Perseverance when you feel you can't be bothered,

How do you lot maintain motivation. At the moment I feel quite motivated...it was stepping on the scales yesterday and seeing those rapidly increasing digits that did it, and then they settled and I wanted to scream (not in joy, I can assure you!). I was like "There must be a mistake" but no, I really am that heavy.

Anyway, for the moment the shock of that is keeping me focused, but how do you cope on a bad day (when your boyfriend/husband gets ratty at you, when you're bored at work, when you can't find a job - I'm being made redundant soon). What about when you have 3 biscuits and you think "Ok then, I've blown it for today. Let's just finish the packet and start afresh tomorrow?"

Looking forward to your replies! :-)

Tue. Jan 24, 8:14am

PS....I can spell...I meant "perseverence"!! lol

Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 8:18 AM

The Beck Diet Solution by Judith Beck might help. It's a book that teaches you how to stay on a diet and addresses all the things you mentioned. You'll think she's read your mind! It's still work though and you just have to keep at it.

Three biscuits won't equal anywhere near a pound gain, but the whole packet might! (note: I'm sure there are some American cookies out there that would rack up those numbers, but I'm assuming something like digestives were in play here).

Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 8:52 AM

I've been challenged by Binge Eating Disorder for 32 years. Food is my number one go to when things are very bad, just slightly bad, even good. It's how I cope.

Here on peertrainer I'm currently in a really good group of women my age. Last month when things got tough with all the holiday parties, I told them during the parties I would think of them, imagine them as angels on my shoulders whispering to me about how strong I am and how I can resist temptation. When it came time to attend the first party and the tables were loaded with all my favorite chocolate goodies, I resisted. I told myself I could have any of this stuff any day of the week but I wasn't choosing to eat it right then. I thought of my "angel" groupmates and I literally touched my shoulders thinking about them while at that party.

I have been doing this now for over a month. Nothing works 100% of the time but this works nearly all the time for me. Touching my shoulders and thinking about my support system and how they're pulling for me knocks me out of the "Binge Trance" that I'm about to fall into. I then start thinking about the biggest reasons I want to lose weight, fitness goals, and how much easier it will be to do what I want to do when I'm not carrying so much excess weight. And then when the "episode" is over, I feel so darned good about myself for following through, for taking care of myself and the next time I'm tempted, it's that much easier to say no.

I hope this helps. Build a good support system around yourself and lean on them. It's making all the difference for me. Good luck.

richelle

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:33 AM

Thanks very much for both your replies. I am going to get that book when payday comes round. Sounds very motivational and I like the idea of having a workbook as well!

Rochelle, it's great you have such supportive friends - you made me smile when you said you imagined they are angels on your shoulder steering you away from fattening food. I am in a slimming group at work, so we kind of spur each other on a little bit. I've just got gym membership as well and I am going to see a personal trainer every 4 weeks. For me, being accountable to somebody helps me. I also listen to Paui McKenna's 'I can make you thin' CD. I do feel as though my resolve to get slimmer when I listen to that.

I wish you luck with your goal to lose weight as well. It is tough going at times. What about treats? Do people allow themselves a food treat or is that putting temptation in your way? lol

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 4:20 AM

Why not take the point of no return program that is offered through Peertrainer? it blows the beck diet solution away.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 8:15 AM

I agree that the point of no return program is good as well as the beck diet solution. In my experience I take bits and pieces from each different program that I encounter and customize it to fit my lifestyle. I also have found in the past that the Dr. Roberta Temes hypnosis cds really help as well. I like what Richelle said as well in the previous about support.

A book I'm currently going through that's similar to the Beck Solution is "100 Days of Weight Loss" by Linda Spangle. It is a little easier to follow than the Beck System (for me anyway). In 100 days you do a short reading each day along with a writing assignment. It is more of a cognitive approach to weight loss.

Something I've learned is to manufacture my own motivation. What that means is to find different things that work for you. Have an open mind about it but use common sense. Know there is no magic pill.

Hope this helps!
Janice

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 10:41 AM

Janice,

I too take bits and pieces from different programs. I like the 12 step approach of "take what you need and leave the rest". How often are we all plagued by black and white thinking of "I must do this perfectly or I'm a failure!"?

My main self-motivation right now is to be able to cycle 30 miles outdoors in 1 day. This used to be easy for me but right now 10 miles is pretty darned hard. I like the motivation of exercise I enjoy like cycling since I have much more control over that than the scale.

Thank you for the recommendation "100 Days of Weight Loss". I ordered it used off amazon & received it today, although I've been too busy and exhausted this evening to even open it. I plan to start reading it tomorrow.

I wish you well on your continuing journey towards good health.

richelle

Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 12:43 AM

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