Determined Newbie: No More Excuses
 

Hello all, thanks for taking the team to read my introduction.

I'm almost 36 years old, 5'4 and 218 pounds. I consume too many calories, don't stick to my workouts, don't drink enough water, struggle with portion control and also with snacking when I am not hungry.

I have not always been this size, and I have actually lost a significant amount of weight in the past. I never keep it off because I don't stick to my healthy habits. Sometimes I try to do too much too quickly but I have now realized it's crazy to think that I can sustain such drastic changes for very long.

Like others, I saw a photo of myself and wanted to crawl in a hole. I need to stop making excuses and start holding myself accountable. In the past, if I would slip up just ONE day, I would feel like it countered all of my progress. I would feel defeated and go right back to all of my unhealthy habits.

I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and I know that I have been making excuses. I hate waking up early to work out before work, but I also never want to work out when I get home. I know that I am more likely to work out IF I can get motivated in the morning. My portion control and snacking after dinner will be key as well. I crave savory foods like pizza and burgers but I don't tend to crave sweets as much. I also love wine and beer. As for my problem with not drinking enough water...I have no idea why I do this! I love water! I don't even drink soda. I just need to make my water consumption a priority.

Two years ago, I told myself that the reason I was overweight was that I didn't have access to the right equipment. I bought an elliptical and a fitbit and some new workout clothes. For about 6 months, that worked. I was motivated. I was in better shape, tracking my fitness and calories and seeing the pounds fall off. And somewhere along the way...I just stopped.

This forum will be something new for me. I have always thought that I could do this on my own, but I think it was more that I was embarrassed about my weight. Does anyone have any tips to help motivate myself and stay accountable?

I need to start now. No more excuses.

Count calories and don't worry about water, if you are thirsty drink some water, your body is smart, it will tell you if you need water:carrot::carrot::carrot:

Thanks so much! I am definitely counting calories. I just need to hold myself accountable and not cheat.

Good luck. I need to drink more water so that is a priority for me too - I have a 1.5ltr bottle that I am setting myself the target of drinking a day.

Added you as a friend too - lets do this together :-)

I'm confused a little, does water burn up calories or speed up metabolism, my co-worker drinks 1 gallon at work and he's pretty big and uses toilet every 15 minutes so I don't think it matters but I will do some research and see if water can make us thin again

Ok so I spoke with my coworker and water not only reduces appetite but it increases metabolism up to 10%. Count me in, 1 gallon per day, joining the water band-wagon. WATER WATER WATER:carrot::carrot::carrot:

Update
 

Thanks for the support, everyone. I’m down 2 lbs since posting this which is a good start for me. How are you all doing with water consumption?