I find that it's a little easier to motivate yourself at the beginning of a diet, but when you are 10 or 5 pounds away from your goal then it becomes a little harder to say no to that extra serving...Any suggestions?  What has worked for you? 

Let's bring on more motivation!

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

 That is an awesome thread :) - thanks for starting it... I have actually been working on this on my own after reading a book that discussed motivation... I have been doing this for 9 weeks and am down 15 pounds, I feel great, fit, and secure... but even with all of that- in the last week I binged on some wonderful New Orleans food, and went to lunch with a friend and entered danger zone... I drank a couple more beers than usual, and didnt fight for my workout time, leaving me with just one run this week.

So I learned that being fit and thin isn't my ultimate motivation- it worked for 8 weeks, but in week 9- it wasn't enough to keep me energized... BUT- when I went on my run- I was SOOOO disappointed in myself- although I ran my fastest mile- I ran only 1/2 of what I could have comfortably run 2 weeks ago- Either it was a bad day- or taking time off really impacts me... Lesson learned- I believe in the motto- Never go back- I will chant myself this often- I went back a little today- I couldnt push myself to run further- and if that had such a quick impact... it is a quick slippery slope back to overweight...

This is a long message to say... Never go back is what keeps me motivated. I dont want to be that insecure, unfit person. I dont want to feel embarrassed with my fitness level- or with the shape my body is in... I never want to go back to that...

I also look at success stories- the ones on the beginning of the website, stories that people post- and I realize that I want to be a success story. These stories give me so much inspiration, and make me realize that I CAN do this- and I revisit them if I need a pick up--- I want to show myself, my kids, my friends, the world that no matter how crazy, how chaotic, how difficult life can be sometimes, managing a career, a family, volunteer work, etc- there is still a place for ME- that I am a person to be valued, and care for, just as I care for those around me. It makes me a better caregiver- because I dont feel neglected...

Thanks for giving me a spot to revisit my motivations :)

 Thanks for sharing...your motivation goals are inspiring :)

Here are my top 5 reasons, which I try to keep posted in my refrigerator and pantry:

• Look and feel my very best
• Set a healthy example for my family and friends (and those around me)
• Love buying clothes!
• Love the compliments I get when people see me in person or in pictures
• Can run and play hard with my kids

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT

My motivation is my beautiful 16 year old daughter, who I would like to stick around this earth for as long as I can. Another thing I am finding is that success is a reward in of itself. Each meal is a challenge to do the right thing. I have learned to enjoy what I can have and not worry so much about what I can not have. I have learned to enjoy new foods and rediscovered some foods which I thought of as off limits----this morning for instance I had the raisen bran breakfast and I just loved the way the cereal, the crunchy almonds and the ice cold milk tasted and felt in my mouth so much that I did not miss the scrambled eggs and bacon that I would normally have had.

As far as that extra serving? I think of the journey I am on and know that it is more worth it than that extra serving of food.

Debbie

 Thank you...

I am starting the program again and pray for the numbers to go down.

 Let us know if we can provide any support.  We are here to help you during your journey.

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

I honestly have a hard time motivating myself, and in the past I rewarded, comforted, stressed with, and sometime just enjoyed food.

I took a study skills course at school (college) recently and it had couple of nice sections on how to plan for and achieve goals, but I am on such a tight budget that I can't afford much to reward myself.  Food needs to be removed from my rewards list. I am working on this.

I am also adding one new modivatiional trick each month to help me.  It still seems it is a poor reward to just feel pride, but I am trying. I also will add 1 dollar for every pound I loose so I can go to a movie when I am done. That will be a treet!

Find what you want, plan for it, and work for it, and soon you will get it.  Also, start small, reward, small, reward, so your motivation stays high.

Thanks all!

You got it right!  Rewards don't have to cost money.  How about a day at the library reading your favorite books and magazines or a day at the park relaxing and enjoy nature's beauty.  You may even enjoy visiting friends or relatives who are just a walk away.  I love the idea of simple inexpensive rewards :)  Keep up the good work!

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

Great idea to read a book to pamper myself.  I love reading but never make the time to do so and there are so many books I would like to read.  I am going to dig out the one I want to read the most and when I achieve my next goal, I will read it.

Sue 

Nothing like a great book wth a very relaxing environment...my ultimate favorite! 

Keep up the good work,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT

Nothing like a great book in a relaxing environment...my ultimate favorite! 

Keep up the good work,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT