Gosh this really bugs me. Most of the time I have the motivation to do it. I plan everything out, what I can and can't eat, what I should have less or more of, you know, the works. So then I say I start tomorrow. Yeah well that was a long time ago and I still haven't gone for more than two days on it! I don't have a problem exercising. I have an aerobics class 2-3 times a week in school for this semester and I walk to the gym after school. Nutritions the deal. I'm like, "OK OK I'm gonna lose weight heck yes it's gonna happen this time!!" And I get all psyched but thats about it lol. I just wanna lose weight so bad dangit!! But yuck... I HATE vegatables! Ack. I guess I just have to deal with it.

I think maybe your problem is you are planning too much. Restictive plans are really hard to stick to and they are stressful. And to relieve that stress, we often eat. I recommend keeping a food diary and just doing small things each day to help decrease your calorie intake. When you can implement little do-able things, it isn't so overwhelming. The important thing is to live your life, which may not always lend itself to following a strict plan. Also, when you keep your food diary you can get an idea of your eating patterns and identify some of the emotional triggers that may cause you to over eat, or eat mindlessly. Keep at it...you can do it!

That sounds really good actually. I'm going to try it.

I think that is great advice!

I agree. Planning and attempting to commit myself to too much at once is why I could never stick with it in the past. I laid down too many rules for myself. Like, "Okay, today I eat ONLY this and I'm going to do 30 minutes of exercise." And I never did it. So I'd feel like a failure and just give up the whole idea.

Now, I don't put so many demands on myself. I watch my calories, eat healthy foods (and still eat my favorite foods in moderation) and forget about it. The weight just came off by itself, as long as I stuck to my allotted calories. 18 months later and still going

I know how you feel. I used to be that way. I had every detail planned. No more chocolate, or pop, or any of my favorite foods. Day one would go great, then I would slip up and cheat. Then I figured why bother, I can't do this. This time around all I said was I am going to keep my calories between 1200 and 1500 and I was going to workout 6 days a week. I didn't decide what I could eat or how long to workout. If I wanted my chocolate I could have it, I just had to deduct from my daily calories. Most of the time it isn't worth being hungry later. The thing is if I really want it I eat it. But I have found I am making healthier choices. In the afternoon for a snack I choose an orange over the cookies I have for my husband. Just seems to be working. Now I am working on fitting in Breakfast, I hate breakfast but I just have to learn to do it. Good luck and sorry this got so long.
Jen

Ahh, see, that's where I'd screw up, too. I'd get about 4 or 5 days (if that) into my "diet" and then crave a soda. So then I'd say, "oh to **** with this, I'm gonna drink that blasted soda!"

So then I'd drink the soda and assume the whole thing was blown.

So I don't put restrictions on myself anymore. If I want chocolate, I eat it. I just count it in with my calories and walk away

Lot's of us feel overwelmed when we look at the BIG picture. Take a step back into the here and now. Just at this moment, do what's right, right now. What you did yesterday doesn't really make that much difference and we'll worry about tomorrow when it's here.

Amen sistahs!! to the posts above...try to think of the changes you are making as something you are going to be doing for the rest of your life...if it isn't something you want to do for the rest of your life - it shouldn't be in your weight loss plan. Take baby steps...it lets your body learn the new habits and you can add more baby steps as you go along. It sounds so "12 Step" but One Day at a Time is exactly it...if you fall off the wagon get right back on as soon as you realize it...the past is behind you...[/rant]...and off the soapbox

I know how you feel ..I do the same thing...I have a big addiction to sweets ..but since joining this site I have started logging my food in-take on fitday.com and when i get that craving I eat a piece of sugarfree candy..It really helps me....It satisfies my carving and it keeps me on track.

Donna

It was mentioned above, but I really have found that one new "habit" at a time is the easiest way. So rather than giving up everything I crave all at one time (and the inevitable binge that would follow), I decided to try to develop one healthy habit every week (or every other week). I gave up pop first, and am happy to say that I haven't any since October (I was drinking at least a 20 oz. bottle every day). Then decided to commit to WW meetings, and have been going since November. And so on... Its easier to change your lifestyle if you aren't heartbroken (hehe) about giving up so many things you love too much (still eat chocolate! but in moderation) all at once and shocking your brain and body. It will get easier!!! Now if I could just stop eating Christmas cookies...

Hey. next time you get inspired to do something like that.. start right then. Dont give it a day. You'll feel great for just doing it that day.

Lots of great advice was given. Instead I will give you an invitation. There is a 21 day thread - make it a habit, in the Support Groups seciton. I think it helped a lot of people to account themselves on how well they can maintain a promise given to self. I am inviting you to join in and do it with us till you've got....Good luck.

I only have one saying that ever stuck with me. I was talking to my friend who has lost a bunch of weight and in a moment of desparation i begged her to tell me how she did it. and all she said was this:

"If you don't think you should eat it, then don't put it in your mouth."