feeling low

Hi Alfonso,

I was doing very well. I was eating well and doing things a lot better – enough to lose 30 lbs.

I am now going backwards again and I do not want to. Not to make excuses, but I got hurt and the injury is lingering. Basically, I worked out, took my kids for a walk and I ended up carrying my 2-year-old daughter for most of it. Due to fatigue from my workout and postural issues from bad posture at a desk for years, my neck “went out”. I have had varying degrees of pain ever since.

At first, keeping a good diet was simple. Now, it is becoming very hard. I am craving high calorie sweet foods and candies that I shouldn’t. I am eating more than I should. I hate to say it, but the self-control I had seems to have taken a vacation.

What was easy is now hard. How do you cope with these low points? My life has changed – my wife is pregnant again unexpectedly, work is less than satisfying, and I am in mild pain. I have a kid (one of two current) who is developmentally delayed and at the same time I am trying to take a university course for career advancement.

Basically, I am mentally shot and I would like to know how you deal with the low points of life and the food cravings and “laziness” that comes with it. I really do not want to become obese again.

Trevor

 

Hey Trevor, how are you doing?

You know I wanted to answer your question and give you my thoughts because it’s really easy to talk about exercise, fitness and health and tell people they should exercise – heck even give them routines to follow. But the truly difficult part is overcoming ourselves and learning how to cope with emotions. This is probably the NUMBER ONE issue that stands in people’s way of achieving fitness success. Let me explain.

I can totally relate to you Trevor, as I’m sure many people who read this will as well. When you’re injured, hurt, in a lull or depressed, it becomes quite easy to get into a rut. But this is where self-reflection and awareness comes into play. At the tipping point, you MUST regain control of YOU. The only difference between a rut and a hole is the depth. If you let your emotions get the best of you, you may find yourself so far down that’ll it takes quite a while to get back to where you once were. And in some cases people unfortunately never make it back. We’ve all seen that.

I don’t want to over simplify or trivialize anyone’s issues, no matter how big or how small. But at the end Trevor – you are in charge. Say those three words to yourself all day long, everyday, wake up saying them and go to bed thinking them. I know it’s a given, of course you’re in charge right? But when you think about it, how many people are ‘conscious’ of their actions? Not many. They have no self -awareness or understand why they’re doing what they do. This is the key to overcoming obstacles and dealing with low points. Now keep mind I’m not a therapist or a trained mental practitioner. But I can certainly share my experience and state what I believe to be the obvious. You KNOW what you’re doing Trevor, you KNOW you’re eating too much, you KNOW what’s going on in your life and how you feel. So – take control.

I know this will sound crazy, but there is a sense of empowerment when you walk by desserts and bad foods and just keep going. The urge to eat sugar and junk is quite high, in fact recent studies suggest sugar is more addictive then cocaine. When you exhibit willpower and control over eating just a few cookies, cakes or fries, that is a huge testament to how strong your will and resolve is. And I also believe that type of discipline can and will translate into other areas of your life. We all go through ups and downs in life, it’s just part of being alive. Most of us will fluctuate in weight a bit here and there – that’s normal too. Life is unpredictable and often isn’t fair but I have a great strategy to share with you. As you know my site producer Richard is very influential in my life and has helped me to become a better person. At one point I was much like you and feeling the same way. Richard said this:

“Forget about what you can’t control and take charge of what you can”.

You can’t control that your back was hurt. You can’t control that you don’t like your job as much as you used to. You can’t control that your wife is unexpectedly pregnant. Those things are done and have happened whether you like it or not. BUT what you can control are your eating habits and activity level. And possibly even looking for a new job. Focus on what you can do instead of dwelling on what you can’t. Soon enough everything will seem to come full circle and you’ll see that life in general will be better. I know your back hurts, but you can’t use it as an excuse to nor be active. There’s plenty of exercise you can still do. You know you’re eating too much – take control and get your diet in check OK?

Listen I’m not trying to give you a pep talk, but rather just explain what I feel is the honest truth. Trevor if you don’t like something in your life then change it. If you don’t like how you behave then stop behaving that way. If you don’t like choices you’ve made, then don’t make them again. If you don’t want to be obese again, then don’t be!

YOU ARE IN CONTROL!

Good luck – and if you have a question – please just click here. I’d love to help you!

 

All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

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