Just when I thought it was getting easier… |
Two weeks ago I lost 6 pounds. Last Friday I was up 1/2 pound. Now my Valentine’s gift to myself is a nice runny nose, sore throat and hacking cough! I basically feel like crap and even though I told myself I wouldn’t get sick I did. Greg, our trainer said that I shouldn’t work out today because my body needs to heal itself–keep warm, stay inside, lots of liquids…So now it’s getting tricky, better known as a setback. It’s really hard to avoid overeating, and not eating out of boredom when I’m home feeling rotten. Those graham crackers are calling me from the cupboard and what to eat is more of a choice challenge than normal. Not having anyone around to lend support or encouragement probably doesn’t help and I don’t want to spread my germs or my delightful attitude anyway.
So the question is “what is the best thing to do when we have a setback”? I know the importance of getting right back on the program when we “fall off”. When we travel, or when something unexpected comes up the need to make the time to exercise and choose food wisely. But when we’re sick, how do we handle the physical and mental malaise of feeling plain lousy? Of not being able to get quality rest because of disruptive coughing or restlessness. Of being ”stuck” without a sense of moving forward. Any suggestions?
When my general health is good I have noticed some changes in how I handle my family and friends when it comes to what or where we eat and exercise. Although I’ve always stated my opinion if I had a taste for a certain type of food when we were planning on a restaurant or meal, I’m more assertive now to guarantee meal choices that fit into my new lifestyle. Most of my friends live pretty healthy lives and like good, fresh, delicious and nutritious food. My husband has always been a more consistently healthy eater than I. On the occassion where others have indulged in less desireable choices, desserts or rich entrees, I’ve been fairly successful at finding a better substitute, like asking for an apple and a bit of peanut butter (2 tsp) with herbal tea rather than cookies, etc. Thankfully, I don’t have trouble asking for, insisting on if necessary, what I want. If I dealt with someone who was very uncooperative I don’t think I’d have a problem walking away. It’s my responsibility to take care of myself. I’m probably my own biggest challenge in going astray.
I have noticed that my ability to exert self control and keep my portions and food choices in line is very dependent on eating 3 regular meals and 2 snacks a day–ON TIME. If I go without eating or don’t eat a balanced meal (protein, complex carb, a little fat, vegetables and/or fruit) I’m very likely to lose control in the evening. The plan listed in the book The Best Life Diet really works for me, if I follow it.
One thing I really have to look more closely at is how my reaction to certain situations affects my eating habits. I know boredom and avoidance are eating triggers. Big ones. When I’m “in the flow”–fully engaged in whatever I’m doing, not conscious of time–I forget about eating or anything else but what I’m doing. I’ve read that the happiest people are those that are in this flow state on a daily or very regular basis. HMMMM!!!
February 15th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Itravel alot cross country by vehicle for my job (I do consruction ) and when its cold I have’nt been working so i am home lately and we move with our company every several months to a year,so i have alot going on in my life which is stressful at times then it gets slow for awhile and I ‘ve just gotten lazy !! I have been trying to change my eating to yogurts ,salalds small dinner portions but still have that sweet tooth alot !!! I have been planning & working on doing yoga for breathing & relaxation than some dance workouts then some sit-ups!! I am starting to see alittle lose,but i’m getting discouraged,with another move coming up !!were will be at a hotel for 2-3weeks !! Iam also on a medication that adds to my weight gain !!!help i’m losing my mind not enough weight !!!
February 16th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Shara, your email mail was a quick reminder that a lot of us have challenges with managing our eating because of different circumstances. I can understand your difficulty with a constantly changing work environment and the prospect of moving on a regular basis. It would be incredibly difficult for me. Frankly I don’t know how you do it and keep your sanity!!
Right now I’m home, still sick and feeling restless. There’s plenty to do (cleaning, etc.) and I don’t feel like doing any of it. And not being busy and so close to the kitchen all day–it’s tough to manage. I guess that is my version of being lazy too.
Bottom line is it’s easy when things are going smoothly, we feel good and energetic to manage our eating and everything else. During tough times or when we feel stressed is when we need to follow a good plan of action, yet it’s so hard to do just that.
Let’s try this, based on a very dear friends advice: Write 3 goals we need to get done today (every day) that will make us feel good and productive. Spend just 15 minutes doing each thing. We can allow more time if we get into it. Then check off each goal as it gets done (not necessarily finished, just done 15 minutes worth). Let’s see how much better we feel. OK? (By the way, meditation or relaxation techniques-to a CD-is on my today’s list.)
It sounds like you’re already doing some of these things (yoga, breathing) and I’m sure it’s helping so don’t give up. Thanks so much for sharing.
Marna