Question

I have been on IP for about 6 months now. I have lost 52 lbs and very proud of my accomplishment, however I have 48 more to go and lost my drive. I get tired of wanting food I can’t have. I feel like a prisoner of my body because I let myself go so much. I am 62 and want to feel healthy and good about myself but my head gets in my way. How are ways to keep motivated when you just want to give up?  

Answer 1

Do you have any hobbies, interests, things to do when your mind starts to sabotage you? Walking, hiking, anything to move or distract your mind? I find doing things for my new lifestyle is what helps when my mind does the same.  

Answer 2

It’s been a year on 2/15 for me . and I am feeling the same . I think it’s def more difficult through winter/ holidays. I am on a just make it thru today basis lately. I don’t even feel great anymore . I’m tired , half bald , and angry bcuz I want to reach my goal (-75, 50 to go ) but question if it’s worth it & its even attainable. one day at a time Im doing it .  

Comments

@illness - Why are you tired and half bald? Aren’t you supposed to feel good on this program?  

Answer 3

Congratulations @lycanthropy99351 that is an awesome loss for 6 months! Way to go!  

Answer 4

I added yoga 3 days a week to my routine, and that helps me stay on track with my food. Eating healthy is such a mental thing, so yoga helped boost that feeling of keeping on for me. It's another way to remind myself that I'm doing this for my health. You've got this! Stay strong! ❤

Answer 5

Cathy, I'm concerned you might be showing symptoms of depression. Your doctor can evaluate you for that and treat you if necessary. Whether or not you are depressed, adding some activity to your life is a great way to expand it. I am 60 and have lost 187 pounds. I started walking and now get between 7000 and 8000 steps every day. I live in Omaha, so I walk at the mall most days in the winter. I've started doing things I used to before I let myself go so badly, like traveling, going to plays, movies, art exhibits. I went to a Nebraska football game this fall for the first time in years. I wasn't working before the weight loss and now I have two part time jobs that I love. You don't have to live as a prisoner of your body anymore and we both have a lot of life left to live! Start with small steps, one thing at time. Join a church, a book club, a political or social cause you care about. Or just have coffee with a friend. You are doing great with your weight loss. Let yourself have a life! Blessings for your journey.  

Answer 6

That’s a great loss, remember why you started, it’s like a relationship, sometimes you want to kick em’ to the curb, but if we step back and remember why we began this journey it’ll remind us of the good. I’m 6 months in and have lost 87. The last two weeks were hard for me, no real losses and no inches. But at some point your body has to say wait I’m gonna throw a curve ball and make you question things. I had to refresh my mindset and really buckle back down. And figure out where my new “sweet spot” is for loss. I have 12 to go to my 100 lb goal. Then I’m going for 40 more. Its worth it, YOU’RE worth it. Don’t give up.  

Answer 7

Do you have Janeva’s cookbook? It has helped me to keep trying new things. If I am craving Italian food, then I make a dish with Italian flavors.  

Answer 8

Have you tried the “ Beck diet solution “ book ? It’s like the dieet for your head . Journal , hobbies , meditation , bible reading plan , try something you’ve never tried before , don’t be afraid . I recently took a water color class and learn about bullet journaling , look it up on Pinterest. I will post a picture of the book - you can find it on Amazon  

Comments

@kislev38 I must started reading this. It is very helpful!  

Answer 9

Just think about how far you have come! I know it is hard- it is for all of us. One meal at a time, one day at time.  

Answer 10

If you don't have Janeva's cookbook, I suggest you get it. Her recipes are so great & easy too! ❤ Lots of good stuff!  

Answer 11

@lycanthropy99351 don’t give up. I am 67 and I have lost 60 pounds but I still have 50 pounds to go. I am not giving up I know I could beat this. I have a lot of life left to live.  

Answer 12

Thank you all for your encouragement and well wishes and thank you Julie. I posted this because I wondered about others in my situation. I also do childcare for my grandchildren ages 5 and 8 when not in school they keep me quite busy. Believe it or not I also got a puppy for active walking but 3 more weeks before his last shots (vet said not to take him on public streets). I do have plans for success. Again thank you all!  

Answer 13

Having a tough day myself. Thanks to those who posted encouraging words.  

Answer 14

Thank you @lycanthropy99351 for posting this. I too am struggling.  

Answer 15

A quote I love- “if you’re tired of starting over stop giving up”! Focus on what you can have, look for new recipes, get creative. You won’t be in phase 1 forever either. Remember why you started. You can do it!  

Comments

@coaler473 this is great advice: focus on what you can have.  

Answer 16

Don’t give up.  

Answer 17

Plan a trip to somewhere hot where you will need a bathing suit, book it then continue :)

Answer 18

I had/have 130ish lbs to lose. When I got 6 months in and about 70lbs down I started to get IP fatigued. The thought that I’d be eating packets for another 6-8 months was doing my head in. I actually cried for 2 days because all I could think about was sourdough toast. TOAST! It was around that time that I started doing things I’d never done before - things I either couldn’t do at 300+lbs or thought I couldn’t do. The excitement of discovering new things kept me pushing forward and staying the course. I lost 120lbs, liked the way I looked but those cravings of all the foods I lived so much gripped me and I succumbed. I gained 35lbs back in 5 months. I’m hear you tell you those foods did nothing for me other than a blip of yumminess that turned into self loathing and depression, not to mention the added weight making my joints achy. I’m kind of glad I derailed because the lesson taught me a bit about the effect those ‘old’ foods have on me both mentally and physically. I’m 6 weeks back on IP and 15 lbs down but I’m also actively working on the mental aspect of navigating around cravings (using the Beck Diet Trap book for structure). I really encourage everyone to address the mental side of why we eat what we eat. IP will get you to your goal weight if you stick with it but we all have to address why we make the voices we do. It’s work - but well worth it.  

Comments

@duntson I’m exactly at the crying or just being straight mean and angry stage , one year in. Doing it still but angry about it all. I’m going to get that book for sure. I prefer to sleep as much as possible right now so i won’t eat . pathetic . out of my food for the day & done work . Im going to bed . or Im battling myself & idc what anyone says those sweet “cravings” have never stopped for me . and they won’t . I like food . So bad that I bought Girl Scout cookies I chew them up and spit them in the trash. seriously. PATHETIC . I’m about to quit the group bcuz i can’t seem to remain positive after 5 months of no losses . maintaining my 75 lb loss but not reaching goal has me hating everyone and everything. My mentals are ffffd !  

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I like to watch YouTube videos on Ideal Protein tips strategies and success stories. I also like to watch make up tips and tricks for mature women ha ha ha. I also always watch my daily videos from the IP app. I also watch a lot of murder shows LOL . Do you have the opportunity to change coaches, I’ve heard that sometimes this can help. Good luck!  

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@illness I feel ya, 110%. I’m a sugar addict. I think about cookies and ice cream every day. I now call this mentality my bratty inner child. I know better now that those things trigger all sorts of inflammation in my body and depression, this knowledge helps me avoid those things, but the thoughts don’t ease up. I even went to therapy for it. Is it possible that you take a step back from P1 and go to maintenance for awhile to mentally regroup and to just switch things up?  

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@plectrum99 yup, I taken to watching stuff too - and reading post here - to keep my mind off the ‘treats’ I want.  

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@duntson I have to talk to my inner baby lol . she can do this .