Yo-Yo SB Dieter who needs advice.

[mommyandjake0106]

Okay...here is the deal. I have been on and off the south beach diet for about 3 years now. I know the ends and outs of the diet, i know the exercises that I need to do(i even have the south beach diet workout video) and I know that this lifestyle works because it has worked for me many times. My problem(s) is motivation and time management. I am a stay at home mom to a very active 3 yr old and also a full time student online. I have a huge issue with staying on track and staying motivated when it comes to dieting. I want to be able to spend quality time with my son but also want to work out (i do not like working out in front of others and that is why I have the SB workout and Biggest Loser workout dvds), get school done (which takes up to 3hrs a day minimum on the computer) and I want to be able to achieve on this diet. I seem to start off very easily but after a week or so I tend to not care what i eat and whether I am working out. I do not like leaving my son in front of the tv for hours on end and not having help with daycare it is hard for me to balance everythinng. I am really trying to lose at least 70lbs. altogether but I need some guidance. Can anyone give me any advice on a plan or strategy that might help. I am tired of having excuses and i want to live my life to the fullest and healthiest NOW! Please help. I am open to any and all suggestions.

[Alammy]

I know its hard to find the motivation. Sounds like your just losing your focus all of the time. Maybe try to have something that you say to yourself every day when you get up in the morning. An affirmation Like "I am strong, I need to improve my health, Southbeach is a way of eating and not a diet or something like that. I have to keep reminding myself that too. Wish I could help you more, but I am new to SB again after taking a 3 year break and gaining my weigh back. Just know I'm out there struggling along with you. Maybe we could check in on one another for moral support.Angie

[RedRox]

Not sure I have any stellar ideas but it sounds as if your schedule is fairly unstructured and while you do OK imposing some structure for a short period of time, it's too easy to fall into "whatever" mode. So maybe work with a day planner or weekly type of scheduler and block out time for each of the activities you feel you need to include and when the best time for each is likely to be. If it means working out before your 3 yr old is awake, then try to do that so you don't have to leave him/her in front of the TV as much. Basically try to create a structure, understanding that things may always change, but at least you have a plan, and that if it isn't working then change the schedule around to something you think might work better. I think we all do better with more structure than with less. I think that's why many people do better with eating healthily M-F but lose it over the weekend. I think the hardest part will be staying with whatever schedule you decide upon and not sure I have any great advice about that. "They" say it takes 21 days to create a new habit, so maybe work on following your own schedule for 3 weeks and see if it starts to become a more regular thing. Maybe recruit some friends or family and distribute your schedule to them and have them call you or check in to see if you are getting in what you feel like you need to. Schedule time with your child too and meals, school, and everything else to the extent possible. Once you have a plan in place, work each day on sticking to it as much as possible. It may not be great at first, but just keep trying! Hopefully it will become more routine over time and you'll be able to better balance all your various commitments and personal needs as well.
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good luck!

[nancy]

Hi. I really relate to what you're describing. I've learned a few ways to deal with these issues.

It sounds like you're expecting so much from yourself, maybe a part of you rebels.? Maybe you need to nurture yourself more.

Take time to really taste and enjoy your food when you eat.

I suggest you keep doing some regular exercise. The more I've done it the more I think of it as nurturing because it works to relieve stress. The feeling of accomplishment after doing some exercise is rewarding. Don't expect too much of yourself. Just a little exercise can be beneficial. Even fitting in 5 or 10 minutes helps.

I use exercise dvds all the time. There are many different styles. You might want to try various ones from your libraries or netflix, etc. Collage Video.com has alot of info and clips. (But they're expensive.)

Also, I've more recently starting walking/jogging outside. It does feel good. It's nice to change your environment and get outside into the open air. The more I've gone out, the less self-conscious I feel. You can take your son along and have quality time together while getting physically fit. He can burn up some of his energy. (Then he might take a nap.) You'd be teaching him a wonderful habit of getting regular physical exercise. You'll be fresher and more ready to concentrate on your studies.

It's also very nurturing to do some gentle stretching/relaxation dvds. It takes some time to relearn, but it feels luxurious to really relax the body and mind. You can learn which stretches work for you. As you practice it, you'll get better and faster at getting into a relaxation state. But take it easy go slow, don't overdo it; you shouldn't feel any pain when stretching.
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Also, don't forget to take frequent breaks from your computer and to move around or stretch.

Can you share childcare time with any friends so that you can have some time to yourself?