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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mickj | @mickj | Jan 14, 2019

In reply to @lioness "@jodeej I just watched Dr. Lustig talk about the sugar really an eye opener . Thanks..." + (show)

@lioness I'm glad you watched it. Like most everyone else, I always knew that sugar (and to a lesser extent, other refined carbs) was not a good thing. But until I learned why that was the case, I never really did anything about it. I thought Dr. Ludwig did a great job explaining the myriad of bad things these "nutrients" do to our bodies. And who would have thought that fruit juice was bad for us as well.

lioness | @lioness | Jan 15, 2019

In reply to @mickj "@lioness I'm glad you watched it. Like most everyone else, I always knew that sugar (and..." + (show)

@mickj Yes and now they are adding sugar also Horrible Everyone should look at this very good presentation

JK | @contentandwell | Jan 15, 2019

In reply to @rosemarya "I do have the Mayo Clinic Diet Book. I purchased it after my transplant because I..." + (show)

@rosemarya The diet sounds somewhat interesting but I'm not sure I could eat just a half cup of cooked oatmeal in the morning, I make a regular sized portion, plus it does not take into account diabetes, which I have. My diabetes is pretty minor, no meds and my A1c is always good despite cheating a bit. I think that all of the exercise I do helps with that. I was in the pool for class and then water jogging for an hour and 45 minutes today! I usually get out at an hour and a half but I have to lose this bit of weight I have gained so I am really working hard. Today I've been pretty good, it's not easy for me, I love to eat.
I seriously find that if I do not exercise I gain a pound that day!
JK

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 26, 2019

I am trying to keep my New Years Resolution, again! So far this year I am grading myself a C+. But I am earning an A+ in how I feel! So that is the motivation that I depend on to keep me going again and again.
I made a change in what I am doing at the gym, and decided to focus mostly on the activities that I enjoy and to add the other ones in smaller intervals on some days. My thinking is that if I enjoy (as much as I can possibly enjoy exercising) what I am doing then I might keep doing it.
I welcome any thoughts on this plan and I would love to hear how you are doing?? Any motivation happening out there?

I experienced a true inspiration yesterday morning: An elderly man slowly walking with a cane was escorted from car to a treadmill in the gym. The younger man, I am guessing tom be a son or caregiver, took his coat and his cane while the older man took his place on the treadmill. That man walked on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes. Then the son/caregiver helped him into his coat, gave him his cane, and they slowly proceeded to their car. I was humbled by his determination.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 26, 2019

In reply to @rosemarya "I am trying to keep my New Years Resolution, again! So far this year I am..." + (show)

Hi @rosemarya
That is a great story and example of exercising even when support is needed

jodeej | @jodeej | Jan 26, 2019

In reply to @rosemarya "I am trying to keep my New Years Resolution, again! So far this year I am..." + (show)

@rosemarya that is truly inspiring! I hope I am like that as I age. I joined a yoga challenge January 1 and I'm proud to say I haven't missed a day! I'm also loving it, so I'm planning on keeping it up after it's done. Now I need to add some cardio and getting my eating better. I've been adding more veggies, but the sweets keep calling me! Lol
JoDee

JK | @contentandwell | Jan 26, 2019

In reply to @rosemarya "I am trying to keep my New Years Resolution, again! So far this year I am..." + (show)

@rosemarya That really is humbling. That gentleman and his son obviously know that maintaining an activity level is very beneficial. I don't see people like that in the gym, but I do in the pool, generally older, but not always
I was really impressed by one young woman who was an amputee. She was practicing to be in the para-Olympics. She left to go to CA to the village and see if she could make the team. Since she has not come back I presume she is still there. I will be watching for her when the para-Olympic competition is on. She was such a sunshiny person. Her amputation was caused by a staph infection.
JK

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jan 27, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hi @rosemarya That is a great story and example of exercising even when support is needed" + (show)

Teresa, we all need support on so many levels, don't we! I will look for him tomorrow. If I run into the son, I want to tell him what an inspiration both of them are. I'll let you know.

Parus | @parus | Jan 28, 2019

The cold has me pretty much home bound and motivation has been running low. Discouraged trying to get anywhere with doctors. Up to me to keep motivated in an attempt to keep depression at bay. Just so tired all of the time. It will pass.