Driving force to lose weight.

iakaren · 10-23-2009, 01:08 PM

I started LC almost 3 years ago, exactly. And lost 20 lbs. Now I know I can lose with LC, I can lose slower with CAD, and I found IF or Fast 5 worked for me (but only for 3 months, before I lost energy) I don't feel deprived on any one of these eating plans. But I can't seem to make myself stick with any one of those. I keep slipping in a little of this or a little of that, and the scale stays right where it is at.

But I will admit, that I like the idea of losing another 10 lbs, but I have lost the driving force that I had when I lost my first 20. That is my issue. The mental side. I fit in all my clothes again, sleep better, and feel better.

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon, and what does one do to sustain the driving mental part of weight loss? Or what has been, or become each one of you personally's driving force or motivation?

Ilpirata · 10-23-2009, 01:33 PM

absolutely. I do NOT have the drive I had when I started. When I started I could do Stillmans and Fat Fasts for extended periods (I do NOT recommend this just to give you an idea of how motivated I was). I still have a LONG LONG way to go. For me part of it is the extended stalls that I've experienced... they're draining!

chiody · 10-23-2009, 01:42 PM

The mandatory use of meds was inevitable and in my future, motivation enough for me to strive on with VLC'ing, weight loss was secondary in nature.

Yr. later, best markers since my diagnosis 2 decades ago (type 2 d).

ready to live life · 10-23-2009, 01:45 PM

I have also had a hard time staying motivated in the past because in the past it has always been about just losing weight. Now I'm a little older, have a child, have a husband and want the best life for all of us...and to have that I need to be at my best! I have also suffered from mild depression for many years and when I eat well and exercise and take care of myself by taking my vitamins, etc I feel so much better. I have found that I after a week or two on LC I always feel so good and strong that I think, oh I can have a little pizza or a piece of cake, but I know now that that always derails my efforts...and it takes so long to muster up the mental motivation to start again, so this time I know, for me, I just can't cheat. Good luck to you and just focus on the things in your life that are so much better when you are eating well, even if you're not seeing the scale move

craec · 10-23-2009, 01:50 PM

At this point in time my weight isn't what is driving me to this WOE. It's my moods, it's gotten to the point that I am absolutely miserable (moody,depressed, angry) when I consume carbs. In order to be a "happy" person I have to eat right otherwise I make myself and those closest to me miserable. The weight loss is a very nice side benefit.

sistertzu · 10-23-2009, 01:51 PM

I understand.

Now my driving force is my health, I want to be around to care for my family I will healthfully do anything that with preserve and lengthen that time for me. It is as simple as that for me. I have seen many loved ones ignoring their health, I refuse to ignore mine another minute.

Sis

Joy-FL · 10-23-2009, 01:55 PM

Hemorrhoids are very motivating.

I understand what you're saying, too. I feel sooo much thinner now that I'm willing to be looser with my diet. But then I look in the mirror and realize that I'm still less than halfway to where I want to be.

Mogget · 10-23-2009, 03:44 PM

In NLP terms you are dealing with "away from" motivation... At your high weight the bad side effects get scary and you want to get away from those... at a certain distance the dangers are sufficiently reduced and the impetus to move away also reduces. It's ilike standing near a fire - too long up close gets too hot so you back off, but you don't have to go far to get a point that is tolerable.

In the world of goal setting much emphasis is placed on stating your goals in the positive, what you do want rather than what you don't want - this is to create a "towards" goal. To use the fire metaphor - if you are standing by a fire and decide to go stand by the open window that is a concrete specific destination, and passing through the zone f tolerable temperature does not signal achievement of you goal, only being by the window will do that.

In NLP we encourage people to use BTH away from and towards motivation to create a strong propulsion system.

So think of a compelling goal to move towards, something you very strongly want to be able to do - make the mental image as vivid and exciting as you can. Imagine how you feel when you can do this thing, the sorts of things people will say to you, the things you will say to your self and how it will feel to have achieved that wonderful goal. Make it very specific, a concrete goal not just "feel right"... Do it as a SMART goal if you know how and make it as compelling and wonderful as you can, something you are so looking forward to do.

AFTER you have done that you can increase the boundaries of the 'away from' motivation - like adding fuel to the fire and making the too hot zone bigger - what are the things at your current weight that are still not acceptable, what are the limitations and things you don't like - be careful to do this without vilifying yourself, "I'm disgusting" is a bad way to go, but noting your current measurement, weight, clothing size and fitness levels and whether they are optimum, do they limit you in any way, is there anything you are putting off till you have lost enough weight - what are you missing out on? What is holding you back? What things would be more enjoyable at you actual goal....

It's not about down playing your success so far, but you do want to kick start the motivation and you can't ignore tat the motivation came from dissatisfaction with the status quo... if you are complacent and accepting of the current status quo it is highly unlikely to move.

In my life I keep a pair of pants that are unflatteringly tight available even as I lose weight, so my away from is always to look better in my clothes... I also move away from being weak and unfit, struggling to do strenuos activities, move away from poor health.... I and very compelled to move towards increased strength, stamina and fitness, I have some very specific fitness goals that require dramatic changes to achieve.

I still remind myself very often of how wonderful it is that I have lost so much weight, how many sizes I have lost, how far I have come. I don't beat myself I remind myself of all the success and the momentum with which I am still making progress.

This is the sort of thing that may help.

peanutte · 10-23-2009, 04:00 PM

The "away from" and "toward" concept makes sense to me, Mogget.

Ilpirata · 10-23-2009, 04:02 PM

Great and informative post Mogget!

iakaren · 10-24-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogget

It's not about down playing your success so far, but you do want to kick start the motivation and you can't ignore tat the motivation came from dissatisfaction with the status quo... if you are complacent and accepting of the current status quo it is highly unlikely to move.

.

You have hit the nail on the head, for me, anyway, with this paragraph. Thank you for the very interesting post. Definitely food for thought in getting on with my eating habits.

Thank you, very much.

tttmom · 10-24-2009, 09:15 AM

I am not as motivated as I once was either. It works for me to get started by just pretending I am motivated (if that makes sense) for a few days... then when the scale gets moving good, the real motivation kicks in, and it's back, then I do fine.

julieboolie · 10-24-2009, 09:28 AM

I am right there with you guys! I lost a lot of weight in the beginning and really enjoyed maintenance. Then I got complacent, and the weight kind of creeps back on. I indulged here and there for birthdays, vacations etc., and then didn't "re-lose" as quickly as I should so I was up 5 lbs the next time I indulged.

I totally agree it's complacency that's keeping me here. I don't want it enough to stick to clean Atkins to get where I really want to be. I am 40 now, which is making it harder too, but if I wanted it enough I would buckle down and do it.

Another challenge for me is that the holidays are coming and for the past 7 years I have been on strict Atkins through the holidays and passing up choc. chip cookies, pumpkin bread etc. - all with the mindset of "when I'm really in maintenance I can have a bit here or there and then go back to normal, LC eating". I haven't really been doing that either. So, I'm there with you, on induction for the next week, and trying to re-find my excitement on losing weight, getting smaller and feeling better!

Oriane · 10-24-2009, 09:33 AM

My motivation is like a braid with many threads running through it.

Health, avoiding inevitable damage to my body was number one.
Feeling good about myself
Vanity--looking pretty and wearing nice clothing
Advancement at my job---definitely hampered by my weight
Helping my beloved to lose weight was huge--he's less overweight than me, but has diabetes 2 and HAS to make changes
Being comfortable on airplanes and small spaces--i travel a lot
Cheaper insurance
So many other things.

Minerva · 10-24-2009, 10:29 AM

Thanks, Mogget, it it good to clear the 'wood from the trees'.

I am very motivated, being at the start of my journey.

However, I can see that I might lose momentum, later on, and need to question if I'm still dissatisfied with with where I am.

I'm going to print out that 'status quo' bit, as a long term reminder of where I want to go.

iakaren · 10-24-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieboolie

I am right there with you guys! I lost a lot of weight in the beginning and really enjoyed maintenance. Then I got complacent, and the weight kind of creeps back on. I indulged here and there for birthdays, vacations etc., and then didn't "re-lose" as quickly as I should so I was up 5 lbs the next time I indulged.

I totally agree it's complacency that's keeping me here. I don't want it enough to stick to clean Atkins to get where I really want to be. I am 40 now, which is making it harder too, but if I wanted it enough I would buckle down and do it.

Another challenge for me is that the holidays are coming and for the past 7 years I have been on strict Atkins through the holidays and passing up choc. chip cookies, pumpkin bread etc. - all with the mindset of "when I'm really in maintenance I can have a bit here or there and then go back to normal, LC eating". I haven't really been doing that either. So, I'm there with you, on induction for the next week, and trying to re-find my excitement on losing weight, getting smaller and feeling better!

Totally agree with you on the holidays coming up. I am not passing on all those treats that I did when I was more committed to losing some weight. Just trying to get back to there.

teri f · 10-24-2009, 02:48 PM

I've been lcing for quite a few years now. There has only been one period of time where I was totally off low carb completely. That lasted for about a year and I had gained back the majority of the weight I had originally lost, had a heart attack and some scary blood sugar numbers. My health motivates me more than weight loss now, although I would still like to lose weight. The other thing that is huge for me is feeling good. When I am eating like I should, I feel great! When not, I feel like crap and have no energy.

RyanS · 10-24-2009, 03:16 PM

I am no longer in the weight-loss phase, but I am consistently motivated by a strong desire not to gain the lost weight back, and by the health benefits that have nothing to do with weight, such as improved dental health and better digestion on LC. I'm satisfied with the results, I enjoy my current size, and I don't want to go back to "before."

I'm also hoping that by maintaining my weight and health, I can be an example to some family members who would clearly benefit from a similar program. My dad needs to lose at least 40-50 pounds and my sister, while not too unhealthy, is heading that direction. I think both of them would do very well on LC, but they're not going to try it - unless, maybe, they see success in a close relative and decide to give it a shot.

Beezle · 10-24-2009, 03:37 PM

Off Topic: Ryan, looking at your stats I'm very curious about how you lost weight. I see that you stayed below 25 carbs, but did you also count calories? How much do you eat currently to maintain? Do you exercise a lot? I want to be where you are.

iakaren · 10-24-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanS

I am no longer in the weight-loss phase, but I am consistently motivated by a strong desire not to gain the lost weight back, and by the health benefits that have nothing to do with weight, such as improved dental health and better digestion on LC. I'm satisfied with the results, I enjoy my current size, and I don't want to go back to "before."

I'm also hoping that by maintaining my weight and health, I can be an example to some family members who would clearly benefit from a similar program. My dad needs to lose at least 40-50 pounds and my sister, while not too unhealthy, is heading that direction. I think both of them would do very well on LC, but they're not going to try it - unless, maybe, they see success in a close relative and decide to give it a shot.

Congrats to you on your success.

I can see where that would be excellent motives to maintain.
I definitely am not going back to where I was.......just not quite as motivated to go further down as I need to be, to get the weight off.

Jonahsafta · 10-24-2009, 04:30 PM

My motivation at this point is health.....next the vanity thing....I am 54.....I wear a size 6...much less than most my age......my motivation is feeling good...having energy and stamina....I want to live a good energetic life.....

Beezle · 10-24-2009, 04:53 PM

To get my BF to have sex with me again. I'm 20lb lighter than when we first met, but some how I'm too fat now.

sistertzu · 10-24-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezle

To get my BF to have sex with me again. I'm 20lb lighter than when we first met, but some how I'm too fat now.

It's time for new boyfriend!!!

Sis

Dreams · 10-25-2009, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezle

To get my BF to have sex with me again. I'm 20lb lighter than when we first met, but some how I'm too fat now.

That's sad

Minerva · 10-25-2009, 06:47 AM

Beezle this guy needs booting out! Find someone who values YOU, not a body size! How shallow!

tpiper55 · 10-25-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogget

In NLP terms you are dealing with "away from" motivation... At your high weight the bad side effects get scary and you want to get away from those... at a certain distance the dangers are sufficiently reduced and the impetus to move away also reduces. It's ilike standing near a fire - too long up close gets too hot so you back off, but you don't have to go far to get a point that is tolerable.

In the world of goal setting much emphasis is placed on stating your goals in the positive, what you do want rather than what you don't want - this is to create a "towards" goal. To use the fire metaphor - if you are standing by a fire and decide to go stand by the open window that is a concrete specific destination, and passing through the zone f tolerable temperature does not signal achievement of you goal, only being by the window will do that.

In NLP we encourage people to use BTH away from and towards motivation to create a strong propulsion system.

So think of a compelling goal to move towards, something you very strongly want to be able to do - make the mental image as vivid and exciting as you can. Imagine how you feel when you can do this thing, the sorts of things people will say to you, the things you will say to your self and how it will feel to have achieved that wonderful goal. Make it very specific, a concrete goal not just "feel right"... Do it as a SMART goal if you know how and make it as compelling and wonderful as you can, something you are so looking forward to do.

AFTER you have done that you can increase the boundaries of the 'away from' motivation - like adding fuel to the fire and making the too hot zone bigger - what are the things at your current weight that are still not acceptable, what are the limitations and things you don't like - be careful to do this without vilifying yourself, "I'm disgusting" is a bad way to go, but noting your current measurement, weight, clothing size and fitness levels and whether they are optimum, do they limit you in any way, is there anything you are putting off till you have lost enough weight - what are you missing out on? What is holding you back? What things would be more enjoyable at you actual goal....

It's not about down playing your success so far, but you do want to kick start the motivation and you can't ignore tat the motivation came from dissatisfaction with the status quo... if you are complacent and accepting of the current status quo it is highly unlikely to move.

In my life I keep a pair of pants that are unflatteringly tight available even as I lose weight, so my away from is always to look better in my clothes... I also move away from being weak and unfit, struggling to do strenuos activities, move away from poor health.... I and very compelled to move towards increased strength, stamina and fitness, I have some very specific fitness goals that require dramatic changes to achieve.

I still remind myself very often of how wonderful it is that I have lost so much weight, how many sizes I have lost, how far I have come. I don't beat myself I remind myself of all the success and the momentum with which I am still making progress.

This is the sort of thing that may help.

LOVE THIS analogy Mogget!!!!

My initial motivation was weight loss and general health. I'm in my 40's, had a hysterectomy, and suffered from candida overgrowth. I got a bit complacent during the summer and was content to just maintain. I continue with this WOE because I feel better, my bloodwork is STELLAR and I want to be an example of health and fitness to those around me.
Toni

Off My Duff · 10-25-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogget

In NLP terms you are dealing with "away from" motivation... At your high weight the bad side effects get scary and you want to get away from those... at a certain distance the dangers are sufficiently reduced and the impetus to move away also reduces. It's ilike standing near a fire - too long up close gets too hot so you back off, but you don't have to go far to get a point that is tolerable.

In the world of goal setting much emphasis is placed on stating your goals in the positive, what you do want rather than what you don't want - this is to create a "towards" goal. To use the fire metaphor - if you are standing by a fire and decide to go stand by the open window that is a concrete specific destination, and passing through the zone f tolerable temperature does not signal achievement of you goal, only being by the window will do that.

In NLP we encourage people to use BTH away from and towards motivation to create a strong propulsion system.

So think of a compelling goal to move towards, something you very strongly want to be able to do - make the mental image as vivid and exciting as you can. Imagine how you feel when you can do this thing, the sorts of things people will say to you, the things you will say to your self and how it will feel to have achieved that wonderful goal. Make it very specific, a concrete goal not just "feel right"... Do it as a SMART goal if you know how and make it as compelling and wonderful as you can, something you are so looking forward to do.

AFTER you have done that you can increase the boundaries of the 'away from' motivation - like adding fuel to the fire and making the too hot zone bigger - what are the things at your current weight that are still not acceptable, what are the limitations and things you don't like - be careful to do this without vilifying yourself, "I'm disgusting" is a bad way to go, but noting your current measurement, weight, clothing size and fitness levels and whether they are optimum, do they limit you in any way, is there anything you are putting off till you have lost enough weight - what are you missing out on? What is holding you back? What things would be more enjoyable at you actual goal....

Mogget, thank you for this post. Great way of looking at it, very helpful.

Melrose · 10-25-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezle

To get my BF to have sex with me again. I'm 20lb lighter than when we first met, but some how I'm too fat now.

Is he the one that won't have sex with you because you are 20lbs heavier or is it you that is relunctant.

I am only asking because if the decision is the boyfriend, then I think you need to evaluate the boyfriend. Heck, if you got pregnant and put on 65 lbs (I put on that much) will he be nasty too?

joey77joey · 10-25-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezle

Off Topic: Ryan, looking at your stats I'm very curious about how you lost weight. I see that you stayed below 25 carbs, but did you also count calories? How much do you eat currently to maintain? Do you exercise a lot? I want to be where you are.

Beezle mate, if you honestly think that he's not having sex with you just because of your weight (although that makes no sense if you are lighter than you were before).. then you need to re-evaluate your situation because it doesn't put him in a great light.

However, if you think he's subconsciously trying to motivate you to succeed as he knows you can (and as we all know you can) then it might be a blessing disguised as a blow to the heart.

this will sound contraversial, but I always thank the biggest idiot i've ever met in my life for insulting me and my weight (when I was at my heaviest) because even though his opinion was horribly innapropriate - it made me realise that it only hurt sooo badly because he was right, and I had reached a weight that was scary...

sometimes you've got to spin the positive out of something.
however, if the 'until i get sex' plan is your only motivation then what will you do when you start having sex again? stop the diet?...

you've got to do things for yourself. not for anyone else.

iakaren · 10-25-2009, 01:34 PM

Everyone has had some really good comments here. I even dug out my old Atkins book and started re-reading it for a refresher course.

I am going to try and get remotivated, and count carbs thru the end of the year. And I am going for 50 carbs per day, and excercise (or physical work) 3 X per week.
Then I can tweak things if not seeing gradual progress.

Hope some others have good luck with getting motivated again, also.

10-23-2009, 01:08 PM	#1
iakaren MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,980 Gallery: iakaren Stats: 191/175.5/160 WOE: LC 11/06,CAD 7/08, IF 1/09 Start Date: October 28, 2006	Driving force to lose weight. I started LC almost 3 years ago, exactly. And lost 20 lbs. Now I know I can lose with LC, I can lose slower with CAD, and I found IF or Fast 5 worked for me (but only for 3 months, before I lost energy) I don't feel deprived on any one of these eating plans. But I can't seem to make myself stick with any one of those. I keep slipping in a little of this or a little of that, and the scale stays right where it is at. But I will admit, that I like the idea of losing another 10 lbs, but I have lost the driving force that I had when I lost my first 20. That is my issue. The mental side. I fit in all my clothes again, sleep better, and feel better. Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon, and what does one do to sustain the driving mental part of weight loss? Or what has been, or become each one of you personally's driving force or motivation? __________________ Goal of -20 lbs/ -9.5 current(175.5)/165.0 by 12/31/09 178.5 178 177.5 177 176.5 176 175.5 175 174.5 174 173.5 173 172.5 172 171.5 171 170.5 170 169.5 169 168.5 168 167.5 167 166.5 166 165.5 165 Actual Weights: March 1--176.5 April 179.5 May 1--179.0 June 180.0 July 1-- 183.0 August 1--181.0 Weight goals: Aug 31: 175.0 Made 177.0 Oct 31: 170.0 Made 176.5 Dec 31: 165.0

10-23-2009, 01:42 PM	#3
chiody Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chicago, IL - (I'M TOP LEFT) Posts: 430 Gallery: chiody Stats: 225/157/165 6'0" T2Diabetes 20+yrs. NO MEDS 19+yrs WOE: VLC Bernstein inspired HbA1C 5.7 9/09 Start Date: 10/2008 (PRIOR 19+yrs. high carb/low sat. fat)	not wt. concerned... The mandatory use of meds was inevitable and in my future, motivation enough for me to strive on with VLC'ing, weight loss was secondary in nature. Yr. later, best markers since my diagnosis 2 decades ago (type 2 d).

10-23-2009, 03:44 PM	#8
Mogget Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 3,352 Gallery: Mogget Stats: Sizes: 26+/14/10 WOE: ICMYT/Exercise Start Date: 11/11/08 - ICMYT	In NLP terms you are dealing with "away from" motivation... At your high weight the bad side effects get scary and you want to get away from those... at a certain distance the dangers are sufficiently reduced and the impetus to move away also reduces. It's ilike standing near a fire - too long up close gets too hot so you back off, but you don't have to go far to get a point that is tolerable. In the world of goal setting much emphasis is placed on stating your goals in the positive, what you do want rather than what you don't want - this is to create a "towards" goal. To use the fire metaphor - if you are standing by a fire and decide to go stand by the open window that is a concrete specific destination, and passing through the zone f tolerable temperature does not signal achievement of you goal, only being by the window will do that. In NLP we encourage people to use BTH away from and towards motivation to create a strong propulsion system. So think of a compelling goal to move towards, something you very strongly want to be able to do - make the mental image as vivid and exciting as you can. Imagine how you feel when you can do this thing, the sorts of things people will say to you, the things you will say to your self and how it will feel to have achieved that wonderful goal. Make it very specific, a concrete goal not just "feel right"... Do it as a SMART goal if you know how and make it as compelling and wonderful as you can, something you are so looking forward to do. AFTER you have done that you can increase the boundaries of the 'away from' motivation - like adding fuel to the fire and making the too hot zone bigger - what are the things at your current weight that are still not acceptable, what are the limitations and things you don't like - be careful to do this without vilifying yourself, "I'm disgusting" is a bad way to go, but noting your current measurement, weight, clothing size and fitness levels and whether they are optimum, do they limit you in any way, is there anything you are putting off till you have lost enough weight - what are you missing out on? What is holding you back? What things would be more enjoyable at you actual goal.... It's not about down playing your success so far, but you do want to kick start the motivation and you can't ignore tat the motivation came from dissatisfaction with the status quo... if you are complacent and accepting of the current status quo it is highly unlikely to move. In my life I keep a pair of pants that are unflatteringly tight available even as I lose weight, so my away from is always to look better in my clothes... I also move away from being weak and unfit, struggling to do strenuos activities, move away from poor health.... I and very compelled to move towards increased strength, stamina and fitness, I have some very specific fitness goals that require dramatic changes to achieve. I still remind myself very often of how wonderful it is that I have lost so much weight, how many sizes I have lost, how far I have come. I don't beat myself I remind myself of all the success and the momentum with which I am still making progress. This is the sort of thing that may help. __________________ Allies Exercising Around the World Challenge Goal: 10 'miles' per day. November Walking Challenge - 350 Minutes

10-24-2009, 09:28 AM	#13
julieboolie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sunny AZ Posts: 2,580 Gallery: julieboolie Stats: 266/174/169 Size 22/12/10 WOE: Atkins. Start Date: July 14, 2003, restart 2/1/06 (189!)	I am right there with you guys! I lost a lot of weight in the beginning and really enjoyed maintenance. Then I got complacent, and the weight kind of creeps back on. I indulged here and there for birthdays, vacations etc., and then didn't "re-lose" as quickly as I should so I was up 5 lbs the next time I indulged. I totally agree it's complacency that's keeping me here. I don't want it enough to stick to clean Atkins to get where I really want to be. I am 40 now, which is making it harder too, but if I wanted it enough I would buckle down and do it. Another challenge for me is that the holidays are coming and for the past 7 years I have been on strict Atkins through the holidays and passing up choc. chip cookies, pumpkin bread etc. - all with the mindset of "when I'm really in maintenance I can have a bit here or there and then go back to normal, LC eating". I haven't really been doing that either. So, I'm there with you, on induction for the next week, and trying to re-find my excitement on losing weight, getting smaller and feeling better! __________________ Julie 5'6", 40 years young! [COLOR="darkorchid"]Goal: 169 again and staying there this time!![/COLOR] Prov. 3:5-6 - "He shall direct (my) paths" Couch to 5K graduate 2/6/09!!

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10-23-2009, 01:33 PM	#2
Ilpirata Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Beautiful San Jose, CA Posts: 7,626 Gallery: Ilpirata Stats: 263/193/170 for now... WOE: Low Carb JUDD (Alternate Day Diet) Start Date: September 2007	absolutely. I do NOT have the drive I had when I started. When I started I could do Stillmans and Fat Fasts for extended periods (I do NOT recommend this just to give you an idea of how motivated I was). I still have a LONG LONG way to go. For me part of it is the extended stalls that I've experienced... they're draining!

10-23-2009, 01:45 PM	#4
ready to live life Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Track Town, USA Posts: 78 Gallery: ready to live life Stats: 250/223/207.4/150 WOE: low carb Start Date: Restart 10/18/09	I have also had a hard time staying motivated in the past because in the past it has always been about just losing weight. Now I'm a little older, have a child, have a husband and want the best life for all of us...and to have that I need to be at my best! I have also suffered from mild depression for many years and when I eat well and exercise and take care of myself by taking my vitamins, etc I feel so much better. I have found that I after a week or two on LC I always feel so good and strong that I think, oh I can have a little pizza or a piece of cake, but I know now that that always derails my efforts...and it takes so long to muster up the mental motivation to start again, so this time I know, for me, I just can't cheat. Good luck to you and just focus on the things in your life that are so much better when you are eating well, even if you're not seeing the scale move

10-23-2009, 01:50 PM	#5
craec Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 47 Gallery: craec Stats: 182/165.8/140 (5'3) Start Date: 7/1/2009	At this point in time my weight isn't what is driving me to this WOE. It's my moods, it's gotten to the point that I am absolutely miserable (moody,depressed, angry) when I consume carbs. In order to be a "happy" person I have to eat right otherwise I make myself and those closest to me miserable. The weight loss is a very nice side benefit.

10-23-2009, 01:51 PM	#6
sistertzu Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: California Posts: 801 Gallery: sistertzu Stats: 244/177.9/165 WOE: atkins/whole food/grain free Start Date: owl 10/01/09	I understand. Now my driving force is my health, I want to be around to care for my family I will healthfully do anything that with preserve and lengthen that time for me. It is as simple as that for me. I have seen many loved ones ignoring their health, I refuse to ignore mine another minute. Sis

10-23-2009, 01:55 PM	#7
Joy-FL MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,011 Gallery: Joy-FL Stats: 223/191/160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: July 30, 2009	Hemorrhoids are very motivating. I understand what you're saying, too. I feel sooo much thinner now that I'm willing to be looser with my diet. But then I look in the mirror and realize that I'm still less than halfway to where I want to be.

10-23-2009, 04:00 PM	#9
peanutte Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 5,905 Gallery: peanutte Stats: 212 (before Atkins)/188 (Jan.'09)/136.2/140 WOE: Atkins Pre-Maintenance Start Date: 01/03/09	The "away from" and "toward" concept makes sense to me, Mogget.

10-23-2009, 04:02 PM	#10
Ilpirata Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Beautiful San Jose, CA Posts: 7,626 Gallery: Ilpirata Stats: 263/193/170 for now... WOE: Low Carb JUDD (Alternate Day Diet) Start Date: September 2007	Great and informative post Mogget!

10-24-2009, 09:15 AM	#12
tttmom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern NV Posts: 89 Gallery: tttmom Stats: 186/159.6/135 WOE: Started LC 5/18/09 Start Date: May 2009... Restart 9/30/09	I am not as motivated as I once was either. It works for me to get started by just pretending I am motivated (if that makes sense) for a few days... then when the scale gets moving good, the real motivation kicks in, and it's back, then I do fine.

10-24-2009, 09:33 AM	#14
Oriane Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Southern California Posts: 140 Gallery: Oriane Stats: 315/275/165 Dress size 28/currently 22/goal 14 WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 23, 2009	My motivation is like a braid with many threads running through it. Health, avoiding inevitable damage to my body was number one. Feeling good about myself Vanity--looking pretty and wearing nice clothing Advancement at my job---definitely hampered by my weight Helping my beloved to lose weight was huge--he's less overweight than me, but has diabetes 2 and HAS to make changes Being comfortable on airplanes and small spaces--i travel a lot Cheaper insurance So many other things.

10-24-2009, 10:29 AM	#15
Minerva Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UK Posts: 190 Gallery: Minerva Stats: (266H) 264/250/154 Waist: 46.5/43/30? WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: 28 Sep 2009	Thanks, Mogget, it it good to clear the 'wood from the trees'. I am very motivated, being at the start of my journey. However, I can see that I might lose momentum, later on, and need to question if I'm still dissatisfied with with where I am. I'm going to print out that 'status quo' bit, as a long term reminder of where I want to go.

10-24-2009, 02:48 PM	#17
teri f Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fredericktown, Ohio Posts: 3,563 Gallery: teri f Stats: 203/182/145 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restart 6/18/2007	I've been lcing for quite a few years now. There has only been one period of time where I was totally off low carb completely. That lasted for about a year and I had gained back the majority of the weight I had originally lost, had a heart attack and some scary blood sugar numbers. My health motivates me more than weight loss now, although I would still like to lose weight. The other thing that is huge for me is feeling good. When I am eating like I should, I feel great! When not, I feel like crap and have no energy.

10-24-2009, 03:16 PM	#18
RyanS Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 210 Gallery: RyanS Stats: 180(1998)/107/108-110 - 5'4" WOE: Under 25g carbs per day Start Date: December 2008	I am no longer in the weight-loss phase, but I am consistently motivated by a strong desire not to gain the lost weight back, and by the health benefits that have nothing to do with weight, such as improved dental health and better digestion on LC. I'm satisfied with the results, I enjoy my current size, and I don't want to go back to "before." I'm also hoping that by maintaining my weight and health, I can be an example to some family members who would clearly benefit from a similar program. My dad needs to lose at least 40-50 pounds and my sister, while not too unhealthy, is heading that direction. I think both of them would do very well on LC, but they're not going to try it - unless, maybe, they see success in a close relative and decide to give it a shot.

10-24-2009, 03:37 PM	#19
Beezle Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 133 Gallery: Beezle Stats: 5'4": 202/140/119 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: 9/24/07	Off Topic: Ryan, looking at your stats I'm very curious about how you lost weight. I see that you stayed below 25 carbs, but did you also count calories? How much do you eat currently to maintain? Do you exercise a lot? I want to be where you are.

10-24-2009, 04:30 PM	#21
Jonahsafta Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 811 Gallery: Jonahsafta Stats: 179/152.0/149 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 4/2/09	My motivation at this point is health.....next the vanity thing....I am 54.....I wear a size 6...much less than most my age......my motivation is feeling good...having energy and stamina....I want to live a good energetic life.....

10-24-2009, 04:53 PM	#22
Beezle Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 133 Gallery: Beezle Stats: 5'4": 202/140/119 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: 9/24/07	To get my BF to have sex with me again. I'm 20lb lighter than when we first met, but some how I'm too fat now.

10-25-2009, 06:47 AM	#25
Minerva Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UK Posts: 190 Gallery: Minerva Stats: (266H) 264/250/154 Waist: 46.5/43/30? WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: 28 Sep 2009	Beezle this guy needs booting out! Find someone who values YOU, not a body size! How shallow!

10-25-2009, 01:34 PM	#30
iakaren MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,980 Gallery: iakaren Stats: 191/175.5/160 WOE: LC 11/06,CAD 7/08, IF 1/09 Start Date: October 28, 2006	Everyone has had some really good comments here. I even dug out my old Atkins book and started re-reading it for a refresher course. I am going to try and get remotivated, and count carbs thru the end of the year. And I am going for 50 carbs per day, and excercise (or physical work) 3 X per week. Then I can tweak things if not seeing gradual progress. Hope some others have good luck with getting motivated again, also.