Having trouble

Well, I got under 160 for the first time in years...for one day.  I was 159 for a day, and feeling great.  The next day, back up to 162 (my weight fluctuates a lot).  Feeling not so great.  Then 161 for 3 days in a row.  Currently at 160.

The problem is, I'm having trouble staying motivated.  When things are going well, I get in what I think of as my "diet mode" and I don't feel deprived or anxious about losing weight.  I just accept that I'm going to be a little hungry sometimes, it's not a terrible thing, and I can do this.

I'm having trouble getting into that mindset now.  Last night, I was doing so well!  I was right at my calorie goal for the day, good fiber and protein, and all the right things.  Then I ate about 10 girl scout cookies for no reason.  :(  I was feeling "well, I'm never going to get to my goal weight anyway.  I've been somewhere around this weight for the last 5-10 years, and I always will be."

And I need to start working out again.  I haven't worked out for 2 weeks (yikes!), from being too busy and then from being sick.  I know that's part of the problem.

So, sorry if this post is too long.  I just thought maybe if I wrote about it, it would help me start thinking more positively.

After all, I have lost 12 pounds already!  I can do this! 

Right?

You can do this!!  I think most of us have times when we don't do as well as we'd like in terms of eating healthy or exercising.  I have given up trying to be perfect.  I want to be healthier, and somewhat thinner (about 10 - 15 pounds to go!), but I know I'm not going to get all my exercise in every week religiously, and I really try not to beat myself up about that.

Good luck!  Maybe try a new workout routine or a new activity - or buy new workout clothes, so you have to workout...

Thanks runnerinvic.  I think I need to do something outside for a change.  We've been using my boyfriend's rowing machine, but I don't like doing it.  It's good exercise, gets my heart rate up and all that, but it's so boring! 

Well, ask for motivation...

For the first time, someone who DIDN'T already know I was on a "diet" said I look like I'm losing weight.  When I said "Thanks!" she asked if I was trying to.  I said yes, and she said "Well, you can really tell!"

:-)

You can do it!  I finally got under the weight I was 14 years ago.  I thoguht I could never do it, but day by day sticking to it works.  You can do it, too!

lb0802: I know how you feel. There are some nights when I open and close the pantry 10 times in a night. Those GS cookies can be yummy!!! Good luck. I'm trying to hit the 160's. I was at 170 for a day and have been at 171 or 172 for a week now. I refuse to let the scale beat me. I like that you too are making small goals. Just think how much quicker you will hit loosing 1 -2 lbs.

One thing my trainer and others have told me to NOT weigh myself every day - once a week but preferrably once a month! We can fluctuate just with water weight or because of GS cookies 4 days ago!  Just keep eating right and maybe add 10 - 15 more minutes of exercise. Hang in there

ib0802 --it is only a number.  I know we fret over what that number is, but it is more important how your feel.  You have already lost 12 lbs and that is fantastic.  You seem to me that you are working really hard to eat right and get healthier.  In the long run you will see and notice the difference...friends are already noticing and that is a hugh boost to your ego.  You will be amazed in 3-4 months at how much better you look and feel, even if you have only lost 5-10lbs it will be great. Please don't give up you are doing so good. Sometimes when I feel like you do I try to refocus my energy into something or someone I love.  You could try to hang out with friends, take a walk with family or friends, read a book  etc.  Well keep up the hard work, we are here for you!

That's really funny, because I am exactly the opposite.  If I am doing well, losing weight, getting compliments, then I feel relaxed and start eating whatever.  Then the next day I will feel bloated and fat, and then I am really regimented.  I can't seem to KEEP my motivation once I see it is working. :)  And yes, excercise always makes me happy and I can really tell a decrease in motivation and self confidence if I stop doing it for awhile...

I agree that weighing yourself everyday can be a little bit defeating. Some of my suggestions for keeping motivated is that I started measuring myself all around. Hips, waist, neck, over and under breasts, calves, thighs (one legged and both legs together) and arms. I do this once a month and found even if I do not lose weight I have lost a half an inch or an inch in all places. How motivating is that! I get to measure again on Sunday and I cannot wait to see what I am now since I have been working out with a personal trainer as well as working out almost everyday at the gym. I also set small goals for myself and a reward when I get to those goals. I had a goal of a massage when I lost 25lbs (made it) and I had a goal of ski boots when I lost another 15lbs (made it) and I have a goal of a losing another 12lbs and get the reward of a spa day at a resort with my girlfriends when I reach that goal. My ultimate reward when I get to my final goal is to go on an Alaskan cruise. If you belong to a gym, you may also get your body fat measured so that you have an idea of how much lean muscle you have compared to body fat percentage then compare in a few months to see how much leaner you are. You can do it, it just takes time. We think we put it on right away but in reality we did not so it also takes time to lose it also especially if you are closer to your ultimate weight. Don't worry about the cookies just get back on track the next meal. We all have our weaknesses. Good luck you will get there.