How to build good habits...?

[PandaExcess]

I know what has to be done — more exercise, less junk food, smaller portions, etc. — but I lack motivation. There is always an excuse if I want one. Have other members encountered such challenges? (Of course you have.) What did you do about it?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, PandaExcess

In the end, it all boils down to what you want most; less fat and more muscle, or the opposite? Maybe you could make up a list of all the pros and cons of both choices, then decide the path you're going to lead?

It certainly helps to be around people in the same boat and to see how they manage, so getting involved with all that we have on offer here is sure to reap rewards and reading these may help healthunlocked.com/weight-l... healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/weight-l... and we hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially the weigh-in and daily diary.

We've found active participation to be key to successful weight loss and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.

Wishing you all the best

[LostMyWay in reply to moreless]

Hi and welcome!

I very much struggle with this too but there’s some things we all have to do during the day regardless of whether we feel like it or not. I would say make it one of those things. That’s what I’m trying to do myself. Don’t think about it too much, just do it.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 16kg in reply to LostMyWay]

I believe this reply is for PandaExcess

[LostMyWay in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Yes sorry, now you see how I got my name. 😂

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

What is the reason you want to lose weight? The best motivation is having something to aim for. In many cases including my own a health scare was a wake up call. Maybe there is an event you would like to look good for? A family event, birthday or a holiday. You are more likely to stick with it if there is a reason to do it. Coming here and joining in and you will get lots of support. Start by posting your start weight on the weigh in and introduce yourself. Moreless had given you the information you need. Clink on the link and reply to me. Have a good look around and join in. The daily diary is good for planning meals and Fit is fun for exercise. All these things will help.

Good luck

[PandaExcess in reply to Gizmocat]

Thank you. (Also, anyone else who replied to my question, please accept my gratitude.)

I am 47 years old, medically retired, and financially self-sufficient. I am investing a chunk of my pension in an investment product, in my son's name, for his retirement. He suffers from long-term health problems that may (someday) make him unable to work.

In my family, men tend to have a life expectancy of 80-85 years. That gives me approximately 30-40 years. When I die, my pension will (of course) stop, although the investment product will accrue interest until my son retires. Therefore, the longer I live, the more I shall be able to contribute to my son's future. I do not want him to worry about his twilight years. They will come soon enough.

I love my life. I love being alive. I would prefer not to fall ill to heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, swollen ankles, flatulence, dental cavities, or any of the other things that may come from chronic obesity. Still, if we're being honest, let's acknowledge that my principal reason for wanting to lose weight is to provide for my son's retirement. (Yes, I'm weird.)

[Eryl Visitor]

As being overweight is just a symptom of a diet which is harming your health think of the other aspects of health that your diet is impacting such as heart health, vascular health, potential diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, arthritis or nervous and mental health. Those impacts should be incentive enough to make you want to change your diet.

Loosing weight is not about eating smaller portions but about eating the right things (or rather not eating the wrong things) that don't modify the natural levels of your hunger and sateity hormones and you will find that you are satiated with what appears to be a smaller portion but is more dense in the healthy nutrients.

[amykp Visitor]

One of the reasons a ketogenic diet worked so well for me (and I'm not saying it will work for you) is that it is very black and white. No slip-sliding or excuses... "a little bit more or...how big of a portion or...can I have just a smidge or... I'll make it up later or... I've been good all day so...?" It is:

ALL YOU WANT of column A

NONE of column B

Basically.

(Been on it seven years)