How Do You Prevent Yourself From Falling Back Into Old Habits During Times of Stress?

[SunsetRunner]

Last year I lost 10 lbs. and kept it off for 10 months.  My plateau turned into maintenance for 6 months.  At that point, I gave up.  Then, 2020 arrived and I gained the 10 lbs. back during the quarantine and from continuous stress with all that's going on with covid and the riots.  I avoid the news as much as possible.  But, a couple of times, I came upon it online while looking for something else.  I find myself in a cycle that I can't break.  I eat healthy, exercise, lose weight, can't stand eating clean, have a treat, go back into old eating habits.  Repeat ad nauseam.  Sometimes I plateau for weeks or months and get discouraged and give up.  I self-sabotage and I'm trying to get to the root of why I don't want to lose weight.  If I want something bad enough, I go after it regardless of difficulty until I reach my goal.  I wish I there was something I could tell myself that would give me the determination to lose the weight permanently and maintain my goal weight for the rest of my life.  I'm 57 years old.  I was thin until I turned 47.  I slowly gained a pound or two over the years after my daughter went to college.  But, I managed it.  But, the past three years I gained 10 lbs. each year for a total of 30 lbs. after my Mom passed away.  I need to lose 30 lbs. to reduce borderline blood pressure.  All suggestions are welcome.  Thank you for your time and help.  Shari

[SunsetRunner]

Hi DelFrancia,

Thank you for your encouraging response!  I like the way you changed your thinking from restrictive to creating.  That's a game changer!  And I like that you substitute healthy alternatives, so you don't feel deprived.  When I have dieted, I've felt restricted and cranky and unhappy.  But when I switch my focus from deficits to positivities, I stop struggling.  Sometimes what I focus on, is more of what I get and that can be bad or good.  I like my stationary bike and walking.  When the local college opens back up, I want to free swim.  I think that's going to make another positive change.  Not focusing on exercise, but something fun that I want to do like swim.  I think it's a mind game.  If you tell yourself you can't have something, it's all you think about and desire.  But if you're doing something you enjoy, it's not work.  You are right about taking action.  I, also, like the idea of low carb.  There are healthy carbs that are good for us in the right portion.  And, I'm looking forward to creating my healthy lifestyle.  Thank you so much for sharing!  

[DelFrancia]

Hi Shari,

You are welcome. And I really feel like you duplicated me 100%!!!! THANK YOU.

That's the exact game changer, don't restrict yourself, create yourself! And you are right when you insist you CAN'T have something.... you can't think about anything BUT having it!

Love your idea on the swimming and having fun.

Thank YOU for sharing. And good luck on your journey of great health and happiness.

Love, Manuela

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks, Manuela!

I wish you the best with your great health and happiness too!

Love, Shari