finding the motivation -- AGAIN

It seems that every time I work for a while to lose weight, I am successful, but I never lose all that I need to lose. Then I get sideswiped by life and gradually lose sight of my healthy lifestyle. Then each time I try to come back to it, I have such a large gain that I'm discouraged to even try again.

I'm back and trying. It feels different than the last time I tried. More like it might actually be worth the effort this time around. My head seems to be in the right place. But there's still doubts. It like my many past failed attempts keep coming to the front of my mind to remind me that I've never been successful before.

I guess there's a first time for everything right? I should think this time is THE time when I WILL be successful.

Anyway, just had to get that off of my chest. Am I the only one? Does it get harder and harder to start over for other people? Has anyone started over several times and then finally had success?

Sat. Dec 1, 9:01am

It's really just getting perspective, again. I've changed my lifestyle so that it never feels like a diet. Small changes over time can lead to big changes in your life-I'm sure you've heard that before. Don't think of this as all or nothing. You are not "starting over", you've been here the whole time! Right now you have a choice to eat good, nourishing food, or food that's not going to be good for your body. Today you have a choice whether or not to get some physical fitness to make your body and mind happy, or to not do that. Every meal is a choice. Every day is a choice. All those choices lead to a new you! Take it one step at a time!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 9:10 AM

Yes, I've had many startovers, but am succeeding now

I know exactly how you feel. I have been gaining and losing weight for over 25 years. Mostly in the small 5-20 lbs, but sometimes 30-50lbs. Yes, life gets in the way and it becomes next to impossible to maintain an exercise routine, and then that brings you down so much that you stop caring about eating habits. But there always seem to be breathers in between when you can pick yourself back up and try again. This seems to be one of those times for you.

I don't think there is any advice that hasn't already been said somewhere on PT, but here's a few pieces from me anyway:

1. Whisper your email address to a few of your group members or teammates so that when you have a downtime and stop logging, someone can send out a search party.

2. Stop eating sugar entirely. Not a drop. Abuse Splenda (or other sweetener if you prefer) completely. The health risks associated with it are SO much smaller than the health risks of being overweight.

3. Get yourself involved in a social sport. Badminton, volleyball, tennis, golf, even swimming. If you can't find something suitable to join, gather up a group of friends and start something. Something that your going to want to do even on the days you don't feel like exercising.

4. Resolve to find some other method of dealing with your emotions besides numbing or comforting with food. Write angry letters to people, call them nasty names, dis them irreverently. But don't eat.

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 9:54 AM

To the PP, I'm curious about your second piece of advice about cutting out sugar entirely. How long did it take for you to stop craving it? And if you slip up every now and then and eat something sugary, do you find it hard to stop eating? If I go a couple of days without eating something sweet, I find that eating just a bite of dessert will trigger a very strong urge in my brain to keep eating. Does this go away? Thanks!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 2:27 PM

Thank you 9:54 for comment #2! A lot of people on PT are strongly against using Splenda or other artificial sweeteners, but I just can't give up all sweet tasting things entirely! Sometimes I just need a Coke Zero already! And I'm able to pass up a lot of treats in favor of a big cup of tea with Splenda!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 2:57 PM

I've been using sugar substitutes for years. Not in excess - at most 1-2 diet sodas per day, but usually only a few per week, and sugar free sweetners in my coffee. I haven't had any headaches like some peoplehave, and its helped me avoid excess calories. I'm for it - especially while losing weight.

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 8:25 PM

I'm the OP. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the helpful comments. They really have helped me gain some perspective on what I'm doing here.

Thanks!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 2:21 PM

Still have the sugar cravings

9:54 here. Having a little dessert can break barriers that I have set up in my mind and suddenly I find ways to justify eating more. Usually it's the old "well, now that I've blown it anyway...". Often the day after I will crave sweets and carbs like crazy, but if I can make it through that day without giving in they will be gone again the next day. If I find myself in that extreme craving mode, I give myself more room calorie-wise to offset that deprived feeling.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 8:09 PM

you have to forgive yourself and realize that you have never blown it.
thats wat helps me.

Thursday, December 06, 2007, 3:47 PM

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