Feeling despondent

[kirinm]

I gave up sugar at the beginning of the year, reduced booze intake (have drunk twice in 3 months at birthday events), reduced carbs to only post exercise and exercise 5-6 times a week. But I am making such slow progress and nobody bloody notices any changes.

I'm down 20lb but literally no-one has noticed anything. I feel like maybe I'm not making as much progress as I should be - maybe because of my age (39). I'm still fairly motivated but feeling utter shit about myself. Does anyone have any positive tips to help me cheer myself up?

[TheOriginalChatelaine]

The Livestrong and other sources suggest that your carb intake should be from vegetables. My approach to dieting is a bit hybrid. I've cut out alcohol, sugar (never was a big consumer) so that includes cake, bread to a bare minimum, am eating lots more vegetables. Only lean meats. Roughly 3 times a week I will have 40g of porridge + 10g of wheat bran made up with half milk and water, sweetened with Stevie. Other mornings I'll have two hard boiled eggs whilst they are still hot. I often cook a main meal at lunch time (dh is retired) and I have the time. I vary the protein but calorie count. I plan a day ahead and log it using My plate which I found before I was aware of MFP. Seven weeks into my "new consciousness" I'm still tweaking but it's working for me. I'm aware of the level of calories I'll need when I've reached my target weight to maintain. All worked out online. With smart phones and devices it's never been so easy to do research. So take heart and enjoy choosing your food and enjoy what you eat in the knowledge that you are putting the best you can in your body.

[kirinm]

Theoriginal - what did it say about carbs? I have read that your body needs carbs to help repair itself! I generally have protein too but maybe I should be reducing my carbs even more?

I have a holiday in 4 weeks which is perhaps why I'm a little more down than I would be if I wasn't going away! I'll keep on going though.

My son bought me flowers and chocolates for Mother's Day. The flowers are in a vase and the chocolates are still in the closed box. I'm so pleased my sugar cravings have finally gone.

[TheOriginalChatelaine]

Well done op, you have got off to a very good start. I read today on the Livestrong site that protein is best post exercise so I am going to be trying that. Like you I have given up alcohol (so many benefits to that) and avoid anything processed or sugary. I started 6 weeks ago and have lost a stone. One more stone to go. I now understand that for my small frame I only need 1600 calories a day once I've achieved my target weight loss and I'm fine with that. Exciting isn't it?

[highinthesky]

Are you losing weight for yourself, or to please others? You don't need a fan club to tell you that you're on the right track!

[Mivery]

Don't feel low! That's a lot of weight to lose in just a few months! Just keep at it, you'll hit that target weight!

[kirinm]

Thanks all. I should say that I'm not just looking for validation from others (my OP did read like that though). I feel despondent because I no longer see progress.

I've decided to have some PT sessions to see if they help. I don't think I can do anymore than I'm doing so I guess my only option is to keep going and hope I see some progress soon (preferably before summer arrives)!

I know the weight loss is good but given that I've been consistent for over 3 months I would've expected a bit more.

[timeforabrewnow]

Well done on what you have achieved so far - 20 lbs is amazing, it doesn't sound like slow progress to me.

I lose 4 lbs,and then put it back on, lose 4 lbs, then put it back on (you get the picture!)

Would like to lose a stone all together ...

[Dollface7]

20lb I meant, but it does not matter if its only 1lb...you've lost and you did it!! And i bet you feel better. I know I do...I've been struggling with 'starting' and as soon as I do...its oh why did i not do this sooner, I feel so much better. Please keep going on your journey. It is worth it. I don't think you'd say to me, don't start just keep going with eating and no exercise.... so go you, you can do it and keep doing it!

[Dollface7]

*completely!

[Dollface7]

HI Kirinim, MojoMoon in my view is complexly right. You've lost 29lb-double yay!!! go you!! I lost 3 stone in 3 months last year, only then people started to notice.... lots of people never notice or say anything....or else say it with their eyes....hmmm something is different about such and such.... at the end of the day, the scales have gone down, and only you did that, nobody else. Plus you've added in all that exercise-a big wowser for you-it is just March now....what an achievement.... sadly I'm starting again, but at least we know its possible.... as my partner says maybe put the stick down and slap yourself on the back and say well done you-bearing in mind you can probably reach your back easier now heeheee..... imagine all those bags of sugar are gone gone gone....

[MojoMoon]

You mean like friends and family commenting on your weight loss?

I would never, ever comment on someone else's weight loss. Maybe they don't want to be rude or offend you?

After all, saying "congratulations on losing weight" could sort of also imply they were suggesting you were bad/wrong/weak/lazy etc to be overweight on the first place. Or opens the door to commenting if the rate of decline slows or reverses.

I lost two stone fairly fast, i know later my friends had noticed (not drinking to say the least) but no one said anything apart from two colleagues who are from abroad originally where I guess there is a different culture around this. I found their congratulations to be excruciating even though i know they meant good things by saying it

You have lost 20lb. That is amazing. Well done. But you do it for yourself not for comments from other people. You do it because you want to and you want to feel the health benefits etc from being more active.

Do you log your weight every week? Make a chart and admire the decline.

Treat yourself for hitting the next goal but not with food or new clothes because of all the connotations that suggests. Get a pedicure or go do an activity (theatre? Visit to some attraction?). Then set the next achievable goal.