I have never been a drinker other than coke, but I seriously drank too much of that for a long time. That is probably why, I am overweight now. Also, I have a mom who is a serious smoker, and I have learned from her life experiences that habits such as smoking and even drinking can be very hard to break. Therefore, I do not smoke, drink, or do any drugs, you could absolutely say that I am clean. After all this is said, I just want to say that I understand where you are coming from and how you feel about your son. family members are so close, but yet so distant at times. It is in the times that they are distant that we remember how much we care about them, and we draw nearer to them.
ROBOWINGER 3/13/06 9:46 P
dont worry about setbacks I got carried away on the weekend with doughnuts from Tim Hortons but hey once in a while is ok as long as you keep trying.
ROCETOP 3/11/06 3:45 A
I for one am glad you put it down. Pros and Cons to everything. Cons by far outweigh the Pros when it comes to alcohol. Now my grandmother would argue that a little alcohol is good for the body. She said it could even cure cancer. However, she died from cancer. GO FIGURE
TECOVA 3/10/06 6:29 A
I might have missed it, but I didn't see a journal mentioned. One of the biggest contributors to me sticking with things this time, has been my journal here. I write about what I ate for the day, the things that happened to me, good and bad, and it works. I really works. Even if you don't write one here, keep one on paper or something. It's very helpful, and keeps you on track.
As far as drinking, I never touched a drop before 1997. That was my freshman year of college. From August 1997, to September 1998, I binge drank constantly. One day I just got tired of it making me sick, so I quit. Just like that. Some folks can just drop it like that, some folks can't. I don't think I was ever an alcoholic. I only ever drank because it was everyone was doing. I do know that drunkeness now annoys me to no end. I don't know if it's because I've forgoten how it is, or what, but I just can't understand doing that to one's self. I do keep alcohol around the house. I keep a bottle of Pendelton or Crown Royal whiskey around, and a can of Coke should I ever want to mix one up. But I only ever have one, and almost never because of stress or emotions. Just because one would taste good with dinner, or I'd just like one. If you can, definetly avoid drinking when you're emotional. When I'm depressed, I call someone I care about. My folks, a friend, and just dump on them. It might not be very nice of me, but they always make me feel better.
Yes, it all comes down to choices. Ultimately, it is only our choice & no one elses. And as I have heard all down through the years . . . Lead by example. AND I THINK SPARK PEOPLE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE, AND A GREAT TEACHING COMMUNITY, with GREAT RESOURCES. Here's a green tea toast to Spark People.
ROCETOP 3/9/06 1:51 A
VICTORSOTO Everything is by choice. I made decision to stop drinking many years ago when I saw my 2 year old son trying to open a beer while sitting on the floor in front of the refrig. He is now a grown man. He told me not long ago one thing that made me smile with tiny tear in my eyes. He said "dad it is not what you said to me while I was growing up that made me ME - it is what you did. That is why I do not drink." What could I say after that? Just hugged him.
My boy is strong as ox but getting a little hang over the belt here lately. He came by the other day and said he joined a gym. I said good for you. He said it was because I joined one months ago to get my body in order that caused him and his bride to do the same.
Bottom line - Make right choices and let our little ones sway that decision a little
DEVINSDAD2K6 3/8/06 6:15 P
I have had times where I was on a diet and doing good for a month or so, then I get invited out to eat. Usually I have everything with all the trimmings and by the time I get home i'm thinking "well I ate that, why not eat this too?". I think thats where a site like this comes in handy. Support systems are so critical when it comes to changing your lifestyle. Slipping is normal, but you just cant let it trigger a chain of events that wipes out all of your progress.
CONMOST 3/6/06 11:54 A
You're welcome. I have been overweight since shortly after I got married. It has put some stress on the marriage, but we have made it through for 32 years now. My problem was feeling unattractive to my spouse, and some jealousy towards anyone looking in our direction. The stress was what I was feeling, not my spouse. There were never any negative comments made to me about my weight, but only concern for my health, mostly with the salt shaker, lol. I have cut down on smoking, and every day I smoke less, I taste things better. Also, every day I smoke less, I have more energy to put toward my cardio & core exercises, which have made amazing results in how I feel & look. I knew all along that my weight gain was mostly due to inactivity, once married, we don't have to pursue, lol. But we should maintain. Here's to getting healthier in a fun and manageable way, for a lifetime.
LIBJAK 3/6/06 10:44 A
Great post Conmost,
I never made a list of what I was doing but after reading your I have made most of these changes and they do work.
The changes we are making are not lip service any more. They are real changes that we have to make to our lives. I always thought that when this diet is over that I can enjoy the things I miss but I am still enjoying those things while dieting but making better choices.
Bart
CONMOST 3/5/06 1:12 P
Everyone who responded to you gave great advice. You also need to remember that this is a healthy lifestyle change, not a punishment. Don't deny yourself foods you love, just take a bite to satisfy the craving. We all know that when something is forbidden, we want it even more, so do not forbid it. If I don't get a taste of what I'm craving, I tend to eat all day long, & if I don't get what I want, I'm not satisfied, which is what makes it harder. I've also found that drinking the required water lessens the cravings. Drinking or eating at least one thing that is hot each meal, lessens the hunger (I like a cup of green tea or cabbage soup when the hunger pains strike). The less sweet drinks I have, the less the salt cravings I have. I don't know if you jumped in all at once or started with small un-noticable changes, but try this, it works for me -
1. If normally using Whole Milk, change to 2% (for now), then to 1% later 2. Use the 35 calorie Whole Wheat Bread, buns, rolls 3. Use Brummel & Brown yogurt Buttery Spread 4. Sweeten your hot cereal, when needed, with Brown Sugar (it takes less)& add lite vanilla yogurt to your milk when sweetening cold cereals. 5. Switch from jam to all fruit spreads 6. Drink green tea (it cleanses the body of toxins) 7. Add 1 more fruit & 1 more vegetable to each day's food plan, than you are used to getting 8. Make sure you get the right amount of fats & Proteins in your diet (important - getting less than what is recommended will only hurt you, not help you) Choose one lean cut of fresh pork, chicken, turkey, beef, or fish for supper each day, but try to have one of each meat at least once a week, going vegetarian (like Vegetable Lasagna) or mixed (like spaghetti w/ meat sauce) the other 2 days. 9. When you need a salty snack, try Sun Chips or Baked Lays, or the Rice & Corn Cakes by either Orville Redenbacher or Quaker, they taste great & are good for you) 10. Actually measure your portions - you would be surprised what a difference there is in a teaspoon we eat out of & the teaspoon you measure with, etc. 11. Replace your cooking oil with Canola oil. 12. When lightly heating or grilling foods that will stick, use olive oil Spray 13. Stir-frying your meals makes the portions appear larger, because the meat is cut in small pieces, but still see-able, and the vegetables are all different colors, bountiful, & appealing. 14. GIVE YOURSELF THE DAILY PEP-TALKS & MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES - THEY REALLY HELP! 15. Make your collages. I put a picture of what I looked like when smaller, a picture of what I look like now, a picture of someone doing what I want to be able to do, a picture of someone wearing something I would like to wear, etc. on a sheet of paper (I copied & pasted the non-me pictures from different internet sites into an email to me, then printed them out). Write out your feelings & goals under each picture. Then hung on fridge.
I know it looks like a lot, but it isn't. The food changes just require a quick trip to the grocery store, then eating normally, incorporating these foods. The collage only takes a few minutes to make & hang. I even manage to get in exercise while on this site (the seated leg lifts from the core exercises, hand-weight lifting while reading the 3 articles each day, which I try to read at least one from each category. Try these things that actually help you on your way to your healthier lifestyle. Take care.
GOLFPRO 3/4/06 9:28 P
congrats on your great changes!!! quite an accomplishment, you should be very proud of yourself =)
matt
ECB717 3/4/06 6:24 P
I used to drink three to four nights a week. My first child was born almost four years ago and the day she was born I gave up alcohol. I decided that my wife and I brought this child into the world it was my responsibilty to raise her with a clear mind and body. Every time I see a person drunk or hung over I I'm thankful I gave up alcohol. I would much rather get up on Saturday and go to the gym or take my kids to the park. I have lost 45 lbs. as of today. Getting on the scale and seeing that number go down every week is now my high. I hope you make the right decision for your self and your child.
DFC1009 3/4/06 5:04 A
gabe this happened to me over and over for years.if over weight is a problem go with spark people if alcohol is a problem try aa they both work
RSTINEJR 2/28/06 9:12 P
Gabe,
I agree with what the other guys have said. And there's another thing that you might look out. I know that when I take up something like a diet or exercise plan, I'm pretty much always a bit divided about it. Part of me knows it's a good idea, but another part resents the hassle or the work or being deprived of goodies. This causes trouble if my resentful side gets the upper hand and has a little party.
I believe that the SparkPeople way of dealing with this is to try to keep the practice of healthy living from being too much of a chore, or too much telling you what you've got to give up. Most things can fit into a healthy lifestyle if you exercise moderation.
When you're making you diet and exercise plan, try to keep things fun. This site is about living well, not wearing a hair shirt. And it's not about being perfect; we all have to cope with getting back on track after an off day.
Best of luck to you, and welcome to SparkPeople!
- Bob
GOLFPRO 2/28/06 8:17 P
Gabe,
You're welcome! That's why we're all here. We all messed up at something and are seeking an answer. We're glad to see you here and hope you come around more often. =)
matt
VICTORSOTO 2/28/06 7:37 P
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my post, I will do exactly like you said, I have to think of what I would want my son to do in a given situation, wow thats powerful, again thank you for your time and thoughts.
gabe
GOLFPRO 2/28/06 12:35 P
Thanks CJ!! =)
CJCLUTE 2/28/06 12:30 P
Well put Matt CJ
GOLFPRO 2/28/06 9:52 A
Gabe,
I can't say I've had that happen, but thank you for sharing with us. I think we've all had a similar experience, whether it be alcohol or food. It sound like your son is really the biggest motivation you have.
Any time you feel the urge to do something you "shouldn't", think about him and what you would want him to do. I'm sure you want him to succeed in life and would do anything to help him, right? So instead of being scared of the success, embrace it and show your son how to conquer personal challenges.
You've set yourself up to show your son a great lesson. Don't dwell on past mistakes, pick yourself up, dust off, and make better choices in the future. kids learn by example.
Just by being concerned about this shows that you DO care and want to succeed. Put your mind to it and work a little harder and I'm sure you'll do great.
matt
VICTORSOTO 2/28/06 8:46 A
I was going along this progam for about 4 days doing everything I was suppose to and then on friday, I think I totaly gave up on my self and started drinking, and then I just felt depressed, so I woke up saturday sick, and my wife was very disappointed in me and I was very embarassed because I know my son saw me drinking and he has never seen that before, I drink about once every couple of months, so the only thing I can think of is that I am scared of sucess, does anyone else do this, if so how do you cope with it. I need to stay on track, somehow. thanks for reading, gabe
