Weight Loss for Women - How to stay motivated

My reasons

emryan — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:36:14 -0400

Prom is coming up in May, and I found a beautiful gown that looks like it was made for me to wear it. But it only came in one size, one size smaller than I can comfortably fit in without feeling constricted. In order to get into that dress, I have to lose ten pounds. And so that's my reason: I fell in love with a dress. Despite the hard work it's going to take for me to shed those ten pounds in 2 months, it'll be worth it when I look at the photos in 10 years and think, "Yes, I did do that. I did it for me." That's my reason.

Motivation

nerdydancer — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:16:57 -0500

1. When I met my fiance in 2005, I weighted 130 pounds (I had orthodontic jaw surgery 6 months prior and lost 30 pounds.) Since, I have gained 50 pounds. I want to look healthier/fitter than I did 7 years ago and to look amazing on my wedding day!

2. My paternal grandmother had diabetes, so I don't want to increase my risk by being overweight.

3. I want to be able to keep up with my mom and aunt when I join them for my first 5k run (they have done several 5k, half marathon, and marathon runs.)

Enough is Enough

orlizfan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:26:52 -0500

I'm 22 and I have never gone to the beach with friends because I can't bring myself to put on a bikini in front of people

I want to be able to enjoy myself at the beach this summer, and that means being comfortable in a bikini.

I'm 15 pounds away from my goal weight and these last pounds are the hardest for me to lose

luckylissette — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:16:29 -0500

I have a few reasons:

1) I HATE the way I look. I see myself in the mirror (naked or dressed) and practically break out in tears. I don't like the way I look and I want to change that.

2) I want to get pregnant. I'm 35, have been trying for a year and a half and so far nothings happened. Doctors have told me that it's possible due to my weight, so I need to lose weight.

3) I want to be able to fit in my pretty red dress again.

4) I want to wear a bikini again.

5) I want my knees to stop hurting whenever I walk for too long, like when I got to Disney.

Those are my reasons.

Ok- this is new to me

TrishArmstr — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:06:20 -0500

I will need to stay motivated so my reasons to lose weight are as listed 1. i will feel sooo much better when i walk up hills 2. i will look alot better walking up those hills. 3. i will have more clothes because i will be able to get into the skinny clothes i have put away 4. better sex because we will be able to turn on the lights. my problem has been once i meet my goal- i can only keep it about a week then i falter into bad habits again.

Leah86 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:45:03 -0500

One thing I've learned all this time trying to lose weight is that at some point we all have trouble staying motivated.

What helped me was buying clothes a few sizes smaller than what I was. I got so eager to fit into those clothes that I actually stuck to my diet.

Also, not weighting yourself too often is a good idea because seeing that number on the scale might bring you down. You have to control your weight, but use a quantum scale, it doesn't display your weight, it records it and informs you when you start losing weight again. That really helps in dealing with the anxiety once you reach a plateau.

Positive reinforcement also works like a charm, as long as you don't reward yourself chocolate or any other unhealthy treats.

janav — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:02:29 -0500

1) I want to stop looking at other girls thinking "oh, I wish I had these arms/legs/belly/tights et etc". I mean, it will happen, it will continue, but at least I want that it's not THAT often. It's almost an obsession, it's crazy and it bothers me a lot. I had this thing with my hair too (it's really curly) and now I'm really fine with it. Which doesn't mean that at times I don't look at other girl and say "what a wonderful hair". But it's not an obsession. Bottomline: I want to look at the mirror and feel, at least, ok. And say "well, you don't have a perfect body, but that's fine".

2) I want to buy clothes because I like them, not because they fit or because they wont get tight and show all my fat jumping out of my pants.

3) I want to feel more confident to wear a bikini. Right now, it's a real torture.

4) I want to feel confident (or MORE confident, at least) when going out to meet someone

5) I don't want to run into someone I don't see in years and just think about how this person must be horrified with how fat I am

6) I want to be able to wear a top to workout or ride a bike, even if I am not going to effectivelly do it

7) I want to look at my pictures and say "hey, I had a big time there" instead of "wow, my arms look like a lamb's leg!"

8) I want to run thinking about other things than "oh, my god, I hope no one sees me".

9) I want to be lighter to exercise better

10) I want to have a normal relation with food. Right now, I get terrified and stressed everytime I have to travel, to meet someone, to take a course, to gathering for university meetings, always thinking about how many minutes I will stand without exploding of anxiety. I always think that I will not be able to go through the activity without binging - secretly or in public. This part I think is the most difficult of all. If anyone has a suggestion to beat this anxiety, I'm all ears ;)

I'm behind the times but what the hey

daisymchll — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:49:33 -0500

Like many others, my weight has been something I've always struggled with. With that being said here are my reasons:

1. I'd like to not feel I need to hide the tags when I buy clothes so no one else sees.

2. I'd like to look the way I feel on the inside.

3. Family history of high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc... and I don't want to be on meds by 35.

4. I'd like to have kids someday but not why I'd put my health and the babies at risk.

How I stay motivated

jomihwa86 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:48:54 -0500

Like many of you-I have many reasons-

1- I used to be the "hot wife" and my hubby was proud of me and told me constantly how jealous his work buddies were- then I got lazy and gained over 20 lbs-i've lost almost 7 so far...but I have a lot more to lose

2- my clothes-I want to fit into my cuter clothes that I have that are to to snug for me right now

3- money-I dont want to waste any money on new clothes to fit the bigger me-I want to be able to wear all the great stuff I already have

4- my kids-i want to keep up with them and then some-and also I don't want to embarrass them when mommy comes to their school

5- swimsuit- I want to finally go swimming without fear- I never really did when I was skinnier-and I regret that-I want to wear that cute swimsuit and feel great

and I have more-the general ones-health and wellness and etc :)

the_slayer — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:14:42 -0400

Great topic! I loved that podcast too. I've worked like a beast for the past year and can now run 10 miles and do real pushups, but I still have those last 10 pounds to lose.

Here are my reasons for toughing it out:

-I want to beat my family history of heart disease and diabetes

-I'm turning 29 this year and I feel like I've spent my 20s feeling unattractive, which has kept me from going for a lot of the things I want. I want to be able to go out into the world with confidence in my 30s!

-I'm just gonna say it: better sex.

-I'm a performer, so being in shape and feeling better would be great for my career.

Good luck everybody. I'm always looking for motivators so add me if you want!

no more feeling old!

dawnmathmom — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:41:16 -0400

My motivators are mainly health related - I have psoriatic arthritis which is really aggravated by carrying around extra weight. Before I realized PA was my problem I just thought, "oh, I'm getting old". It got pretty bad before I sought medical care... that's when I realized by being less active I was actually making things worse for myself even though there were lots of days when I felt like I could barely move. I'm only 41!

I have never gotten back to my pre-pregnancy weight from my (almost 13 year old) daughter, though I was pretty close when she was a toddler. I always thought that stuff people say about metabolism slowing down with age certainly didn't apply to me, lol

My main goal is to feel awesome again - for me that's about 150-160.... that's where/when I had the strength & stamina to do pretty much whatever I wanted.

My reasons

otahyoni — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:01:04 -0400

I recently joined this site and group. I'm hoping to stay motivated myself.

The following are my reasons:

I recently acquired a job in health promotion. I can't be taken as credible in my field if I'm not living the healthy lifestyle I promote. My younger sister has the far better metabolism. Just made it over 100lbs in her 20s, even when she binges in pizza and McDonalds. I don't want to be as thin, but at least thinner than I am now.
I'm one of those people that need to lose more than 100lbs. It has effected my health. If I did I even lost 100lbs I'd be down to how much I weighed in grade 10...175lbs. (I did get up to 320lbs, I have lost some weight, but have been hovering at my current weight for over a year).
I want to be seen as desirable by men as more than "just a friend" or the independent woman they can live off of for awhile. Not only the desirable, but also respected by men in general.
I want to have children some day and be able to keep up with them.

My Top 5 Y's

MyMildred — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:18:15 -0400

I’ve always had an idea as to why I want to lose weight, but she's right, I need to be more specific. I guess the specifics are kind of our mini goals. I have a plethora of reasons why I want to lose weight. These are my tops 5:

1. I want to shock my old friends with being in great shape and full of energy. I use to be a size 3/4 and now I’m a 22 (Quite the increase in 8yrs). Every time I bump into an old high school friend, they’re shocked to see how I let myself go. I use to be very active (rotc, dance, theatre, marching band, etc.), but now I just don’t have the energy. I get winded running upstairs. I want to shock them the right way, not because of the later.

2. My cousin is celebrating her Quinces on December 11. Big girl clothes are pretty pricey and I can’t afford a new dress. I want to be able to fit into something I already have. The largest size I have that’s appropriate for the event is a 16/18. I want to be well on my way to a fit lifestyle so I can look my best. Who knows whom I’ll meet?

3. My day job, I work as a photography editor for Saveur Magazine. I look at food all day every day. Being a big girl makes cravings hard to overcome. If I can lose weight, I know my cravings won’t be as strong. Plus, my metabolism would be up to speed, so I can enjoy tastings without the serious guilt and remorse.

4. I want to look hot by Spring Break or Early Summer! I’ve never been on a cruise or Caribbean vacation. I want to treat myself to a real beach adventure with the works and I don’t want to feel self-conscious about photos or not having energy to keep up. Plus I want to be able to wear a cute/flattering bathing suit.

5. I would like to meet someone intelligent who has an active lifestyle. Someone who wants to go on adventures, go for runs, team sports, etc. Most of these potential candidates I’ve met want a slim/athletic girl. Maybe I need to look harder. If I can get in shape and start doing the things I want to do, then I can be in the right place at the right time.

My Goals Are And Will Be My Strength To Workout!!

WannaBFit4Ever — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:29:16 -0400

#1 Goal - Lose 6-8 lbs. before Christmas! I am going home to see family. I have no family where I live now. I want those, "Wow! You look great!" statements.

#2 Goal - When I feel good about my body. The bedroom is so much more inticing! ;~P

#3 Goal - I want to get Jillian Michael arms! I have, up until 4 yrs. ago, always been very skinny, but never really STRONG. My family loves to dirtbike and the bike I want is a tad bit heavy for my stature. So...I need the arm strength!

Best of luck ladies on your goals!!

Why do this?

AprilxMae — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:26:08 -0400

I, too, am turning 30 next year and want to be in the best shape of my life when I do.

A lot of my clothes do not fit. I have steadily spun out of control. 10lbs lost would be wonderful. 20lbs lost and toned definition would be perfection. I want to be hot again.

It will mean so much to me to wear shorts or a mini skirt without tights confidently. I am horrified at my jiggly, dimpled legs.

Femme_n_Fit — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:36:57 -0400

My reasons:

1. I just got married, and we're thinking about kids in the next two years. I want to be able to chase after my kids, pick them up, and carry them long distances without effort, so I can enjoy the experience and my future children as much as possible.

2. My mom runs 3 miles a day, and I can't even run a half mile. I want to be in as good or better shape than my mom!

3. I'm going to Thailand within the next two years, and when my partner introduces me to her friends there, I want them to be impressed by her catch.

4. I deserve to treat myself, and that means good food and time devoted to moving my body.

Sepcific Motivators

kaboucher — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:05:38 -0400

Im planning a trip to Africa and want to be in the best condition possible so I can really enjoy the trip. Also I have a pair of jeans in my closet that I really want to wear again.

Updated goal for me

Wren_Again — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:25:57 -0400

Ski trip coming up in December: I'd like to fit into my snow pants! :)

My reasons

ckwhite — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:59:02 -0400

1. I live in Las Vegas, which is land of the beautiful, skinny, plastic-surgery-enhanced hot women. It's incredibly hard to not feel self-conscious about how you look here, even if you aren't overweight. People get turned away from entering clubs and pools here based on how they look. Just once, I want to be able to go to a pool here in a siwmsuit and just relax and enjoy myself instead of feeling like the fat girl.

2. Back in my high school days, I was very fit and thin. I met my now husband our senior year, and we've been together for 13 years. He remembers how great I looked back then and I've definitely let myself go, especially in the last 5 years. I'd love to get back to where I was back when he met me. I used to be the "hot girlfriend"...I'd love to be the "hot wife"

3. Hubby and I want to start a family this year. Every woman in my family was thin until they got pregnant. My mom gained 50lbs with my brother, and another 25lbs with me. Once they gain the weight, the women in my family never seem to lose it. I want to make sure I am in the best shape of my life prior to getting pregnant so that I have a healthy pregnancy & have less to lose after the baby is born.

My reasons

franching — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:14:59 -0400

1. I gained 10 lbs after getting married (this was 7 months ago). I don't want people to say that I let myself go too.

2. I don't want to change my entire wardrobe. All my clothes are starting to feel a little snug. I loved how my old clothes fit!

3. I want to lead a healthier lifestyle, add some exercise to my regimen. I lead such a SEDENTARY life!

My Reasons

Renae82 — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:37:49 -0400

1. My mother weighed over 500 lbs until she got gastric bypass surgery, I WILL NOT let myself get to that point.

2. I am going to visit the in-laws for the first time in a couple of months, I do not want to look like this.

3. I have never been truly happy with my weight. Everything else in my life is "perfect" except that.

4. I want clothes that fit properly, this shouldn't be a chore like it is now.

5. We want to have another baby but I cannot do this until I lose the weight.

Staying motivated

racemary — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:41:59 -0400

Hey

I think it's great to stay focused and to write down why you want to lose weight - at some point it feels like it's just about those numbers going down...

So:

1st I have moved countries as well and I don't ever want to go back and get funny looks from people because I'm 'suddenly' fat. I've got to attend two weddings at home and I want to look great.

2nd After I moved in with my partner I put on weight because he eats differently from me. I still want to make that extra effort for him and don't want anyone to think that I'm letting myself go.

3rd Two years ago I was told I was overweight. I just brushed it aside and actually gained more weight. I want to be more healthy, finally.

4th I'm turning 30 this year and I really want to start the new decade on a high :)

misssandy — Tue, 24 May 2011 11:31:32 -0400

Lots of things I´ve been reading lately say that you need specific reasons or else you´ll lose motivation. Here are mine.

1. I´ve gained 10lbs since I got married six months ago and I dont want my new husband thinking now that we´re married i´ve let myself go.

2. I moved to mexico 2.5 years ago and havent seen anyone from canada since then. I´m planning on going back in September and I´d really like to make everyone go "wow, you look amazing!"

3. Both my husband and i have family histories of high blood pressure, cholesterol and his dad is diabetic. I don´t want us to have those problems as well.

4. I´d love to be able to go for a run with my dog without parts jiggling around and feeling like i´m gonna die from being so out of shape.

Well that´s my list. Who´s willing to post next?