[RobinW]

I get alot of inspiration, and motivation from you ladies, I thought I'd ask about this.

The last few days Ive had alot of trouble. The "switch" just switched off It's taken alot of self talk, reading, going out looking at the smaller sizes to get myself back to where I can tolerate my eating plan. Its going to take a few more days to get back into the groove, but I made a promise to myself, and I plan on keeping it.

So many of you have made your goal... when your switch turned off, or dimmed, what did you do to keep going? What did you do to get back on plan?

I dont care how silly it may seem or how obvious it might sound, I want to hear it all please.

Thanks

[4rabbit]

Hi Robin,

The main thing that keeps me going is that motivation does not come into it.

It is a "just do it" kind of thing. If there is no motivation, just keep hanging in there, do not fall of the wagon, keep on eating reasonabely clean etc. The main point is NOT to let lack of motivation be an excuse to totally let yourself go.

Another motto comes from my cognitive behavioural therapy book: "Action comes before motivation". We often think we have to have the motivation before we do the action eg. feel like it to go and do cardio. This is not the case. The action comes before the motivation: if you start the cardio, after the first minutes you will enjoy it and be motivated. The action kickstarts the motivation. This works for me, and I have seen it a lot of other times on this forum.

So... get yourself up from your PC and do something bodily vigorous. After a couple of days you'll probabely feel good about yourself and have bootstrapped yourself into the winning (that is loosing) mood again.

Good luck and keep posting about how you are doing,

rabbit

[Hey Jude]

When I had days where I just didn't want to keep going I would make myself a deal. "Just for today." That was it. I would just hang in there for that day with healthy eating and exercise. Then the next day I would say the same thing. First thing you know a month has gone by, and then eventually your mojo returns.

I know it is a cliche, but "One Day At A Time" works.

[Elanajel]

I do at least 2 things when that has happened.

1. Post here (or other boards) to get support (so you've already taken this wise step).
2. Review my food/exercise log. When I weighed, let's say 128, what exactly was I eating and what kind of exercise? How many servings of vegetables? How much water? This gave me guidance about how to adjust what got me into the slump.
3. Make a series of mini-goals with rewards. Right now, I am 6 pounds over my target. So once I've lost 2 pounds, I'm using my new nail brush set. Meet target, a manicure. Stay in target range (am there) at end of 3 months, a massage. Note: rewards (for me) must not be food-based!
4. Try one single habit that will help. Add another new habit after 2 weeks. I have committed to eating 2 types of vegetables with every dinner. It keeps things interesting as far as food and increases fiber. Next week's habit: no eating after dinner.