How do you stay motivated?

[cjkenner]

I have been living low carb for awhile now and have seen reasonable weight loss until recently. I have lost a total of 50.6 lbs in just over 6 months, but only 2 lbs in the past 9 weeks. I am finding that I am snacking alot lately, usually on low carb versions of my favorite snacks. I am relieved that I have not gained the weight back during this time because normally I would have. I feel great, better than I have in years...oddly this doesn't seem motivation enough to keep me moving forward. How do you keep your motivation and focus when you have so much weight to lose?

Carolyn

[EMTchick]

I'm curious too. I do find it hard to stay motivated and wonder what the more motivated do. I think I'll try the coffee though.. because I'm craving cookies bad.

[tickletussler]

To be honest you I have no idea!

I know for the first few weeks after I started Atkins, I suddenly became really hyperactive and energetic. And as the kgs came off, that was my motivation.

Ok, these days I'm not so hyper, but I have to admit I can't really say I'm "motivated" - it's more the case of I concentrate so hard on counting my carbs and planning what I will eat for lunch and dinner each day that when my 6-week stall had gone past, I didn't notice those 6 weeks.

These days, I find that I really have "settled into" Atkins and I find I really enjoy it. I mean I used to get bored with the food/menu and so missed my fruit and veggies (I was eating loads) that it was difficult at first, but I think I've gotten used to it and it's become a WOL.

I know what I've said isn't much to go on, but in the last week, when I came to the acceptance that Atkins is a WOE, and the realisation that all my "favourite" comfort foods were no longer appealing, I have finally settled in to Atkins.

[latte]

I have been on Atkins for over 2 years..When I started I could barely walk...Felling better annd becoming more active was my motivation..Now I just do it..It has become my first nature...I do use a lot of differnet spices in my foods...I refuse to go back to where I was...

[Kent]

Stubbornness and not wanting appear to be a failure. Setting long term goals (which I consistently miss) also drive for sticking with it as well. I agree with latte there is a lot of inertia or just doing the same thing today as I did yesterday.

[Richt]

I carry a laminated printed version of my before and during photo that I have in my signature. I carry that in my wallet at all times. It just reminds me what I used to be like and keeps me on track.

[ztachick]

Hi, I have to agree with bowulf - I had tried diets in the past or pills or not eating, etc.. and i always failed, so this time(this is the 2nd time i did atkins) i decided that i Really wanted to lose weight, it wasn't about losing it for anyone else except me, i decided that i did not want to let myslef down, then i realized that if i did fail at it i would also let others down to that were supportive of me, and those that weren't supportive would think that they were right, so... i got stubborn and decided that i wanted this and that i could and would do this, my other motivation is also that when i get married(not yet engaged thoguh.lol) i want to look gret and feel great in my dress, i also want to look cute when i get pregnant and not just look fat, i want all to know im due, and also i wanted to be able to go into any place and know thta i look just as nice as any other female there, just look within yourself and you will find the answers you seek, set some mini goals so that the final goal doesn't seem so far off, and before you know it you will be reaching all those mini goals then the big one.

[cjkenner]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will definately be putting a before and now photo in my wallet to look at every now and then, thanks for the idea.

Yesterday was my first day on ADBB and it surprised me how supportive and theraputic it is to read and respond to people in similar circumstances and to be able to discuss LCL without first defending it.

[LyssaRene]

reading here is very motivating. And I am like bowulf-- just plain stubborn and refusing to be a failure.

[is thin possible?]

Staying motivated sometimes is a real issue, I would agree! But I find the following things keep me motivated:

~ Seeing my stats change (Chart your blood chemistry, blood pressure, fat % lost, and the inches that dissappear as well as the pounds!) I read and look over my "stats" book often to remind me how far I've come! I am a visual person and need to see things tangibly!

~ Read all kinds of success stories. For instance here on the board. I also usually pick up SHAPE magazine because they feature success stories in each issue.

~ I am NOT hungry all of the time anymore. If you stick to this WOE the cravings will go away and that in itself keeps me motivated! I am not constantly thinking about what I am going to eat next! (I do have bouts at times, like TOM, but not like it used to be!) WOW! That is motivation to be free from those shackles and chains!

~ I am not a vain person at all...but I am finally to a point that the compliments are coming at a steady rate! Wow! I even have people saying that they didn't even recognize it was me! That is sure motivation, I have even had a few "double-takes" from the opposite sex. It's been a long time since that has happened!

~ I am shopping for clothes in regular stores and being able to wear clothng styles I have always wanted to, but couldn't because of the fat! A whole new world! Fun, too!

~ I am not in a "hung-over" feeling mood anymore and the energy abounds! I am living life again instead of needing a nap from the Carb-load!

I hope this give you a few ideas to use as motivation! Hang in there! It gets better every pound that you lose!


Richt~~~ I love the picture in the wallet idea! I'm gonna try it! Thanks!

Blessings & hugs,