Habits, how did you break them?

I find that it is much easier to switch habits than to break habits. When I quit smoking I would go for a walk when I would normally have a smoke. While it wasn't easy it was a little easier than sitting at my desk twitching.

Same went with evening snacking. I still save some calories for a light snack but I don't binge eat chips in front of the TV any more because I spend the evening hours playing video games that require both hands instead.

I was drinking way too much. A big thing that stopped me from breaking this habit was fear. I was afraid I couldn’t quit. I suggest trying to quit your habit for two weeks – to show yourself you can. I am on day #13 and honestly cannot believe it! Once you have been away from that habit for a time, you can then look back and see how much/ how often you were partaking of your habit. Once you’ve quit for a while, when and if you start again, you will most likely cut back.

And drinking does have a lot to do with eating- I realized how many calories I was drinking. Since I’ve quit, I’ve lost 5 pounds! I was never tracking my alcoholic calories!

Llamapants86 wrote: »

I find that it is much easier to switch habits than to break habits. When I quit smoking I would go for a walk when I would normally have a smoke. While it wasn't easy it was a little easier than sitting at my desk twitching.

+1 to switching the habit instead of trying to break it!
Maybe you can get a habit of drinking tea (no sugar) every evening instead of wine? Or mineral water?

Replace bad habits with good habits. Two years ago I was a 2-3 PAD smoker...switching to the e-cig and slowly lowering my nicotine dosage over the course of several months helped me quit...but so did developing healthy exercise habits. Often, when I felt like a smoke I would just go for a quick 10 minute walk...that quickly turned into a new found passion for fitness overall.

I also used to be a frequent and heavy drinker and it's something I'm currently working on as a matter of better health. Up until recently, I drank pretty much every evening...sometimes in moderation, sometimes, definitely not in moderation. As of current, no booze is allowed in my house (I like doing shots too much), only beer and wine. Monday and Tuesday evenings are "dry" nights and I've been busying myself with other things like working in the yard, helping my eldest with pre-school projects, etc. Wednesday evening I allow myself up to four beverages (either beer or wine) and Thursday is once again dry. Friday evenings I usually have a few beers after work and Saturday evening is my "cut lose" evening...Sundays just depend, but I'm finding them to be more or less dry these days.

Go to an al-anon meeting and listen to family members of alcoholics talk. Or come to my house and check out my Mom, who's been an alcoholic for over 35 years. Over time, over-consumption of alcohol does irreversible damage to your brain. It'll make you not want a drop.

280571 wrote: »

I was the same a bottle of wine a night 2 at the weekend. I read a book on "controlling alcohol" (or rather listened to the audio book) 10 or 11 weeks ago. Have not touched a drop since. No will power, not missing it just no longer want any. Fridge has beer in it for my friends, spirits in the cupboard, wine on the shelf but never want any. Wife still has a bottle of fizz at the weekend, there is always wine on the table when we eat out as we are in Italy. But honestly nothing changed except I don't drink and plus side its great for my fitness and health.
In fact when I am in the bar and I order something alcohol free it still makes me smile inside. I am loving the new me.

Yay you!!!

melaniebhowes wrote: »

I was drinking way too much. A big thing that stopped me from breaking this habit was fear. I was afraid I couldn’t quit. I suggest trying to quit your habit for two weeks – to show yourself you can. I am on day #13 and honestly cannot believe it! Once you have been away from that habit for a time, you can then look back and see how much/ how often you were partaking of your habit. Once you’ve quit for a while, when and if you start again, you will most likely cut back.

And drinking does have a lot to do with eating- I realized how many calories I was drinking. Since I’ve quit, I’ve lost 5 pounds! I was never tracking my alcoholic calories!

THIS. Same here. I am currently on Day 8 of "No Alcohol". While I find it hard, I am so happy I am on Day 8. I was scared...to the point of crying, that I wouldn't be able to quit. With the support of my husband and family, I realize I am stronger than that stupid beer/wine calling my name at the end of the day. I have already lost four pounds, so this has been a huge motivation for me.

I also thought of going to AA meetings to see where I don't want to end up....but I haven't needed to as of yet.

Instead of drinking/smoking, go for a walk! Or maybe call a friend/family and be honest. Tell them what you are going through. They will hopefully be supportive of you and make you feel accountable for you actions. Looking back, I think that was the hardest thing for me to do- tell my husband and my family my TRUE thoughts/feelings on the subject. I was scared that I couldn't quit...and while it was a vulnerable and emotional conversation, 8 days in, it was a great decision.

GOOD LUCK.

I've just decided that I'm going to be in control of food/drinks and my activities from now in. You just have to decide when enough is enough.

In regards to wine- I've been mixing in sparkling water (about 25%) with mine and I really like it. That way I feel like I'm drinking, but it's not as much.

I agree with switching habits, or distraction. When I was trying to break my grazing habit when I started losing weight, I would make and drink tea, vats of it, but it worked. Every time I felt the urge to munch something not planned, I would go make tea.

CassieP16 wrote: »

So, this isn't really a habit to do with eating but in a way. Anyways, for the past few months I have been drinking almost every night (I mean like 4 beers or a bottle of wine) and smoking my hookah every night. Now I don't want to stop this completely just defiantly cut back. But I am finding it very hard to break this habit I started. Now I know some of you will just say, its simple just stop! But its clear I don't have the will power to be that strong just yet (I am working on it). So I am wondering what habits have you learned to break and what helped you to do so? Thank you!!

It's difficult but changing your habits around usually helps. And changing your routine entirely helps too. Instead of drinking try going for a walk or start up a new hobby.