This week is probably the most crucial – it’s the week where I’m tempted to give up. I’m 23 days into my routine, I’ve lost a total of 7 lbs which is awesome, but I’m a little discouraged because I didn’t lose any weight this week – even though I ate right and worked out almost every day last week.

I have made a self-discovery though. Each time I start a diet & healthy eating routine, I get about 3 weeks into it and then quit because the same thing happens – I plateau. It makes me feel like all the previous work was a waste of time and I’m never going to accomplish my goals. Then the opposite of what I want begins to happen – I start eating more, exercising less and the weight comes back on. Part of why I’m blogging is so that I can tell the world – THIS TIME I WON’T QUIT!!

So my goal for this week is to simply NOT GIVE UP! I know that by continuing to work out this week, continuing to record my calories and meals, something miraculous will happen – I will start to lose weight again next week.

Here are this week’s tips on HOW NOT TO GIVE UP!

1. Call in the reinforcements. I told my family and friends I’m a little discouraged. That let my husband know to keep cheering me on, and my running pal made me commit to a longer with her this Saturday, even if I don’t fee like it. I need that encouragement.

2. Look for other measurements of improved fitness, rather than the scale.  Several of my friends told me this week that they are starting to notice the weight loss even if the numbers didn’t reflect it.  My last run was faster and I’m tarting to feel stronger. My jeans feel a little looser, too. I actually went shopping for a bathing suit and it wasn’t too bad. Even though I’m a numbers person, it’s great to have other signs of positive feedback, too.

3. Find Inspiration to Keep Going. Right now Jason and are watching old episodes of the reality show The Biggest Loser. We started on season 1 when I began my weight loss and we watch an episode each night before bed. That really gets me excited to get up and work out the next day. The way these people have changed their lives and have become more healthy is really encouraging. If they can do it, I can, too!

You can read about last week’s weight loss HERE.