How did you find the determination to get started?

[Wonderworlds]

Hi! I have been viewing this website for a while, but just did sign up. I feel silly asking this question, but I have to ask- where did you find the motivation and determination to actually get started? Were you just tired of how you looked or felt, did you have a health scare, anything else? I feel like I'm a lazy slob. I say I'm going to start "tomorrow." But, of course, I always have excuses the next day (busy with kids, too tired to wake up, etc)... I need to change my thinking to realize that I am important, and knowing that when I do exercise, I feel great all day. As far as eating goes, that's another story. I have extreme sugar/carb cravings, and I have not learned how to deal with that. Thanks in advance!

[Garenius]

Mainly because I got bored of looking at myself in the mirror and figured that I'd like to try something new for a change.

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South Pacific Health Club
http://www.southpacifichc.com.au

[fitoverforty]

Hi and welcome! Glad you signed up. The forums are a great place to find info, advice and inspiration. Most of the folks here are just regular people who share the same feelings and struggles you are facing.
For me, I find motivation and determination in wanting to be in control of my health and the feeling I get when I know that I am healthy and can SEE the changes in my body and my mental attitude.
It is hard to get started and STAY motivated. We all have good days and bad, and alot of regular life issues (kids, job, spouse) can make it hard to carve out the time you need for YOU. But it is so important to find that time to devote to helping yourself live healthier.
It can seem overwhelming if you don't know where to begin. Start small. Make one change at a time. Promise yourself you will devote 15 minutes to exercise a day and try to add to it from there. Just do some basic bodyweight things at home, or if you have any workout dvd's or you can find alot of workouts here on Shapefit. If you have a place you can go walking that is a good way to start.

As far as eating goes, that's another story. I have extreme sugar/carb cravings, and I have not learned how to deal with that.

Ahh yes, the dreaded carb cravings! alot of that is from the foods themselves - they have addictive chemicals in them. The easiest and hardest thing to do is just to cut them out of your life the best way you can. Replace processed carbs like donuts, chips, cookies, cake, etc., with natural carbs like fruit, sweet potatos, veggies. If it comes in a box, leave it on the shelf!
I know when you have kids and have to buy groceries for the whole family it is REALLY hard to buy healthier less processed, or not processed foods like fresh veggies, produce, lean meats, etc. It's not fair that the unhealthy convenient pre-packaged mixes and boxed dinner, frozen dinners are so much more economical. But making small changes can have Big results. Replace refined sugar with truvia. Eat whole grain rice instead of white, same with breads. Cut out sodas, replace with water or tea (I like to make iced green tea with tea bags - not the already bottled teas, they have lots of sugar or aspertame in them)
Take time to stop and think about what you are going to eat. When the sugar cravings come - drink a big glass of water, wait 15 minutes, do some squats, jumping jacks, go for a walk.....you get the idea try to get past the craving - and you will see very quickly that the cravings will ease up in no time.
Good luck on your journey. I hope you will keep us updated. Feel free to ask questions - it's no easy thing to learn how to start a lifestyle change (notice I didnt' say "diet") Diet's don't last, it has to be a forever change - but that is a good thing! And one that you will never regret. You can do it....just remember every good choice is a victory, every workout is making you stronger. Stay with it!

[Athene]

I know it's insane but I saw the movie 300 and just decided, "That's it!" I just felt like I needed to become who I felt I was, and it was someone stronger.

I also hate getting out of bed in the morning, and get sugar cravings... but I try to fight through it and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, don't worry, it's normal. Everything is definitely easier once you get in a groove with it. Baby steps seem to work the best for folks - just pick one thing you think you can tweak for 1 week and try to do it, then add another small goal for the next week.

I think you also have to believe that you can do it - if you don't believe it you will find ways to fail at every turn. Good luck on your journey

[ArtzyJen]

I stepped on the scale and found I was 223 lbs in 2009. My son was a few months old and in the hospital, awaiting multiple organ transplant evaluation and I was living two states away from home in a place I'd never been so that my son could get medical care. I was miserable, stressed out, depressed, and knew I needed to change something in my life. At the time, the only thing I could change was myself, so I started working out with some of the fitness shows on dish. I did something nearly every day and within just about 3 months I'd gone down to 212. I lost slowly, just by changing my lifestyle, easing into it. I went from not being able to run a half mile to running 5 miles in just a little over a year. I ended up in the 190's by the time I found this site, then slowly worked my way all the way down to 167- which I'm at currently. 27 more lbs to goal weight and I'm so close I can taste it! My son is 3 now and he's much healthier, as am I!

[waltpen]

I was reading stories of people who managed to go for the necessary change (Chicken Soup for the soul) in their life and was viewing some motivational videos on youtube when I finally got to the point where I realized I've had it. I at long last could hear the voice in the heart of my heart's saying that I could do better than this. I then just started with very small steps. Like others said, this is not about diet, it's about changing your lifestyle. Don't force yourself into a dramatic change at once but always keep in mind what's been said that most people fail in life not because they aim to high and miss. No, most people fail in life because they aim to low and hit. And many never aim at all. So be bold in setting your goal and accomplish it in small steps.