Hi All

I have hit a new challenge in my journey... I feel like it is psychological. For over a month I have hovered at 212/210 and I am happy but this is the least I have weighed since I was 20yrs old. I am 17lbs from hitting a HUGE mile stone having lose 100lbs. But I am finding myself self sabotaging binging and finding any reason to eat poorly without stopping myself. I swear I really want to break into ONE-derland but I have zero drive left. I find myself panicking about loose skin now because I am starting to notice it. I get scared about going down more bra sizes and noticed in pictures my face is starting to appear gaunt. I am even starting to think negatively about my accomplishment so far. Like it is not good enough. Like I do not look any different. Like all the work in the last year and a half has all been for little change. I am in the dating field and before being full and plump I was concerned about a few things but not the issues that are starting to matter now... any advise or guidance on this would be soooo amazing. I know I have the drive in me and I can get back to getting results but this mental block has really taken hold

First of all, you are an incredible inspiration to me. I am just starting (about 3 months in being serious about my health and weight), so I can't really give you too much advice as I need tons of it myself, lol! But just knowing that you are inspiring people like me, I think that might really help. I can't wait to see your before/after success story when you are finished. You're already a success story, sister! You have already done what seems SO impossible to me right now.

17 pounds after you have lost so much already is nothing, I know you can do it! Maybe think back to those first 17 pounds you lost. How did it feel? What did you do? Sometimes going back and reflecting can really help us when we're stuck in the present.

Good luck and much love!

You know what Tranquilize, you're right! Gratitude!! Take a minute to reflex and appreciate all that I've accomplished... when I'm ready ohhh it's happen

I really did start eating right. Cut out anything that came in a box and started cooking delicious meals and explored new ways to enjoy meats via pinterest the healthy meals look sooo much more amazing then the questionable choices for sure. Also vitamins and kale/spinach/berries/flaxseed smoothies for breakfast That really halted to poor afternoon choices. I messed up a lot but always got back on the horse and giddy up! But I think the biggest change I made would be muscle training started out as a stress reliever and that defiantly worked and than I just started needing it in my life

Thanks for reminding me to appreciate my past efforts tranquilize. That was just what I needed to do. I remember when the 260's and than the 240' seemed overwhelming to try and get into but now that I have crushed those goals, you're so right. I got this! And so will you!!

Diamond, I'm so glad tranquilize helped you! And I might add 1) whatever you do, don't leave 3FC. I did that and it's a huge mistake. You may slip up time and again but this site keeps you accountable in the long run. And 2) I was worried about sagging skin and wrinkles too, and when I started to gain weight again, like 5-10 lbs, I noticed my face filled out and didn't have that gaunt look anymore. So once you get to where you want to be, if you leave a little wiggle room, you may find your body makes a positive adjustment in the maintenance phase. Good luck! Be proud! And keep going!!!

You've worked hard and you might be exhausted from constant success... hey it can happen! There is no race here, you don't have to lose 17lbs right at this moment. In fact, it may be a good idea to stop and practice maintenance for a while. After all, once you get to goal you'll be maintaining and it's best to get into the groove now.

The most important thing to do now is to work on your self body image. You do know that weight loss doesn't automatically award you a good body image right? It's a skill you have to work on and if you don't it can absolutely sabotage your future efforts, whatever they might be. Negative thoughts are more destructive than lbs. My NT taught me an awesome trick. Every time you think something negative about yourself combat it with 3 positive and true counter statements. So for example if you hear yourself thinking "My legs are so fat" immediately counter it with true statements like "they are half the size they used to be" and "they went from vegging on the couch to running 5Ks this year!" and "These legs walked me all over the city today without an ounce of complaint!" Over time this will become so automatic that you won't even believe any negative thoughts that pop up.

You are right!

Thanks for the encouraging words they have really helped me

What about taking a break from dieting to just eat at maintenance and stay where you are for right now?

Not losing DOES NOT mean backsliding, and perhaps taking a moment to just settle in and be comfortable with yourself is the right approach at this point.

Instead of trying to lose and then self-sabotaging, how about increasing your calories a bit and work on fitness goals, rather than weight goals?

I don't think you are alone, just maybe more aware than many. How many times have you read of people who are one or two pounds from another decade or from Onederland or from their ultimate goal and the scale just stops moving. I think our brains and our spirits have a huge impact on our bodies and on our weight loss. I think something happens when we get close to a goal and it can be a stalling out place.

For me, the less time I think about the scale and the weight and the numbers and the ultimate goal and where I am going and where I have been and and and and and….all the spinning of my brain around my body..the better. If I just push all those thoughts away and focus on one healthy day at a time, just the one meal perhaps, or what I am going to do in the next few hours…then I find every thing goes better. Try to find a zen-like peace around following your plan and let everything else go.

Jean