**** all.

So first I put on 15 lbs, then I let my scale get packed up in a double move and lived without it for 4+ months...and didn't face facts until I have nearly nothing left to wear.

So here we go again, back on the bandwagon. I'm not really feeling the "life change" excitement this time around, more of a resigned "I know how to do this; I've done it before and I can do it again." kind of acceptance. So if anyone has any great motivational words for the next round of fat to fit to fat to ... please send them my way!!

Welcome back.

I do get the lack of motivation. I struggled with it at the beginning of the year and I honestly don't understand it myself. For the longest time I was motivated and into it and then it was just gone. Then I just couldn't get it going again. It's taken me months to get back into it, but now here I am, again, too. I think I just get tired. I take a week off and then I get lazy and take another week off. Next thing I know I've taken 4 months off, then 10 months. Then my clothes start to get snug and I wake up from whatever funk I was in and get going again.

Just think positively, stay focused, and get it done.

Ah, yes...motivation. So hard to get into that mental place that is so vital to this whole process. I wish it could be bottled. Sounds like you're taking those first steps. Being here helps, for sure.

I guess the only thing I can say is that you have it within you to accomplish whatever you desire.

I wish you success on your journey!

Your first and most important success was in seeking help before regaining all the weight you previously worked so hard to lose...there have been way too many times that I don't regain my source of motivation until I reach or surpass my top weight. After doing that enough times over the course of my almost 44 years, it becomes a harder battle to fight each time. Keep strong and keep going!

How unmotivated are you really? When i'm unmotivated, i wouldn't even come here.

But anyway as you say you've done it before so you can do it again which is great. Many people aren't even confident they can do it a first time.

But anyway if i were you and wanted to get some motivation, you could do one or more of several things.

The harder way would be to start with a one day fast. Just to get you in the groove. I did that near the beginning of this diet but i was motivated. But only one day is easy enough though its quite hard but it is only one day.

Easy ways: if you don't feel like exercising don't do it.
Start with eating right and work on that. Eat good quality food. Don't starve yourself.

REad some good motivational and informative books i suggest:
The don't go hungry diet - it might change the way you diet forever and it should have got you through not having a scale handy as well.
And she has a follow up book which i also recommend. I'm reading it now.

Also a lovely book is French Women don't get fat. This book can take the pain out of weight loss and show you how to develop a thoroughly great relationship with food. And as it should be.

Wow, I totally get how you're feeling! After going through the same process (starting an exciting new diet) again and again, that "Motivation Magic" can really fade. I'm right there with you.

At the same time, maybe it's not such a bad thing to simply be "Realistically Resigned" instead. After all, once the honeymoon stage of a new diet ends, reality always sets in anyway. Making a decision not based on emotions (which are fickle, if you're like me - lol!) has more staying power in the long run.

One thing that's been helping me is to look at weight loss before & after photos, reading the stories of successful people who stuck with it. It helps to know that they struggled, too, but that there's hope if I'll just stay the course.

I know we can do this. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I went for a run last night which really helped me see I'm not all the back at the beginning, starting C25K from scratch... That helped me feel better, but mostly I think this go round will have to do without the honeymoon phase. The important thing is just getting it done.