Staying Motivated... 7 Weeks In

I think sticking to goals more than a few weeks is where I am really challenged. I feel like I haven't made the progress I have wanted to; however, I haven't given up and I think that counts for something. A few weeks back I emailed the group and asked for tips on what keeps you motivated to achieve your goals. Here are some of our responses:

 "I am weighing every morning, even though "they", whoever "they" are, say that's not a good idea. I find it motivates me to stay away from foods I shouldn't be eating and keeping me excited about getting skinny! Well, maybe not skinny right away, but there is definitely less of me than there was last September when I embarked on this adventure."
 - Neva F.

 "I have joined the YMCA and am taking two classes that I love. I also am trying Atkins (which I know isn't for everyone). I just started Atkins on Monday and 4 days in I am liking the diet. I have a really bad sugar-carb addiction so counting calories is tough because I will binge. With atkins, I'm starting to notice my sweet tooth is going away and I can eat and feel full! There are actually many good meal ideas. I also like their chat rooms. So, this will be my first week to mark a loss!! Yay! I have lost weight on weight watchers before, but always felt hungry and moody for chocolate. For me, at this point, this is what is working. My birthday is Saturday, and I will be 35, so in addition to this biggest loser challenge, I have a personal challenge to follow Atkins for 35 days exactly as written. Good luck everyone!"
 - Lara M.

 "Weight loss isn't hard, it's changing a mindset and patterns that have been in place for years that's hard. That is what I had to realize. I realized that I liked feeling good about my body (hard to do after 3 pregnancies). I realized I liked how my clothes were fitting. I realized things in life were getting easier. It is really a mental game. I have tried to reconnect with myself on a spiritual (non-religious) level and found that I want to do good for myself and Being healthy is part of it. Yoga has been the foundation of this change in me-but you have to find a yoga class that speaks to you cause not all of them do! In addition I have entered a little challenge my gym is hosting. Trainers have designed six weeks of workouts that work most muscle groups. I can forward these workouts to anyone who's interested! They are tough but modifiable. I also try to weigh every day or every other. I haven't lost much but can tell my body is getting more toned. :)"
 - Natasha M.

 "I started a program called Medi-weight loss January 4th and I love it! I was skeptical at first, because I have been on every possible diet in creation over the past 30 years and while I have probably lost over 100lbs total, I have always gained it back. This year I tried to begin my diet resolution without a lot of pressure on myself. I went in to it with the attitude that "If it works, great, (and I hope it does), but if it doesn't, then it doesn't . I only weigh in at the clinic once a week. I used to always weigh every day or so, but as women, our weight fluctuates and when there is no progress or worse yet a gain, this kills diet motivation. This program is a low-fat, low carb and high lean protein diet. They offer diet suppressants to help through the first week or so and they also offer B12 and a "metabolic boost" injection weekly. I haven't been hungry or had a carb craving since the day I began the program, and I know that has been my biggest motivation to stay committed! Good luck to you all!"
 - JoAnn B.

 "For me, everything is day to day. Changing habits is HARD. I have to remind myself every day, especially when I am less than perfect, that I am making progress EVEN if it is by the decision to keep trying. One of the things that is keeping me motivated is keeping a health board on pinterest full of inspirational sayings. My favorites include, "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping the couch!", and "I may not be there yet, but I am further than I was yesterday", "the only bad workout is one that didn't happen", and "It's never too late to change your life!""
 - Kristin M.

Way to Go, Group!

Hey Biggest Losers, Do you know that our team has lost a cumulative 180 lbs? That is incredible. We still have 8 weeks to go in the competition, so keep your momentum going. We can do this! Happy Losing! Kristin

Contestant Bio: Karen M.

Tell us a little bit about yourself—twitter style (in 140 words or less).

     I am retired, I put on weight when I was a flight attendant, I don't like to cook, I like to eat.

Why did you decide to sign up for the virtual biggest loser?

     I weighed 24 pounds less when I became a flight attendant at age 53, I have a closet full of clothes that I can't wear, I want to be really slender.

What are some of the “tactics” you are taking to achieve your goals?

     Walk briskly every day, follow a diet, eat absolutely no "whites"--flour, sugar, potatoes, rice--try to not get discouraged and quit.

What are some things that help motivate you?

     Envisioning myself as slender, thinking of the health advantage, wanting to wear more form-fitting clothes.

Do you have any advice for others trying to lose weight?

     Eat three small meals/day and snacks in between, eat nothing past 8p, get a good night's sleep, try to drink a lot of water, exercise with a friend.

Week 3... and 130 lbs!

PAT YOURSELF on the BACK Biggest Losers!! GREAT JOB!!! We have 28 contestants  -- and everyone is kicking butt so far! The group has lost a collective 130 lbs!!!  I am so jazzed and excited to see what we can accomplish during this contest. You are inspiring to me!!

Keep up the good work!

- Kristin

Contestant Bio: Lara M.

Tell us a little bit about yourself—twitter style (in 140 characters or less).

I am a mother of four boys.  My husband and I just moved to Marshfield, WI.  I've taught junior high and high school and really enjoyed it.  I served a mission for the LDS church in Brazil when I was 22.

Why did you decide to sign up for the virtual biggest loser?

My sisters in law (Tasha and Kristin) have both been great at trying to get the family involved.  I started with Tasha and wasn't quite ready after having the baby.  This time I feel more determined. 

What are some of the “tactics” you are taking to achieve your goals?

 I have joined the YMCA.  I am taking 2 classes-a spinning class and a toning class. 

Motivation?

looking at pictures of me thinner and pictures of me heavier.  I want to be the thinner girl!  Oh, and a boy asked me if I was pregnant yesterday (boo!)  (I have a 9 month old).   

Advice?

Keep gum around.  I am so addicted to eating, especially fat, sweet things.  I need gum and water all the time.  And patience.  I've lost up to 30 lbs before.  This time I have 50.  I need to give myself 18 months.  I want to be done in 6 months, but I won't be.  Hopefully, slow and steady will win the race!  

Contestant Bio: Sarah L.

I'm a mum of three boys, who require A LOT of energy. When I make chocolate chip cookies (and I make them a lot) I use the whole bag of chocolate chips, plus a cup.

Why did I sign up? See above. Also, I have no clothes to wear, and the ones I do wear have lovely little worn patches where my thighs rub together.

Some tactics, hmmm. I should probably have some of those. Not to eat after 7:30pm (starting tomorrow). Eat 5 vegetables or fruits (or combo of both) per day. Working out with friends. Chocolate chip cookies with chickpeas instead of white flour. :)

People motivate me. My family, my friends; wanting to be with them and play with them in good health. Accountability to those people. Both my parents have recently acquired Type II Diabetes too, so wanting to not get that is super motivating.

You are worth it!

Contestant Bio: Lynne T.

Tell us a little bit about yourself—twitter style (in 140 characters or less).

I live in the country near Dallas with my husband of 24 years, Dias and our (ok my) 5 dogs (Joe Miller, Ariel, Cotton, Obie and Elizabeth).  We are empty nesters but enjoy or family often, Daughter Becca and husband Tony and son Chris and wife Sally.  We have the two (soon to be three) most adorable grandchildren on the planet Landon and Vivian (and if you don't believe us, ask us).  I work as a Sales Rep so I am out and about all day but I can't wait to get home every day.  Love being home with my crafts, my flowerbeds and my family.

Why did you decide to sign up for the virtual biggest loser?

I am very active however I am also 52 years old and have already welcomed full menopause.  Losing weight is not what it once was.  My body shifts and my weight fluctuates without me making any changes.  My goal is to eat what is good for me, stop when I have had the appropriate amount and start a consistent exercise program 3 days a weeks.  I enjoy doing things in the company of like minded people, so here we go!

What are some of the “tactics” you are taking to achieve your goals?

Packing my lunch to avoid the drive thrus.  Making sure I'm hungry and not just bored before I eat in the evenings.  Don't buy the "junk" I can't leave alone.

What are some things that help motivate you?

An entire wardrobe that will fit in 15 pounds.  Feeling better.  Looking confident.

Do you have any advice to others trying to lose weight?

Eat when your hungry and stop when your full.  Take a look at the food pyramid.  Pick some foods from each category as main stays in your diet.