Why Is It So Hard To Lose Weight And Why Don't I Have The Willpower To Do It?

 

The first part of this email is kind of funny so I left it in. Many people are surprised that I actually read and answer the emails sent to us. It takes work, which is why I am now answering as many of these questions in blog format. If one person has a certain question, odds are a million others have the same one as well. Makes sense to have everyone see the response and also give you a format to add input or ask a question right on this blog post.

Here is the question:

"....I don't know if this is a joke, the part where you ask to answer you back, I highly doubt that you'll answer back and that's why I hadn't done it, but what the heck...

what is the next step you are willing to take that you have not yet?

I am willing to give up whatever that is stopping me from losing the weight that I want to lose (sodas, candy,& junk food,)...I mean I know it's hard but I know I can do it, I've done it before.., and am also willing to exersice 1hour everyday, but it's not as easy, because I usually get bored and sleepy...

*sigh* why does it have to be so hard? and why is it that I don't have the willpower to do it? I am extremely not the girl I used to be, not even a piece of her, now i feel ugly, self-consious, and just sad......can u help me?? :( "

 

It’s so hard when you can’t see who you are anymore and you’re frustrated with who you are now. It is hard but you do have the willpower. You just have to access it. I’m certain that you are disciplined and demonstrate willpower in other areas of your life and it’s time to make the decision that the current life you are living is intolerable. 

 

Until you decide that this is intolerable, you will continue to be frustrated. Making the decision is so much of the struggle. Many goal and motivation gurus guide you to ask yourself this question: If you continue on this path, where will you be in 20 years? Sometimes, just picturing yourself this way 20 years out can make you so disgusted that you make the decision right then. No one is going to do this for you. You have to do if for yourself.

Three things:

1. I just wrote this in the PONR coaching team and I think it’s important to write here. Studies have shown that when it comes to getting to the weight you want, the equation looks like this: 25% is working out and 75% is your food choices. Based on everyone's success I've seen on PEERtrainer, I have to agree with it. This is no way suggests that working out is not important and does not diminish the results and health benefits of working out but I want you to really focus on the food part of the equation if you feel like you're on a plateau or having trouble getting to where you want to go. So I want you to focus on adding one good habit. Get rid of one thing that is “tripping you up” like chocolate or potato chips or something else food wise that you know will help you.

2. If you’re not already doing this, I want you to get a scale and start monitoring your progress. This is not a “nice to have” suggestion. This is a must do. Every week, at the same time, monitor your progress.

3. One of the best tools you have when you’re starting out is to log your food and become familiar with the weight watchers points system. Understanding portion control and portion sizes, what is the reality of how much food you’ve been eating is KEY. Many PEERtrainers are surprised when they actually come to grips with reality and with that comes tremendous hope because they can finally do something about it.

Let me know how you’re doing.  

 

-Jackie

www.peertrainer.com/coaching

Comments

[nadia]

I think you should find a picture of a girl that has what you think the perfect body is and think... do I think she has it easy to keep this body like this? probably the answer will be no... and before you eat something that you know it´s not good for you ask yourself does this taste as good as looking good? and once again no... (maybe with this you find motivation... it is hard for me to the whole will power thing... does anyone have tips on motivations quotes or something? )

[Yvonne]

I think the hardest thing for me is the feedback whether verbal, visual, or my clothes fitting looser. What I mean is, the other areas in my life that I am disciplined in I get almost immediate feedback on my efforts. In weight loss, feedback is very limited; therefore, I find myself not sticking to my program. For example, I started a workout program that included switching workouts every other day and added a lunchtime walk. Along with this I changed my eating habits. RESULTS: after 4 weeks I gained 2 lbs and became very discouraged. HELP!

[Pearl]

I don't trust my will power, it's just so weak, so i turn it into a habit. I signed up the boxing courses with my friend who would keep pushing me to go, i also avoid going to supermarkets so that I won't buy snacks.

[Stacy]

You do have the willpower, it just may be hiding. Look at the things you have accomplished in your life. Did they come easily or did they take hard work and perseverance? If you are like me you have had successes and failures. And most times you learn more from failures. You have what it takes to do this. It won't happen overnight and there will be ups and downs. For me the PNOR program was a breakthrough. Consider it if you haven't. The advice to make one good decision and build on it has really helped me. When I am down I try to alter the course of the downward spiral by making one good decision. It helps me reset and move on.