Self encouragement

We’ve all had those weeks where we’ve been really good and stuck to our plans, but haven’t lost weight, or even put a little on. It’s disheartening and demotivating. I’d love to know, and for us all to share all the things you say to yourself to keep yourself encouraged and motivated.

I’ll go first, today I had to tell myself: it’s a marathon not a sprint. Small changes will add up over time, and weight loss isn’t linear. Be kind and patient with yourself.

What’s everyone else’s positive self talk?

[N-o-r-d-i Maintainer 64kg]

“My primary aim is not to lose weight, it is to live healthier and to make better choices every day. That I achieved and I am happy about it. The weight loss will follow if I’m consistent”

[Hidden in reply to N-o-r-d-i]

That’s a really good one Nordi, thanks for sharing!

[Food4Fuel 7lbs in reply to N-o-r-d-i]

I think I need to put this on my fridge 😊 thanks Nordi!

[Subtle_badger]

"The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result"

I focused hard on doing what I needed to be healthy and to lose weight (Eatwell Guide and calorie counting), and found it extremely hard work - and in 3 weeks, my weight didn't change. I said to myself, if this is the effort I will need to put in just to maintain, then I am going to eventually to fail because I cannot do this for the rest of my life. I looked around for another approach, and found it.

It's not always wise to double down and persist, if it's not working.

[Hidden in reply to Subtle_badger]

A really good point subtle_badger! So pleased you found a sustainable approach that works for you

[Hidden in reply to Subtle_badger]

My mother in law follows slimming world apparently religiously. She’s obese but thrilled at least she has not put on any weight in lockdown. If she follows the diet to the letter, which she eats she is, is not tempted by social occasions, how is she not losing weight? Something to do with low fat high carb maybe??

[Hidden]

I tell myself that if I keep trying the weight will eventually drop off. If I don’t try it never will.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Exactly @jubbly1955! Totally giving up is not the answer! Maybe a change of approach if needed, but not changing anything at all is never going to help us reach our goals.

[Progressoverperfect Restart June 2024]

On the occasions when I feel a little demotivated I consider these wise words from my mother: 'if you can't disguise it, decorate it!!' I wear some new earrings or a new lipstick and focus on something other than my weight❤

[Hidden in reply to Progressoverperfect]

Haha! Love that one siggie!! 💄💋✨

[Hidden in reply to Progressoverperfect]

I like that philosophy!

[Manchegaenlondres]

I had one of those weeks last week and approached it very similar to you. It helped to make a parallel with running and tell myself this is about endurance, not about speed or distance covered in a restricted time.

I’ve been obese now for over 20 years so it would be unreasonable to expect a quick fix, but I won’t loose sight of my goals and keep going. Having this forum is a great help and encouragement.

[lucigret]

This is key Manchegaenlondres , 'endurance, not about speed or distance covered in a restricted time' and with this attitude you will eventually reach your goal

I'm so pleased to see that the forum is helping to encourage you

[lucigret]

I remind myself that I am eating a much healthier diet. By following a plan of low carbs and high fats, I am no longer bloated, my nails are the strongest they have ever been, I am not lethargic, as I used to be, my insides are happy, my IBS has improved immensely and the brain fog I suffered with for years and years has disappeared. They are all great NSV for me