Hello there. I am no stranger to 3FC; I was on the 100 lb forum last year and managed to lose 80 lbs. However, I have gotten seemingly "satisfied" with what I have accomplished and am finding myself off track. Counting calories is all I have had success with (in addition to not allowing white flour, white sugar, white pasta, etc.) However, I am in real need of somehow regaining motivation. I am a FIRM believer that once it is settled in your mind the battle is 90% won. But, I find myself wondering how I lost that feeling of determination and settled for satisfaction with where I stopped being so vigilant. I really, really want to get to 150. Anyone out there ever face this same scenario? What did you do to get yourself back on track and re-motivated to go all the way to the finish line?

Thanks in advance. I hope there is room in the calorie counting forum for another. :-)

Hi RitzyFritz! I remember seeing you around.

I've gone through my own periods of hazey weight loss. Where I just seemed to be going through the motions. Even looking at possible goal outfits (while nice) didn't really kickstart any jazzy feelings about losing weight.

I think, and I certainly don't mean to be depressing about it, but I think that sometimes this is all there is. This knowledge that we want to lose weight, the ability to commit to going through the motions even when it feels a little hollow. And knowing that given some time we may feel reanimated about losing weight. Though I doubt ever permanently.

If getting back to doing anything more is what's getting you stuck, maybe a small goal will help. Something attainable like 5 lbs. Just to allow yourself something within quick reach. And planning for a little reward after those five pounds. Maybe even a big reward... because continuing on when we don't want to, when we've become somewhat content is probably harder on most of us than first starting to lose weight.

Wow, Faerie! I searched for the words to make my current "mood" understandable, but you did just that! I couldn't have said it better; you read my mind. Thanks for the friendly reminder that this is a journey and that there will be twists and turns in the road. It is also good to know that there are others who have felt (or are feeling) how I am at this time. I just don't want it to last long because I cannot afford to re-gain the weight I lost. I just cannot go there. Thanks again!

I get a lot of inspiration from reading goal posts. I tend to think "motivation" is kind of overrated. There is a lot to be said for "determination". It is a lifetime journey - just keep plugging away. If you have an off plan day, get back on plan ASAP.

You have come so far already - proof that determination is in you.

to Calorie Counters - I'm scooching over, come sit by me!

Thank you so much, Gina! I appreciate you making room for me and for the reminder about "motivation." You have worded it so well; I like "determination" much better. Thanks again!

Yes, I think we all go thru spurts of determination and motivation. Kinda like the ebb and flow of a tide. Life happens, food happens...then we carry on. You know that calorie counting works...just take it a day at a time. You CAN do this!!

Glad you posted!

I call this Diet Fatque and yes I am quite familiar with it.

I have looked for new tools and goals other then just calorie counting. I still rely on logging of my food but the immediate feedback from that information has lost its excitement. Hitting my calorie target or nutrient % is pretty routine as long as I am logging.

I have been setting more goals based on exercise and spent quite a bit of time on the internet trying to find a site or tool that gave more feedback. I also download several software trials in my hunt.

For now I have settle on www.activetrainer.com which is working well. There were some paid sites that I liked but thought they were too pricey for the value.

So these days I am trying to focus on the average number of days that I am working out. I am then going to work on the number of miles that I run per month.

Have not really changed my routine but just find new goals to get excited about.

Beverlyjoy: I'm wondering how I could have forgotten such a simple but dynamic point the last few months. Thanks so much for just reaffirming this!

lorilove: This is a great idea! I truly think that is what has happened to me - I got tired of the "routine" even though it was working. How silly is that of me!? I will try that site you gave and also the idea of changing goals to reach for.

If you all knew how very much the replies so far have really picked me up emotionally, you would hug yourselves for me! I sincerely appreciate your support and friendly acceptance. Here's hoping for a better me each and every day hereafter.

Thanks again!!

Ritzy - I forgot to mention that when I get really off track the one thing I do that helps me get back on track is writing down not only my calories - but, fats, protien and carbs. Somehow - it's more specific and helps me focus on the big picture again.

I think I'm in a similar situation. I lost 120 pounds and for the first year and a bit more was focused, on plan, etc. I wanted to get into a size 12 and I did!

And then I started eating a bit more... I'd been so solid about being on plan (but I never deprived myself). "Fatigue" is a good way to put it. I'd reached what I thought was an unreal goal -- size 12 -- and had no motivation to go further. After a few months I realized I was okay with that. Nothing wrong with size 12 after size 28/30!

Well, since then I've yoyoed and right now I'm up 10 pounds (or more?) from my low weight. Even though I am really now a 14, I can't seem to gin up the motivation to lose the weight again. Many days I feel lucky to maintain.

I don't want to go up further, but I keep eating just a little more than I should. I might put together 4-5 good days and then I just lose it.

So, you aren't alone!! But I don't have any answers for you. I just keep trying to shake things up to get my mojo back!

I am quite new here, but this website has helped with my motivation and given me something to do at night besides eat! Hi all.

Hey Ritzy