[IHeartMe]

So, I began this lifestyle change in June of 2009. Looking back, I really can't believe that I lasted an entire year on plan and I know that I have done extraordinarily well in losing weight. I don't have very much further to go and I am down to my last 30 lbs!

Here's the problem...I can't seem to find my motivation. I was so strong and had so much will power and I lost it. I feel so frustrated that I can't seem to get back on track. Luckily, I have not gained any weight back and am still weighing in once a week to stay on top of it, but I also have not lost anything in about 6 weeks. I cheat a lot more than I should, so I am just kind of stuck here in this limbo.

Anyone out there experienced this? Any ideas on how to get my butt back in to gear? I want to clear my head and start focusing on my goals like I used to.

HELP PLEASE!

[Wild Vulpix]

What always helps me get motivated is looking at other people's success. Reading success stories and (especially, for me) seeing before and after photos. If you've already leafed through all of the success stories here on 3FC, I recommend checking YouTube out too. Seeing other people succeed really REALLY helps me, because it makes me feel as though reaching your goal is really and truly obtainable.

[jenn33082]

can you mix up your diet and exercise plan? For instance instead of counting calories and doing spin classes a few days a week, try South Beach (no calorie counting) and pilates. Try to find the almost the opposite of what you have been doing to date. That way you would mix things up both mentally and physically.

I also agree with Wild Vulpix that the before and after pics are really motivating. Good job with your weight loss! You are doing great!

[caseygail21]

I'm there honey. Fortunately, I feel like I'm back in the right frame of mind now. I lost 30 pounds and haven't lost anymore in a bout a year. It was like I hit a wall, and couldn't get back into that frame of mind. It took gaining about 15 lbs back to get my butt back in gear, there was no way I was going to go back to square one. For me it's all about a mindset, I can look at before and after pictures all day long, but when it comes right down to it, I have to be in the right frame of mind in order to make good choices.
The nasty food and no exercise just had me feeling down and depressed. I didn't even want to go out anymore. My clothes that I felt amazing in when I lost all the weight were starting to get tight. So I just kicked back into gear.

I hope it doesn't take gaining some of the weight back to get you back on track. I would never wish that on anyone. It is not a good feeling. Maybe that can be you're motivation. You have lost all of this weight and worked so hard for so long, you never want to go back there. 30 lbs to go. Think of how amazing that is going to feel, and I don't know about you, but I can't wait to be in maintaining mode.

Best of luck, I hope you find that motivation you are looking for.

[misstraveller]

IHeartMe - OMG. I so totally feel the same way! I have been plateaued in the 180s for almost 6 months now. 6 MONTHS. URG. Like Casey, I think I just needed to get back in the right frame of mind and quit slipping up. I'm also keeping some impending big events in my life in mind... a friend's wedding I want to look great at on Labor Day, my mom's 60th birthday where I'll see all of her old friends who only remember me at my high weight... These are my motivations. To feel confident and happy with myself at these events. I also bought a really cute dress that I would like to be able to breathe in comfortably...

Good luck finding your motivation

[IHeartMe]

Thank you all for your advice! I had to really sit down and basically give myself a lecture about how close I am to finishing this and how far I have come. I definitely want to finish. So, Saturday was day 1...again. I have stayed on plan and so far have done well. Fingers crossed that it sticks!

Thanks again everyone