WOB WEEKLY DISCUSSION THREAD: making new habits!

[Doozer]

Stevesgal inspired this thread. I think we need to help her out and in doing so, we're helping ourselves too! This is a deep subject, unlike our other chats, so think about it and offer your advice....and suggestions.

If we are unhappy with ourselves....it's because we've gotten into some pretty bad habits. Too much eating; not enough exercise; smoking; laziness.

When we want to help ourselves we just can't find the motivation to change because our habits are telling us we can't!

The key at making it successful is taking baby steps.

How can we create better habits for ourselves and not make it seem like so much work?

[2bearsmom]

Just what your last line says...Baby steps!

A little at a time! If you try and do it all at once you get overwhelmed and just give up...but a little at a time is a better route...you don't feel like you're making huge changes...YES it is slow going and you don't get instant gratification, but you WILL get results.

If you are trying to add more water to your daily intake, increase it by 1 glass...If you try and down a whole gallon after not drinking anything but diet coke for a year, you're going to hate it and not do it again tomorrow, but if you add a little at a time, you're more likely to stick with it.

Same with exercise, add a little at a time, Okay today I'll go for a stroll around the block, tomorrow I'll do it again, then the next day you want to walk a little farther...Much more realistic about sticking with that than say waking up one day and trying to run a 5k when you have never ran before. KWIM?

Portion control is a HUGE issue for me...I started eating dinner on a kids plate and guess what? I don't eat as much. I wasn't a big veggie eater until a year ago...now I fill half my plate with a veggie. Growing up we ALWAYS had to have a veggie on our plte, even just a tablespoon full, so I always had the minimum, until I found I LIKE veggies, so I started adding more and more.

Not eating chips (Baked Lays and I have a special bond) right from the bag, but taking some and putting them in a bowl (again Kids size)... it works! And the bag is not gone in 2 days!

It really is all about baby steps and doing a little at a time!

[stevesgal]

I am happy to be the inspiration for a very good topic ! I totally agree that the baby steps are huge in changing any lifestyle issues that we have!

So far today- almost 48 hours without a cigarette:happy dance: - I must say that my children have already thought of having me committed , I have all but demolished a package of straws (I cut them up cigarette size and chew the heck out of them ) and I must say that I think I am getting a god sense of smell back- we did not smoke in our house but I must say that it does smell like an old ashtray- it must be stuck on all of our clothes! I am trying to avoid putting things (besides the straws) into my mouth- since I am still trying to lose weight- although I must admit that I am craving sweets like mad!

Every small thing you do to better yourself adds up over time- before to long- you will feel better and live a better life for it!

[merandmalmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevesgal So far today- almost 48 hours without a cigarette:happy dance:

That is fantastic! As a former smoker, I know how hard it is. One day at a time...it's so true. You can do it!!!

I second what Shell said about baby steps and not going overboard with changes. We all didn't get in this situation overnight and shouldn't expect everything to change at once. I am so guilty of this logic!

[KyNana]

If the straws are working for you then I need to try it!!!
I sometimes want to eat off and on all day.I am bigger than I have ever been in my life, I don't like it at all but I haven't put in much effort to losing either.
I agree Baby steps!