So here is my problem...I have no problem GETTING motivated, I do however have huge issues with STAYING motivated...How do you do it???

I swear, I get all gung ho on something and am good for a few days (Sometimes even weeks ) and then it's like, whatever, the novelty is gone....and so is my motivation.

How do you STAY motivated when it comes to weight loss?

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain

Well, that, and the fact I like sweets, is probably why I never loose any weight!! I want to know the secret too!! (as I sit here eating chocolates from my SS!)

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~Happiness is a large family~

Sounds to me like your WOB is in need here!!!

How I do it Shell is that I think of myself LONG term. When I look in the mirror and I don't like what I see, I remind myself that I am stuck with this body for the rest of my life so if I don't like it now, I have to do something about it.

Staying motivated is hard so you have to be willing and able to change things up. That is why the instructional group classes at the gyms change up so much. People get bored of routine or they feel uninspired.

I try and run three miles four to five times a week. I however, get bored of my route so I have to change it up. I will run one lap (1.5 miles) going clockwise and then run the second lap counter clockwise. When I get sick of that, I choose another location and run there.

It is difficult....it really is. You just have to remind yourself of all the reasons why it's so important to stay on top of it before things slide. It's also nice to remind yourself that those precious thirty minutes of working out (Or however long your work outs are) are probably the ONLY thirty minutes you get to spend ALONE. That is inspiring to me!!!!

Diet wise, that's tough too. Cooking and eating healthfully is a constant thing and a lot of work. It's just too easy to buy boxed dinners and quick and easy meals. However, you know and we know that's not the right choice. So at some point you just have ot say to youself "I'm doing the right thing" and try and get excited about it. Preparing fresh veggies, meats, fish, etc, is a lot of work, but it's so so worth it. Try new things...be willing to try veggies and meats you wouldn't normally want to. Try sushi! You might just like it!

You also cannot think of it as diet and exercise...it has to be incorporated into your daily lifestyle...such as eating breakfast or taking a shower.

I'll be honest...my motivation took off without me a while back. After all this time (and I feel hard work) and devotion to exercise and watching my diet...I STILL have not lost any weight and not many inches...but I trek on because I know in the end - I'll have a healthier me.

Sweat has become my drug of choice now. I have to sweat everyday whether it's working or not. I feel guilty if I do not exercise because I feel that I'm depriving my body of something. I've got rid of of the unhealthy stiuff in our pantry and fridge (yup, no more mallowmars...sorry!!) and filled it with healthier snacks and food (such as trail mix, nuts, wheat thins, fruits and veggies) and the kids love it too!!! (even the neighbors...maybe that's why they keep coming back!!!)

It just has to become habit...and as Christy said...change-it-up to make it different this way you do not get bored. You also have everyone on this board to help you stay motivated...and if you need me - I'm also a hop,skip and a jump away!!

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"Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake!" - ANONYMOUS

I think I posted this in one of our weekly chat threads, but every time I lose 10 pounds I go through my closet and give away everything that is too big. That way I can't fall back on my "fat clothes". I even wear fitted exercise clothes now - no more sweats with drawstring waists!!! It really helps me stay motivated. I am finding that I don't have nearly as many clothes as I used to (obviously) but I don't care. I like what I have and it fits me well and since I stay at home, nobody notices or cares that I have been wearing the same 3 pairs of shorts all summer.

Just keep thinking- just do it and the motivation will come! I also agree with Maggie about getting rid of your old clothes that are too big!

You know, I REALLY Like that idea! I started weeding out my closet 2 weeks ago (Kind of, sorry I haven't worn you in 2 years, I'm not going to, buh-bye, and into the donation bag it went).

I do try and think of the long term, the problem (and I know it is one) I am an instant gratification type person.

Luckily, the eating part is where I don't have a problem (well, the healthy eating part) yes I indulge once in awhile, but we aren't ones to keep just "bad" snacks on hand...There is almost always fresh fruit and veggies and ALWAYS wheat thins in the closet. A veggie is a MUST with dinner. And you're right Dar, last year I started thinking of it as a lifestyle change and it was easier, I refuse to call it a diet, b/c it's not, it really is a lifestyle change.

My problem lies in the exercise area.... I was so good for awhile, I hated days when I didn't exercise b/c I didn't have that 'exercise high' for lack of a better term...maybe I just need to push myself, and remember what that feeling was and just keep reminding myself...that coupled with Maggie's idea of getting rid of 'fat clothes' should make me stick to it...after all I won't be able to gain any weight b/c I REFUSE to buy larger clothes!

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain