talkhealth Blog

‘What motivates you?’ is one of the most-asked questions thrown my way.

It is difficult to answer, as what motivated me back when I was 43st 5.5.lbs is very different to what motivates me now at 22st 10.5lbs. Also, motivation is such a personal thing. For example, when I was diagnosed with PCOS and endometrial hyperplasia (with the incredibly high levels of cancerous cells that came with it) I carried on eating. These medical conditions had no real impact for me…as I have never wanted children of my own. Whereas for others, this would be a huge kick up the arse and could well give them the impetus to change.

So I think that’s a question which you need to ask yourself – what motivates you?

For some, having a goal – like an upcoming wedding – is a fabulous motivator…however, what happens once the wedding is over? I have seen in many people that they take their foot off the gas, relax a little, and the weight heads back on. So you constantly have to set yourself little goals, and constantly have to reevaluate your motivation.

I used so many little visual motivation techniques when I started out. I don’t use them as often as I used to – but they are kept handy for those moments when I need a reminder. My ‘reasons’ list is one of these things. At first, I read it daily – more often in fact! Then I kept it in my purse, folded up, and would open it as and when I needed a boost. Now it is stuck inside the front cover of my Slimming World book.

First of all, apologies for the state of this picture…as you can see, it is very well read!

I printed my ‘reasons why I want to lose weight’ list off and kept it incredibly close…it’s at a distance now, but I do have a look at it every now and again.

You might not be able to read them all, and probably don’t want to read them all – in fact, when I wrote this list I never thought I would share it with anyone! But I am happy to share it if it helps to motivate or inspire just one person…

Some of my reasons include:
Being able to care for the horses myself
Being able to shop anywhere for clothes
Feeling happier when I look in the mirror
Improving my mobility
Improving my health
Having more energy
Feeling more optimistic
Not losing my temper as often (as I won’t be so frustrated with myself)
Being less self-critical
Feeling in control

The list of reasons really is endless. I was literally on deaths door and could feel my body shutting down – so my motivation was there…but we all need reminders and I think that getting together a list of your own reasons really helps.

What I love about reviewing this kind of thing is that I am checking stuff off as I lose weight. Being able to care for the horses myself is something that I do without even noticing it now. The same goes for improving my mobility – and having more energy – and going out more often in public. The fact that I am ticking things off doesn’t mean that my list is now redundant…it’s a nice reminder that I am making progress, but still have a long way to go!

So that’s it from me today. I saw the horses briefly, and popped to the shops. I have spent a lovely afternoon with my Dad. We had a barbeque and chatted for a while, and Mr WLB helped him to get his new phone sorted out. I adore spending time with my family! This evening will be more relaxed – a few more episodes of ‘Orange is the New Black’ I think.

Breakfast: Peat-smoked salmon with eggs and wilted spinach.

Lunch: Tandoori chicken, with salad and cheese (2 x HEA).

Dinner: BLTs! (2 x HEB).

Snacks: Strawberries and raspberries, and Cheats Black Forest gateau (13 syns).

A gorgeous food day – just eaten a bit too much! Brekkie was delicious – I ordered some peat-smoked salmon from the Hebridean Smokehouse as a birthday treat…but ate it a day early! I had eggs and wilted spinach with it – so bloody lovely. Lunch was courtesy of my Dad…and he used 0% Total Greek to make the tandoori chicken, so that was pleasing for my inner food control freak. I had that with salad and BabyBel cheese, and a second helping, which was followed with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Dinner was quick and simple bacon rolls with salad, followed by my cheats Black Forest gateau.

Exercise: Nothing today – a rest day!

Thank you for reading,

Weight Loss Bitch xxx

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WeightLossBitch

On a health and fitness driven journey to lose over 32st / 448lbs / 203kgs – yes, it is a considerable amount – I am committed to losing my excess weight without the aid of weight loss surgery, diet pills, or quick fixes…as there aren’t any! Changing my eating habits and building up my fitness levels, along with addressing the ‘head issues’ will be crucial in order for me to achieve my goal. Living in England as a 31 year old super morbidly obese woman can be challenging to say the least. I have been shouted at in the street and verbally abused far too many times to mention; hence the name ‘Weight Loss Bitch’…the day I am just called a ‘bitch’ instead of a ‘fat bitch’ will be the day that I know I have cracked my weight loss! With many reasons to lose this weight I am documenting my journey for a number of reasons. Firstly, I would like to keep a record of the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the challenges I face with such an enormous task to tackle. Secondly, I would also like to inspire and encourage other people who are in a similar situation and to show them that significant amounts of weight can be lost naturally…with a bit of motivation, hard work, dedication and will power. Thirdly, all of the blogging, Facebook-ing, Tweet-ing, Pinterest-ing and YouTube-ing keeps me occupied and keeps my fingers out of the fridge!