I used to be a smoker. I was never a heavy smoker...just slightly more than a social smoker. About 10 years ago I quit…cold turkey. A fact which annoys my husband who still smokes. It’s not that he is upset that I quit but more that he doesn’t understand how I can just up and stop…just like…THAT.
And as I think back on it, it really was easier for me than most. I came down with a horrible case of bronchitis and just couldn’t bring myself to smoke while breathing was such a painful experience. Then, once I was feeling better…well, it just seemed silly to go back. But every trigger was a difficult one in the beginning. So it went like this…
Today I’m not going to smoke on the walk from my apartment to the subway. (OK, I can do that)
Next, I’m not going to smoke on the walk from the subway to my office. DONE.
Throughout the day it was more of the same until several days had gone by and I hadn’t smoked at all. So when these urges passed, I started to truly consider myself a “non-smoker” But it was a daily process…and it wasn’t as easy as I’m now making it sound.
OK, so why am I bringing this up?
It occurred to me yesterday in a moment of quiet contemplation (and kicking myself for whatever I ate that I shouldn’t have) that eating…while necessary to sustain life, is also an addictive behavior.
I need food to live…but do I need cookies? Not really.
What about the peanuts? Hmmm…no.
So why is it that some people are able to eat just what they need and the rest of us eat what we need plus what a small third world nation needs too?
How do I take that “one addictive habit at a time” mentality that I used to quit smoking and apply it to not eating except that which I need to sustain a healthy life?
And why was it so much easier to take weight off in the time leading up to last summer’s cruise than it is now? I obviously know HOW to eat the right things. Yet, somehow, without realizing it...I somehow find myself eating things I shouldn't more often than I'd like to admit.
Perhaps instead of one day at a time, I should apply the one bite at a time theory.
:SIGH:
I’m looking for answers so chime in if you’ve got some and… stay tuned for less of me.
3 comments:
As someone who has struggled with weight all my life - here are my ideas...
1. Eating is a necessary activity for survival. And I think that some of us are hard wired to eat whenever there is a stressor: i.e. we must eat to survive this holiday season.
2. For me - it really is my ONLY vice. I don't drink often, don't smoke, no drugs, I'm not a shopaholic. We ALL have our vices, mine just happens to be food.
3. I believe we also develop a nurtured palette - foods that we were raised on, and continue to drive our basic meal choices. For me - that was meat, potatoes, pasta, take-out and canned-goods.
No I realize anyone reading this who does NOT have a weight problem would say this is simply a list of excuses, but either way - they are my thoughts on the issue.
Thanks for your great blog! Best wishes for a healthy holiday season.
I am exactly the same way - I am able to eat correctly if I have an event coming up but if nothing is in the forseeable future I tend to get off track pretty easily!
Thats great with the smoking - I am a smoker and can't even imagine giving it up at this point.
Have a great holiday!!
Deb
Lisa nice blog..KUTGW, Kat
Friends don't let friends do Kimkins! Remember that cover girl on the WW Mag? Well, she learned the hard way about Kimkins and it's dangers!! Read her blog and decide for yourself.
http://the-journey-on.blogspot.com/
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