5 weeks in: bored and demotivated. Help!

[PlayNice]

I've been dieting for five weeks now, and I have lost weight, but over the past week I've been feeling totally bored and listless with it.

I think it's partially because this is the first diet I've actually managed to do past a week. So initially I had this rush of success and surprise at myself for managing it. That's worn off now. I almost feel like because I've proved to myself that I can do it, I may as well leap off the wagon now and do it later.

And I suppose all the initial changes of dieting are done. The initial fast weight loss, the discovery of new recipes and "staples" and treats that are surprisingly low carb (I'm doing a low carb diet).

I just feel very bored and demotivated. My physical cravings for sugar have gone, and I'm not bad at resisting social pressure, but now I just feel a bit like, "why shouldn't I? I know I can do the diet if I want to."

Does anyone have any tips or advice for getting through this stage? I know logically that if I fall off the wagon, I won't want to get back on, but I just feel so sick of the monotony of always saying no. Especially now with Creme Egg brownies and chocolate everywhere.

How much weight have you lost? What's your current and goal weight?

Well done for getting this far - you should be really proud of yourself!

I understand what you mean about getting bored once the novelty has worn off! There are always new recipes that you can try if you're getting bored of what you've already had.

For me personally, I found a low carb diet just too tough - a lot of that was because food is such a social thing as well, and it's really hard having something different from everyone else or not being able to 'join in' IYSWIM. Now I'm just calorie counting using MFP, which means I can have a little bit of something if I fancy it, and I don't feel restricted or like I have ruined weeks of progress if I eat some chocolate. :o

If you go back to eating how you ate before, you will get fat again.
End of.
Only by changing your normal will you face a healthy old age.
Take your pick.

@JaneFonda Yeah, I think that's a huge part of it. Easter is usually such a foodie time, and it feels a bit sad not to be indulging in glorious bacchanalian feasts of roast dinners, chocolate eggs, cheese and wine. I've lost 1 stone 4 pounds and I'd like to lose another stone.

I had a few little nibbles of sweet things (bits of chocolate/fudge the size of a pea) at the Ideal Home Show tasting stalls today, which actually cheered me up loads as I got to join in without having more than about a spoonful of sweet things in total.

I might try the 30 Day Shred to see if that boosts my motivation.

Playnice - i low carb (bootcamp on here so low carb and high fat) and easter hasnt been a problem. I had lovely roast lamb today with loads of green veg, cheese for afters and a small amount of dark choc - yum and i didnt feel i was missing out at all. My hubby does this as well as do the kids (with added carbs) so i dont feel like i am eating different food.

I am 12 weeks in and i do occasionally get demotivated as now i am just fat rather than huge - as my first goal (size 14) is in reach. I find playing around with new recipes and trying on some of my extensive too small wardrobe helps!

Being fat is hard, dieting is hard - pick your hard!

I CANT cheat as it messes me up for ages and i really struggle to get back on the wagon and i ruin all my hard work. The sunshine this weekend has helped its reminded me summer is coming and i dont want to sweat it out in jeans again.

Good luck, sometimes you just need to not think about it too much and just do it. I havent ever met anyone who regrets losing weight!

30 day shred is amazing, i saw a difference in a week - i must start it again, summer is coming after all!

Have you upped your fat, whilst reducing your carbs? Low fat, low carb would be torture!

Ooh, I'm going to join the Bootcamp when it starts :). I was sad to miss the last one. If I start the shred tomorrow, I'll finish 6 days before the next Bootcamp starts, so perhaps that'll see me through.

It's nice that your husband is doing it too. Part of what's worrying me is having a first date coming up and not wanting to be conspicuous with avoiding alcohol.

Yeah, you are right. I just need to stop thinking about it and get on with my life. I'll be happier when Easter is over.

I'm in the same sort of boat. My BMI is normal now, which is adding to the 'screw this' category. But now you mention it, I did buy some new tiny shorts from Primark that don't quite fit yet, so perhaps I'll wedge myself into those and have a good look in the mirror tomorrow :P.

There will be a continuation thread as loads of us carry on, i see this as a way of life rather than a short term diet - i honestly believe its healthier. I have yo - yoed so much its the only thing that works for me without making me miserable. I never ate butter or cream and now i cant imagine food without it!
I love the food so it doesnt feel like a chore, also the appetite suppression part really makes it easy for me.

Have a read through the old threads and the questions thread. Good luck with the 30 day shred -you have inspired me to get my copy out.

My poor hubby doesnt have a choice - i cant be doing with cooking separate meals - he does want to lose a little however. I am still well fat as i am a size 16 but i was a size 22 this time last year, so whilst i have a way to go for me i am a lot slimmer.

What is helping me is not seeing it as a diet, i think any diet only works long term if you do it forever and actually change your eating habits. I can see me following a lower carb plan forever. I wont ever eat cereal for breakfast, sarnies for lunch and pasta for tea ever again.

Low carb also has tonnes of other benefits for me, reduces diabetes risk, no thrush, ibs or sore joints.

Good luck with Jillian!