Lacking Motivation Topic

ReeseM702 03/13/19
Almost everyone experience ebb/flow, so the way I see it, when I started my weight loss journey, I focus on lifestyle change with little on diet. I'm still able to eat some things I enjoy, like desserts, but I go for healthy alternatives. As long as an option is available, I'll choose it. I always try to be physically active as much as possible. I do weight training, yoga, and running. So I suggest that you you find what you like so it will be easier to keep doing it. This will also give you an elbow room to let yourself go and relax in a day.

More than anything, remember to treat weight loss as a marathon and not a sprint. So if you fall on one day, it doesn't matter, pick your self up, tell yourself to start fresh next day. There has to be commitment, such as make a promise to yourself that you stay healthy and make positive changes. I hope this helps and don't stress out if you lose motivation in a day. You can succeed next day even if you haven't lost recently.

Dietician 03/13/19
Hi HCWIlson,

It sounds like you have some cool Colorado things you want to do. What if you made a motivation board of pictures of these awesome things to keep you focused! I have found this inspirational. I lived in Colorado for 26 years and know all the amazing adventures just waiting to be taken! You can do this! Brenda (Dietitian, MyNetDiary)

Keyani 03/14/19
It does get hard sometimes to stay with it when the scale doesn’t seem to budge.

RobertEvans 02/10/20
When the daily weight goes up a pound instead of down, I get scared. I take the dog for a walk, drop off bread (carbohydrates) , and evaluate why the gain occurred then make a dead set decision that my weight will decrease the next day.

ButterBear 02/11/20
I’m very motivated to eat, so much so that I go out of my way to cook really great food. Kind of a renaissance woman. I garden in the summer and bake (sourdough)bread from scratch every week. I’m ver food driven.

I live a fairly active life in the city where I walk and ride my bike.

But my food intake and calorie counts are higher than ideal.

I’m trying to work out more and burn calories doing things like at home strength building exercises but I’ll do good for a few day then loose interest quickly.

Dietician 02/11/20
Hi ButterBear- There are lots of different things out there you can do to stay motivated. Cooking is one of them for sure.
The fact that you like to cook is helpful in keeping with a healthy lifestyle long term. Good for you! Here is an article I wrote some time ago that I think is helpful when it comes to maintaining motivation. Hang in there, you've got this! Best, Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)
https://www.mynetdiary.com/keep-your-motivation-tank-from-dipping-too-low.html

Joycetime 02/22/20
I feel hungry all the time. been counting my calories on here since last fall. Started August 2019 drop out started again in Dec 2019. My health wise I KNOW I have to lose this weight . I know I'm not eating the best of foods but seems like don't get time to plan what to eat...so I grab here there. What can I do or do I just need to make me time...

Dietician 02/24/20 replied to Joycetime
Hi Joycetime- Weight loss can be challenging and it sounds like some days you feel motivated to meal prep/plan out meals while other days you find you grab and go. Here is an article that may help the motivation piece: https://www.mynetdiary.com/keep-your-motivation-tank-from-dipping-too-low.html
Here is an article that can get you started on meal planning: https://www.mynetdiary.com/simple-n-healthful-meal-planner-plate-method.html
-To address hunger make sure you are eating enough dietary fiber at each meal.
https://www.mynetdiary.com/basics-of-dietary-fiber-dietary-fiber-is-a-type-of.html

Finally, perhaps making some time to sit down and get in touch with your values (the big questions like why do you want to lose weight? How will your life be different after losing 25-50 pounds? What gets in your way of staying on track).
It may be helpful to talk with a friend or even counselor about these questions as sometimes it helps us get un-stuck!
My philosophy is "its all about progress not perfection." Tracking your calories, moving more as able, drinking more water, cutting out soda are great places to start. Simply doing these things will help get you started on the path to improved health. You've got this! Joanna (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

Jloughlin 02/25/20 replied to Joycetime
I would suggest taking a few hours somewhere in your week’s schedule to prepare and package healthy meals you can grab and heat up easily. I have used hearty soups this winter that are 300-350 per serving. I make big pots of soup and usually have at least two choices in the frig. I also normally have sous vide meats in the frig that are portioned just right for two servings and keeps me from cheating with portion size. I am not sure if a dietitian would agree, but I only eat when I am hungry. I try to eat foods that contain a lot of fiber, protean, and a little fat. These foods keep you feel satisfied much longer than carbs.
I am seldom hungry and have steadily been loosing 1.5 lbs a week since August.

Dietician 02/27/20
Hi Jloughlin,

You shared excellent strategies that are working for you! Keep up the strong work! Brenda (MyNetDiary Dietitian)

Lacking Motivation