I'm 44 years old and the other day I was standing at the kitchen sink peeling tomatoes. I turned to my husband and said, "I wonder how many tomatoes I have peeled in my life time?" He replied, "Just think how many it will be in 44 more years!" I kind of freaked out a little, 18 months ago I didn't think I'd live to see 44, and now I have great potential to make it into my 80's. I started thinking about how LONG I have to maintain this weight....WOW! It is a long journey, FOR SURE! ;)

I get you. However, I don't know about you, but for me it took a lot longer to gain this weight than to lose it.

I was feeling overwhelmed at having to lose 100 pounds, but then I realized I only have to lose one. The next one! So now I just focus on the next pound. Eating right just for today. Getting some exercise today.

If you think of your journey in ten pound increments you should be celebrating! You have already made your first 10 pound goal! :carrot:

Yeah, I do remember feeling like that. Losing 75 lbs, at one point, seemed impossible to me. I'd get excited over the first 5 lbs but then remember that I still had 70 to go! It can feel overwhelming...and tiring, especially in the beginning as you really begin to sort out what works and what doesn't. I felt like was CONSTANTLY thinking about calories, exercise, diet, etc.

But to be honest, the last 7 months have just flown by, and here I am with less than 30 lbs to my goal. I think it's because - this time around - my focus wasn't only on losing weight. I set out to train for a 5k in February and so my success was measured in ways that didn't relate solely to the scale. Running accomplishments were always huge motivation and self esteem boosters for me because, as we've all experienced, sometimes we cannot control what happens on the scale. I remember plenty of times doing things by the book and the scale was moving the wrong direction, but I was still happy because I'd accomplished another exercise goal.

Now it is just every day life. Running is a part of my daily habits. Packing healthy breakfasts and lunches, and planning low cal dinners is just something I do... not really much to think about now! :)

In retrospect, the time really does fly by. Don't think in terms of how far you have to go to get to goal, just do it, live your life, work your plan. All of a sudden it'll be a year from now...and you will be feeling tremendous. I just passed my 1-year anniversary, and in some ways it really does seem like only a few weeks ago I started this.

How would you feel if you gained 11 pounds? lol! 11 pounds is huge! I'd kill for an 11 pound drop right now. But, I do understand. Keep pushing along, though. That 11 pounds will add up for sure. :D

Originally Posted by Cali Doll:
How would you feel if you gained 11 pounds? lol! 11 pounds is huge! I'd kill for an 11 pound drop right now. But, I do understand. Keep pushing along, though. That 11 pounds will add up for sure. :D

Well said !!! I think this is a great way to turn it around when you start under valuing your accomplishments. We often get upset if we gain a couple of pounds .... losing 11lbs is awesome. Don't look at the end of the journey, just think of the trip - one day at a time/one pound at a time. What I am trying to do is focusing on each healthy choice. I don't lose weight quickly. I know this is going to be a long process for me. The way I am trying to approach it is that everytime I have a good day, it will make a difference on how I feel and look.
Be proud of yourself .... where I'm at right now, I'd be very happy with 11lbs - it would mean that I was on my way ... I'm still at the starting gate.

Just remember that you are going to start feeling better long before you reach goal, and that's a big thing to look forward to. I've lost 31 so far. I'm tall and I started pretty big so I don't look that different yet but I definitely FEEL better! I still have a long way to go, but right now I'm just looking forward to getting under 250.

I started at a higher weight than you and well I'm not at goal yet. One thing is that time is going to pass whether you partake the journey or not. I know it may feel like a really long journey but looking at it in terms of smaller, more manageable goals helps.

Sometimes what I have to lose seems like SO much. You have gotten great advice so far. For me, my life has changed. I am no longer eating the way I ate before, it's just going to take time for my body to reflect my new lifestyle. So, I just keep going.. every day.. knowing that one day I will reach my goal. BUT.. this is a lifestyle change. I'll never NOT eat this way again. It's not over when the goal is reached. So if it takes 1, 2, 3 or even 4 years.. it's okay, because I am looking at this long term anyway.

I really liked the Dr Phil thing - time will pass no matter what you do. Spend it getting healthier, or spend it staying miserable... it really is our choice!

Believeinchange - I am soooo proud of you! My gosh, 11 pounds is fantastic! I know what your saying, but with each pound lost, you will feel a little healthier, lighter and breathing easier, and sexier.......lol. I weighed 270 and now weight 211. I still have 60 to 70 lbs to go, about the same amount I have already lost. When I say it like that it's like "good grief, so much more to go." However, I feel so much lighter and better, so if it takes 6 months or a couple of years I am still going forward so I can continue to improve my health - one day at a time. It's up to me, nobody else can do this for me. The same goes for you! I know you WILL do this! Congratulations to you!

I am sure we have all felt that way at one time or another. The thing to remember is you are losing and that you are 11 pounds closer to your goal.

I just recently started and lost 10 pounds my first week and then only lost 1.8 pounds my second week. I was crushed! Then my girlfriend said "Hey its a loss you could have gained". Once she said that I was very happy for my 1.8 pounds!

Congratulation on your success so far and good luck on your future goals!

Wow! I'm glad I'm not the only one. I truly appreciate everyones support and advice. You're all completely right! I'm glad that the 11 pounds are lost and not gained.

I've set up a few mini goals, to keep myself motivated. Taking it in smaller steps makes it seem less overwhelming. Even those one or two pounds count and bring me closer to my goal! In time... :)

Thank you so much for this thread. It has given me the motivation that I needed to hopefully hop back on the wagon!
11 lb's is AWESOME!! Keep up the great work :smug: