What motivates you

[zeddybrek]

I am really struggling to find my motivation.

WW was amazing and kept me at my ideal weight for years. I was exercising , eating clean the works.

Then COVID hit and it was Healthy Wager. My focus was incredible. Again exercising and eating so well.

Then I discovered Strava and seeing me become fit via improving stats did it for me.

Each of the above stages lasts years. But there is always a wobble and I can't find my way out of the current mood. I can't be bothered to exercise consistently, I'll be good all day then have 6 biscuits in the evening.

I know what works for me, generally low carbs and exercise, cardio, strength training and stretching. I feel so great when it's going well.

Can you share what has helped you lose that final half stone and keep it off or what has driven you to lose the weight you wanted. Looking for inspiration. Thank you.

F

Following also. I'm struggling with weight loss after having my last baby and now hitting premenopause. The struggles are real and I'm sick of being over weight. I definitely don't look after myself like I use too, I would love to find some motivation to make more changes.

I'm also trying to get back to where I was. I have reached my goal weight a couple of times, but let things slip and I regain some of what I've lost.

When I had kept it off before (for more than a year), it was a mindset. I didn't want to eat the chocolate, or potatoes etc, and didn't feel deprived. I enjoyed fitting in my clothes comfortably and (as weird as this may sound), I liked the feel of my flat stomach when sitting down, instead of the rolls.

I'm trying to get back to that mindset.
I do not like how I feel when I've eaten what doesn't work for me, nor do I like the feeling of squashing myself into my clothes.
I do like when I'm not hungry and can reduce how much I eat without feeling like I'm missing out. I also like how my immune system is strong when I'm eating right, and I don't usually get sick. I'm currently fighting a terrible cold I've had for the past week, it's relentless!

I'm trying to remind myself of where I was, because that's where I want to be again. I can get back into it and do well for a couple of weeks, then I slip. I know better, which is frustrating that I'm self sabotaging, but haven't figured out why yet 😢

What was your motivation for losing weight before?

Mine has been being almost obese back in 2018 (it scared me I got so heavy) and a wedding last year. Right now I'm trying to back on it for our big holiday in June, although I won't be to my goal weight by then, I want to be better than I am right now, and be healthier.

Thanks @Miraclemuma03 @HazelNotHungryLC

It's hard isn't it to find that thing. The thing that keeps us going. What gets me down is that my whole lifestyle was healthy and fitness..I felt better exercising most days. I got down if I couldn't go for a run! I had the most amazing runners high. I also noticed a stronger immune system. So many benefits. And absolutely yes, not craving crap food!

I need a goal. Not a race or event. I just can't pick point what will get me going.

I thought about cutting out all processed sugar. Only fruit. No biscuits, ice cream, chocolate nothing. I find it so addictive. Maybe that might be a start. Happy to hear any tips or ideas!

Have veggies, hard boiled eggs etc, ready to grab if you get the urge to eat sugar. I would honestly avoid the fruit too until you know you won't reach for chocolate, since fruit has sugar in it as well. Usually my cravings go away after a week or 2.
Drink plenty of water and plan to go out for a walk (or run).
Start simple, small changes and don't try to do everything all at once.

I am going to start logging my food intake again on mfp as it keeps me mindful of what's going in my mouth.

@zeddybrek i use to weight lift and really enjoyed doing it , inuse to have a make shift home gym that looked over our mountain views but we no longer have that and after massive life changes and more children I let it all go and let myself go. But with my last pregnancy I was on an array of medication that unfortunately didn't help with excessive weight gain and now this is where I'm at in life. Over weight and unhappy with self and my body and I have lost all my confidence. I joined another thread with someone starting today to lose weight so iv joined in and thought "what the hell" il give it one last go and give it my all.

Small changes and consistency is the best way forward. Atomic Habits is a great book for explaining it.

What works for me is three meals a day with no snacking. You don’t need massive portions but the right balance of protein, veg and grains. Look at the Eatwell plate.

Avoid the snack aisle in the supermarket and don’t buy or keep snacks at home.

Walk every day. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly.

It all sounds a bit dull but once it’s your normal it’s easy and the odd cake or packet of crisps won’t kill you.

If you had success on WW could you go back to that?

All great ideas thank you. I'll try the book and reconsider WW again. I know what works, I did it for years! Just getting back on it is proving to be so dam hard. Thanks again and hope we all find our exercise spark soon.

Weighing daily for me. I like the accountability. I use HappyScale to track my weight over time, and it adds in smaller goals to work towards.

I was the same,I was a proper gym bunny and in every day. Had lost so much weight and looked good, my gym instructor commented on it in front of the whole class. My clothed looked good on me, my hair looked good, my skin looked good.

Roll on 3 years and I've put on 2 stone and have lost all motivation for the gym. It's coincided with perimenopause.

It's a vicious circle as being fat depresses me, so I eat to make myself feel better, but then I'm depressed again because I'm fat.

I need to get back to the gym regularly, also find a couple of classes I like. I need accountability and the motivation of someone shouting at me!

I just want to be carefree in my body. I’m so sick of picking clothes that are flattering, making sure I stand a certain angle in photos etc.

Its exhausting