Struggling and babysteps

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

I'm going to say I've been struggling as usual. BUT I need to give myself credit for a few things. As I did finally make an appointment for the chiropractor. I also have done a few "indulging" things such as a Mani/Pedi which was a special treat. I wouldn't waste my money on a manicure again, unless I step it up to a gel polish. But o think I will pencil in another pedicure again. Just as I finally start putting myself first, we decide to look for another house to rent. So now I have to slow down on my spending. I've gotten most of the things that were on my "need" list, can't run around naked. Lol. I did splurge on Jaycee she needed a harness, so I can take her for a walk. Well vise versa. She is in much need of training, so the harness was a necessity. Well, need to get back on track with the healthy eating, now that my bday is over. Bought some dark chocolate, as a treat. Have to get back to just 1 or 2 absolutes, then "suck it up" because I have to get better at this eating and exercise!! It's 5 months now since I put down the cigarettes. I have my e-cig, which I try to only use minimaly. I've gained 10# I guess that's not too bad, but I wish I could figure out how to be just as strong about my food choices as I am about being a non smoker! I keep trying! Thanks for reading and supporting me. I need it!!

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ASPENHUGGER
on the 5 months!

It's easier to put down an addiction like smoking because it's a hard line -- you either smoke or you don't. Eating, however ... We still have to put food in our mouths -- generally 3 times a day. That makes the line blurry, & it's hard for our addictive little brains (at least it is for mine! ) to cope with that. It's a real struggle until we somehow can get our minds to click over to a "clean" eating frame of mind.

But the day you find yourself thinking of yourself as a non-smoker instead of someone who's quitting smoking ... that's the day you've made it!

It's also harder when you're in the process of quitting smoking -- your body craves carbs: "Food cravings after smoking cessation may happen for a number of reasons. Research suggests that smoking may increase serotonin levels and dopamine. We also know that carbohydrate foods help with serotonin production and that may be one cause of cravings in ex smokers." I really struggled with this since I'm ADD (didn't know it at the time) & ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is characterized as having brain levels that are low in dopamine and higher in serotonin. And gained a lot of weight, most of which I still have.

Anyway, you're doing great and I applaud your courage & determination to quit, & also the progress you've made on taking care of yourself!
1849 days ago
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CD15597073
You're doing great!!! I love the picture of you two!
1853 days ago
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CD15898301
It's great you've quit smoking, I did the same thing back in 2000 so I know how hard that can be. It's quite an accomplishment. We are in agreement about the smoking vs the food choices battle. I used to use the cigarettes to ease stress, somehow at some point I replaced those with food. I think once we learn the food is doing us no more good than the cigarettes we'll find the same strength to change that also. I try and think about it like this, I quit smoking for health reasons (among other reasons), sitting down and downing junk food, I might as well be smoking because the effects with gaining weight, just to start with are no better than the smoking was.

We CAN do this - if your like me, it took more than one try to give up smoking - if we just keep after ourselves with the food - we'll get that under control as well.

Just keep at it -
1853 days ago
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PACEKA1
I love having a pedicure - it's such a treat! I had to get a harness for Daisy for our walks. I'm trying to train her but she's getting the better of me! Good for you for putting some of your own needs first!
1854 days ago
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SERENAR7ODOM
Hey girl I'm new to Sparkpeople and just read your blog. You had me smiling from the minute I saw your pic of your puppy! She is adorable! I have a Dachsund mix who rules my every move! Her name is Grace. Gotta love them!
I totally understand the quitting smoking and all the struggles it brings. I think I quit about 20 times before I was finally able to nip it in the "butt". Hang in there, you can do it and you can stick with it! I'll be honest, I still think about one sometimes but those sometimes are far and in between now.
I too am trying to make better food choices and exercise! Keep hangin in there!!
1854 days ago