Of habits, old and new
Staying at your parents’ house as an adult is a weird thing, isn’t it? Some things you see with fresh eyes, and other times you revert back to an awkward preteen. I’ve noticed some habits working both for and against me this week.
On the positive side, it would seem that 4+ months of regular exercise is actually becoming an ingrained habit. Oh sure, part of it is that I’m only about three pounds away from my first weight-related goal, and I don’t want to get completely sidetracked while I’m here. But really, when have I ever brought an exercise DVD with me to (either of) my parents’ house(s)? When have I ever used the treadmill they have in their basements? That would be a big, fat never.
And yet, here I am. I have done the Shred. I have progressed to Week 3 of the Couch-to-5K program (yes, I’m trying to run… more on that later). I have exercised more days than not. And I’m glad.
I’m particularly glad, because the flipside is that old eating habits die really hard. I’ve been reasonably good with my eating these last few months (hence the 3-pounds-from-first-goal thing). But much of my success has come from controlling what foods I have access to. I haven’t purchased a pint of ice cream since the summer. I have baked shockingly few cookies (by my standards). I don’t keep crap in the house, so I can’t eat it. I have a pretty limited menu, but it works for me.
And then I get here. Without even thinking, I walk into my dad’s kitchen and open the doors to the pantry to peruse the junk food. Cookies. Chips. All variety of things that I don’t ever buy, but find almost impossible to resist when they’re right there in my face. No control over what is served at big family dinners. Dad buys a dozen bagels (from my favorite bagel shop) for breakfast. Ugh.
I’ve tried to keep some of my go-to items on hand, and have tried to stick to my 8PM rule. But, clearly, four well-behaved months have not cured me of 30 years of bad eating habits.
But still, I will try to keep fighting the good fight, and not beat myself up too much for what happens here, away from home. Just a few more days, and I’ll be back in my own space. In the meantime, pass the cookies…
Tags: eating habits, exercise, weight loss
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Good luck maintaining all the good habits you have made. Don’t beat yourself up if you are not perfect!
Amy´s last blog ..Sleep update!
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 am
Don’t lose sight of what you’ve accomplished so far – no ice cream in the house since the summer – that’s amazing! It’s only a few more days and it’s very hard to resist what’s in front of you – that doesn’t mean you haven’t made serious changes; you’re still not bringing it home and that’s great – remember, this is why buffets are bad and so are offices during the holidays. Damn those holiday gift baskets.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
3 lbs. 3lbs. 3 lbs. You are so close!
The bigger thing is think what kind of example it sets for your kids.
(When I was pregnant I inexplicably made myself a bologne and potato chip sandwich at my dad’s house. It was the ONLY THING I could keep down for about two months, so that’s what I ate 10 of each day. Something about comfort food at your parents. Makes me think about what kind of comfort food I am creating for my kids.)
LauraC´s last blog ..Christmas Eve!
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
It sounds like you’re doing a really good job. Just 3 pounds to go is quite impressive! Even though you may be eating things you normally wouldn’t, you’re continuing to exercise just like you would if you were home, and I think that will be enough to keep you still within sight of your goal. Keep fighting the good fight! You’re doing great!
reanbean´s last blog ..21 months old
December 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Good for you! After one game of Candyland, I’m off to my my 55-minute Firm workout. My glutes are sore just thinking about it!
Sadia´s last blog ..Making Christmas special