Desperate, please help!?

Question

I've been feeling pretty low lately and I need to sort it out. My biggest problem is my weight. I need to loose between 70 and 80 pounds but can't find the motivation to exercise.
When I join a gym, I quit almost straight away. How can I get the motivation to keep going and also not give in to junk food?

Answer 1

Wow! I would swear I wrote that question. I have the same amount of weight to lose and the same problem. I joined weight watchers about 5 weeks ago and I did great the first two weeks (lost 8 lbs). Then I went on vacation and came off of it for that week. Now its ten times harder to get back on track. Here's what I'm trying to do and it helps. Don't beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon one day, just pick it back up the next day. DON'T QUIT because you think "well I messed it up, its over now." Start your day by going online and reading success stories of other people with your age and weight. If they can do it you can do it. Join a weightloss forum where you can talk about it. Take a before picture and then progress pictures, you'll be amazed how motivated it makes you feel when you see the results photographed. Realize its not going to go away over night and get over it. I am having to realize this myself at this very moment. And find a partner, either a friend, spouse, online pal, someone who can keep you motivated and someone who you can motivate. Last, post your results where people can see them (start a web page or a myspace page dedicated to a new begining). If you know the world is watching that alone might keep you motivated. Make sure you find a healthy eating plan and a exersice that is enjoyable to you. I love weight watchers because it is practical and liveable. And I too am TRYING to get off my butt and start exercising. I think I'm going to try the "Walk away the lbs" to start off. Good luck. Believe in yourself and remeber its not going anywhere on its own. You have to try and it will soon get easier.

See I know the answer, but putting it into action is what is hard. I'm trying and looking for a motivational partner myself. I know what to do its just doing it that is the problem. Good luck to you and wish me luck too.

Answer 2

I answered a question similar to this, maybe it can help too!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AliTaDjuzF8vV5dXmOibC2rsy6IX?qid=20070301234402AAlu5aE&show=7#profile-info-5BpeaVqsaa

Mainly, if you feel the need to binge or satisfy a sweet tooth, turn to something like fruit instead of junk food. I consider fruit natures candy :) It's pretty much impossible to pig out on things like fruits and vegetables - an apple for example will help boost your metabolism and give you energy!!

Motivationally (is that even a word lol) speaking, I find that the more I keep healthy the easier it is to do. The rewards of feeling great and looking great are often great tools in motivating me to keep up the good work! I guess the biggest problem here is just getting over that initial hump - reminding yourself that you will be grateful for the hard work in no time!!

Oh: for faster results (which may eliminate the reason why you keep quiting!) I would recommend running and eating several small meals a day (as much fruit and veggies as possible!). By changing the diet so that you are never stuffed full of grease but constantly putting something in your mouth you will almost immediately feel more energy and by running you will definately see the weight loss results a lot sooner! Run til you literally cannot run anymore - and then walk home!! lol

Answer 3

I write from experience - so I'm not on a I can tell you how to do it easy ....... I have still to lose 5 stone - Sort out your diet join a support club like slimmingworld - I never thought they would help me but they do help once you have so much food to eat that you CAN have the junk food is not a problem, and you can have some as a treat if you plan it into you diet. Only when you have the diet going well you find the motivation to go to the gym slow and steady., I only exercise a short programme then swim but the weight is coming off slowly but definately for good.

Keep up you spirit and go for it you can do just for YOU!!!

Answer 4

I think Weight Watchers is a great way to go. My friend has lost about 50 pounds on it already. You don't have to deny yourself anything, you just learn how to eat in moderation. Plus the weekly meetings keep you motivated and the weigh-ins keep you honest!

As for the gym, I've found that taking up a class or activity that I really enjoy keeps me going because it doesn't feel like exercise, it's just fun. For example, I lost a lot of weight when I was taking salsa classes. And right now I'm taking a power dance class at my gym and I'm on my company's volleyball team. Whatever works for you.

Also, in regards to junk food, I found it helped to find low-fat substitutes for the junk food I really love. For instance, I love cheesy snacks like Doritos. So now I buy the cheddar flavored Quaker Rice Cakes. I know it sounds boring, but they're delicious! And instead of a Snickers bar, I either buy the Weight Watchers chocolate bar or some other chocolate energy bar. Instead of Ben & Jerry's, try Skinny Cow ice cream or Weight Watchers ice cream sandwiches. There are a lot of great low-callory options. Buy those and throw out any junk food you have in your house.

And about you feeling low, part of that could be because of your carb intake. Ease up on the white bread, white rice, and pasta, and you could notice a difference in your mood. Carbs turn into sugar, which give you a quick boost, followed by a crash. Try eating more fresh fruits and veggies, and you just might have a brighter outlook. Good luck!

Answer 5

JOIN A SLIMMING CLUB AND TAKE UP EXERCISE WITH A FRIEND AS SOME MORALE SUPPORT MAY BE THE KEY THING HERE. IF YOU HAVENT GOT ANYONE TO GO TO THE GYM WITH WHY NOT JOIN AN EXERCISE CLASS, YOU WILL SOON MET WOMAN OF ALL AGES, SHAPES AND SIZES THERE. WEIGHT WATCHERS OR SCOTTISH SLIMMERS ARE BOTH SLIMMING CLUBS WITH GREAT SUCCESS STORIES AND THEY OFFER A GREAT SUPPORT NETWORK FOR SLIMMERS. AS FOR THE JUNK FOOD IF YOU DONT BUY IT THEN YOU WONT HAVE IT IN YOUR CUPBOARDS TO EAT! GO SHOPPING ON A FULL STOMACH SO YOUR NOT HUNGRY AND THIS WILL HELP YOU AVOID BUYING SNACKS LIKE CHOCOLATE, CRISPS AND SWEETS
MAKE A MEAL PLAN FOR THE WEEK THEN WRITE A SHOPPING LIST BASED ON THIS. YOU CAN DO THIS IF YOU REALLY WANT TO. SET YOURSELF GOALS AND GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE TREAT EACH MONTH IF YOU HAVE MANAGED TO STICK TO YOUR DIET. GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

have a diet buddy - this keeps you motivated and a little competetive - slimming clubs are good too. You need to be organised to lose weight - take it from a yo yo dieter of 15 years.

i am really organised now - i plan my meals in advance, i take fruit with me everywhere, i keep a food diary and i excercise every day. Its hard going but look at it as a lifestyle change and not a punishment.

I wish you well with it - keep your chin up and a smile on your face - every ounce is a little way to go before your target! make sure your targets are achieveable too! Dont say I have to lose this - have a goal like getting into smaller jeans, wearing a size whatever, take it a day at a time - dont rely on how much weight you lose but by how your clothes feel and how your body shape changes
xxx

Answer 7

I found exercising at home on a skate stepper was easy. You can do it to music or whilst watching tv and there's no travelling to the gym or not wanting to go out because of the weather. The stepper really has helped to tighten up my tummy and boost metabolism, and mood.You can still have Junk food just use it for a treat instead but not too often.Don't fixate on your weight too much try either the exercise or the diet but not both at once, you might find it easier that way

Answer 8

Try to find a partner. You can motivate each other. Write down what you eat and post it where you can see it. When you see too much unhealthy food, it will help you see what you're doing that is harmful. Start by cutting down what you're eating rather than quitting cold turkey. For example, if you like McDonald's and you get a double quarter pounder and super size fries and coke, then get a cheeseburger with regular fries and diet coke. When you feel you can cut further, take out the fries, and so on.

Answer 9

Sometimes it takes 'rock-bottom' to motivate us, you're not there! Think about how great you will look and feel at your ideal weight! That should help. Once you keep up a good diet and exercise program for a few days even you will see results, that will motivate you as well! Take care.. ;-D

Answer 10

I'm also trying to lose weight, however not quite as much as you are. Make your changes realistic. Try to hit the gym 3 times a week or eat great salads for dinner. Take a walk in the evening. Enlist your friends for help and ideas.