Lost: Motivation. If Found Return to Jen…

Yes, I will admit here at Week 18 of my gastric sleeve surgery journey that I’ve lost a bit, OK, a lot of my motivation. I am still losing weight, in fact my total is 61.5 pounds. What I have realized the past few weeks is that I feel a bit complacent. Is it laziness? Is it boredom? Am I done?

It’s Week 18 and 61.5 pounds are gone!

NO! I am not lazy. OK, I am a bit bored with the same foods over and over again. NO! I am not done! I still have 50.5 pounds to lose to have a healthy BMI. As it is with any long-term goal, I think it’s normal to lose sight of the goal and just be plain old tired of what you’re doing. While these feelings are normal, I don’t want to stay in this place of complacency.

What am I going to do? Time to reset some goals and make some new ones…

• Running became my favorite exercise before my surgery and now that I am considerably lighter, I enjoy it even more. Last Thanksgiving I did the local Turkey Trot 5K and while I managed to finish, it wasn’t pretty. I want to run most, if not all, of it this year and actually enjoy the experience. This goal is one of my favorites as I will really be able to see the difference my weight loss makes. I’m following my Couch to 5K program religiously and feel positive I can accomplish this goal!
• Cooking healthier and more interesting meals is an essential part of my journey and now that I can pretty much eat all kinds of food, this is even more important. My schedule is even busier these days so I am a big fan of my slow cooker. I search for new recipes that are filled with protein and vegetables and avoiding ones with heavy fats and carbs. I have a few things up on Pinterest that I like, and more importantly, my kids will actually eat! I know finding easier, quicker ways to cook healthier foods will keep me away from bad food choices.
• I used to hate clothes shopping since the plus section doesn’t offer much variety or style. Now that I can shop in the “regular” section I am excited. My size is still on the upper end of the selection and can be limiting. Seeing the options I’ll have when I lose more weight is inspiring, especially with the holidays approaching. I want to look thin, healthy and cute in this year’s Christmas card.
• This leads to me to one of my biggest motivators, vanity. Yes, I am losing weight to be healthy, but I readily admit my outward appearance inspires me… a lot. Now that I look at pictures from 60+ pounds ago, I can truly see how much older, tired and uncomfortable I look. I had to show my ID to a sales clerk this weekend and she literally did a double take. For a stranger to see that much of a difference in me, inspires me to follow this path to health and “cuteness”.

These are just a few areas that are helping me gain my motivation back. I’d love to hear the motivators for your goals. Whether it’s weight loss, changing jobs, writing the great American novel or just a happier, healthier life, I think it’s important from time to time, to re-evaluate your goals and plan of action. I will continue to face more challenges, periods of doubt, and lack of motivation, but I know that I will succeed as I go Down the Scale…