Staying Motivated for the Long Haul
My biggest obstacle to maintaining a healthy weight is a seemingly invisible "switch" that goes on and off in my brain. When it's "on" I am in the zone and can avoid the most decadent temptations and will exercise faithfully. But, about a year to 15 months into my healthy lifestyle, the switch turns to "off" and I lose focus and revert to my bad habits of poor food choices (both in what I eat and how much I eat) and I become more sedentary. I am at that point now and I feel a slow panic building as the number on the scale inches upward. I know what I should do, but I am at a loss as to how to get my mojo back. Suggestions, anyone!?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Healthy Living Support Group.
@liz223 Thank you for sharing this wonderful report!
Hugs,
Rosemary
@contentandwell, Sounds like you are in a rut. I know, because I get into ruts, too. Is there a way to change your program? Is there something that you might enjoy - or at least hate less?
The weights can be good because you can do them at home while something is cooking or waiting for a load of laundry to dry!
I started a yoga class at my gym this week, I went Monday and will go tomorrow. I think that I am going to give it a try for a couple weeks because it made me feel good and used some of the core muscles that I am neglecting. I can do exercise if it makes me feel good. And I need a change in routine because I get bored easily, I never have enjoyed exercise!
Any ideas of what we can do to help you stay on track?
Rosemary
@liz223 Great report! You must feel so good. It's always great to know things are going well.
JK
Like you @contentandwell, I struggle with sticking to a healthy diet. I don't eat overly poorly, but lack the discipline to stay on a consistent healthy diet. I love exercise and use training for my adaptive hockey team as motivation, but certainly lack the diet part of the equation. People always say, "Abs are made in the kitchen." I always roll my eyes, but know it to be true.
@JustinMcClanahan I've got great abs, unfortunately they are hidden under the fat. Lol
I'm a work in progress.
@JustinMcClanahan Justin, I never heard that expression before but it is true. Right now I have to confess, I have zero willpower. I start each morning out well at breakfast but by lunchtime things start to go downhill. I think I am going to have be very careful and not buy ANYTHING that will tempt me. I guess making it through breakfast is better than “I start out doing well but then I get out of bed”.
JK
@rosemarya @contentandwell @hopeful33250 Sorry that I've been AWOL! Lol I've been walking and doing some resistance training with bands. A perk is that an area park has started their monthly hike series so I did that last night. It's so gorgeous to be outside right now! I've read through some of the Mayo Clinic diet info and have been loosely following that and tracking what I eat in My Fitness Pal. It's working because I was down 2 pounds on Monday! I did order the Mayo cookbook after reading so many liked it. I'll keep you updated!! 🙂
Thanks for all the support!
JoDee
@jodeej Hello JoDee,
It is always good to hear from you. It is wonderful to be outside, isn't it? Congratulations on your walking, resistance training, that is wonderful! The 2 pound loss is encouraging isn't it?
I look forward to hearing about your experience with the Mayo recipe book - I'm sure you will have some delicious meals.
Teresa
@jodeej
Hi, JoDee. This is an inspiration to read this morning! It is not surprising that you have been AWOL!
I try to adhere to the Mayo Diet plan and I also refer to the cookbook often for ideas. I especially like to modify my own recipes by using it as my guide. (since I do not like to cook) As a result, even my husband is benefiting from some healthy eating changes. I like how this plan focuses on being healthy for life.
I do not use a fitbit or any measuring device, so I am looking forward to following your progress.
Hang in there, girl! It is neat that you have a group to join with on a regular basis. Be ready for some ups and downs along the way - we will be here to do what we can to support you!
Rosemary
@jodeej I've been a bit AWOL myself and although there are still many emails left to read I need to get off after this response.
That's great that you are having success with hiking and myfitnesspal. I lost a ton of weight using myfitnesspal, wearing a fitness tracker, and keeping track of my weight daily. The fitness tracker spurred me on. I would have a goal and really aim for it, most days I would make it, sometimes even 50% over or almost double! My son would kid me because his boss had the same fitness tracker and he said I would crush the guy. My son is fitness fanatic.
I have my goal set lower now, ever since my knee replacement, but I need to get back to setting it higher. I am back to using myfitnesspal but not having as much success now as I did previously. I wonder if part of that is from some of these medications. Also, I had my calorie goal set at 1200 before and now I have it set at 1300.
Keep up the good work and keep us posted.
JK