Hi Barb,
I did not contribute before because everyone else already contributed more than I could say. However, I feel I can contribute to debunking the motivation myth.
Don't wait for imotivation.
You do not have to be life-long motivated, you do not have to like it, as long as you just keep on doing what it takes.
You only need the motivation at one moment : NOW. If you take it one meal at a time, one day at a time or 5 minutes at a time is irrelevant.
And yes, there will be days that you are motivated. Enjoy it!.
But there wil also be days that you are not...just keep hanging in there, keep making the right choice.
For myself I can say that as I get more practiced in making the right choice, the days that I wake up with motivation are on the increase. I have more energy. I have more joy in life, and I actually enjoy exercise more. And I like eating nice (expensive!) fruits & veggies instead of (cheap!) junk food. I am working on that guilt feeling, telling myself that I am worth it. My body is worth to have good food, and not junk food. For me, it boils down to the fact that I am worth taking time for myself, nourishing myself, and enjoying life. And I like seeing myself in the mirror and thinking I actually do look good.
Good luck on your journey,
and keep posting here!
Rabbit