what motivates you to eat healthy?

shakinros · November 2013

So, nearly 15 months later, I haven't lost a pound of my baby weight. What I lost at delivery (in the form of a baby! and...stuff) I gained back within a couple months cause I was always ravenous when nursing. Here I am, still 45lbs over where I was when I got pregnant.

I would say that I don't care, that my weight isn't important to me right now, I have more important things on my mind, etc, but the fact that I can hardly stand to look in the mirror is telling me a different story. I've always been an eat-my-feelings kind of person, and I know I'm overeating and making poor food choices to cope with stress, but then it causes MORE stress by reinforcing how I feel bad about myself. And repeat the cycle. I tell myself I'll eat healthier, reduce portions, cut back on snacks, but then I see a donut at work and I eat it.

Ladies, how do you keep yourself motivated to eat healthy? If you've lost weight or are successfully working on it, how do you keep yourself accountable? I can't seem to override the little voice in my head that says "eat more. and add cheese while you're at it!"

BluepointToasted · November 2013

I struggle, and would like to drop another 15 ish lbs, but a few years back I lost around 35 and have kept it off (except for pregnancy, obs). I just didn't like the way I felt. I was uncomfortable in my own body, had no energy, couldn't wear anything cute. I never want to feel like that again. In general I try and follow a 90/10 rule in regards to eating, eat well 90% of the time! the other 10% is reserved for dinners out, etc. I drink a ton of water, and really try to fit in 5 workouts a week. I am struggling now, too much wine, not enough exercise. This is a good week for me to get back on track, DH is working overnights, so it is much easier to get out of an empty bed at 5 am.

shakinros · November 2013

Do you exercise at home? What do you do?

I'm not exercising at all, ever, except for walks on the weekends to run errands. That's probably a big part of why I feel so crappy about myself these days.

BluepointToasted · November 2013

I use a website called fitnessblender. I used to be a gym rat, but with my and DH's schedule it just isn't possible anymore. They have a really great variety of free (!) workout videos. I get up early to work out, then shower and get dressed before DS gets up. It sucks when the alarm goes off, especially now when it is so dark and cold, but the feeling of it being 6:15 in the morning and knowing I already got a workout in is fabulous!

I also use myfitnesspal to track food. Not as religiously as I should, but it is a great help

Msbean22 · November 2013

I'll be lurking around here...I have about 50lbs to lose to get to a healthyish weight (I have lost my baby weight, though - plus some. I'm just really fat!)

rp-chicago-mom · November 2013

I am slowly losing weight now. I refuse to buy bad food. That's one thing. I can't eat it if it isn't there. If I'm hungry after I've finished the more caloric part of a snack or meal, I eat crudités (keep cut up in fridge so they're easy to grab) or more of the cooked vegetables I made with the meal. That has helped a lot because I know if I am still hungry, there's something else I can have. I also feel haughty and full of myself when I eat healthy, whereas I feel bad and ashamed if I eat poorly. Sad but true.

Also I refuse to completely eliminate treats. I allow sweets on the weekend. That's something to look forward to. I usually have wine with dinner but a small glass. I'll have hot cocoa made with real milk and cocoa powder (the recipe is on the box of hersheys cocoa. I always add a pinch of salt and a few drops of vanilla to make a rounder flavor) for a treat at night, which tastes so rich and decadent even though it's not so bad for you.

I have started actually dragging my ass to the gym too but the days I don't, I walk all over God's green earth and fit in this circuit workout I found in real simple. I never want to work out but always feel so great when I actually do it. Like so great. Nothing beats endorphins. It's so hard but you can do it. I would love to start my fitness palor something for accountability and solidarity. That would be helpful, I imagine

zbeesma86 · November 2013

my motivation is how I look and feel in my clothes.

I did weight watchers for the longest time and had the best success with that. I did it in college then after I had DD. You don't have to pay to do it- there is plenty of free info online and I can PM you other websites I've used. WW is nice because you can have everything. It makes you watch portion sizes because you have to stay in a point range daily. You can add more points on days you workout- which for me was motivation to bust my butt so I could drink that extra glass of wine or eat that 4th piece of Dove chocolate- haha.

I love to workout- I run and lift- it's my hour of the day that is just for me and I can destress and relax (I know that sounds weird, working out is far from 'relaxing' but it is a release).

I am definitely an emotional eater and it can be hard for me too. I try not to buy things that are tempting me because I have no self control when we have oreos in the pantry or at ice cream drum sticks in the freezer- I will eat a row of oreos or 2 drum sticks! haha so lots of healthy snacks that still satisfy. I can't eat rice cakes and celery. I do hummus and veggies or pita chips. Chips and salsa or guac. Apples and peanut butter or nutella.

Also I use Lose it App for tracking exercise and food

gollywollypog · November 2013

I'm like @hls19. I rarely buy foods that tempt me, like oreos and drumsticks, and when my H buys them he can't believe I ate them all in two nights.

I'd suggest finding healthy snacks that YOU enjoy and satisfy you. I like honeycrisp apples (with homemade caramel sauce, which isn't the healthiest but goes hand in hand with a great food so I say it's ok), sugar snap peas with a bit of dressing, grapes and cheese, celery with peanut butter and raisons. Those kind of snacks to go grab when the snack urge strikes, which for me is especially at night. I don't ever refuse myself anything. My personality isn't compatible with that type of "diet". I just try to eat well most of the time and when my H brings home donuts or whatever, I eat them. And then go back to my go to healthy snacks.

Good luck! I hope you find your balance.

gollywollypog · November 2013

And as far as my motivation goes: For me healthy food going in to my body translates to a healthier state of mind. I feel better physically, mentally and emotionally if I'm getting the proper nutrients. If I eat lots of good food, my body starts to crave good food and the same is true for junk food. I've felt the effects of both lifestyles and truly, the health food way is better. And I'll add to that: I eat butter, cheese, whole milk, half and half, good meats, real sugar and full fat sour cream, ice cream, yogurt and the like. I refuse to deprive myself of all those good and natural things. It's moderation though.

sadeathe · November 2013

The only thing I have found effective for myself is calorie counting. I tend to eat healthier because I don't want to put down things on my chart that are bad for me.

I also walk, but the calorie counting does more for me than the walking does.

shakinros · November 2013

Thanks ladies. I've had great success with weight watchers before but only about every other time I try. I really have to be committed to it for it to work (which I'm sure is true of anything I could try) and I'm struggling to find the commitment.

The last time I successfully lost weight was before our wedding and wedding photos are a huge motivator! H and I both look great in them! Wish I could think of some equally compelling motivator now.

TechieGirl1 · November 2013

I normally have a lot of dietary restrictions due to stomach acid issues, as well as asthma issues that cause me to eat healthy (most of the time), and if I don't my asthma gets bad due to extra weight and I feel sick.

As far as working out, I never have time. I'm busy usually from the time I wake up till about 1 hour before I go to bed. I have time during the weekends but I'm super busy then too.

Maizey06 · November 2013

I really think the exercise and eating healthy go hand in hand. If I exercise, I feel more motivated to eat healthy since I put the work into exercising. I loved working out before I had DD and used to think I needed to at least workout one hour for any benefit. I have totally changed my mindset, if I can fit in 15 minutes a day, then I am happy.

You could start by doing little things like buy some small weights or bands and do some exercises while you are watching TV.

I really did not start working out again until DD was 6 months old and that is when I finally noticed some of my energy coming back and then I would not be as likely to indulge in junk food (though it still happens, just not as much).

shakinros · November 2013

Hey @baker_bride if you start my fitness pal, let me know. I could use an accountability pal!

alake · November 2013

I have been sticking to a stricter diet.
I am not eating carbs, refined sugars or uncooked vegetables as they have been setting my IBS off. I have been trying different things and this seems to be the proper balance.
I am down 40 from when I got pregnant with Eryn. I am probably a good 70- 80 pounds from where I need to be. My kids follow the same diet as I do. I am not going to make two full meals.
I am really active and quite muscular.

MoFree · November 2013

@Gollywollypog gave all the reasons I also have for eating healthy. I work in a cardiac rehab center and see the lifelong effects of poor food and lifestyle choices and how much pain and suffering they cause. I also want to set an example for my daughter of installing good eating habits and enjoying food. I find that without really trying eating real, unprocessed foods makes it so much easier to be at a healthy weight.

JAO2011 · November 2013

I struggled with weight loss after L was born. In January, I finally realized bfing wasn't helping me lose weight. I started weight watchers and lost 15lbs. Mostly just watching what I ate. Then in May, I joined stroller strides. It's been life changing for me. My weight loss stalled but due to my lack of eating properly. I am so much more fit and have lost a few inches. I am starting to refocus on heating healthy/portion control. I am so much happier too. Good luck. I hope you find something that works for you.

latnprincess · November 2013

This is me. This is my life.

I am a horrible eater. I have zero self control to say no the bad and yes to the good. Part of it is I love food. I love the way GOOD food tastes. I don't mean good food like good for you, but bad good food, lol.. I lost all my baby weight and an extra 10 lbs when i was nursing and gained back the 10 lbs.

I want to lose 20 lbs and I'll be happy with myself. But on top of the fact that I lack self control, I am tired with 2 kids after work. I get home at 6, make dinner, help with homework, baths/bedtime, and its like 9 pm before I get to sit. My husband works nights so its all me. At that time I want to do NOTHING. I need to find it in me somewhere to work out. At least work out!

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