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 | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "Dear ALL, Check out this short informative video: How to Tackle the Toughest Eating Triggers. I..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Dear ALL,
Check out this short informative video: How to Tackle the Toughest Eating Triggers. I think it has some good ideas that can be easily applied.
http://mcmapp.mayoclinic.org/sharing/Content/weightloss?id=VID-20314288

My downfall is the "before bed ice cream craving"! Recently - grapes, or strawberries, or cherries have proved satisfaction to me!

How about you?
@techi, @jodeej, @parus, @liz223, @contentandwell, @kishanvasekar, @mari, @hopeful33250

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@rosemarya The fruit I do-one of those no sugar, milk, etc. folks. Typically I have steel cut oatmeal w/ fruit when night time munchies attack. Stress triggers me to eat. I keep little around to munch-how I deal.

REPLY
kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | Jul 2, 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?

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Dear , No doubt it was very very tough journey.First 2 years were crucial .My wife , Doctor daughter and Son in Law Cardiologist and other daughter and son are in USA.They reminded me many times and sent some superb books on Heart including that by Mayo Clinic.As Health started improving , my Boss ( who is no more now ) rather my Friend , Philosopher , Guide inspired and motivated me to start study Heart Disease , write book .My practice of Meditation has made my belief in Divinity Infinite.I looked for purpose and found new Mission, Save Million Hearts.Strtaed lecturing on Conquering Heart Disease.Naturally I had to practice in letter and spirit what I preach.My wife used to give constant reminders.Now I am fully established in this routine and even if I miss one day , feel uncomfortable .
We were on Europe Tour last month and are in US now till Oct 10.Having fun with Grandchildren is something keeps us very happy.My Spiritual bent has taught me that if you study , Internalize Bhagvad Gita , you Lose Right to be Unhappy.So I try to practice Bhagvad Gita, the sacred book of Hindus .Actually it is Manual for Life for every human being.
I am also supported by few Eternal Friends and socialise , dance in my own funny way and sing .I wish to leave this body as the Happiest personunder the Sun after heart attack who stopped Statins.Om

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kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @jodeej "@kishanvasekar congratulations on your successes! @rosemarya my barriers are definitely sweets! I try to just keep..." + (show)
@jodeej

@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

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Be Happy , come What may , and Have Happy Heart for life ! God Bless

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JK | @contentandwell | Jul 2, 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.

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@techi at this point I figure if I have more steps forward than backward that I am still ahead of the game. I was not very good this past weekend so I am back on track today. I really want to lose the pounds I have gained back. I know I can't do it all in the next two and a half weeks, before vacation, so I am now kicking myself that I did not stay on track better.
My son is a great encourager for me. He reminds me that something that is really appealing but not good for you only tastes good for a very brief amount of time but then you have to battle the effects of it. He is right of course so I try to keep that in mind. He is a fitness nut these days. I think that came from living two blocks from the beach in southern Ca. Who would want to live there if they weren't in shape?
I know the water battle. I am supposed to drink 80 - 100 ounces a day to offset the effects of my immunosuppressant. My creatine is above range a bit. It is tough to drink that much but I try. I was putting my day's worth of water in a pitcher and always taking from that and that did help me to keep track.
I am not familiar with Peloton, so I did google it. Can you use their workouts even if you don't have a Peloton piece of equipment? I ride my exercise bike for a half hour at least 5 days a week. My ortho told me to do 5 days, preferably consecutive, followed by two days of rest for recovery.
Keep us posted.
JK

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jul 2, 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.

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@mari I am post-transplant and from what I have been able to gather, green tea should be taken in moderation for us post-transplant patients. I generally drink a max of two cups a day. I wish there were better, more definitive guidelines for this but unfortunately there are not.
I never thought of adding extract to water. What a great idea. I didn't even know there were such things as strawberry and cherry extracts.
JK

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @liz223 "I would like to join in this subject. I am at my top weight and hate..." + (show)
@liz223

I would like to join in this subject. I am at my top weight and hate it. Weight used to be no problem, but I have now allowed it to become one. I eat from boredom and anxiety. I would like to lose 20 pounds. I'm packing now to move us to a retirement community and know I would not be willing to diet, but after our move, I'm hoping to begin a new lifestyle. I will have no excuses. LOL Easy walking, swimming, exercise equipment, and hopefully some exercises classes. I will stay in touch and hopefully, we can encourage each other.

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@liz223 That sounds great, a retirement community with all of that. I have a great health club but am considering a move from southern NH to MA and am thinking I have to find out where the good health clubs are there! I love mine because there are many older people like myself there during the day, it's not all "hardbodies". I use the pool a lot, either for classes in the morning or do my own thing in the afternoon. It's great in the afternoon, so uncrowded.
JK
REPLY
jodeej | @jodeej | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @parus "@mari Have you tried sliced cucumber in ice water w/ a splash of apple cider vinegar???..." + (show)
@parus

@mari Have you tried sliced cucumber in ice water w/ a splash of apple cider vinegar??? Very refreshing.

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@parus @mari I like cucumber and fresh mint in water also!

REPLY
jodeej | @jodeej | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "Dear ALL, Check out this short informative video: How to Tackle the Toughest Eating Triggers. I..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Dear ALL,
Check out this short informative video: How to Tackle the Toughest Eating Triggers. I think it has some good ideas that can be easily applied.
http://mcmapp.mayoclinic.org/sharing/Content/weightloss?id=VID-20314288

My downfall is the "before bed ice cream craving"! Recently - grapes, or strawberries, or cherries have proved satisfaction to me!

How about you?
@techi, @jodeej, @parus, @liz223, @contentandwell, @kishanvasekar, @mari, @hopeful33250

Jump to this post

I just got this in my weekly Mayo Clinic Diet newsletter. I thought it fit our discussion. Chocolate is my downfall along with Pina colada anything. Lol

http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/eat/beat-your-cravings?xid=nl_MayoClinicDiet_20180702
REPLY
Lisa | @techi | Jul 2, 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

@contentandwell That's a blessing to have a son that wants to keep you on track.I have girlfriend who calls me when she's walking and then l will walk with her as long as l am alright that day and of course the weather. With the peloton you dont need to buy equipment. It's a walking program and as you walk you have a coach supporting you and you know telling you okay let's do 5 more steps or 10 min more. It cost 14.99 a month and you can't sign up on your phone. I will see if l can text you the message l got in my mail. I wanted to buy the equipment and see if my insurance would pay the monthly fee since l can't always go to the gym if my ammonia levels go up. And now that l have the boot on this might be a good time to ask. And l have read so many things online that you are only suppose to drink a certain amount of water with HE. And l am trying to eat more fruit which can sometimes be to much of a good thing. So let me know if you dont get the message from me.

REPLY
Lisa | @techi | Jul 2, 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

@contentandwell l couldn't send the message to you sorry but l did talk to someone. You have to go to your app store and find the app..onepelonton.com/digital. It cost 19.49 and right now you can try it for free. How long l dont know. It will tell you everything and you have until the end of 2018 to enroll and l guess after that it will go up. Good luck.

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