What is your motivation to lose - Weight Loss Message Board

annb · 12-28-2005, 09:07 PM

I am 42 and just weighed myself again at 285 'OUCH'. The new year is coming and here I go again with my resolution. I want to stick to it this time. I seem to always have no motivation to get up and exercise. I tried to take a picture of myself in my scibbies

I hid the picture because I would cry. I want to know what everyones motives they use to stick to losing weight and how to start. My doctor tells me what to do like watch my portion and no sweets, well thats "easier said than done". He also suggests walking and swimming. he also diagnose me with arthritis in my back so I am in a lot of pain when I do alot of standing or walking. so its like damn if I do and damn if I don't. The pain is not a good motivater so I need some suggestions

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smurfett · 12-28-2005, 09:24 PM

I have the same resolution as you-year after year. This year I definatly have some motivation though. First of all I need to be here to watch my kids grow up. Second of all ,my brother died this year and left behind 2 beautiful little girls. I don't want my kids to suffer the way my neices are. He was a very young man(38). And he died from something he could have prevented, that's what is so bad about it. That's my motivation. As far as what to do to get started-I don't know what to say. Try to find a walking buddy if that is possible. I know I always do better If I have someone there to push me get up and go everyday. I do need an excercise buddy too. Anybody in NE nebraska?lol-probably not

dutch-ny · 12-29-2005, 02:22 AM

Try not my method! Visit to emergency room at hospital at age 18. Medication was "nitro glycern" .[if spelled wrong 'pills that stop heart attack'] Weight 600+ and by myself. I lost weight since then to 210 Lbs. Method 'simple ' start slow and one step at a time. Change one thing at a time.DO NOT START AT NEWYEARS!!!! It is easier to stick to it if you start at correcting one thing at a time. And!!!!! then make it two things corrected, then three,etc,etc,etc.

StenoLady1 · 12-29-2005, 06:04 AM

Hmm...motivators?

Go sit in a McDonald's parking lot for 20 minutes and watch the people that go in and out. Or one of those giant buffet places. Then go home and look in the mirror. This helped me realize I had to make a change and stick with it.

As for exercising, do it first thing in the morning. Yeah, you'll need to make time for it, but you'll need to make time for it at any time of the day. Only if you do it in the mornings, you'll have done it and there won't be any excuses later not to, since you've done it! I also find if I exercise in the mornings, I'm less likely to eat poor foods throughout the day.

With your arthritis, even if it's just a 15 or 20 minute walk in the morning, you're up and moving, feeling good about yourself, getting energized for the day! Ask your doc about a body ball. I have a bad back and neck, and it's the only home exercise gadget I can use that doesn't hurt me.

I cannot agree with Dutch more. Being overweight causes serious health problems either now or down the road. I can personally attest to this, as well.

Also, the baby steps is critical. New Year's is a great time to make a decision to get healthier, lose some poundage, tone up, get active, try some new menus/foods/recipes, but these are all habits that really need to be developed and it does take some time and adjusting. Working on one meal at a time was the charm for me. I perfected a healthy, low-cal/low-fat, nutritious, TASTY breakfast until it was second nature, then lunch, then dinner.

Lysne

HBOGirl · 12-29-2005, 06:17 AM

My motivation was not wanting to be sick. My doctor diagnosed me as borderline diabetic in April and that did it for me. I got up and went and got a personal trainer in October and that's how I started. I've had a treadmill for 2 years with the intent on using it and now I have no problem hopping on it every other night while I'm watching t.v.

Just take baby steps. Just remember that when you start out excercising, it's mostly about duration and not intensity but work hard enough to sweat a little. If you weren't doing anything before, getting up and doing something is going to have instant effects. And don't get on a scale! Measure your success by the way you are feeling, atleast for the first month or so. (ie...lose pants, more energy, not sighing when you have to walk a short distance)

Good Luck!!

Deni