the weight loss category. I remember losing very fast in my 30's but I know it won't be that way this time. I have 44 pounds to lose and I am already having fun thinking up new things to prepare that are within my calorie range. I think have some everyday foods like yogurt, a Zone bar and an apple will work for me as long as I have variety in my main courses. This will take some more cooking time and planning but I am willing to do it.

I've learned, as many here have suggested, to pay more attention to my clothes than the scales because they are a better indicator that your body is changing for the better.  I no longer get frustrated with the little or no loss weigh ins because I'm still going down size wise. So if the loss only wants to come 1/2 a lb at a time, or less, so be it. Got into an outfit this weekend that's been hanging in my closet for 3 years because I fooled myself into thinking it would fit.  Trying to get into it once I got it home would have made for a great "I Love Lucy" episode. :) Patience really is a virtue when it comes to dieting.  That's the big lesson I've learned since joining calorie count.

I am new to this site but no stranger to yo - yo diets!! I think this time for me now a fifty something trying to loose the 50 LBS it has taken me two years to gain this site and diet has got 2 be the one~~~~~I try to Make exercise fun by doing sports and take each day as it comes I want to be healthy in my later years so i am building a very positive foundation for my exercise routine I hate going to the GYM and find getting on my home TREADMILL for 45 minutes so BORING I recently purchased a bicycle and am having a blast when I ride and at 188 LBS its tough but I feel powerful when i'm on it!!!

I'm new to this site as well. I've maintained the same weight my entire life and now that I'm in my 50's what worked in the past doesn't work at all now. I'm learning to accept some of the changes in my body and trying to stay focused the things that I can do to lose weight. I've recently joined a gym and love working out in the early morning before work. Now, I need to start managing my food choices and intake so the weight can start to come off. I'm realizing it will be a slow process and accepting that has been the hardest part.

I've really enjoyed reading your responses! It's comforting to hear from others on how you keep positive throughout the daily challenge. One day at a time! I think one step I need to take and haven't been willing to (during this round of yo-yo-ing) is to write every blessed thing down that goes into my mouth. I don't know if it's menopause or what but am hungry all the time. All tests came back just fine at the recent physical. I just love food too much. Anyway, thanks to you all for your thoughts!