What do you do instead?

[PaulaSue]

I'm bored and wanted to ask...

I heard somewhere (Dr. Phil?) that you need to replace a bad habit with another good habit. What is your healthy switch?

It is late and I'm trying so hard to not fall back into old/bad habits. I lost a lot of weight (70 lbs) over a year ago and it is slowly creeping back (7 lbs) and I do not want that happen. I have been heavy all my life and love being "average" size now.

Playing online isn't helping, I'm too tired to exercise more or do anything productive. (it's almost midnight) I have even taken up reading love stories lately to keep busy but tha makes me want to "cheat" more than ever while I am sitting there by myself.

I got to go and get another drink of water.....

 

[TammyNC]

If I'm feeling that craving urge come on, I try find that if I pick up one of my hobbies (scrapbooking, stamping, cross stitching or crochet) that will keep my hands busy I am less likely to pick up something to eat. Biggest reason is I don't want to mess up the project that I'm working on.

WTG on your loss and you are heading off the gaining before it gets out of hand so you are already getting ahead of the game. Drinking lots of water is a good plan too, it will make you feel full instead of feeling like you need to pick up a snack.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi there -

If it were midnight and I was struggling, I'd go to bed, lol

Seriously you are doing awesome by recognizing you need to reign it in. 7lbs would not be that hard to take back off if you committ today and start moving in the right direction. Think about how it feels when you are 7lbs lighter and use that feeling to get you through this. You can do it

 

[pjlla]

Well... I can't totally relate to staying up late because I am not a night owl... but I do save some of my daily calories for an evening snack EVERY DAY. I know myself and I know that I really crave an evening snack. But I save calories and make sure I have smart snack choices in the house.

I have replaced all diet soda with seltzer and water. Not such a hard change. (I never drank regular soda.) I gave up caffeine years ago when I was pregnant with my first child and I never picked up the habit again, so no problem there.

I replaced many "regular" foods with lower fat choices like egg whites or Egg Beaters instead of regular eggs, low fat cheese instead of regular cheese, fruit instead of snacky stuff, salsas and light salad dressings instead of regular dressings. I pretty much gave up butter. If I have something that needs it, I either use Smart Balance Light spread or the occasional spritz of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray.

I make SURE to keep all of my healthier replacement foods readily available in the fridge so I don't get tempted. I really have to make an effort to keep fresh fruit and veggies in the fridge, since we live 25 miles from the nearest grocery store, but I am doing it.

Exercise is another issue. I haven't found anything that I love, but it has just become a HABIT. Just like I would feel funny going to bed without brushing my teeth or going to work without brushing my hair, I feel funny if I finish a day without any exercise. It has taken MANY months for it to become a habit. I truly wish I could find something that I love to do, but at least I am moving. I find watching a good tv show or movie while on the treadmill or doing powerstep definitely helps the time go by faster. I might give Curves a try this summer in an effort to keep motivated.

I hope you are able to incorporate some healthy habits into your days. Losing 70 pounds is a tremendous accomplishment and you need to catch yourself with just the 7 pounds you have gained... before it starts to feel out of control again. Find some new foods to love. I have recently discovered mangos and I am loving them. I found a few new tasty salad dressings to make things more interesting. I am trying to incorporate new veggies into our family meals as well. Good luck........................P

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm reading this thinking why are you still awake at midnight? I hope it's not b/c you cannot sleep.

Anyway, for replacement things and not the sort you can do at midnight, I make sure I do some type of moving every day: walking, Wii, things at home, anything to keep me on my feet and moving along.

I'm happy to hear that you are understanding that you need to keep control and you want to do it.

 

[GrumpyOne]

Focus on why you lost weight in the first place. You put forth a lot of effort to get where you did, I assume it was worth it. What did you like about the "new you"? Whether it's joints that aren't sore or being able to look good in a tight swim suit, are the things you like worth the food? You know what it's like heavier, are you sure you want to continue down that road?