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!?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Healthy Living Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 21, 2018

In reply to @user_cha272278 "All of us Together, are smarter than anyone of us alone. A community of caring. I..." + (show)

Yes, @user_cha272278 Interdependence is a great word and a better concept when understood and lived out.

If you care to, please discuss a bit more about what interdependence means and how if differs from independence and dependence.

Teresa

Ron Rubenzer | @user_cha272278 | Jul 21, 2018

Rosemary- you are very kind! . You are the motivator's motivator. Let's do keep in touch. I am originally from Wisconsin (the Tundra), but I have been living in Greensboro NC for 35 years. do you live in Minn? In friendship Dr. Ron Rubenzer

jodeej | @jodeej | Jul 21, 2018

In reply to @ihatediabetes "I have become a big believer in probiotics. I do think taking antibiotics and other medicine..." + (show)

@ihatediabetes I believe probiotics are great, too, but if you've had a transplant you can only eat yogurt with them as they can possibly cause issues.

Parus | @parus | Jul 22, 2018

In reply to @ihatediabetes "I have become a big believer in probiotics. I do think taking antibiotics and other medicine..." + (show)

@ihatediabetes I am not diabetic but can say this round of anitbiotics is wrecking havoc on my gut health. We got to do what we got to do.

JK | @contentandwell | Jul 22, 2018

In reply to @ihatediabetes "I have become a big believer in probiotics. I do think taking antibiotics and other medicine..." + (show)

@ihatediabetes I was drinking kombucha prior to my transplant but was told not to due to the trace amount of alcohol in them. I realize it is very tiny but they were very firm about this.
JK

bulgebattler | @bulgebattler | Jul 23, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@rosemarya Yes, Rosemary, ice cream is a fav of mine as well. Any frozen fruit when..." + (show)

Late in replying but cleaning up my e-mail so reading some old postings. Thanks for the powdered protein idea. I am always looking for swaps for choices I just can't seem to do without, I will be trying this line of thinking

lioness | @lioness | Jul 23, 2018

In reply to @ihatediabetes "I have become a big believer in probiotics. I do think taking antibiotics and other medicine..." + (show)

@parus are you On a good probiotic? This will help by putting good bacteria are in your gut to fight the meanies

ihatediabetes | @ihatediabetes | Jul 23, 2018

In reply to @ihatediabetes "I have become a big believer in probiotics. I do think taking antibiotics and other medicine..." + (show)

I agree that probiotics are important if you're on an antibiotic. At least yogurt.

Ron Rubenzer | @user_cha272278 | Jul 24, 2018

In reply to @rachelanne "My biggest obstacle to maintaining a healthy weight, is that the medications make me want to..." + (show)

Have you tried Scientific Optimism. Once a day, for one minute, complete a Gratitude Stem.
I am grateful for the fact that .... I am breathing OR the nurse gave me a second cup of coffee.

Check once a week if you are practicing Scientific Optimism.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 24, 2018

In reply to @rachelanne "My biggest obstacle to maintaining a healthy weight, is that the medications make me want to..." + (show)

Hello @user_cha272278

I appreciate that you reminded us to practice optimism. I found an article on Mayo's website about this. Here is an excerpt.

"Here are some examples of negative self-talk and how you can apply a positive thinking twist to them:

Putting positive thinking into practice
Negative self-talk Positive thinking
I've never done it before. It's an opportunity to learn something new.
It's too complicated. I'll tackle it from a different angle.
I don't have the resources. Necessity is the mother of invention.
I'm too lazy to get this done. I wasn't able to fit it into my schedule, but I can re-examine some priorities.
There's no way it will work. I can try to make it work.
It's too radical a change. Let's take a chance.
No one bothers to communicate with me. I'll see if I can open the channels of communication.
I'm not going to get any better at this. I'll give it another try.
Practicing positive thinking every day
If you tend to have a negative outlook, don't expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you.

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you're better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking."

There are so many benefits!

@user_cha272278 If you are comfortable doing so, please share the way you complete a "Gratitude Stem." That sounds very interesting!

Teresa

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