The scale just keeps going up!

Posts: 490
3/6/12 7:05 P

I know what you mean. It's pretty terrifying to watch the scale go up. I am having a similar experience. But I walked out of the bank today without taking a cookie!

If you keep eating "everything" maybe you can change what "everything" is. Michael Pollan asks "Are you hungry enough to eat an apple?" If the answer is yes, then eat an apple. That little piece of advice is changing my life. I have a bowl of apples and oranges on the coffee table now.

Posts: 115
3/6/12 5:09 P

When I started I focused on one meal at a time. I first took Breakfast and tried my best to get 400 calories and make sure that it is a balanced meal. I did this for about 2 weeks where it became habit, I then moved on to include another meal. I myself am struggling with Dinner, but I am doing great at the other meals.

As for exercise I went out and got myself a great work out outfit and I limit myself to only wear it while working out. This makes me want to go to the gym so that I can wear the clothes. For every 5 lbs lost I get a new addition to the work out pile in my closet.

Good luck and if you need any help that I can give let me know.

SparkPoints: (158,833)
Fitness Minutes: (112,042)
Posts: 46,222
3/5/12 1:02 P

Hi Showdee,

It's so easy for us to focus on all the could've, would've, should'ves instead on the positive things that we do.

Changing life-long habits takes dedication, determination, perseverance and most of all time. So many of us have made unhealthy habits such a big part of our life that it is going to take more than a few weeks or months to truly integrate the new habits into our lives so that we no longer have to think we just do.

If you look at this journey as a quick means to get to a certain number on the scale only to go back to the way you used to live, you will not keep it off for long.

Just by making small permanent changes into your life can lead to big results down the road. There is no place for perfection in this journey we call healthy living. One oopsie moment doesn't mean we have blown it for the day...we always have the opportunity to make healthy choices any time.

Every day brings the opportunity of new beginnings...if you fall, pick yourself back up and carry on and know that your SparkPeople friends are here to help you along.

You can do this! It's gonna take some hard work, but it will be well worth it.

Take care!

Coach Nancy

SparkPoints: (112,803)
Fitness Minutes: (179,310)
Posts: 17,403
3/5/12 11:42 A

Hi, SHOWDEE !

You can't change the past, but you can influence and change the future. Every single one of us here on Spark are experts at gaining, losing and regaining the weight. Well, there came a time when we said,"we need to make a change" and that's why we're here on SP.

Don't look at weight loss with an all or nothing mentality. if the only healthy thing you were to do for yourself today was drink 8 glasses of water, that's still a step in the right direction. Start with some simple goals. Don't try to do everything at once or you will end up frustrated. No one ever became a healthier eater overnight. it's impossible. that's why we start with simple changes.

If you're not used to eating 6-9 servings of fresh fruit and veggies, then set a goal to eat 2-3 servings each day for one week. If you're not used to drinking 8 glasses of water, then set a goal to drink 2-4 glasses each day for one week. if you're not used to regular exercise, then set a goal to walk 30 minutes each day for one week. Once you've achieved these goals, then you create new ones.

Weight loss is a slow steady process that takes time. You didn't gain the weight overnight, it's not coming off overnight. Start with those simple changes. With time, they will help you achieve your goals.

SparkPoints: (464)
Fitness Minutes: (211)
Posts: 7
3/5/12 11:35 A

I am now 186.4! This time last year I was 154, I am getting so depressed and can't seem to get motivated for nothing! I am trying to focus on getting small goals accomplished but still it doesn't seem to help me stay motivated. Ugh! Just last week I was 181 ...I just keep eating everything!!!!!!