New Beginnings

Finally, the holidays are over! I will try to blog more regularly now.

I was doing great with my no-sugar routine until our office pig-out day (where everyone brings in treats). I started eating the fudge, then some cookies, etc. If I would have just stopped there, it would have been fine, but after that, I kept eating sweets the whole Christmas season long. Now I am addicted to sugar and chocolate again. I’m going to have to start over again, trying to get off it. Of course, I also gained back 4 of the 7 pounds I lost.

Regarding the 5-HTP I mentioned last time, I did take it for about a week or so. The first couple of days, it seemed to help, but after that I felt worse. I stopped taking it. It is hard to explain; it was a subtle feeling, but I felt kind of damped down. My moods were on a more even keel, but I was not happy.

Since stopping the 5-HTP, I have felt a lot happier. I complain a lot about the holidays, but there were some happy moments. For example, just in the last couple of days …. New Year’s Day was great here - the weather was so sunny and warm. This morning I felt really happy too. Every little thing made me feel happy - like the way I could see the moon large and low in the sky even after the sun came up. The good feelings lasted until I got to work.

Work is part of my problem. It is boring and unsatisfying. I eat a lot more at work than I do at home. I am trying to decide what to do about that.

I always like it when a new year starts. It feels like a blank slate. Whatever happened in the old year is wiped away. So I have high hopes for this new year.

For one thing, I really have to get some exercise. Lately I feel so out of breath when I do anything physical, even takilng a walk or going up the stairs. I have never been this out of shape before! Of course, they say the gyms are filled with new members after New Year’s because of all the people who have made New Year’s resolutions to exercise. I don’t want to be one of that crowd. Maybe I will just exercise at home for a while.

Anyway, here’s to a New Year of great possibilities and achievements! Good luck to you all, and may all your wishes come true.

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5 Responses to “New Beginnings”

  1. Craig Harper Says:

    Hey Lucy - Don’t worry!

    As an Exercise Scientist and Trainer I have spent much of the last twenty-five years helping people change their body. Smaller, bigger, lighter, leaner, more muscle, more flexibility, speed, power… Athletes, non-athletes, kids, mums, dads…..whatever they were after; that’s what I did my best to deliver.

    Here’s 31 tips for the next twenty eight days that guarantee you will reach your goals.

    Why a 28 day program?

    It’s short enough to stay motivated and long enough to see results

    4 KEY AREAS:

    PSYCHOLOGY
    Get your head in the right place
    Good attitude = good outcome
    Set goals, create some rules
    Stop making excuses
    Stop waiting for the right time
    It’s about creating new habits – motivation is temporary
    Stop feeling sorry for yourself
    Make some tough decisions and choices
    Don’t spend 28 days waiting for it all to end
    Focus on the outcome – what you’re gaining not what you’re losing
    Nothing tastes as good as being in shape feels

    FOOD
    No eating within 4 hours of bed
    Eat breakfast
    5 small meals – all about the same size
    No alcohol, soft drink or fruit juice
    No take-away
    No full-cream dairy
    No white flour products
    No take away
    No added fat, sugar, salt
    Fresh foods
    2-3 serves of fruit and vegies every day

    EXERCISE
    Low – moderate level cardiovascular exercise – (walk, bike, swim)
    30 – 60 mins per day
    5 – 7 days per week

    LIFESTYLE
    Drink enough water
    Preferably no drugs, cigarettes or alcohol
    Sleep – 6 to 10 hours per night
    Increase incidental activity
    Increase occupational activity

    PRACTICAL STUFF
    Have your measurements taken (perhaps before and after photos)
    Keep a detailed diary

    Please let me know how you’re progressing.

    Craig Harper
    craig@craigharper.com.au
    http://www.craigharper.com.au

  2. dawn Says:

    Lucy, I commend you for getting back on track. That’s the most important thing. If you falter, pick yourself up and start over the next hour, the next day. Whatever works for you.

    I have a gym membership. I never go. I work out at home and by walking at work. Instead of email, IM, or phone, I walk to speak to someone. Every hour, I walk to the stairs — just to get up from my desk. I am currently walking 12,000 steps a day (give or take a few hundred). That alone helps with energy.

    You can do it. :-)

  3. Lucy Says:

    Craig and Dawn, thanks a lot for the tips and encouragement! I am definitely getting back on track.

  4. The Artist Says:

    Understand that craving for something sweet. Find a carrot or even a date will help the sugar cravings and both feel kind of healthy. Keep persevering with those lifestyle changes, a new path doesn’t happen overnight and there will always be those detours along the way, but you will get there if you just keep on trying, best wishes, The Artist

  5. Lucy Says:

    Artist, thanks for the encouragement! I agree - actually I have been eating a lot of raisins lately. I still have some chocolate but not as much.

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