Hi everyone I've been lurking for a while and decided maybe I should actually join and write something.

I joined a gym a couple of weeks ago and have been trying to eat a lot more healthily but so far I haven't lost any weight. The problem is that I keep getting told I need to take days off from exercise to allow my muscles to repair, but every time I've had a day without it I lose all willpower and end up bingeing and undoing all my hard work.

I know I'm going to get nowhere doing this and it's really getting to me. I try not to but I'll just have a moment where I'll forget and go and reach for the crisps and then another packet and a few biscuits etc, then I feel bad so I eat more (stupid eh?) I've always been a big emotional eater and it's obviously very hard to get out of the habit but does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep my motivation even on the days when I dont exercise?

I will say though that as soon as I'm over that actual binge I will completely start again, I dont keep up the negative stuff which is better than I've managed in the past

Hi Katyan.. Yes it's true, it's very important to take a day off from strength training. When your muscles repair themselves, that is when they get bigger and stronger and healthier! By not allowing yourself that time, you are not getting the benefits you are working for.

That doesn't mean you can't exercise at all though! You could go for a walk or a swim or something like that... maybe don't push yourself as hard as on your workout days, but you can still move! This might help you keep away from the foods that tempt you. Another thing you could do is split up your strength training so that you do some on one day and some the next--i.e. Arms, legs, abs/torso.

Also, coming to this forum is a great way to stay motivated! You might want to check out the "Chicks in Control" board.

thanks for that reply, I thought people meant I shouldn't be exercising at all!
I don't really know what I'm doing yet so I just do what the trainer told me to do.

I have no idea at all what it is that demotivates me on those days that I haven't been exercising, maybe I just subconsciously feel like I've given up for the day and eat too much because I already feel I've spoilt it for myself?

I'm a single mother with 3 boys so have all the junk in for them but no one to support me and say something like.. do you really want to eat that? On the other hand I know theres no support there for me but I also dont have to sit with anther adult bringing things into the house which I'd really love to eat but have to resist. Hmm maybe I need to concentrate more on that.

And thanks for suggesting that other board I havent actually looked at that one I don't think. I'll go and look now

It's definitely a good thing to look at the positive side. You can get your kids involved in healthy eating too though, and make it a family effort. They will benefit as well!

I know what you mean about feeling like you've given up for the day when you don't exercise. Sometimes on weekends, when I don't have work to do and don't exercise, I just sit around like a lump watching tv and then I feel depressed and fat and want to eat more. But the truth is I could easily just go outside and go for a walk and then I'd feel better, especially now that spring is here. Anyway, this place is great for support so I hope you find what you're looking for.

Taking a short walk on your non-exercise training days is a good idea. I find that working in my yard, planting flower beds and such helps keep me busy and makes me feel like "at least I did something" besides just sit on my Butt. I have also done a lot of spring cleaning and little"extras" to spruce up my home. I have 2 children also and am trying to guide them to better, healthier eating and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Just keep a positive attitude and it will be ok in the end.

Hi! Sounds as if you have already gotten some great advice so will just say welcome and hang in there. This is a great place to find encouragement and support

I have been doing extra housework compared to what I did before so I am trying to feel like I've made more of an effort on my days off from the gym but it doesn't seem to help much. I have noticed though that it happens when I'm really hungry and haven't cooked a proper meal. My kids go to their dads and I don't ever bother to cook for myself because it seems like such a waste if I do. So I need to make more of an effort with that.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice everyone