Skparker's Journal, 28 September 2015

Realizing you're not interested in running a marathon is a good place to start - they're not for everyone. Perhaps since you don't have a direction you know you want to head in, instead you can pick all the directions and for a couple months try a bunch of new activities. Maybe you'll find one that sparks your interest. It helps a LOT to enjoy whatever activity you're doing rather than dreading it. You could get into salsa dancing or rock climbing or water polo or anything. There's an online tool (you may already use it) called MeetUp that has a lot of different random groups of people that could help introduce you to something new you'll love. And perhaps instead of thinking of it as an overhaul (which is daunting) change little things at a time? I've had success in the past when I just gave up one thing a month and built them up - like no food from a drive through for the month of October, then in November add in no soda, then in December add in another small step that will help you eat better foods more consistently. And above all - don't give up on yourself :) You can do this, but it might take more time than you're hoping for. Good luck! 

Thanks for such an insightful response! I actually live very close to a rock climbing facility so I hope to go check it out this week! Thanks for the encouragement!  

You mentioned hiking so maybe there is a local hiking group that has weekly hikes. I know here in Salt Lake City there are a handful with varying degrees of difficulty. I myself have been meaning to sign up - get a workout in, be outside, enjoy nature. Yoga or pilates are options too - not my thing but I have tried them just to do something and to do something new/different. Stay strong and focused. Soon the new lifestyle will be a habit and it won't be so challenging mentally.  

Since your walking try a step goal or distance goal. When i started i just wanted to be able to walk 30 minutes then it was 10000 steps , now its 50m in the morning and gym at night. I also have my eyes set on this size 13 jeans that i love from my single days...Once those fit, victory will be mine!! Once I reach my goal or 170 im buying a new fit bit.. I also set mini goals every week. just having something to focus my energy on really helps.. Good luck and dont give up..  

Thanks guys! I'm hoping to up my steps as soon as I have a dog again! My current step goal is 10,000 (default on Samsung Gear Fit) and I think it's a strong start. I'm hoping to adopt a dog next month sometime and that will help me get out more and start walking more. I'd also love to get back into hiking some but I haven't had anybody to go with (and I don't like hiking alone). Meetup might be a good place to start! 

Eighty percent of weight loss is about what you put in your mouth. Even if you don't want to swap out bad foods, try what I did at first: cut your portions in half, don't eat snacks, no seconds, and no desserts. I lost 20 pounds in 30 days just from doing that. 

Since you mention you don't have a ton of motivation and are frustrated maybe it would be better to choose smaller goals? Sometimes I can get so caught up in the end game I lose sight of what's happening in the here and now. 10000 steps is a great goal BUT I usually don't get that in with day to day walking. Goal might be walk for half hour. Don't wait til you have a dog, go for it now! Maybe a goal can be eat on plan (whatever that might be for you) for the day. I have found the more positive things I do, no matter how small, motivates me to try for more and keep going.  

Your not alone, the food ( trying to stay away from word diet too) is hardest part for me but I'm shocked at how out of shape I am because 2 years ago I was going to gym and enjoyed it a and for watever reason I Slacked off then stopped going all together so now I'm trying to exercise at home and it's really hard because the motivation is. Not there but I'm not giving up gonna keep pushing through and one small goal at a time for example I will exercise 5 days a week even if it's not big sweat session I'm up off couch and moving and that's something maybe a goal like that just doing something everyday to get moving , hiking is great idea .Good luck