Hi starbrite! I remember seeing your posts when I was only trolling the 3FC boards and not yet a member. Good to see you back!
While I don't have an answer for you I do sympathize where you're at. I was almost at goal, at my lowest weight ever as an adult, when I too lost focus and little by little have regained close to 30 pounds. Like you, I'm trying to figure out my way back.
We share some similar lines of thinking but I try not to get desperate because I know that won't get me anywhere. Three years ago when I first lost the weight I can tell you that overall my focus was much more intense and my diet cleaner. There were days when I
know I could have been dropped in a sea of pastries and ice-cream and it wouldn't have bothered me a bit. I wouldn't have been tempted. Now, not so much
I was running at least 4 times per week and taking a weight lifting class 2-3 times per week. I also had a different job that allowed me Friday's off work. Since that time I have changed jobs and now have a staff of 3 that I supervise and my job is more stressful and time consuming. Many days I come in early and stay late. I often work one day on the weekends most weekends and I'm more sleep deprived. I'm also working through a relationship breakup.
In no way am I making my new job or anything else an excuse. There are men and women who are incredibly successful and consistent who have many more responsibilities and manage to keep up with their weight loss/lifestyle efforts. What I do recognize is that I haven't adapted well to the changes that have occurred in my life. I need to learn how to do this because life marches forward whether or not I'm executing my diet and exercise plan. Has your life changed in any ways that might have disrupted your diet and exercise habits?
And speaking of life marching on...I started my efforts when I was 40 and am now 44. Genetically, I'm predisposed to gather my weight in my belly so it's not such a huge shock that's the first place it develops. I don't know how old you are but perhaps there is something happening hormonally that you're seeing the weight gain in your mid-section. Maybe a trip to your doctor? While I will never be a "thin" girl, my weight sessions leaned my body out in ways I didn't think possible, so maybe some weight training might be something for you to look into doing. When I'm lifting consistently I feel strong and powerful.
Finally, if I may be honest, somewhere along the line I just got tired. Obviously I haven't give up because I've maintained the majority of my weight loss, but now it seems like everything is an effort. Yep, it's hard, but I also know that what I've gained in health and energy and so many other things far outweighs (pardon the pun) the hard. Most days I don't look forward to working out
, but once I do, I'm so glad I forced myself to do it.
To sum up I know I haven't tried everything and I have been inconsistent and impatient with myself and my body. Clearly some retraining in thought and action may be in order for both of us
, but the wonderful thing is, we did it once and we can do it again!
Don't get desperate! There's no need for that!