I don't know where to begin. I haven't been very motivated this week. I guess that's why I only lost 0.6 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy about it. I've lost weight for 5 weeks in a row, albeit in decreasing amounts each week. I'm just losing my oomph, my excitement, the thrill of losing weight. It is starting to feel like a job. If I stay on track I'll be at my halfway to goal point in about 6 weeks. I would have expected to feel this way then, not now. But I guess you don't get to decide when you get burnt out on weight loss. I've already tried on all the smaller clothes in my closet to see if they fit (some do and some don't, regardless of the size on the label). I've already don't tons of online window shopping, dreaming of my new wardrobe once I hit goal. What is there left to do but wait until I lose the rest of the weight?
I know I should build in little rewards for myself once I hit certain benchmarks, but I have a hard time justifying that on a grad student's budget. And don't get me wrong, I do nice things for myself all the time - I take baths and read for pleasure and I have no problem making time for myself seeing as I live alone. I go out to dinner once a week usually. So there aren't too many things that I could reward myself with that I can afford that I don't already do.
So what do you do when losing weight just isn't as fun as it used to be? Am I being selfish? Am I being ridiculous? Shouldn't seeing the scale go down be a reward in itself? What's wrong with me?
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8 comments:
Apparently, there is a 'honeymoon period' for losing weight, then a period where the person feels the drudgery of it all, and makes a decision to stick with it or give up. Here's hoping you (and myself) stick with it.
You are definitely not alone. I have more low points than high points with my motivation. I try to look ahead and think of something I am working for, hopefully that gets me going. I hope things start looking up for you, just take it day by day!
It will be interesting seeing what suggestions you get, as I am also in grad school and trying to think of goals for my 1000 mile challenge. Well, I know what I would like, but they aren't in the realistic category. Maybe you could do something new that you've never done before? Maybe go to a lecture on a topic that you don't know much about, or a performance, or eat at a new place? Hmm, I will have to think about that myself.
I buy myself flowers, I am a nut for white lillies, dont ask me why and they look so beautiful it makes me want to work hard to get some more. What about some highlights for your hair, a mani/pedi, a nice massage, a concert, MP3 player, maybe a digital camera, a pet of some sort. If youre on a tight budget, fear not, you can get most of these things on ebay.com(just make sure you check out the sellers feedback score before you buy.) Be strong, this will pass and youll feel great!!
i would give yourself more time - soon it will become like second nature and you won't be worrying about it all the time... i found that the more i thought, and planned, and worried - i would get more upset if i didn't lose... if i concentrate on all the good things - exercising making good food choices - its much easier to accept small changes...
i know you're on a budget but you shouldn't wait to get to your final weight, to treat yourself to a new outfit... make yourself feel good now, you totally deserve it - that's what sales are for! :-)
When it isn't so much fun anymore, and it feels like work ... then you have to decide whether it is worth it. And if it is, you put your head down and you slog through.
I find it motivating to keep learning more about nutrition and exercise, keep reaching out to others who are going through/went through the same sort of process.
I hear you about the clothing - when "Being smaller" stopped being thrilling to me, I started focusing on how my strength and endurance were improving. And that is still a high.
And lastly, if you haven't already, get out an old picture of yourself and compare it with one taken today.
Hang in there - not everything worth doing is fun.
Logical Guy - Hopefully we will be able to inspire each other to push through to the other side!
Kristin - Thanks for the advice. I need to come up with something to look forward to besides a number on the scale. Thanks for reminding me of that.
a.m. - I am going to explore new possibilities like you suggested. I went to a new restaurant tonight. It was fun shaking things up!
missxxl - thanks for the ideas. I had forgotten about ebay. I'm going to have to check them out!
jodi - thanks for the ideas. I'm going to visit my parents for spring break (I know, how lame :) in a few weeks. I think I am going to use my gift cards from Christmas to do some shopping! :)
Salma - I did what you suggested about the pictures. It is interesting, in some pictures I see the old me and in others I don't see a difference. It actually made me feel better because when I do lose the weight I will still be me - old or new! :) I think I need to keep my head down and slog through it. Thanks for the advice.
You can track your fitness level and see how much you improved. I've never done this, but I hear its motivating.
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