Okay, so I REALLY thought I was back on track. I REALLY did. Sadly, I stayed the same this week, not even a 0.1lb up or down. I am still at 181.2lbs with a total loss of 70.4lbs. Sigh.
I just don’t know why it’s been so difficult for me the last while. Any level of consistency I’d managed to create over October – December is absolutely gone. I’ve had big losses, small losses, no losses, and gains over the last 4 months and it’s getting really frustrating. ALTHOUGH. To be fair my exercise/activity and my eating habits haven’t exactly been consistent either. WAIT, are these things connected?!? hehehe.
Yes, I know they are. I guess my bigger question is why can’t I get back to a place of consistency. When I look back at the late fall of 2010 I realized I had managed to create for myself a fairly regular schedule (which is difficult when you do contract work), I was exercising regularly (i.e. on a schedule), and sleeping well. Currently none of those things are true anymore. My work is getting hectic and one contract finished so the other two are a bit all over the place as I gear up for a new on in the summer. Because of my lack of schedule I get in exercise whenever I can and my sleep is irregular at best! Why am I not able to take care of myself first? (Isn’t that the age-old question!)
In an attempt to get back on track after today’s weigh-in I went to the gym as I had planned. However, I decided it was time to get back on the treadmill. I’ve been running outside for a while now and I thought it might be nice to give my body something different. I ended up running for 5.35K straight through without a break – which is also new since running outside means dealing with traffic lights. I also hit the weights with more vigor then usual – I upped my weights across the board. I want to jumpstart my body.
I also ahve to commit to being better with my food choices: I WILL have a good week food wise. I will choose healthy options. I will eat more vegetables. I will guesstimate less what the points and nutritional value of food is. This is my plan. I think this is ultimately where I’m failing – I’m slacking on my food choices, not that the long weekend helped – I had lots of dinners out and clearly I did not plan well enough.
What do you all do when you’re feeling your motivation waver and are having a hard time? Any ideas to get back in the game?
Pound per Pound 
I like to set specific goals to get back on track. So, for eating, I would set 3 goals for the week, like “eating at least 4 servings of vegetables at least 4 days this week” or “eating one treat under 250 calories on Saturday with dinner, but no other treats this week”. And I would set out a reasonable work out schedule and put it into my calendar. Of course when things are crazy (like now), I just focus on maintaining, because I know what my limits are. Good luck! You’ve done such a great job so far, I have no doubt that you’ll break through this plateau and hit your goal.
Thanks so much. That’s a great idea – to set a specific goal food wise. I usually do that only for exercise. I think I’ll come up with one.
Thanks!
Maybe you need to switch things up a bit. I know a lot of people who have had this problem with weight watchers and they switched to Body by Vi. You might want to check out my website and watch the short little videos to learn more.
Thank you for your suggestion, but it is not the program that is a problem as it is about learning how to eat properly and with moderation.
I’m happy you found something that works for you.
You’re doing so well!! Keep in mind that as you get closer to your goal weight, your body is getting smaller and so it actually gets harder to lose the weight. (Sucks, I know.) So it will take more energy to burn off calories. It sounds like you’re on the right track with upping the intensity of your work outs. I’ve just added My Fitness Pal to my bag of tricks – it allows me to track the calories I’m eating and the calories burned by exercise so I can see where I am, net calorie-wise. It’s been a neat learning experience. (I’m aiming for 1200 calories consumed per day, so on the days I work out, I get to eat more to keep me at a net consumed of 1200) So far, I’m 18 lbs down. Phew!
The only other time I was able to drop a large-ish amount of weight was when I was on a strict diet and working out 5 days a week in preparation for my wedding. I hated every minute of it – loved the results but it was exhausting keeping up with it!
It’s true, it is getting harder. My summer is full of work so it’s getting harder to get keep on an exercise schedule – I’ll have to find new ways! 🙂
I agree with Rainyday, you are getting smaller so it’s going to get harder to lose big every week which really is a good thing. It is definitely hard to stick to your goals or plans when work is so hectic. I know when I need inspiriation I turn to my spouse, my friends, and my blog. I seek out the help of others. Maybe I want to be lazy and sleep in on Saturday but instead I’ll ask my husband to workout with me which not only holds me accountable to get up off my butt it also allows me to have a harder workout. I like to recruit my friends to go on walks or try new activities with me. Or I will read some blog posts, like yours, and find my inspiration through those living or have lived through the same things as me. Also, you should try to take advantage of the yoga- living social deal. Switiching it up might help, yoga is a great workout, it will provide a change you might need since your muscle memory has been built for running and weightlifting, and it can help bring some focus to help you through the work chaos. Sorry for the rant. Stay positive, you’ll work it out!
I think it will 🙂 It’s with the summer and work it’s getting difficult to keep to a schedule. I think shaking it up is in order. And you’re right about the muscle memory!! 🙂
I want to congratulate you for how far you’ve come and to say that I’m proud of you! Reading your blog is an inspiration to me and so many others.
What I’m doing, to keep me motivated, is to keep “skinny” clothes in my closet to remind me of my goal. I also have a file of pictures of me at my high weight and my low weight. The comparison is truly shocking.
Good luck and I’m sure you’ll hit your groove again. 😀
Oh! Thank you so much 😀
I agree with you a 100% about the skinny clothes! I’m so happy to say that I can fit into almost everything in my closet (well except the ones that are too big 😉 ) Good luck to you too!