Emotional Plateau--Time to Break Through

Posted on July 30, 2014

3 months ago I started my first db. It feels like a very long time ago. So much has happened in these 90 days-- Chris is right, 90 days can change your life! I'm down 26 lbs, and thrilled. I look better and feel better than I have in years. I managed to keep going strong after the surgery and through the chemo.

So here I am, a little stuck. I'm eating right and exercising, BUT. Something is missing. That extra little internal push that keeps me moving till I get 10,000 steps, the part that had me off the sofa at night, taking an extra walk around the neighborhood before bed, the part of me that wouldn't dare let me lose a bet.

Im not sure where it went. I was watching EWL last night and reading about all the great workouts others are doing, and missing my drive. I'm writing this all here in an attempt to find it again. I'm at risk of losing a second bet, and it's driving me crazy. I won my first 3 bets--not all of them easily. Then I had a rough week. I lost my first bet. That didn't stop me from getting back on board and losing what I'd gained, but it has slowed my momentum.

Let me be clear. I'm not stopping and I'm not giving up. I just think I need a new goal. Like in EWL, after 3 months Chris places a new challenge before the participants to rev them up again. I met a major goal in the last 3 months--competing at a horse show 10 days ago. It was a huge emotional high.

What will bring me that sort of high again? Enough to get me taking my workouts to the next level? Three months from now will take me to early November. By then my chemo should be complete. By then my daughter should be home. By then I WILL have reached my goal weight of 145 lbs. I wish there were someone to say, " And you will do _________".

Any suggestions? I'm really struggling here...

Comment Now!

Kim D.

07/31/2014 7:48PM

You are doing awesome!

Lynda H. likes this comment.

Stephanie C.

07/30/2014 1:57PM

I'm not a fan of running either. I will put my thinking cap back on. Over the last few months we have learned that we can do more than we thought possible so whatever goal you settle on - you will meet.

Lynda H. likes this comment.

Lynda H.

You're absolutely right!

Lynda H.

07/30/2014 1:44PM

I'm feeling better--just writing all that I was feeling helped a lot. I'm still looking for that 'new' goal, but it's on it's way. And, Stephanie, I'm trying desperately to find one that doesn't include running. Lol

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Stephanie C.

07/30/2014 7:39AM

Lynda,
You've accomplished so much and with a lot on your platter that, at times, you wish was a salad plate. I understand the emotional plateau and the impact a diet bet loss has on motivation. It is an unexpected and unfortunate outcome. I kept/forced myself to keep going by doing the 30 day crunch challenge this month. The daily emails kept me accountable and got me off the couch. I am still not there. Your blog is making me think of something more inspiring.

For your next high, how about doing the Couch to 5K training to prepare yourself to run in the Terry Fox Run For Cancer Research on October 18th?

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Susie D.

07/30/2014 6:55AM

(((Hugs))) Lynda. You are an amazing, strong, caring person. You have taken on some of life's toughest challenges in the past few months - head on, with your positive attitude. You will conquer this too. Find your next goal - I like the horsey-related one - or something you and DD can do. You can do it!!! Look at all you have accomplished. There is nothing you cannot do! I'll be here to cheer you on every step of the way.

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SusyQ

07/30/2014 6:05AM

I too think you need to give yourself a break! Your body is going through a huge battle right now that has nothing to do with weight. Your healthy cells are being attacked by the chemo in the process of killing the bad ones. So I would 100% focus on healing your immune system. Dr. Joel Fuhrman, in The Immunity Solution, specializes in this and the side effect is weight loss. It's a win-win and it's been my focus for the last three months. You Can do it, Lynda!! (Dr. Fuhrman has a youtube talk about the immunity solution too.)

Cherie, Kim, Lynda H., DCGirl and Susie D. like this comment.

Lynda H.

07/30/2014 5:42AM

Thanks for the support, posts, and suggestions. I like the idea of a horse challenge--just need to find one. I'll talk to my trainer. And Cherie, you're right, I need to be proud of what I've done so far!

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Cherie

07/30/2014 5:13AM

Lynda, you've inspired me through these games. I know it's harder each time as we get closer to our long term goal. As a cancer survivor myself...I know that you have to cut yourself some slack. When I get frustrated even in my day to day tasks I stop, turn around and see what I've already accomplished during the day, week or month, etc.. Give yourself a big pat on the back...stop...take a deep breath then go on!

Kim, DCGirl, Susie D., Vicki J. and Lynda H. like this comment.

somebunny

07/30/2014 5:00AM

I think the more you lose the harder it gets... to keep motivated, you love the horses, how about another horse challenge that would get you moving again. What about a competition to give you that emotional high of completing, like a trail obstacle challenge,, maybe an endurance ride, or team sorting event ? I have found it easier to lose when my mind is occupied with something other than the constant "need to lose" ... that in itself can be stressful. The weight loss goal is ingrained in your mind...don't fall off that wagon, but give yourself a break by doing something fun too.

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Laura V.

07/30/2014 4:37AM

I feel this too and unfortunately have no solutions. I have lost 80 lbs since my heaviest. I have won quite a few dietbets, but the bets/rounds I have lost are the ones that get me. I have become a bit complacent these past few months. Even though I work at changing my exercise and pushing myself a bit more, I don't want to change my eating. I've been making some small changes there in hopes of moving both my emotional and actual/physical plateau forward--or at least get the scale to move down! Best of luck. Love your honesty!

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