1. < Healthy Living

Staying Motivated for the Long Haul

Posted by LindaF @fessmom, Jun 29, 2017

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!?

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Parus | @parus | Jun 27, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "I think it is my turn to report in to all of you. First I want..." + (show)
@rosemarya

I think it is my turn to report in to all of you. First I want to send my sincere thanks for keeping this conversation ACTIVE (fitting words don't you think?).

I was doing real well with exercise and eating habits, I even lost some pounds - enough to earn a reduction in my BP meds! But two recent trips that included yummy foods that I couldn't resist are now going to need my strict attention.

Now the good part! Last week hubby and I spent some time in the Great Smoky Mountains, and occupied a major portion of our energy/time on the trails. I could feel the benefits of my time in the gym that I did in preparation. With that motivation, I am heading back to the gym, hopefully regularly, to keep it up.

Now that I have made a public declaration - I look forward to reading your motivations, and your struggles, and your successes!

Everyone is welcome to join
- What motivates you?
- What are your barriers?
- What success do you want to celebrate?

Jump to this post

@rosemarya Hello!! I love the Smoky Mountains w/ Cade's Cove being one of my favorite places. I have motivation, but my body does not want to cooperate. Some of what gives me joy is my secret garden. Have a blessed day Rosemary.
REPLY
jodeej | @jodeej | Jun 27, 2018

@kishanvasekar congratulations on your successes!
@rosemarya my barriers are definitely sweets! I try to just keep them out of the house for the most part. This past week at Gift of Life I was able to stay away from them for the most part, thankfully! Plus we walked a lot which is very helpful!

Keeping myself healthy to care for my husband and not wanting to have to take meds for cholesterol are what keeps me motivated! I need to get mine checked again to see how I am doing.

I want to celebrate being down 6 pounds! I have hit a plateau, but I am trying to work through it with more exercise. I'll get there! 🙂

Blessings,
JoDee

REPLY
4 replies
Lisa | @techi | Jun 27, 2018

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

REPLY
21 replies
JK | @contentandwell | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @jodeej "@contentandwell I think I do exercise more. She and her husband are a bit of a..." + (show)
@jodeej

@contentandwell I think I do exercise more. She and her husband are a bit of a motivation!
I've been AWOL due to my father-in-law passing a week and a half ago. Even with not eating and exercising like I have been I was able to not gain weight. Last night I got on my bike for the first time this summer. It was really fun and relaxing. I need to do that more often!
Blessings,
JoDee

Jump to this post

@rosemarya Not much heat up here yet, finally getting warmer and may hit 91° this weekend! I only get hot when I am trying to sleep for some reason.
My bike riding is all indoors, so not a real bike, but I think I could ride a real bike if the area was more level around here. I used to love bike-riding, always rode my bike to work when I was single and lived outside of Boston and worked in the city.
Gotta go to the gym today, I am trying hard to get myself to alternate it with the pool, which I much prefer. The pool classes are a good workout but also very social. It's such a great group of women.
JK

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "I think it is my turn to report in to all of you. First I want..." + (show)
@rosemarya

I think it is my turn to report in to all of you. First I want to send my sincere thanks for keeping this conversation ACTIVE (fitting words don't you think?).

I was doing real well with exercise and eating habits, I even lost some pounds - enough to earn a reduction in my BP meds! But two recent trips that included yummy foods that I couldn't resist are now going to need my strict attention.

Now the good part! Last week hubby and I spent some time in the Great Smoky Mountains, and occupied a major portion of our energy/time on the trails. I could feel the benefits of my time in the gym that I did in preparation. With that motivation, I am heading back to the gym, hopefully regularly, to keep it up.

Now that I have made a public declaration - I look forward to reading your motivations, and your struggles, and your successes!

Everyone is welcome to join
- What motivates you?
- What are your barriers?
- What success do you want to celebrate?

Jump to this post

@rosemarya I'm happy that you had such a great vacation. I am trying very hard to drop some pounds I have gained back, and to keep up with my exercising.

What motivates me? First of all, I bought some nice clothes when my weight was a bit less than it is now. They are too snug now and I do not want to buy more, so that's a motivation. Also, my son is so proud of how well I have done that I don't want to back track. I think my weight now is not really considerably worse for my health, it's not that many pounds, just enough for me to need to go up one size.

My primary barrier is laziness and hating the gym. Once I go I am OK with it, it's getting there that's a problem. I do ride my recumbent bike at home fairly faithfully. I need to get a new fitness tracker, I find that having that helps to spur me on. The one I have now is getting pretty irregular. Also, chocolate and breads are a big barrier too. I do generally eat dark chocolates since it has some heart benefits, but I love breads. If we dine out it's impossible for me to resist the roll basket especially in certain restaurants where they are especially yummy. When I lost major weight before I had those things under control better than I do now.

No success to celebrate right now, but hopefully there will be sometime soon.
JK

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @techi "@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight...." + (show)
@techi

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

Jump to this post

@terra Congratulations on the weight loss. It is yo-yoing but you seem to be on top of that now and ready to get back on track. That's the important thing, to not let it get out of control. You have a mighty goal, but it can be done. My total weight loss, over a length of time with stops and starts, is about 90 pounds - - right now about 85. I have mentioned in the past, I do not think I could have been as successful without using myfitnesspal to track everything I was eating. It really keeps you conscious of every thing you put in your mouth. For me having a fitness tracker helps a lot too. When I see I am not getting close to my activity goals it spurs me on to do more.

I am sorry to hear about your leg, I hope the healing goes quickly, and that certainly effects you being able to be active. Yes, the lactulose is horrible but it is a necessary evil. Someone mentioned, not sure if it was here or elsewhere, that there is a form of it now that is a powder that you can add to any liquid like a juice and is very tolerable that way. You should inquire about that.
JK

REPLY
terra | @terra | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @techi "@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight...." + (show)
@techi

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

Jump to this post

I did not submit a post concerning weight loss. Must have been another person's post.

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @techi "@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight...." + (show)
@techi

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

Jump to this post

@techi, Hi Lisa. It is nice to hear from you! I hope that the doctor appointment goes well today.

I really do understand your desire to get new outfits! Keep them as a reminder of your goal and as your celebration when you reach your target weight. I understand, too, how difficult it is to avoid sweets and snacks when they are nearby. It is a constant battle for me.

It looks to me like you fall into the same trap I fall into - portion sizes. It sounds like you are on a non restricted diet, but it is easy to overdo portion sizes. Have you noticed that? I will share a 'secret' that I am having some success with - I intentionally load 1/2 -1/3 of my dinner plate with a yummy (mind training practice)green leafy salad. I treat myself to some healthy add-ins so that I can look forward to it! Think of the colors in a rainbow and make it pretty to look at. This way there is not much room on my plate for the meat/potato/pasta dishes that I fix for my husband!
Let me know if this might be something you might want to try.

Lisa, I am curious as to what you did to lose your weight before this?
.Rosemary

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @techi "@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight...." + (show)
@techi

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

Jump to this post

@techi, I think the response from @contentandwell is meant to be addressed to you.

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @techi "@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight...." + (show)
@techi

@rosemarya Rosemary l haven't talk to you in awhile. But l was doing good losing weight. I even brought a new wardrobe. I guess l shouldn't have done that right away but when l was going to the gym was feeling good even though it takes awhile to see the pounds drop off. So now l am gaining my weight back again. I went from a 2x to a size 14. Then it went to 16 and now 18. My shirts where L and now XL. I have seen swelling all over. I was walking the dogs and my friend and l would get on the phone and walk together. Now l just fractured my leg and now l cant walk or do my gardening. And l see my orthopedic tomorrow he says if it's not healing l would have to have surgery
Well l already denied that because God has brought me through a lot of things and l not excepting that report. So l been having problems with slurred speech tremors and not being able to get out of bed because of dizziness. So l been to the doctor several times and my ammonia level went from a 30 to 59 and then l was told yesterday 63. So the doctor has me to increase my lactulose which l definitely hate. So now l am trying to watch my diet because l was told before l could eat anything. So now in 2wks l have to have my ammonia level checked again. I was also starting to have headaches but that can also be the weather but that reminds me of when l first started with the encephalitis. But l am not going to worry about anything because God said be of good cheer because l have overcome the world and to mean with sickness also. So now l have to stay away from meats just fish , fruits and vegetables and that's really hard. And my sweet husband mean well but here comes the candy, soda and snacks. So l told him don't bring me any of that anymore. I want to get back to the 14 and then reach my goal of losing 75lbs. Love you Rosemary.

Jump to this post

@terra Sorry, I meant to say @techi. I guess I clicked wrong when presented with options.
JK

REPLY
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