[morgan1234]

ahh! I just dont know what todo anymore. Iam confused with myself! First I feel like I need to lose 30 lbs, and then I feel fine/comfortable with my weght and could careless about dieting. Right now I am in the feel horrible about myself stage. I don't even know where to begin. I think I finally realize its time for a lifelong change, butI dont know how to start? Howto stay motivated...and keep myself on track.

[Expunge]

My advice would be to forget dieting completely. Just focus on eating healthy, fabulous, delicious food, eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full, keep a very basic idea of the calories you're consuming and keep it within a maintenance level, and exercise to improve your fitness. You'll feel better, and probably lose weight - but without having to go through the on/off cycle you're currently experiencing.

[Mommy in Motion]

Morgan- I feel the same way. A lot. Once I got my BMI into a healthy range, it became harder and harder to stay really focused. I fluctuate between thinking I am fine where I am , and wanting to lose more weight on an almost daily basis.

Like Expunge- I would focus less on dieting, and more on making simple, healthy changes to your diet. Sometimes when I lose motivation, I challenge myself to find 5 (insert random number) new healthy recipes that I really like. I'll focus on finding something new to whip up in the mornings, or a new smoothie, a different combination of seasonings for veggies, etc... Keeping it new and interesting helps when I am not feeling particularly motivated.

I do the same with exercise. I'm really bored with all my workout routines right now- just can't find the motivation to get on the treadmill again for one more second. So this afternoon I bought a new yoga DVD, and a Tai Chi for Beginners one that I can try out with Patrick and Joan. It helps to change the mindset from "I have to do this to lose weight" to "I can't wait to try something new!"

~Dagny

[KayNicole]

I know how you feel. One thing that helped me really make some permanent changes was to really look into the things I ate. I read up about how bad fast food is, I learned about white vs. wheat etc. I know it doesn't sound fun but if I really wanted to change I knew I had to realize what I was doing to my body. Even though I knew things were bad for me I didn't realize exactly what that meant and just put it out of my mind. Calorie counting and reading has really helped me realize it needs to be a lifestyle change and not just a diet. If I stick to good foods and get my heart pumping on a regular basis then I know I will be healthy and I won't worry so much about that number on the scale.