Hi Everyone,

I'd love to hear what you do for inspiration during those struggling moments! We all have them and advice from one another might help.

Post quotes on your fridge? Pictures? Chat here?

What gets you through to that next moment when it feels like will power alone might not be quite enough?

Thanks! (When I figure out my own answer, I'll post it. New to dieting, and on my 6th day, but it was a hard day, and I find reading posts here helps a lot! Funny, because I am usually the person giving the inspirational advice!)

I just tell myself "not today!" You'd be suprised how far that will get you.

I also saw a quote on someone's signature that said "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." I've told that to people who try to pressure me into cheating.

It'll get really easy for you after your first weigh in. That is the biggest boost for motivation.

My husband helps me a lot, we joke about what we can't have, or sometimes list what we are craving.

For some reason once I list what I can't have that I am craving... it helps get it out of my system... not 100% but where I don't go crazy.

I also step on the scale. I don't do it to see how much I lost in the last week etc, I do it to see what my weight is compared to when I started. Seeing that it is still less really gets me pumped.

I practice what has now become my mantra - I control my food. Food doesnt control me

I remind myself that whatever I'm craving.................. will be there when I'm on maintenance. I know what it tastes like and the taste won't change. "It" can wait! When I arrive to goal and am on P4-maintenance, then one day a week we will have a "cheat day" - I can have "it" then!

BTW - I don't like the term "cheat day"; when I'm on maintenance' I'm going to refer to it as "free day". I feel "cheat" is derogatory, especially when so many of us have prided ourselves on our weight loss journey as being 100% OP. Jen

I come to this forum and start reading!

I keep a picture of me at my highest weight and take it out when I need a small nudge to remind me that I never want to go there again.

I ask myself if whatever it is I want worth ruining a week worth of hard work and discipline for a few seconds of taste. The answer is always no.

I'm not sure how I did it but for the past 120 days, with little variation, I've had strong resolve to be 100%. This plan is expensive and any deviation is costly (reduction in overall lbs lost). I had one week where I struggled & ate extra restricted items. You see the big ZERO on my losses that week. I gathered more resolve the next week (from somewhere) by focusing on IP recipes & by making sure I had extra choices at home (but not extra restricteds)

I've planned everything out. Before I leave the house, I know what I'll be eating all day: IP, veggies, and meat. I check in on 3fc too much but right now it is keeping me on track.

When I go to parties/events, I take a favorite. I'm a salt girl so usually a SW cheese curl packet. MIO takes care of any need for sweet at parties. Plus I take veggie tray.

And I make mini-goals to look forward to. My last one was a 90 minute massage for getting to 40 off. Next is a wii fit for my half way point: 55 off. I was 13 lbs away from that last Wed, my WI day.

Love this idea for a thread. It will be a good one to read when you are thinking about having something off plan.

I remind myself how I am feeling comfortable in my own skin for the first time in a very long time. Then, take a couple breaths and drink some water. It starts getting easier the more you lose I think, losing weight is so motivating.

I remind myself how much easier skiing will be this year (and less dangerous) at a lower weight.

I remind myself of how thankful I am to have come this far. (Actually started about 12 pounds higher than my IP start.)

I remind myself that when I give into cravings, they actually get worse and not better. So, I accomplish nothing by doing this. Craving is not satisfied and I don't lose weight.

Also, I have started reading nutrition and weight loss books on why we gain etc. This seems to be helping a lot, learning about it all

Also, I have gotten rid of the big clothes immediately. So far, this is working.

I was hungry last night so I went to bed early! I also try on clothes in my closet (lots are starting to fit me again!).

This might sound funny, but I go on pinterest...and usually end up pinning recipes. There are lots of low carb options and healthy options. I have quite a huge collection now LOL.

weighing everyday, as bad as it may be for others, keeps me in check.

I agree with southern--weighing everyday keeps me on plan. I also look at my wedding dress which I bought two sizes too small and have to fit into by April It doesn't really look good with a beer belly, so I have my work cut out for me between now and then!

http://www.houseofbrides.com/james-c...3-62-5914.aspx

i tell myself that I can have it in an hour if i still want it. Ususally in an Hour I have forgotten about it. If I still want it I pray.