A Cunning plan...

[Cookie101]

G'day folks.

Some of you are aware that I've been struggling, particularly over the last few months, I thought I was doing better last week but had my first counselling session which was hard going. Long story short, I put on about 3.5lbs last week. Apologies for not weighing in on Sunday, ended up working Saturday which always throws out my routine.

I do a food order each week, and I have been trying to work out how to avoid the junk food which has been a mixture of poor habits, comfort eating and impulse purchasing (and eating). I realised over the weekend that I was spending so much money on it that I would struggle to get through the month, I decided not to do my regular food order and instead, eat what I had and top up the fresh stuff as needed. Then it hit me! Since my crash, I've had to catch multiple modes of transport to get to and from work. There is often a gap ranging from ten minutes to forty, and to pass the time I wander through Sainsbury 's which is next to the bus station. I end up picking up little treats along the way and then have it half eaten before I even get home. Instead of fighting the urge to spend money, I'm going to try and work with it. This week, I'm taking my shopping list with me and pick up what I need throughout the week. I dither when I shop so I don't get much. Tonight was my first try and I spent so long working out which potatoes I liked, I didn't even make it near the crisps. Good news is, because I'm using my list, I'm not wasting money so it's cheaper, and I'm only walking away with what I need. Quite proud of myself if I do say so myself! How do other people make bad habits work for them?

[alegeglessaligator 2 stone]

Well done on sticking to the list and working out why you keep tripping up with your diet. As someone who has a history of mental health problems I know how draining and difficult therapy can be particularly when you're just starting but keep on going and you'll be rewarded in the long-term!

[Cookie101 in reply to alegeglessaligator]

Thanks for that. I've been through counselling before but I've found this so much harder. I was on anti depressants for something else this year and whilst the withdrawal has been causing me some problems, at least my head is clearer so I can get through this. Have you ever had to change bad habits into good habits? How did you manage it?

[Eleanorba Maintainer in reply to Cookie101]

Yes I’ve got a terrible procrastination habit and quite often I set up 3 things I don’t really want to start, make myself do 15 minutes of one then allow myself to put off finishing it by doing one of the other things! And so on round and round the three things... sounds completely daft written down like that but it works!

[Cookie101 in reply to Eleanorba]

Doesn't sound daft at all! I think procrastination tends to be what we do when the task sounds insurmountable. Setting a small goal and moving on to another small goal is a brilliant idea! I do miniatures as a hobby and I have a number of things on the go at a time for exactly the same reason, which is why it's good it's all in miniature

[Eleanorba Maintainer in reply to Cookie101]

I like to think I can procrastinate on one thing by doing another and that eventually everything gets done!

[Dangerouscurves]

Good job Cookie101 small steps make huge changes. I always write a list, not to stop me buying junk but because I'd forget what I actually went into the shop for. 🙄 Good luck on your changes. Planning ahead will take some of the stress out of things. I hope you get hell from the counselling. You'll get lots of support here, so don't ever feel alone.