What Motivates You to Stay Healthy?

bubbaloo

Apologies to mods if this is in the wrong place but I wasn't sure where to put it so please feel free to move it!

I really need to lose weight and get fit but cannot motivate myself in any way. I know all the usual stuff about the effects on my health - looking better etc, and I have lost weight in the past and felt the better of it. But for some reason it just seems like too much work this time. I've had a tough year but I've come through it and am almost out of the tunnel now, if you know what I mean! I am thinking of hypnosis or something to get me in the right state of mind.
My problem is that I just love food too much and I don't feel ready to give it up.
Does anyone have any tips on how to motivate myself into changing my mind set?

RedXIV

Could try the competitive mindset?

Worked on me. Like you, i LOVE my food, and the only thing that made me stick at any healthy lifestyle was competing in a weight loss competition with my gf

digme

bubbaloo wrote: »

Apologies to mods if this is in the wrong place but I wasn't sure where to put it so please feel free to move it!

I really need to lose weight and get fit but cannot motivate myself in any way. I know all the usual stuff about the effects on my health - looking better etc, and I have lost weight in the past and felt the better of it. But for some reason it just seems like too much work this time. I've had a tough year but I've come through it and am almost out of the tunnel now, if you know what I mean! I am thinking of hypnosis or something to get me in the right state of mind.
My problem is that I just love food too much and I don't feel ready to give it up.
Does anyone have any tips on how to motivate myself into changing my mind set?

Nearly lost my right hand when i cut myself really badly, sliced the radial artery radial nerves and muscles etc so since then im a fitness fanatic.
All you have is your health, family and friends.
Dos something for a few weeks and it becomes a habit ,no reason you can't do it with staying fit.

xgtdec

Remembering what its like to only buy xxxl online......great motivation!!!!

ragg

I look at pics of when i was almost four stone fatter on facebook.

Dotcomdolly

My sister died (of leukaemia) when she was the same age as I am now, my birthday was a real wake up to make the most of my life, and the body that I have.

I was bloody miserable when I was overweight, always "trying", never getting anywhere. I feel so different now.

Ruu_Old

Although I have never had weight or health issues, I have stepped it up over the past two years or so with running, eating healthy 95% of the time and a variety of body exercises and weights. My motivation is to do as many road races as I can in the year and to be honest, who wants to feel like crap every morning when they wake up? Not going back to that.

connollys

"My problem is that I just love food too much and I don't feel ready to give it up."

I know you meant this tongue in cheek, but honestly since I started making an effort to eat healthily and work on my fitness I have never enjoyed my food more. Love cooking meals from fresh ingredients rather than frozen meals and jars of sauce etc that I used to live on.

newby.204

work, if your not fit your fat(even if your a skinny c**t) and twenty or thirty lads rippin into you everyday will really motivate you!!!!

Red Cortina

What motivates me to try and keep the pounds off are:
1.) My 'skinny' jeans. If they are feeling a bit tight or look a bit bet on to me it really motivates me to try and keep the poundage off.
2.) Learning more about nutrition. There is nothing more off-putting to me than learning, for example, how bad hydrogenated fats are to your body to stop me from eating chips:)

MyPeopleDrankTheSoup

females

bubbaloo

Thanks everyone for your replies.
Dotcomdolly - sorry to hear of your loss.
I think the idea of looking at photos of myself could spur me on so I might try and give that a go.
I will also talk to my very supportive hubby (who's a chef!!!) and see if he will "compete" with me and if we can try to cook healthy meals.
Here goes nothing!
Thanks again.

ilovelamp2000

I'm a decent enough trainer, but one who is perennially over weight and looks out of shape because of a poor diet. I'm fit, strong and healthy but haven't looked like it for about 6 years.

I've lost more than 15kg since April this year, at the beginning I had no real plan and the first 5 kg just seemed to fall off over the first few months, then I had a competition with a mate who is a personal trainer to see who could lose the highest percentage of bodyfat over a 21 day period. We trained together throughout the three weeks (we did no cardio whatsoever btw), and I kept my diet as similar to his as my tastebuds would allow (very low carb).

We both got a kick out of the competition and we both lost significant amounts of weight, he went from 94kg to 88kg and I went from 108kg to 100kg. That ended a few weeks ago, and even after a few beers at the weekend I'm now standing at an almost trim 98.5kg. I had originally set a target of 95kg, but I may try to go to 90kg now.

At first it was the competition that got me motivated and kept me on track, and I owe a lot to my mate that gave the kick in the arse but now it's different. Despite the competition being over I'm still eating much healthier than previously and the weight is still coming off, and the reason why is simply that a lot of other people have noticed and have complimented me on my weight loss. And it feels good, and I want that to continue. Once you start losing weight you'll get the same reaction and you'll find it's a much more positive form of motivation.

Good luck. The first week is the hardest.

themandan6611

the thoughts of possibly dying younger than i need to if not staying healthy - parents died at 34 & 55 and I want to reach a ripe old age so I can spend my pension

Poccington

I want to reach the pinnacle of my profession. I want to be fitter and better at my job than the other lads in work.

BraziliaNZ

p*ssy

themandan6611

BraziliaNZ wrote: »

p*ssy

yes, its important to keep your own p*ussy healthy - good luck with it

token

Competition is a motivator like no other. I've been in crossfit competitions, weightlifting competitions and road races this year. I plan on adding powerlifting, triathlons and possibly a marathon (just the once) to the list next year. Nothing like the fear of sucking in a public setting to movitate your ass. Not that's stopped me from sucking but I do suck less and less as time goes on.

d'Oracle

I want to be a big strong fecker.

Sangre

I want to be stronger. I don't think that makes me healthy though.

Giggipaws

bubbaloo wrote: »

Apologies to mods if this is in the wrong place but I wasn't sure where to put it so please feel free to move it!

I really need to lose weight and get fit but cannot motivate myself in any way. I know all the usual stuff about the effects on my health - looking better etc, and I have lost weight in the past and felt the better of it. But for some reason it just seems like too much work this time. I've had a tough year but I've come through it and am almost out of the tunnel now, if you know what I mean! I am thinking of hypnosis or something to get me in the right state of mind.
My problem is that I just love food too much and I don't feel ready to give it up.
Does anyone have any tips on how to motivate myself into changing my mind set?

Hi Bubbaloo,

Congratulations to your decision!:) That is the first step - the willingness to change. Now, it is not going to happen without you really putting some effort into it.
There are 2 things I wish to share with you:
1. Overeating usually has an underlying emotional cause - try to find it. What are your triggers? Which are the days you usually eat more and why? Life coach or nutritionists would be people who can set you on the right track with this...

2. Hypnosis - there are quite few I could recommend, but you need to find which one would really work for you. You can go ahead with self-hypnosis (e.g. Belleruth Naparstek, Barrie Konikov, Randy Thomas etc. These US guys have CDs out there specifically targeting weightloss). Or, you can opt for what is called Brain Sync(cronization) - Kelly Howell is one of the most popular, or Monroe Institute's Hemi-Sync has some good CDs too, I think.

I am one of those people who absolutely believe that 'you are who you think you are'. The mind work is of paramount importance. Pay attention to yourself, find who you really are, how you behave and why.... learn to relax, breathe and explore that amazing space - your inner self

All the best!:)
Giggipaws

bubbaloo

Thanks so much everyone - I didn't expect such a great response.
Giggipaws - you are right on so many levels. I am happy that at least I've made the decision to change. I do comfort eat and I've been to counselling etc (for other reasons) but once I put a name on it - "Comfort Eating" - I seemed to think it was my excuse to eat more!!
"Aah - it's okay, I'm comfort eating!" - how c**p is that? :rolleyes:

Thanks for all the tips on competition and hypnosis. I will have a think about it. I don't know who I could compete with but the hypnosis cds sound like a good idea.
Right - I'm off to buy some cds, stick up some horrible photos of myself and shop for fruit and veg!!!
Thanks again.

Magic Eight Ball

I enjoy out-lifting guys 20kgs heavier than me.

pinkypinky

bubbaloo wrote: »

Right - I'm off to buy some cds, stick up some horrible photos of myself and shop for fruit and veg!!!
Thanks again.

The horrible photo works a treat but if you have a photo of yourself looking the way you'd like to look again, a positive reinforcement will work even better. I had to go with the horrible one because it had been so long since I was happy with my appearance that I was a teenager in those photos! I keep my fat photo in a frame on the wall and sometimes people who've only known me for a few years ask me who it is. That's great motivation in itself.

bubbaloo

pinkypinky wrote: »

I keep my fat photo in a frame on the wall and sometimes people who've only known me for a few years ask me who it is. That's great motivation in itself.

That's amazing - well done you!
Mmm - I'm not sure I'd have a recent photo that I'm happy with either - would probably have to go back to the archives for that one.

bluefinger

bubbaloo wrote: »

Apologies to mods if this is in the wrong place but I wasn't sure where to put it so please feel free to move it!

I really need to lose weight and get fit but cannot motivate myself in any way. I know all the usual stuff about the effects on my health - looking better etc, and I have lost weight in the past and felt the better of it. But for some reason it just seems like too much work this time. I've had a tough year but I've come through it and am almost out of the tunnel now, if you know what I mean! I am thinking of hypnosis or something to get me in the right state of mind.
My problem is that I just love food too much and I don't feel ready to give it up.
Does anyone have any tips on how to motivate myself into changing my mind set?

hi bubbaloo

There's a lot of good advice above. The competition thing can be helpful, i found it useful when i was trying to get my weight down. Now though I can't be bothered with that mindset as there's always going to be someone fitter-bigger whatever than you in the local gym.

Other motivations are the mulitvariety of positive effects of getting fit. For instance, I was talking with my partner the other night about how when i walk home from work these days I no longer get a pain in my back, which use to be excruciating. I feel more energised throughout the day. Not as prone to depressions. Can see myself in the mirror without throwing up. Getting more favourable looks from members of the opposite (and same) sex etc etc,. Just make sure you notice these small things.

Perhaps keep a log on boards and set yourself a firm goal. Say six months 1 stone or something. Most posters here are very supportive. Also tell as many people as you can your goals as you'd be more likely to acheive them out of fear of looking bad.

On the food, you can still love food and lose weight and it's my experience that when you become more discerning about food you enjoy it more, even if you have less of it to enjoy. I gave up chocolate about two months ago which was tough but now i barely miss it and certainly don't miss all that saturated fat clogging up my veins.

Good luck with it all

Frogeye

What motivates me? I have a gift- a healthy body. The body is an amazing thing when you study it.

There are thousands of people out there who would kill to be able to play rugby or hurling, or to lift weights or even to walk but can't due to illness or accidents to whatever. The rest of us have that gift/ability. Not all of us use it and its a shame.

Some people appreciate the gift,some don't. Those that do, use it and train it. Those that don't sit in the pub, complain, eat sh"t ,get fat and in general aren't as happy as those that get up and get going.

You don't need to be a freak about it but its only right to treat your body fairly. You don't need to be breaking world records or winning gold medals. You just need to get out there and give it a go.

Tico

Def agree with Frogeye,i broke my leg badly two years ago and havent been able to play ball or even walk long distances with it since, hopefully itll eventually be fixed soon,due my third surgery in the next month or so and it's really frustrating seeing people taking their body for granted so easily

Frogeye

Tico, I know how you feel. I got a mad idea a few years back to take up rugby ( late in life) after years of endurance sports. Eventually in about my third season I hit a ruck, wasn't flexible enough and my back was banjaxed for months. Not rugby's fault mind you but I couldn't run or lift proper weights and it drove me bananas. Only started back running during the summer and i'm way off where I used to be but it won't beat me by god!

Not as serious as your injury mind you, I didn't have to go under the butchers knife but I know a little bit about how you feel. Best of luck with the op. It'll be worth it in the end.

bubbaloo

OP here - Just wanted to let you all know that I took all of your advice on board and also decided that I needed somone to keep an eye on me so I joined WW and after 3 weeks I'm 8lbs down.
Still a good bit to go but I'm heading in the right direction!
The photo was definitely the best suggestion..... I have a horrible one of myself that I look at every so often - I DO NOT want to look like that.
Thanks everyone for your comments.

narwog81

1. My job
2. Sport
3. Vanity
4. Women
5. Ego
6. Guilt/panic when the jeans start to get tight!

Giggipaws

bubbaloo wrote: »

OP here - Just wanted to let you all know that I took all of your advice on board and also decided that I needed somone to keep an eye on me so I joined WW and after 3 weeks I'm 8lbs down.
Still a good bit to go but I'm heading in the right direction!
The photo was definitely the best suggestion..... I have a horrible one of myself that I look at every so often - I DO NOT want to look like that.
Thanks everyone for your comments.

Hey Bubaloo,

That's great news! What is their program about? Do you do some exercises as well, or it is only diet focused?
Keep it up, girl!!! :)

Giggi

Mellor

Pretty much just to look better naked.

If i'm stronger that's great, I like hitting PBs, moving up weight. But if I had to choose between;

1. Looking better but still lifting the same weight, and
2. Lifting more, but still looking the same

Then appearance beats strength, but I don't have to make that choice, they are pretty much related.

Westwood

Yep the mirror is my motivation. oh and the bishes.

denvey

1 -vanity
2 - personal goals dreams etc
3 - vanity


Vanity is a surprisingly good motivator!! Helped me keep going for 7 years now!

oterra

Giving up and staying off cigarettes motivated me to become healthy. Joined a pay as you go gym to keep any weight gain down. The thoughts of going back on the smokes is motivation enough!!!

jugger0

I like to smash people, being big and strong helps with that. Also its nice to look better then everyone else, most of my friends spend all their money on drink and **** food yet always complain about how they look:rolleyes: its not rocket science lads.

Mysterious Man

1. Women
2. Women
3. Women
4. Women

You get my drift.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Well like a few here I'm motivated by work. I simply have to stay fit and healthy to do my job, if I'm not I risk not getting oversea's missions, career courses or even having my contract renewed.

What motivates me to try that little extra?.

Well I'm a competitive Judoka (Judo), and for anyone who has ever fought while unfit - well they'll rarely do it a second time, its awful.

Every now and then I take my eye off the ball of course and pile on the pounds, as an example this month last year I fought at 105kgs, now I'm 125kgs!. However I've been off my feet due to an ankle dislocation in June (yikes ).

I like lifting heavy, it gives me a buzz which takes me through my days.

And THIS THREAD is a real motivator for a lot of people. Open up the link and you'll spend hour's browsing.

Transform

performance for me and CANI (constant and never ending improvement)

The Guvnor

It's a hobby - I enjoy working out - should do more.

I also like my food so option is eat a lot less or keep on the training!

Inside most of us is a fat man desperately trying to escape - training is our way of ensuring he does not take over!

ormondprop

Rugby
wanting to be on the team and playing well
being able to put lads back on their holes
not letting my teammates down due to being unfit or weaker than my opposite number

if it wasn't for rugby i'd be the fattest laziest f**ker ever

fullback4glin

bitches

g'em

fullback4glin wrote: »

bitches

Infracted. That kind of 'humour' isn't welcome here as per the Charter.

RealistSpy

1. The fact that there people better than me and stronger than me.
2. I am a major computer geek (Prove the ponts that geeks are not week)
3. Vanity
4. Women

Jesus Juice

Tbh it was hard to stick at it at the start but once I started seeing definition I was hooked. Plus I've so much energy lately!!

Remmy

tbh I had shocking self confidence when I was younger being quite skinny and since lifting weights to get myself to a 'normal level' its totally addictive to see how far on the other side of the spectrum I can push it.;)

discus

^^ Good man milhouse

itsallaboutheL

I'm not in the remotest bit healthy.

[-0-]

I set out goals for the year. One of them was to get in shape, another was to get a girlfriend before the end of the year. I achieved both. It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you are not. Stay the course my friend - pictures are savage motivation.

bubbaloo

OP here again. I just wanted to update you all (and brag about how great I am !! ).
I joined WW last October and last night I hit the 3 stone mark (and a little bit extra). I have completely changed the way I live and I feel so much better for it.
Thanks for all of your suggestions - the photo idea was great and I have one that I keep on my phone to remind myself of how I used to look.
But I must admit that my motivation came from the encouragement I got from friends and family, and my WW leader. That's what kept me going.
I'm not at my target weight yet but I'm getting there.
Thanks again!