[SherryA]

Do goals inspire you or defeat you?

It is weird, but for me they sometimes do both. If I've set what was a reasonable goal, and then gained weight, that "reasonable" goal no longer feels reasonable because I've first got to take back off the regained weight.

I guess the trick is to keep the goals within reach at all times even if it means making a goal that is higher than the last one you set.

My next goal was supposed to be 238. But when I gained weight I changed it to 245 (which I reached again today). So now after making that one, I've reset it to 242. If I make that, which I expect to soon, I'm setting the next one at 240. That will be 1 pound of "new" losses, since I hit 241 several times already since January. Then I'll set the 238 goal again.

It is weird for me just how discouraged I can get, just because of little numbers. Even knowing it is likely water weight, knowing it will fall back off in a few days of being good, I hate seeing those numbers on the scale climb.

To me this whole journey is a learning process. Gauging your emotions, figuring out what works to keep your spirits up and your desire to lose weight strong, getting rid of the discouraging factors and just pressing on. To me that is ALL of the battle. What we eat or don't eat isn't that big of a deal to me really. The diet is fairly easy, and the food is ok although I do get sick of meat.

For me the whole battle is mental. I'm constantly fighting my own perfectionism, my own discouragement, my own high expectations that I can't always meet successfully. Any mental tricks that keep me on track are more valuable to me than diet tips. Even something so simple as changing a goal to one you can reach.

[rebeleagle1965]

First of all, congratulations on your loss and your determination. This is my first time trying Atkins, but I have gained and lost LOTS of weight several times in my life (having kids), and I always obsessed over the scale. One thing I have learned is that the scale can be just as big an enemy as the weight. It's not the necessarily the goals that defeat you-it's the disouragement you get when you weigh too often and disappointment leads to giving up or falling off track (i.e. "I've gained a pound anyway, screw it and have some ice cream"). I have found that only weighing myself about twice a week, and ALWAYS first thing in the morning not only is more accurate but helps with the up and down mind games. During the course of one day, your weight can fluctuate several pounds just from the actual weight of the liquids/solids you have consumed throughout the day and have yet to process, plus you retain more fluid in the evenings, etc. Good luck to you! I started induction today, and I'm taking my scale out of the bathroom for atleast a couple of days....out of sight, out of mind.

[lilybelle]

I only weigh weekly and this helps me. As for changing goals, sometimes it is best to just start small and reset after each couple lbs. and it looks like this is what you are doing. Congrat's on the weight loss and don't get discouraged we all have our ups and down's but the general down trend over the long haul is what will make the difference.

[nasus40]

Sherry I am with you on that one I have done great until this last 4 weeks or so and have just been gaining and losing the same 4-6 lbs playing with it all this time. well it is time to take control!! just a few lbs at a time3 and the goal is to also not play with it again!!

[Born2run2]

I have to make mini goals or I am easily discouraged. I take this thing one day at a time and try to stay on track. I always figured if I take care of today tomorrow will take care of itself. Judy

[Ciarra]

I have those discouraging times too. My goal is not to gain any weight actually. Honestly I look and feel so much better I could comfortably live at this weight. I would like to be thinner. And I think in time it will happen. My scale has a dead battery. I actually bought one last night, and then it didn't make it home with me. So maybe my scale doesn't want me visiting. Maybe you could set some non scale goals. I will exercise __times this week for ___ minutes. Or I will eat all my veggies, I will drink all my water, etc. I think the weight will come off in time. Some of us just take longer. Set something you can control.