New and need a life style change.

Shamrock

I need help with some changes. I usually don't ask for help however, my way just doesn't work. (period) I know what needs to be done and I need someone to hold me accountable. In my Dairy Queen mind, I can rationalize myself onto the couch with a chocolate bar THAT I DESERVE! lol
I work hard and I need to relax...I'm on my feet all day so that's all the exercise I need yada yada...When I think this to myself a big red light flashes on forehead that says "Liar Liar pants on fire"
I'm not beating myself up, just being truthful. I know I can do this but I need help. A buddy to help me keep the "pants on fire" away! Show me how to make changes that will stick.
I need to take blood pressure medication and getting fit can help me to reduce my BP and get off those dang pills.
Thank you in advance,
Shamrock

Shamrock

I need help with some changes. I usually don't ask for help however, my way just doesn't work. (period) I know what needs to be done and I need someone to hold me accountable. In my Dairy Queen mind, I can rationalize myself onto the couch with a chocolate bar THAT I DESERVE! lol
I work hard and I need to relax...I'm on my feet all day so that's all the exercise I need yada yada...When I think this to myself a big red light flashes on forehead that says "Liar Liar pants on fire"
I'm not beating myself up, just being truthful. I know I can do this but I need help. A buddy to help me keep the "pants on fire" away! Show me how to make changes that will stick.
I need to take blood pressure medication and getting fit can help me to reduce my BP and get off those dang pills.
Thank you in advance,
Shamrock

MOMOFTWO29

Hello and welcome to MFP the best website ever. I it here and I think you will too. This site is so supportive, motivational, helpful and is so easy to use. I just wanted to tell you good luck on your weight loss journey. You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

lunglady

Congratulations on recognizing the problem. It's easy after that.

For relaxation, I practice yoga; you should try it. I've only been at it for a few months, but I'm seeing changes already. And yhe inner peace is awesome.

Good luck in your efforts.

ivykivy

Welcome!:flowerforyou:
I started belly dance fitness and it is actually fun. I also love hip hop abs. I started with that and it made me want to continue. I guess the point it if you don't like the exercise that you are doing it will seem like a chore. But if you find something you like you can relieve stress and burn calories too.

verifire

Sit down and make a list of rewards. A lot of time, food is a substitute because we think we don't have the time for other pleasures. But at the end of a long day, you deserve to take the time and do something truly enjoyable. Even if at first you think of them as consolation prizes when compared to chocolate and lounging, eventually they will replace eating as your go-to move.

I don't know what you like, so here are a few of mine just to get you thinking (make sure you have passive and active options, for days when you're more tired v. days when you have more energy):

Take on a project too random to be stressful (sewing, fixing up an old car, baking, painting, scrapbooking, knitting, knot-tying, gardening, pottery-making, wood-carving, jewelry-making, etc.) and when you feel the urge for a treat, make a sweet cup of tea and do this instead. if you picked something you don't get pleasure out of, drop it and find something you do like.

Break out the stationary and write random letters and cards to friends (everyone likes getting mail)

Buy a new book (I don't need to do this - I have so many I haven't read yet), make a cup of tea, put on a robe and read it

Take a bubble bath or spend an hour in a hot shower

Take a look through old photo albums or mementos just for kicks

Stop somewhere unconventional on the way home - a scenic overlook you've never stopped at before; a coffee shop where you can sit for half an hour and people-watch; a mall where you can window-shop while you walk. Giving yourself time to think and be alone is important to feeling balanced and confident.

Open a bottle of wine and have a glass with dinner

Make an elaborate meal for yourself (not a quick food fix) from a recipe and enjoy the whole process (note: spices make you feel full faster)


IMPORTANT: put these things in a written list. otherwise, when you're craving sweets, nothing else will come to mind. when all you want is the couch and a chocolate bar, go to your list and pick from the activities. tell yourself you will just put off your chocolate bar until after you're done.

good luck!

Shamrock

Thanks to all for feedback!
Sham