How to stay motivated?

Posts: 5,216
9/21/12 11:15 A

I'm having trouble staying motivated i been dieting so long . Running out of ideas to help me lose weight .

Posts: 4,116
9/21/12 10:10 A

I'm struggling with consistency in my work outs. I do really great on Sat, Sun, Mon kinda good on Tuesday. By Wednesday my motivation is lagging. Thanks for all the really great ideas about how to stay motivated. I know they'll help me get back on track.

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Posts: 103
9/21/12 9:09 A

Staying active on SparkPeople. Understanding I'm going to have "off" days and that is ok. But do my best to find my way back ASAP :)

Posts: 2,667
9/21/12 6:29 A

Oh, how I wish there was a ban on scales, such that the only people who had them were doctors and those who need them for whatever purpose (nutritionists, etc.)

Of course I'm not talking about kitchen scales.

Anyway, back to the question at hand - while watching the scale, the tape measure, or whatever other measuring tool you use head in the direction you'd like - it's not the only method of finding out whether things work.

There are times (like all summer) when I told myself (and my doctor, my massage therapist, my chiropractor) that if the scale stayed the same - it meant I was learning maintenance techniques, and could rely on them, knowing that I was choosing health over temporal indulgences (not that an occasional treat has no place in my menu - I just don't overdo it).

So, for me, that's the mind set I choose: practice for maintenance. Eventually, for me, it may move; if not; I'm not unhappy with my current accomplishments - and will focus on getting fitter, and staying healthy, instead.

Posts: 360
9/21/12 3:10 A

My motivation hits me every time I walk up my stairs and it HURTS. I'm doing something about it. I'm working on taking off the weight that stresses those joints and strengthening the muscles that keep them moving. I just have to walk by those blasted stairs to remember why I'm doing this...

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Posts: 859
9/21/12 12:27 A

i am doing the spark coach free trial as well... it is a great program and it has also motivated me. i have a hard time staying focused some days..when i do i read my spark coach for the day and get right back in it! Move and Prove

SparkPoints: (41,443)
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Posts: 878
9/21/12 12:11 A

Try the sparkcoach. It has really helped me check in each day. So far I am tracking and exercising again. Good luck to you! Don't give up!

SparkPoints: (657)
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Posts: 7
9/21/12 12:08 A

I really wanna stay motivated too, I just can't seem to get it in my head!

SparkPoints: (41,443)
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Posts: 878
9/20/12 11:42 P

I was really struggling with motivation. I am doing the Sparkcoach free trial and I really like the daily accountability this gives me. My motivation has soared. I am excited. I have been trying for so long to get here. Thanks SparkCoach!

Posts: 31
9/20/12 10:58 P

Sometimes it is so hard to keep going when you feel like you aren't getting results, but eating healthy and getting exercise in will help with your overall health, not just losing weight. Even if the scale doesn't reflect it, you are doing yourself a favor.

When the scale stops moving for me, I quit weighing myself for a few weeks, and measure inches and by how well my clothes are fitting. This keeps me on track through the plateau.

I'm sorry that the scale isn't moving, but don't give up on your new life!

Posts: 41
9/20/12 10:09 P

There are tons of reasons the scales may not be moving. Depending on your workout routine, you may be losing fat, but gaining muscle, which can cause the scale to be pretty useless for tracking.
Are you taking measurements as well? If you haven't been, you should start! I went nearly 2 weeks without a single oz lost, but still lost a half inch off each arm, an inch from my hips and another half inch from my waist. Even when the scale doesn't move, I can see my progress and that helps keep me motivated. =)

Also if you're eating much salty food, it can cause your body to hold onto more water, in a day or so that will even back out to your 'normal' weight.

SparkPoints: (23,049)
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Posts: 514
9/20/12 9:48 P

Trust me, I know how you feel!!!!

You can stay motivated by knowing that if you are doing the right thing (eating right and using the nutrition tracker), the weight WILL come off. Remember - if you have just added exercise (lifting weights esp.) that you may see a 2-3 lb gain until your body gets used to it.

Also try to focus on the long term goal: better health now and in the future. What you are doing for yourself in this decade will determine how well your body treats you in the next decade.

Don't give up (see my SparkPage and blog) - it's not easy, but nothing worth having ever comes all that easy!!!

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Posts: 88
9/20/12 8:21 P

How do I stay motivated even when the scale doesnt move?