How do you stay motivated?

[Thunderstruck]

There are MANY MANY threads discussing diet. Many of which I have read up on. But my main concern is motivation. I like the way I feel on a paleo-ish diet. Its paleo-ish because it focuses on lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies and some nuts (not a huge fan) But I also add in rice and some other healthy not so glutinous(sp) grains. Recently, Ive been eating more unhealthy foods. And I am starting to feel Mr. Crohns grumbling in there. I know stress and busy lifestyle isn't an excuse. But that's what Im using HOW do most of you stay motivated? Do you make a list/menu for the week? I know this is vague, but I really need some insight as to how you go day to day staying on a certain diet. Thanks for reading!!!

 

[puppylove]

Hi Thunderstruck,
Oooh boy, that is a tough one! I'm currently going through some doubts and difficulties myself... Lately, as the weather is getting colder, I'm finding myself wanting to 'cheat' more and more. Additionally, my fistula started acting up again after being relatively quiet (while I was strictly adhering to a new diet) - so that kind of makes me feel like 'what's the point?'!!

For me, I stay motivated by convincing myself that my diet really does affect my health. That means that 'cheating' is only giving me a temporary happy moment (say a few seconds or minutes) that ultimately make me feel worse for much longer. Try to remember how much better you feel when you stick to your diet - is it really worth it to stray for one meal and then 'pay for it' by feeling icky (or worse) for a day (or many days) after??

Variety in my meals is also another way I stay motivated. Sometimes eating something new or different can be like a 'treat'. So look through recipes and try buying an ingredient you don't normally buy. Even with very restrictive diets there are lots of food options out there.

And finally, vent away! Reading your post and writing this response has actually made me feel more motivated.

Good luck!
~puppylove

 

[KatyBuckeye]

For me, the motivation is knowing how much difference the diet makes in how I feel and how important it is to my health. I don't give myself an option to cheat. There is no option except the diet. I don't know how helpful that is...I've always been an extremely disciplined person in all areas of my life, so I don't know if it makes it easier somehow for me or not.

I also try to keep things varied by following different SCD/Paleo blogs and trying new recipes. I reward myself with SCD-legal desserts. I make sure I keep the fridge and pantry stocked with foods and snacks that are safe for me to eat.

It is a challenge some days more than others. But I always tell myself that eating that big plate of pasta that my SO is having is just not worth how it will make me feel.

 

[Thunderstruck]

@Puppylove: Im glad you had a "mini" vent and you feel better!! I must admit I felt better reading your response I guess it's nice to know Im not the only one that has a difficult time with it. I need to keep a sticky note on the bad fod that says " Remember how you felt last time you had this?" Haha, if only it were that easy.

@KatyBuckeye: You're so strong! I hope that I too will one day be able to have a list of foods I avoid. Right now it's just Gluten. And I sometimes will still eat that! Oh man....I fail at this :lol:

 

[Gianni]

The motivation for me comes from you guys. i love reading success stories on diets and i love trying to share my knowledge on diet. I am a vegan and I largely only eat raw foods and much of the time it can be very hard to stay motivated. But i love educating people on the matter and then hearing how the diet has helped them, that is enough motivation for me.

While I'm at it, here is why I think my diet is a great treatment plan

All the best

Gianni

 

[lizzy16]

I've been wanting to start an organic paleo diet as I've read how much it benefits people, and I did try for a couple of weeks a few months ago. My problem is because I'm living abroad and traveling whilst on minimum wage, I don't have the time and money right now to make the full commitment. And yes, it's hard to be motivated. I am moving back to Australia at the end of the month and I'll be living at home again, I'm really hoping to make significant changes to my lifestyle and diet once I'm home to help my Crohn's. I think having the support of my family will also motivate me as that's something I've missed out on for the last year and a half.

 

[LaLaNapa]

I am also an avid blog reader, too - I've also been trawling Pinterest for ideas. And I've tried a few new recipes that make me realize that this isn't the end of world and that this way of eating can even be tasty! I just need to put myself in a high enough priority to plan out what I might want to eat for the week, shop for it, and prep/cook it in advance if possible. I sit down with a notebook and right down what vegetables are in season, or what recipes I've seen that I want to try, and then make up a grocery list. Then I try to set aside some time on the weekend so I can make up some things ahead of time as it's hard trying to behave during the week in the midst of work-week exhaustion.

So, I'm so glad you even started this post, and obviously I haven't been checking the forum very often. That's because I've really been struggling trying to stick to Paleo and even so, plan on implementing the auto-immune version in another month. (Going Whole30 starting on Monday to cut out those pesky sugar substitutes.) This is because I gradually add in so many "cheats" that they become a normal part of my diet. And I end up sabotaging myself. So, in the end, I think it's that I have such a hard time even accepting that my colon is doing what it's doing. I feel like I can will it in to accepting normal foods and not reacting badly. But, alas, no. So I am going to try to remember what everybody has said here and remind myself how I feel with the off-the-list foods and how good I feel physically and emotionally once I've been back on the "plan" for a few days. And I guess I have to remind myself that I am worth the effort. So just remember, you are too!

 

[woops!]

I have major issues with chocolate... I love it... it hates me.....

I buy it and put it in a plastic bag along with the reciept from the pharmacy for my meds. Before insurance my pills are $780.....

So when I reach for that peice of chocolate I think.....
If you eat to much of this your belly will feel bad
You will be out of work sick
Out of work too long may loose job and insurnce
No insurance..... you will have to pay $780.....
..........I only take one little bite.....

It motivates me to only eat a little at a time.
Wish I could find a good way to stay motivated to excercise?... anyone?....
Woops!

 

[Wallath]

Hi...after 64 years as a sufferer I have come to believe in my self and just go and do it!!!!!!!!! again and again and again...no matter what!!!!!teaching..hitch hiking around the world... riding fast motor bikes driving tour buses! climbing mountains... but it took a fair effort and the right medication...but above all a strong faith and a determination to succeed in everything...and I can tell you this.. diet fitness supplements or whatever won't help one bit until the person in you speaks out about what he/she wants to do with this being called me..to live or die...I chose to live and everything came together and slowly over time things got better very much better...and at 64 I am the best Ive ever been..and thats good....its great ....its fantastic ....get the mind right first then you can cope with anything and everything at anytime....and don't take it to seriously..tomorrow's another day and a new beginning....ciao