Lifestyle changes for good

[Sobervegan]

I have experienced autoimmune disorders for many years (decades really) so am well aware of my "triggers" - sugar, cheese, bread, nightshades and alcohol. All frequently see in restaurants and in homes all around the world. I have been vegetarian for about 20 years and am trying to be wholly plant based but worry about my protein intake as I am in my latter years and know how important protein is for falls prevention and bone building.

So I know I need to change my lifestyle - not just my diet, but I am honestly finding it very hard. The problem is I am reading loads of books on healthy eating and avoiding alcohol ( ha!) but it is not the information gathering that is the problem but the putting it into practice. I am beginning to think that I am reading the wrong things so am going back to reading self improvement books which do give some advice on making lifestyle changes for good. I am currently (re) reading The Power of Self Discipline but any other suggestions would be very helpful. 👍

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Welcome to the group.😀👍

Have you talked with your doctor about changing your diet?

[Sobervegan in reply to Activity2004]

All my life I have been a health professional ( now retired) and I have never heard any doctor talk about diet for anything? It is not so much about diet but motivation anyway and I did have one GP ( now retired) who was very good at keeping me motivated to change my lifestyle. Referring to dietician is not helpful because they are too busy to speak to everyone. I am now a qualified nutrition coach but still find practising what I preach difficult 😀

[GalDriver]

Hi Sobervegan, I've been vegetarian for about 45 years but the last few have been trying to be vegan but I lapse when I eat pre-made things like quorn. I forgive myself. As a 66-year old crock I do my best without beating myself up. I call myself a 'lapsed vegan'. 😊

For protein I'm trying to get back to eating more nuts either with meals, great in stir-fry or salads, or just as a snack between meals - then I don't have to worry about the meal having to contain protein as I've already had it in the nuts.

As for motivation? If you find out a way of stopping it waxing and waning I'd be interested to know. lol

[Sobervegan in reply to GalDriver]

thank you I will!

[Rezzy3]

I’ve found that following self help books and lifestyle books only help if your viewpoint goes along the same lines. Eventually you’ll run across a topic that goes totally against your way of thinking and you either blow it off or jump in head first. Too much of anything is just that, too much.

There is this one book my daughter gave me and I seem to refer to it many times in my thoughts. It’s a short read but it seems to help a lot

Ikigai. Find your purpose.

Clear

[Sobervegan in reply to Rezzy3]

Thank you I am always looking for reading recommendations!

[lovesun332]

If self-discipline and habit change are the main hurdles, you might benefit from books that focus specifically on behavior, not just information.

Two great ones to consider are “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, which breaks things down into small, manageable changes, and “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson, which focuses on how little choices, done consistently, make a big difference over time

[Sobervegan in reply to lovesun332]

Many thanks I have the first one ( very good) but not the second so will certainly look out for it 👍