Lost that "feeling"

HeatherGTaylor

You know that feeling when you've realized your not going to take this lifestyle anymore? You make changes and become dedicated, I was like that after my son was born. I quit smoking during my pregnancy and after I had him changed my life. I went from 260 to 200 and felt FANTASTIC! This past November I went to the bahamas for my sisters wedding and started smoking again, drinking again, eating out of control again....I continued my rule free vacation at home and here we are June and I'm 25lbs heavier, smoking and drinking I'd say heavily again. I've tried for the last month to get that feeling again, that I want to BE healthy, to be THINNER, to FEEL fantastic again....and I can't seem to get back. I count what I eat every day and I try to exercise every day and usually succeed but when it comes to eating that extra portion or boredom eating I just give in to temptation that "want" just isn't strong enough and I'm not sure how to get it to be. I read on here recently " Decide to be healthy or stay fat" and honestly when I'm stuffing my face I want to stay fat. The next morning when my pants are tight and I can't wear 3/4 of what's in my closet I want to be healthy.



Has anyone done so well and then fallen down and just can't seem to get that motivation back?

Pebble321

Yes, I know what you mean - I can go for months being rational, eating in moderation, exercising regularly and then I'll lose it and slip back to less exercise, more chocolate - aka the things that got me fat in the first place.

I've decided to deal with it by just "keeping on keeping on". Making healthy choices for as many meals as I can, exercising as much as I can, walking if I don't want to run, logging what I'm eating even if it's not a healthy choice.
I've acknowledged that the changes I've made in my life can't be temporary, I have to reset my expectations of "normal" eating and exercise. And if I start getting into bad habits, treating them as an exception and moving back to the "new normal" as soon as I can.

I'm not if this makes sense, or if it helps, but it's what I'm trying out.
Alternatively, you could just give yourself permission to go nuts for a day or a week, then commit to going back to it... Ketp trying different things and you'll find what works for you.

s1lence

I haven't fallen so far as to stop all my healthy habits but I have fallen off the wagon for a week or two (usually it's my exercise and sweet tooth that hits hard). But my motives are all around me. I gave birth to my son in March of 2011 and he has kept me thinking of my health for him. I have other reasons to get healthy but since I stay at home with him I see why it's so important to keep on track.

You stopped your bad habits because of your son, why not keep that mentality in mind. Your example will teach your son what to/not to do. Eating too much and unhealthy items will show him that it's alright to do, these habits will be adapted for a long time if not life. Also if you are smoking no matter if it is around him or not it affects him. The smoke sticks to your clothes and your body will sweat out the nicotine, your breath and hair will also smell like smoke/tobacco.

If you need motivation because you aren't enough to do it for then choose your family. What would your families life be like if you died of a heart attack, lung cancer, or liver cancer? How is your smoking affecting their health? Which would be better - playing with your child or smoking that cigarette? I have not suffered from tobacco or alcohol addictions but I know that bad habits are harder then all get out to kick but if you have done it once, what's stopping you now?

HeatherGTaylor

When it comes to smoking everyone in my family smokes and for a while I thought it was "okay" again. Truth is I smoke then I drink and then I smoke and it's just a cycle I allowed to become the norm again. I appreciate the wake up ladies, I needed to remember that healthy life was the norm not some fad diet and my son deserves better. I had a large smoking mom ( I love her to death and she is a great mom but when it comes to teaching my sister and I how to eat and be active and generally healthy individuals she failed a bit) and I swore I would give my son a chance.

Guess first things first is giving up the smokes and if I gain 20lbs well at least I'm a step farther ahead...and I might have more air to walk up the stairs without huffing and puffing.