Wow! That's a lot to handle. It must be such a relief to be cancer-free now, and it's wonderful that you're able to start focusing again on fitness and nutrition. I guess one thing cancer teaches all of us is that we're not totally in control of our bodies. So trying to take control in these ways Sparkpeople suggests might feel like an exercise in futility. On the other hand, what's the alternative?
For me, overeating and not getting exercise just don't feel good. Eating right makes my body feel good, and that, in turn, makes me feel better emotionally. I would get very cranky if I were going around with a tummy-ache from fried foods or too much chocolate. I also feel less anxious when I get enough exercise. It gives me more energy for other things, unless I overdo.
One thing you might do is make two lists: one list of the negatives, the things you would give up if you try to eat well and exercise, and one list of the positives, the things you would gain if you eat well and exercise. If you have these two lists in hand, you could start to get an idea of what motivates you, I think.
But also, just start. This is not meant to be religious proselytizing, but some philosopher once said that if you kneel and pray enough times, you end up believing; another way to think of that is that if you smile enough, you convince yourself you're happy. Well, maybe if you start eating well and exercising even 'though you don't feel like it, you'll discover that you are the type of person who does eat well and exercise.
Oh, and one more thing: how about the motivation of helping someone else? You've already done that: I admire you for getting started with this, and will think of your efforts on those days when I feel like giving up, too.
Good luck!
WITHABANDON 4/11/06 9:47 A
You know what I really find motivating? Is that actual counting and keeping track that SP has you do. When you actually SEE results rather than guesstimate them you feel better and more motivated, or at least I do!
HESSRL 4/11/06 9:37 A
I find that reading the articles on this site are motivating. (and you get points for them!) I usually read one from each catagory, nutrition, fitness and motivation.
Reading about small things you can do that make a big difference motivates me that maybe this isn't going to be so hard after all!
MARIAH6 4/10/06 8:54 P
I am glad to hear that you are cancer free. It was finding out that my mother has cancer along with her lupus that made me decide to start losing weight, fear that my being over weight might make it my health worse in the long run on top of the chances of me getting my mothers illnesses. good luck!!!
TRACYTRIS 4/10/06 8:17 P
I was near to my goal weight then i had about 18 months of incredible bad stuff. I had to put my dog to sleep and found out on that same day I very likely had cancer. That week alone I regained 8lbs.
I tried very hard to keep the weight off, but life just got worse from there ending in my Mother in laws death six weeks ago.
So, Now i am trying to pick up the pieces again - i've been cancer free for a year and things are good. I am tracking - I just don't feel the same drive i had the last time I got in such good shape.
I need to lose about 36lbs to be healthy, I'd prefer to lose 46.
FOODPOOD 4/10/06 4:54 P
What makes you unmotivated this time? Are you already at a good weight? Ha--"this time"--that's the key. The SP way, as I've experienced it, is not to make this a diet you do over and over, but instead is an ongoing approach to living that has you making healthier choices about food and exercise. So, maybe think of this as training yourself to live in a way that means there will never be a "next time" or "another time." There is only the time we have each and every day to try to make healthy choices. Hmmm? Not motivating enough? Well, you could always make a little list of the positive things you imagine you'll gain if you are at a healthy weight and are getting sufficient exercise. For me, one of those things is fitting in the next pants size down. But I also just love how I'm feeling. How about you?
Good luck!
SHELLYB007 4/10/06 4:50 P
First off, try to take it one day at a time. Also, have you tried tracking your food and exercise? I never would have thought that that would motivate me, but I am finding that it does.
TRACYTRIS 4/10/06 3:52 P
I have done this so many times, and either i'm truly motivated or I'm not. I fear this time aorund may be a not. Thoughts on changing this attitude.
