Keeping On Track & Motivated

[blasto333]

I was a success with weight management, I lost 40 lbs ran a marathon, ate right...and now I have gained it all back because of stress eating. (My dad got sick and my career is unsure).

I am trying to be motivated by walking everyday, but my biggest struggle is eating right. (I overeat)

I have a spreadsheet with graphs and everything where I can track what I eat. Is this a good idea?

What are some strategies people use to keep motivated? It was easy the first time as I was super motivated. I just have to get that back!

 

[Virtus1]

I was a success with weight management, I lost 40 lbs ran a marathon, ate right...and now I have gained it all back because of stress eating. (My dad got sick and my career is unsure).

I am trying to be motivated by walking everyday, but my biggest struggle is eating right. (I overeat)

I have a spreadsheet with graphs and everything where I can track what I eat. Is this a good idea?

What are some strategies people use to keep motivated? It was easy the first time as I was super motivated. I just have to get that back!

Yes. IMO tracking what you eat is very important. Possibly the most important step in the first 6-8 weeks of a weight loss regimen.

 

[dcf]

Yes. IMO tracking what you eat is very important. Possibly the most important step in the first 6-8 weeks of a weight loss regimen.

Agreed. I track what I eat, how much I exercise, and sometimes I make a journal at the end of the day divided into what I did that I'm proud of and what I did that I'm not so proud of. i.e. for bad habits: eating late at night, skipping snacks and getting too hungry, not exercising enough, not drinking enough water, sitting in front of the TV too long. Then I write out why I think it happened and what I will do the next day to improve it. It makes me more aware of my bad habits and it's easier to change them with some planning.

Maybe plan for another marathon to motivate yourself?

Also important - think positive. Don't even question whether you'll lose weight. KNOW that with a little bit of work, the rewards will be worth it and you WILL get back in shape.

 

[Ando3242]

A couple things I can suggest. You say your biggest issue is eating and that you overeat. Try to eat your normal portion and if you are still hungry afterward stop and wait 20 minutes. This is about how long it takes for your brain to be triggered that you have had enough. Chances are by the time 20 minutes is up your hunger will be gone.

As far as getting motivated overall this is a struggle. It's all about foregoing immediate pleasure for a greater reward in the long haul. I always think to myself "is putting mayo on my turkey sandwich really worth having it take that much longer to reach my goals?" Choices like that might seem trivial but after months and months they really add up.

Hoped this helped and good luck!

 

[ecky1]

Start a diary here and write down everything that you eat and the exercise that you do. It keeps you accountable to the people that read your diary and the feedback and support you get from other people is amazing.