Started with a bang....now my motivation is dwindling!! :(

[mudgey666]

Hi everyone!!

I started my 'weightloss journey' in January, initially I did look into doing the NHS weightloss programme, however some of the changes just were too simple for me to achieve (I thought at the time).

I made meals in advance at the weekend (meal preparation) and this worked well for me. I also started walking to and from work (average five miles a day) and conciously drinking more fluid. I cut out alcohol for January and in the first month I had lost 13lbs.

My birthday was the 1st Feb so I knew that I could be greedy on my birthday weekend and I had something to look forward to. So I was turning down meals out and really dedicated.

After my birthday weekend I was not as consistent, despite my prepped meals I wasn't doing as much exercise the week after and my numbers were reducing really slowly. I gave myself a challenge of burning 1000 calories for 10 days, I managed this for four days, but I did not continue this as I find it very difficult to be as disciplined at the weekends.

Anyway my weightloss total to date is 17lbs. However I know this number has increased as I looked on the scales two weeks ago and I had put on 2lbs. I didn't even dare look at it this weekend as I knew it would be the same situation again.

I am so worried I am going to put it all back on again. I just feel out of control and I cannot get back to my losing ways I have successfully given up alcohol in March, something I don't find too difficult to do, although sometimes I regret my decision!! I just feel so alone with this feeling of bleurgh!!!

I hope to write kind of diary, to make me more accountable. Has anyone ever felt like this before??

[gingernut49]

Please watch this video which changed my life vimeo.com/54089463 "Eat, Fast and Live Longer" where you only have to think about 'dieting' two days a week and just eat sensibly on the other five days. I lost three stone in six months and have kept it off since last April. With any other 'diet' I'd have put it all back on again but this is a way of life that improves your health, rather than a diet, and it doesn't cost you anything - no silly slimming club fees! Please watch the video and then I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

[Prin]

You HAVE TO weigh in otherwise you will put it all back on at the mo it's just damage limitation which is easy to fix! I put on 2-4lbs regularly but soon manage to take it off! And congrats on the 17lbs so far. It might be time to regroup and decide on which changes you can permanently make and ditch some of the others for now concentrate on maintainance for a few weeks, good luck!

[bispers]

That is exactly how I have been feeling for the last few weeks. I have put some of the weight back on, and although now not gaining, am not losing either.

Other reasons for me feeling bleurgh are not being able to exercise (problems with feet) and last weekend, my back went into a spasm so I am very limited as to what I can even do around the house.

I can get motivation back for a couple of days and then I am losing it again. I know what I need to do, and start off well each day, but am not managing it.

So you are definitely not alone - good luck in finding your motivation. It's around somewhere .....

[scater82]

People do tend to get to fixated on what the scales show.... you can be doing everything right and the scales not show any loss and even an increase as you could be putting muscle on if the exercise has increased alot.

Muscle is twice as heavy as fat so you could be loosing inches and not shedding any weight.

Its about finding a balance, it looks like you are trying to make too many big changes to soon, well done on giving them ago.... Could you focus on just one area of your healthier lifestyle?

how do you eat an elephant?..... one bite at a time

could you set yourself mini goals using the S.M.A.R.T Goal setting rules to see if that helps?

S= Specific – target a specific area for improvement. The what? where? When? and with whom?

M= Measurable – quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.

A= Achievable – set goals within your reach

R= Relevant – Is it an impotant goal to you?

T= Timely – specify when the goal can be achieved.

Keep at it

[mudgey666]

Thank you everyone for your replies.They have really made me think about what is important, at the end of the day it is my health and not the number on the scales and my long-term habits are not going to disappear and change is not going to happen overnight.

The SMART goals is a really good thing to keep in mind. I may write them in my food diary and review them on a weekly/monthly basis.

My friend and a work colleague has tried 5:2. I will definitely look into it further, I just like food so much so I think I will try a day and then maybe I can do two!!

Thanks guys. I will keep you posted.

[mld78 Visitor]

Well done on loosing the 17 Lbs, I have been going slowly along the NHS plan (without the couch to 5Km) and have lost 4.4 Kg, I think that is 9.6 Lbs, or so. Not a major weight loss, but I can stick to the 1400 calories a day and go to the gym 3 times per week, for 30 minutes a time. It will take me most of a year to get to my target weight, but the way things are going I'm nearly a quarter of the way there, without noticing too much reduction in what I eat. I just record everyday what I eat and weigh myself on a Monday for recording my weight loss here and on a Wednesday for recording my weightloss elsewhere! I did get stuck in the 78 Kgs for three weeks, but I lost 0.8 Kg this last week and I hope it continues to drop - my weight, not my trousers like the other day!!! M.

[TenaciousD]

Im sure anyone thats ever had to be on a diet has felt like that at one time or another..I know I have. Youve done so well try to keep at it, it will be so worth it in the end, good luck x

[mudgey666]

I did weigh myself the Saturday before last week I had stayed the same, even after all my worrying!!

This Saturday I had lost 1lb! It was a small loss, but I am so happy!! All moving in the right direction!! It has spurred me on to continue upon my path for a healthier me. One day at a time!!

Thanks for your support guys, it has been a great help!!!