Does anyone else have any motivational tips that aren't directly related to what food you eat or what exercise you do?

Here are mine...

Of course watching the Biggest Loser is a source of inspiration. Sometimes I wish I had someone instructing me on what to do like the team trainers, plus a big money prize to motivate me

In addition I write a blog to help me stick to my 'diet' program. I find that knowing that I have to 'report' back to myself plus my friends who read it helps me stay on track. I feel really disappointed with myself when I have stated my plans to be healthy and then have to admit that I have not followed them.

If you've got any techniques that help you please share

I keep a journal and run a support forum.

That inspires me.

The BL is also a big help.

*Waves*

Not so much a weight loss tip but an overall well being tip: do not hold all your feelings inside. Talk to people (not incessantly, but enough to get things off your chest). This be a life saver in some ways. My mom used to bottle everything inside and the amount of stress that she was bearing alone eventually caused her immune system to weaken immensely, so that she ended up with a blood-cell deficiency. Now she talks to my sister and me about her thoughts and feelings and this not only improved our relationship but it probably saved her life (actually the blood specialist that she went to told her that releasing these toxic emotions did save her life). Everyone deals with emotions differently, whether it is through eating or bottling up to the point of physical illness, or whatever else. Either way, communicating your emotions is crucial.

One thing I do is read everything I can get my hands on related to diet and exercise. I always feel like there is something else I could learn and may be able to apply to myself at some point. I might not be able to utilize it now, but you never know when a situation will arise that will require you to adapt. Like being stuck at a party with unhealthy food. I now know what are my "lesser of two evils" when it comes to making food choices.

I also enjoy watching programs at TLC, Discovery, MTV, etc, that deal with obesity. Some programs, like the ones that focus on morbid obesity, help me to always keep in mind that I could be that bad if I didn't care for myself. Other shows, like "Fat Camp" on MTV and "Celebrity Fit Club" just keep me inspired all the time. I tend to get very emotional when I see people succeed and they realize it. PLUS I might accidentally absorb a new idea or tip in the process.

One of the most IMPORTANT things I did in my life was to make it very clear to my friends, family, etc, how serious I am about dieting and exercise. When they understand that, they don't try to pressure you into skipping your workout to go to a movie or cheat and share a pizza with them. In fact, I've been really lucky that my friends have been so supportive. Most of them will go to dinner with me and eat off the low-cal menu. It's become a two way street. Many of them that used to be skinnier than me are now seeing the tables turned and asking me for help. Helping people is great because it puts you in a position to set an example. I thrive on being in that position because it's no longer about me, but its about me and everyone else. It's like the old phrase "the whole thing is bigger than you." Its not about me anymore, its about everyone.

Good luck

Join a support group. http://www.oa.org/index.htm
http://www.foodaddicts.org/

Having a group of people who know EXACTLY how you feel, what you are going through, have the same goals as you and live close enough to come by and pull that gallon of icecream right out of your cold, clammy hands is always a good thing.

I joined OA and it's great having people I see on a regular basis who understand how my mind works and have found ways to help me when I need it. It's also great to get calls from someone who needs a little help from me and trusted me enough to ask me for help.

Take up a hobby.

Find something that you like to do that will help build self esteem and self-affirmation. If you have a lot of time on your hands... try to find something time consuming so you have little time to sit around and eat.

I took up the guitar and singing. I spend HOURS every day, when I get the chance, playing and singing. I have gotten SO much better in the past two months. I can hear how much better I am when I play a difficult chord or hit a higher note than I have ever hit before. I know it's better and it helps ME tell MYSELF that I am getting better instead of asking someone else's opinion. Self-Affirmation is important.

Get out from in front of the TV.

TV commercials are ridiculous. These companies have teams of researchers working around the clock trying to figure out how to get you to eat their products... stop watching them!!! Institute a family game night, turn off the TV and read a good book, paint the livingroom, go to the library and read magazines... anything to get you away from the TV. (That's where the hobby comes in, too.)

I haven't had time to watch much TV since I took up the guitar and joined OA. It seems like I spend all my free time playing or going to meetings. Funny thing is, I don't really miss the shows I used to watch all the time. I know most of them will come out on DVD soon enough if I want to catch up (without commercials) and my life is better without so much TV. (Both of my girls play and sing with me, so it's a family thing now.)

My best advice... Do something different and you will get different results!!! If you think you can lose weight and keep the same lifestyle you had when you gained the weight... you are insane. (Doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result is how Einstein discribed insanity.)

Thanks for your replies

I agree with Take up a a Hobby + Get out from in front of the TV

I've recently started the C25K running program which kind of covers both of those points.
I'm only in the first week but the other day when I got home from work I got straight into my running clothes instead of switching on the tv like I normally would.

I was going running with bf and he wasn't home yet. I didn't let myself sit down and get comfy whilst I waited but instead cleaned the bathroom to keep active. I knew if I relaxed I wouldn't want to get up again. It worked - he got home, changed and we had a great run + we had a super sparkling clean bathroom as a bonus!

Here's a motivational tip:

Write down all the reasons you want to lose excess weight. For example: 1) Premature cardiac death runs in my family and I want to stay alive and healthy until my children are all over 21 years old, 2) I have to fly a lot, and it's getting embarrassingly difficult to fit in an airliner seat, 3) My husband isn't as romantically interested in me since I gained 40 lbs over the last 5 years, 4) I want to have more energy and stamina, 5) Most of my clothes don't fit well and I can't afford a new wardrobe right now.

You get the idea.

Post the list where you will see it daily, and where it might have some impact when you need it. Consider taping to the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, kitchen cabinet, or at eye level above the bathroom scale.

Best wishes!

Steve Parker, M.D, author of The Advanced Mediterranean Diet
www.AdvancedMediterraneanDiet.com

If that's the case... lose the husband instead of the weight and your life will be JUST FINE!!! (And you may lose the main reason you gained weight to begin with.)

I know you mentioned no exercise ideas, but assuming you do go to the gym I would recommend doing it in the morning. For the last 4 months I have been doing this and it makes it so much harder to cheat when it is the first thing you do in your day. Make sure everything is packed and ready to go the night before. Planning, planning, planning. Whether that is meals ahead of time, your workout, your night when you get home from work. With no plan bad habits creep in.

Hi everybody, I'm new to the biggest loser forum... I'm usually on the Days of our Lives boards...

I started watching Biggest loser last season. From that point on I was hooked! I find the show very inspiring. Since Christmas I have lost 33 pounds! 32 pounds to go! I watch the show every week for inspiration, diet tips, and exercise tips. This show is amazing! I love the trainers too. I love not only their take no prisoners attitude and tough love... but also that they are compassionate. I can't wait to see who wins, and of all those voted off, who comes back to be the biggest loser!

Congrats on your weight loss, that's awesome! Keep it up.

Thanks! It looks like you are doing really well yourself, judging by your ticker clock. Congrats!

Good job to the both of you! Losing weight is a very important accomplishment!

Great idea. thanks for sharing, though I don't think it will work for me personally. I'm more of a night person than a morning person. I know that fitting in exercise before work that starts at 9am is not going to happen - I have to force myself out of bed as it is during the week.

I am trying to work up the courage to go running on my own. Currently I run with my boyfriend, but he often works late so we have cancelled quite a few sessions because it's too late. Not sure why but if we are together I don't even think about other people looking at me, but I know if I were on my own I would feel self conscious.

Anyone got any tips on how I can get around feeling uncomfortable about running in public places on my own?

This is such a good idea. I typically work out at night because it works best with my schedule, but when I do get to go in the morning I am so much happier. It is overwith for one thing, and I don't have to worry about anything coming up at night that will interfere with my workout. Plus, it sets the day off great, and gives me that boost of energy that makes me want to keep doing good (kind of like the feeling you get watching BL).

Your body adjusts. If you tend to stay up late, your body will start making you go to bed earlier when you start working out in the morning. I am not saying you still will not be tired, but a shot of tea, a protein bar, a little water on the face, and a walk to get your body going and you can get into that mode to get your workout done. I don't think I can ever go back to working out after work. Too many things come up to make me avoid going, and I'll be honest I am normally more tired after work than I am in the morning.

I used to run by myself. Granted as a guy who didn't have much of a weight issue (I was probably 15-20 lbs from where I wanted to be when I started 3 years ago) it wasn't much of big deal, but all I would do is put on my music and block everything out. I managed to start dragging my gf along who hadn't exerised in about 15 years, which I must admit helps as we are doing it together, but even though I do want to get in shape to be attractive and healthy for her, I must admit that I am selfish in that I am doing it for myself first. I could care less what others think because at the end of the day I am getting in better health.

I am also like BrookeAnn where I feel great for getting it done early and for the energy it gives me to start the day. One of my biggest problems has always been my eating habits. I find that working out in the morning guarantees that I have some food in the morning as I often used to skip breakfast and have my food loaded towards the end of the day. I am much better at having my snacks and a smaller dinner now.

You know I am starting to think that you may well be right. I'm quite new to this running program and I have found it difficult to fit in runs around my evening activities, it's so often that something else 'more important' needs to be done. If I were to run in the mornings this would be avoided. Plus the streets would be empty and I wouldn't need to worry about feeling self-conscious. Maybe I'll turn out to be a 'morning' person after all!

Like another member here, I read lots of health/fitness magazines, online forums & sites and watch a lot of the sows related to fitness, exercise & health.. well, I record them & watch when I can. I also like keeping a visual track of my progress because it motivates me. I have been doing this a long time so I know my body pretty well, but what I learned was to get that mind /body/muscle link. Learn how your body works so you will know when it is "asking" for small or major changes in your exercise or food program. I guess I am saying to really pay attention to your body so that you know what it does & does not like in terms of exercise & food. I have made changes all thru my years & am now 50. Hormones change, the body changes & we change so juts link in to your inner self. I also blog on this as well & it makes me feel good in hopes that I am helping others.

Oh, I am new to this site to bear with me as I learn the ropes.

congratulations!

Well I finally tried the morning run idea. I'm not sure I'll be doing it again The problem was that I went for a run before work, so it meant that the time I could run for was restricted in a way that it is not when I run in the evenings or at the weekends. I know this depends how how early I haul myself out of bed - but 6.30am already felt alarmingly early to me!

So in the end my run was considerably shorter than normal and I was worried about getting back home in time so no to be late to work.

On the up side, the other day I plucked up the courage to go running on my own. And I survived!
This is good news as I no longer have to rely on mine and my bf's schedules corresponding. That said it's still more fun to run when someone's with you.

I am learning that planning planning planning is necessary on this journey. Any one else finding the same?

okay, here I am trying to talk myself into exercising today, when a story comes up on CNN about a little boy who lost a leg to cancer at age one, but is shown playing baseball, running with crutches, sliding into the base, and who also plays soccer and other sports. WHAT AN INSPIRATION! Do I ever feel bad about complaining about going for a walk. I am counting my blessings with every step that I CAN walk, instead of complaining.

What inspires y'all to get out there and exercise when you just don't feel like it?????

Maybe this sounds bad, however FEAR! I'm worried about what I will become if I DON'T go out and exercise. I have spent the last eight years getting progressively larger and unhealthier. I see all the health problems my parents have and I don't want to have to deal with that.

Pride is also a way I get myself out there. I have shouted from the rooftops that I am making a lifestyle change and people are watching me now. I get compliments and comments made on how much better I am looking. I don't want people to start thinking that I'm not trying and not working my hardest.

Love gets me out there too. My husband has been a runner forever and I have recently taken it up. We have registered for some 5K races over the summer that we can do together (with him handily kicking my butt and all) and spend some quality time together.

Lastly, dedication. I have to be dedicated to this change and two months in, I feel like I've done a pretty good job with that.

I've never thought of it that way, but I guess 'fear' is a big motivator for me as well. I see way too many people who are not that much older than I am ( 44) who can barely get around. Or they are on meds for high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. I've been blessed that I don't have any health issues due to my weight (5'5", 193) YET! I know they're a'comin' if I don't get a handle on this.
I do great with exercise, but have a terrible time controlling my diet.
But I get out for my walk or bike ride, or get out the weights, because I know even if I never get my diet where it should be, I am still doing myself some good by exercising. That's what keeps me from giving up.
And, I truly have faith that I will find my way. I will be able to combine my fitness efforts with a healthy diet and become the fit person that I feel I am inside.
We also just got a Wii fit, as I mentioned in a different post, and now I really want to see the results there. Right now my Mii (animated person on the game) is chubby as I am 'obese'. I can't wait to see me, and my Mii slim down!

Here are some stories of inspiration.

im inspired to finally lose the weight and keep it off because in my area, the kids are getting bigger and bigger each year i c them. they start younger and younger...i saw the biggest preschooler id ever seen and it scared me...im young but at some point in my life i want to have kids...but it would be dumb to have kids being overweight and then passing down my bad habits to them so that they will suffer...so besides wanting a healthy family in the future, ive always been overweight so i want to finally see some of the high school ****** girls that teased me and all the other overweight kids and make their draws drop at how i look now (and ive already bumped into 3 girls from high school that i hated it and the looks on their face when they saw me in a dress looking *snap snap* fabuolous makes me work harder toward my goal)....and lastly....if obesity runs in the family, its scary....3 aunts and 4 uncles died from health problems related to being overweight and all of them were under 40yrs old...so i have a lot of motivation to keep me going...everyone will have their own ways of being and staying inspired to lose the weight and keep it off..but those are mine and watching the biggest loser reminds me that anything is possible if your determined enough

My children inspire me, the way i look inspires me to lose weight. I hate the way i look and i try everyday to workout but i am either too tired or my children won't let me. I work from 730am till 5p doing in home daycare and 730p-1am at a grocery store. I have a 2 hour gap from one job to the next and when i get off at 1AM by the time i pick my children up from their father's house and get home it's 2am. By the time i fall asleep its 230-3a and then i have to do all over again starting at 730a. My youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 2 months old. He is now 2 yrs old. His father asked me to marry him and because of my son's diagnosis i took a $800. paycut to stay home with him and my 1yr old. 2MOS after this their father leaves me. Prior to him leaving i was in the gym 1.5 hrs a day and only had 11 more lbs to lose. I was getting rest and eating well being that he is a personal trainer in all. But he told me i couldnt come to the gym anymore cause his new girlfriend was coming there. Since then i've gained 30lbs. I will not have anyone giving my son insulin so i can't put him in daycare. And when i try to workout at home the kids fight or jump on the back of the treadmill etc,and i end up getting off and then frustated, giving up. A couple times i cried in front of my kids because they were hindering me from working out. And then i'm too tired other days from only getting 3-4 hours of sleep. I feel so fat and ugly. Im 5ft 3in and weigh 170+ lbs and don't have a day off. What do i do? Oh and i can't workout while the babies are crying in my daycare like one trainer suggested. I am determined and will do anything, i will lose this 40lbs, however i am gonna need GOD 's help

What inspires me is this show... Every time I watch I cannot help but feel motivated to change my life!!!
I heard that the creators of this show (DAVE BROOME 25/7 productions) have a new show coming out that is inspiring in another way. It premieres on Tuesday December 23rd on ABC @ 9pm called REDISCOVERED. This show went out and found 5 people for each episode who previously tried out for this talent scout MATT CASELLA almost 20 years ago, but were the last to be cut. Matt Casella is the person who found BRITNEY SPEARS, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, KERI RUSSELL, BEN AFFLECK, MATT DAMON, JOEY FATONE, BRITTANY MURPHY, JESSICA SIMPSON, DAVID ARQUETTE, DONALD FAISON, ETC... I even heard they were able to get original, previously unreleased audition footage of these stars that will premiere during these shows...
Anyways, the inspirational part is contacting these people (then children) and finding out where their lives have lead, and to give them another chance to fulfill their childhood dreams of performing in front millions of viewers!!! After an audience vote one will be selected as the winner for that evening. Along with the chance to perform in front of millions, the winner will get a HUGE amount of $$$!!! Needless to say, I heard there is a lot of emotion and many tears shed. This is sure to be a GINORMOUS hit and a great inspirational family show!!! No wonder it will premiere during the holidays!!!
It is hosted by MARIE and DONNY OSMOND!!! Check it out!!!

Results inspire me. Seeing the scale dropping... feeling my clothing fitting loser... and best of all, taking measurements (arms, legs, waist, hips, etc) inspires me. And photos of myself every ten pounds lost. That keeps me going.

I'm also inspired by results. I love that feeling after working my butt off at the gym. It's satisfying and it keeps me motivated to keep working out.

I have to admit results are the things that keep me going, too. In my food journal every day, I start with the Serenity prayer and a little time with God. I set mini goals for myself and when I reach a goal, I am going to reward myself for it. I don't know exactly what they will be yet but that is what I am working towards.

Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be happy and gradually I got there, then I wanted to be a fit girl and I got to that goal too. I just tried really hard and had a positive outlook on life.

For those of you who have lost so much weight and posted in the forum about taking it off and keeping it off...how did you do it?

Help me...because I am struggling....

I have lost it...but I am at that point...that "bad place" and it's the place where I have failed so many times before.

I have a blog and you can read about me http://www.jagjaglee.blogspot.com/ but it's a "long read". So the short story is that in 10 months I have lost 112 pounds. I did it the right way through changing the way I eat and exercise. I DID NOT go on a diet. I could lose maybe 10 or 15 pounds more but wouldn't hurt my feelings if I didn't because I am happy with my size (from a 24 to a 10-12). I am also in great health and exercise regularly.
It's the old "demons" and crap that resurface that probably made me fat in the first place that haunt me. It is not just over-eating and lack of exercise...it's more than that. I know I am not alone on this. Surely there are other people who are overweight or used to be who know exactly what I am talking about and have faced down this "monster". How did you finally beat it?

I am scared. I really am. I cannot let it slip away because I can't get a grip but I am freaking out a bit here! Can you offer me any helpful advice? Anything...please.

jagjaglee, loosing so much weight in such a short period of time, let me say CONGRATULATIONS!!

You have come to the right place, plenty here have lost and kept it off. As for me, I lost, gained back, then lost again. All I can say is keep doing what you are doing, eating right and exercising. And never stop believing in yourself and what you can accomplish.

Welcome to the forum.

I am going on 3 years since I hit my goal weight. I went from 562.3 down to my current weight of 220 pounds. I am 6' 2" and just turned 50 years old. I lost over 340 pounds after a lifetime of morbid obesity. I think what has helped me to keep the weight off is to make my maintenance phase look a lot like my lose weight phase. I still track what I eat. I weigh regularly and if I see any weight gain - I get serious about tracking EVERYTHING I put in my mouth. What has helped me the most is making sure that the things I eat are foods I love to eat. I have worked hard to find foods that are healthy for me but taste great. I try to never go anywhere to eat out without having first had a plan. I have a lot of fast food choices that if I get stuck out - I already know what I will order. If I am out and have to eat out - well Subway is easy - 320 calories for about 6 different subs. Wendy's Chilli is a good choice for me - I can get the large without cheese for about 300 calories. If I got stuck with nothing but a Burger King out on the road for example I get a whopper jr no mayo - for 300 calories and a salad with fat free low cal dressing. Now, I don't eat at those places normally - I either cook myself or I go to places with healthy choices... but if I got stuck - I would not walk into any of the very high calorie places wondering what I was going to eat. I think choices made on the "fly" for me at least are almost always wrong. I try to make decision like that way ahead of time. I try to never get caught unprepaired. That said - no one is perfect - least of all me. I have gained 5 or 10 pounds then had to lose it again. Gaining weight is effortless - unfortunatally in our calorie rich society - staying fit and healthy takes some effort. The good news is that it really is just small changes made that you make part of your life. I count calories in my head without even thinking about it. It is a natural to me now as going and ordering a Big Mac and a x-large fry use to be back in the day.

I try and stay active. I don't hit near the exercise levels the Biggest Loser does - but I make sure I get in at least 3 hours per week with weight training. I do enough stuff like biking, jogging - and swimming to get in about the same amount of cardio. 6 hours per week is not too much to invest in good health. I don't think we can exercise our way to thin over a long period of time. I think exercise is for fitness - how you feel and what you can do.

I wish you all the best. If I can ever help just let me know.

Charles

Thanks Charles, you are in Houston? So am I.

You are an inspiration and great tips on the having a "plan" when I am out. Fortunately I don't really eat out much at all but if I do..., I'll keep your ideas in my pocket! Usually it's a "Whataburger" Jr. on a cold whole wheat bun with mustard and pickles (cold so they won't run it through the toaster with the oil) and water. That is my "fast food" splurge if the family needs a grab and go meal.

I did sit down and try to figure out what is tripping me up and am trying to get back to my routines. Something as silly as putting the battery back in my digital scale as opposed to using the "old timey" one helps me. I need to know exactly how much I weigh to the ounce. I weigh EVERY morning.

Someone posted on another thread how great exercise made them feel and how it could change everything. It's so true. I love how I feel after I have walked or been to the gym...it's such a high. If I can keep that momentum...then hopefully I won't fall off track.

Congratulations on your weightloss! It's a wonderful success.

I've lost 40+ lbs. since 2004 and none of it has come back because I have made sure that none of it has come back. I have increased my physical activity; choose healthier foods than before and monitor my intake even more closely now because as I get older [I'm now 46], my body doesn't deal with food the same way it used to and as a result, I am in better shape now than I have ever been before in my life.

The old demons? They controlled me for more years than I can remember but now, I simply refuse to let them take control. As the old saying goes, no one can look after me except me. When you sense the old demons striving to take control, refuse to relinquish your control and tell them to take a hike!

Hey There:

DON'T MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE!

Seriously, you might find a good read in The Beck Diet Solution. I haven't read it yet but there are very good reviews on Amazon.com.

Also keep in mind how closely linked Nutrition and Mood are. From everything I've read, experienced, and heard from other folks, my personal opinion is this: We often think we have 100% choice-based emotional issues that are 60-95% biochemically driven. We have to make the right choices at the beginning of every day and then all day long to eat right, sleep right, exercise right, supplement right, de-stress right, and get outside in the sun enough to avoid letting our biochemistry have excessive power over our choices.

Never forget this: YOU ARE A WALKER! YOU ARE A HALF-MARATHONER!!!! WOOHOO! It's good that nobody (such as me LOL!) as brought you over to the dark side (running). After 20+ years of that, my feet are half destroyed. I'm trying to convice myself that I too can be a joyful walker, letting you be my model.

Thanks Anna! The funk is lifting and I am getting on track. The fight to keep weight off is as much a battle as it is to lose it in the first place. I am committed though. I believe in me and I will keep doing what I have been doing all along. There is just no way I will let 113 pounds now slip through my fingers like grains of sand....no way. I can see how it so easily could if it just stopped. I am so glad I chose NOT to diet that I chose to just CHANGE because there is no ending point in a change. It's almost fluid like, just a difference in the way things are done...different choices of something I do everyday anyway.

I appreciate all the good advice! Keep it coming! What a great support network! One of the greatest challenges I think many face when we lose it is keeping it off! So hopefully, anything put here can help lots of folks and not just me! I know I am tightening my belt down on this roller coaster ride and continuing to hang on for I refuse to let go.

CONGRATULATIONS with losing weight. The one thing I know is keeping it off is harder because it's an ongoing process for the rest of your life. Just keep eating healthy and exercising, and know that you can do this because you've already done it.

What keeps me going? Determination.

I agree with newfitgirl. Diet and exercise needs to become a part of your life, not a tasks that you dread doing. Think of it this way, being healthy will make life that much easier. I know I want my life to be easier so I incorporate it in my life, as we all incorporate breathing and sleeping.