Need help/advice from anyone who cannot follow 'moderation'

[RhiannonW]

Some people can follow the 'anything in moderation' plan. I cannot. I first failed at eating in moderation; now I've failed at exercising in moderation. Up until about a year ago I had exercised 7 days a week for 10 years. About a year ago, for various 'life stage' reasons I decided to give myself a break and try the exercise in moderation. Ha! I let myself have a day off now and again, then the days off become more and more. Now I'm to the point of not working out at all. I keep telling myself "after such and such, I'll hit it hard and consistent again". Then something else in life happens and I put it off again. I need help to get back on the wagon. I haven't changed my eating habits so I'm gaining fat weight. Now I'm thinking, "it's a lost cause - why even bother".

Can anyone offer any words that might help me get back to where I once was?

Thanks so much, in advance.

 

[Fit_mommy]

RE: Need help/advice from anyone who cannot follow 'mod...

Hey there.

If you need to exercise 7 days per week in order to stay motivated and your body allows for it, do it. The most important thing is that you listen to your body. If you feel you need a break or suffer an injury the you NEED to listen! If you want to give your body a break but "keep moving", why not try using one day to do only stretching or yoga? There are a few folks on this board who take what they call "active" rest days. They still do some form of exercise but it's not your standard cardio or weights. The last idea I have is to substitute a day or 2 of your regular exercise each week with an alternate activity that will still exercise you but is different like taking a walk or playing a sport.

These are just a few ideas.

HTH some.

 

[teddy16410]

RE: Need help/advice from anyone who cannot follow 'mod...

Fully support Wendys points! I too cannot seem to take a complete day off without breaking my rhythm so I understand what you are saying!
I started doing a full hour of stretching as the minimum on day off and sometimes yoga, pilates, an easy cardio coach etc... I just have to keep to a routine or I tend to go a bit crazy w/ the "off days". The only time I take a complete do nothing day anymore is if I am feeling "injured"... then I just take the darn day off.

 

[angie_nrs]

RE: Need help/advice from anyone who cannot follow 'mod...

You sound a bit depressed. Perhaps you should see your doctor???? Not trying to be pushy, but maybe this problem is bigger than you think it is. In any case, if you start exercising and improve your diet, it will help. Just take baby steps. I know it's seems a bit daunting when you read some of the posts here because some of the Catheites are sooooooo good with their eating and exercise. They have set the bar, but it may not be best to set that as your initial goal.

I would start out by just moving once a day. It doesn't necessarily have to be structured exercise. Get a pedometer and set a goal for the amount of steps you want to achieve every day and gradually increase. When that seems easy, start in on regular structured exercise, like running or aerobics. Do what you enjoy and make a schedule for it. If you fit it into your schedule, you'll be less likely to avoid it.

Also, keep those healthy foods readily available and gradually fold them into your diet. Quit buying the junk and you won't eat it - spend most of your grocery shopping time in the produce isle. But start gradually. Make something a habit before moving on to someting else. If you try everything at once you are setting yourself up for failure IMO.

For motivation, I find it very helpful to roam the Cathe forums. There is lots of great information and really helpful and smart folks here. ;-)

Take Care of Yourself

Angie