I have recenlty been diagnosed as have diabetes. I lost 18 pounds and was very motivated. I went to classes and now it is all over. I am beginning to gain the weight back and I am denying that I have to pay attention to what I eat.
I looked for a support group in my area - but there are none.
I hesitate joining OA or other food groups because I feel that this is different.
HELP!
Pat,
This is what I did. I count calories. You must burn more calories than you comsume. Each person is different and you have to find how many calories that you can eat and still loose weight. Plenty exerise does not hurt either.
STAN
I’ve lived with Type 1 for a lifetime I’ll tell you what works for me. It’s not easy by no means but you can find motivation around you. It can be the smallest thing like challenging yourself each day about how you will eat and exercise. challenges like that is what can be helpful. But you have to find out what works for you. Websites like this one where you can communicate with others like yourself can help, also books and magazines. Any information and examples how others live with this disease can add to your education. I hope my suggestions can be helpful.
Thanks!
Pat
I stay motivated by keeping things in perspective. If I don’t take care of myself, I’m going to die the same way my mom did. Fear is a pretty powerful motivator. After several months, it becomes second nature. Think of it this way… which makes more sense? Pleasing your taste buds with food that isn’t good for you, or pleasing your body with healthy food so that it will take care of you for the rest of your life. The cool thing about eating healthy foods is, you can eat a lot and still lose weight… provided you’re reasonably active.
Thanks!
Pat
Hi Betty,
Thanks for telling me about tudiabetes tonight at the the meeting Gary held. It was good to hear everyone’s perspectives. Nice meeting you, maybe we’ll see you there again in a few months.
Marguerite
I am motivated by new, by variety, by people, by reading for new ideas/new knowledge, by trying out new ideas, by psychology, by creating something.
Ask yourself what motivates YOU!
Each week I tried a new idea to hold for the week - I listed what my menus had been and listed what they WOULD BE for the week,
I used a page with space for 5 days on which to put every piece that went into my mouth, space for each meal and space for lots of snacks since I did that, I labelled each thing with the grams of carbs etc. I kept some ideas and kept whittling down what was good for me to eat -
I kept a picture of my father’s obesity in the kitchen.
I made it a point to have a time when I evaluated the technique I was using, whether it was working or to what extent. Whenever something obviously was not working since I was eating, I looked for another idea to motivate me! I am a traveller among motivating ideas.
Some worked early on, some still worked after a couple years. Looking inside and figuring out myself, stopping myself as I reached the door handle of cupboard or frig, and asking what this would do was one idea that worked. I now have a habit. I have had to work out a system with my husband and tostidos. He cannot open the bag around me or I smell them. I can’t smell them!
I had to devise a habit for the grocery store. I cleaned out boxed processed foods at home. But I had to devise a way not to buy them, and my computer grocery list eliminates them. I have everything listed that I can buy and eat. I have a series of NO this and NO that. I circle what I’m going to buy on the list. I do not have the right to buy tostidos. My husband can!
Best wishes. Motivating oneself is an everyday job, newly created for the day, a sunrise that shines brightly portending a marvelous day!
Pat, you owe it to yourself to be the very best you can possibly be and for those of us in this situation that means taking care of ourselves. You will find your path. Peace.