Struggling and would appreciate some help

[kelly50]

I have been staying on plan but have been more hungry and have been eating more without feeling "satisfied" and feeling tired. Also, while still exercising, my intensity and effort in my workouts have been waning.

For the last week I have been operating on sheer grit discipline. Guess I have kinda hit a wall. Thank goodness for this board. Coming here and reading the posts keep me focused on my goal. One day at a time has become my mantra the last 7 days.

What do you do to keep up your commitment when you feel uninspired? Thanks for your help.

[MojosRising]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

I usu try reading some of the success stories here on the board- they are very inspirational!

[sallyseachange]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

I see from your profile that you are at rung 4 of OWL. Do you think berries might be affecting you? Have you tried experimenting and perhaps leaving them out of your menu for a week or so?
Remember that as you progress through the rungs and add extra carbs, the "Atkins appetite suppression" lessens. You shouldn't be feeling tired though. Are you eating enough?

Perhaps it might help if you posted a menu or two in the Review my Menu forum. There might be something that just needs a little tweak.

[kisstuck]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

I like to make an exercise committment, like entering 5k, 10k races and that kind of thing. It helps keep me on track because I have a specific goal to work toward. I can't afford to let my workouts slip because I always have another race coming up.

[kelly50]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

Yes, Mojo, those success stories are so inspirational. I visit them often, too!

Sally, you may have hit on something. I never really put it together that as I have been eating more carbs (now up to around 40-45 a day and reducing fat that my appetite would increase. That makes perfect sense. Don't think it is the berries as I am only eating a handful every other day, but could be. I will stop them for a few days and see how I feel. My calories are pretty high, around 2000-2100 average a day so am eating enough, maybe too much! Thank you for your advice.

Kiss, joining the 6 WEC is what has kept me exercising. You are so right. The accoutability is very important to keeping me on course even though sure don't feel like exercising these last few days.

[fowlergirl]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

Hi Kelly. I'm still new to this WOE/WOL. I have found it helpful to enter the challenges to make me stay on track with my exercise. I also have been pleased with starting a journal page. Other members stop by and give you encouraging words. That is what is working for me. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

[LooseShoes]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

Hi, Kelly, sorry you've been struggling. The good way with this WOE is that you CAN eat when you're hungry. I go through spells when I have to work at it to eat, and other weeks when I want to eat EVERYTHING in sight. If you've upped your exercise lately, you may need the extra food. I've also experienced that exercising strenuously can make you really tired--but when I keep on pushing through a couple of more days the energy comes back and I'm doing considerably better than I was.

Also, when it just gets hard, I go back and look at my measurements and see how much I've changed--and how much more I want to change. I've also gone through times when I've thought, "I've lost a lot of weight, isn't this good enough?" Then I think about the reasons I wanted to lose the weight in the first place and decide I'm not there yet.

Also, most of all, just coming here and seeing others struggles and successes makes me want to keep trying.

You're doing great, keep it up and try what Sally said. It's funny how some foods can affect your feelings and energy.

We're pulling for you--hope it gets easier soon!

[hopejoy]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

How 'bout vitamins?
liz

[mark38]

Re: Struggling and would appreciate some help

Kelly, when I get stuck (weeks at the same weight, insatiable appetite, cravings) I usually make a high fat meal (cheeseburger with mayo, chicken breast with blue cheese).

I find those meals satisfying and they keep me on track.