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It's funny, you know. Everyone talks about lifestyle changes but few people actually seem to do it. Today I realized that counting calories has been a lifestyle change. It's routine. It's what I do. Sure, I miss posting days or meals, but I still have the habit. I read once you have to do something for 30 days before it becomes a habit, but for me it seems to be 300 days. Anyway. I've been logging here now for at least a year and a half, and it's just what I do. That's a lifestyle change. Today I realized that I've been lifting weights for at least 2 years and it's just part of me. I began reading posts on improving your writing and I realized it was time to get back into that. (By the way, Margaret Atwood's 10 tips for writing includes #5 'Do back exercises. Pain is distracting'.) I love writing. Always have. But what popped into my mind was 'I hope I don't quit lifting when I start writing again' but realized there is no way that could happen. It's been a lifestyle change. Everything else that is important to you, whether family, writing, lifting, diet, reading, or whatever, should become that way for you as well. Some days it's a pain; some days it's a joy, but either way, it is what you do. So, what I want to say here, guys, is if you bail on being aware of what you're eating, whether you log it or not - if something comes up and you toss the counting aside - it's not yet a lifestyle change. It should never feel like a burden. It should simply be something you do. I've found watching what I eat and lifting weights has become routine, almost a ritual, and I don't think I could go without it. They've stabilized me in a lot of ways. It has added order. I wish you all the same, powerful experience in any of your endeavours. I love you people here, and you have been a great support and encouragement to me. I hope it's a long, happy association.
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83.4 kg
Lost so far: 7.3 kg.
Still to go: 0 kg.
Diet followed: Reasonably Well.
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2459 kcal
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Fat: 112.66g | Prot: 123.25g | Carbs: 242.45g.
Breakfast: Cheddar Cheese, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, 2% Fat Milk, Egg White, Egg. Lunch: Corn On The Cob with Butter, America's Choice Natural Almonds, Kraft Sundried Tomato & Oregano Salad Dressing, Lettuce Salad with Assorted Vegetables, Bananas, Tuna in Water (Canned). Dinner: Italian Salad Dressing, Potato Salad, Smoked Salmon. Snacks/Other: Ice Cream, Cherry Pie. more...
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Losing 1.9 kg a Week
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 Comments
Im so happy to read your post today bc it funny but I just started writing/journaling too. I write out a weekly plan then I write out my actual work outs and all kinds of other stuff that no one sees but me. Its therapeutic and I find I need it now. Ive also been working to make this a lifestyle and not just a "diet". It takes alot of hard work and I agree, some days I dont feel like doing it but then I remind myself, this is what needs to be done and this is the new me. Its been 8 months now...and I never wanna go back. Great post today!
16 Aug 15 by member: redgirl1974
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Its been hard for me. Specially during weekends. Family comes over and they know Im leaving soon so they just wanna spoil me I guess. So tipical of a latino family. So these last four weekends I just have given in. Ive still lost some weight though. Not as much but some. My strategy has been to keep myself accountable. I watch very carefully what I eat during the week and exercise. I do what I have to monday thru Friday. Saturday I just enjoy their love and attention. Sundays I get back on track (or try to, leftovers are always there, lol)
16 Aug 15 by member: Zatskya
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Glad you are writing again, NM. Creative outlets - like your music - is important.
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Logging. I'm not as orderly as others are in posting my food for the upcoming week. I wing it everyday by posting after eating each meal. Get teased.... "going to put your numbers in"? A three times a day ritual. It's my life.
16 Aug 15 by member: ClassicRocker
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Great post.I log every day too.Never miss, and I enjoy it too!
16 Aug 15 by member: UmmBilal
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NM. terrific words!! Good for you getting back into writing of that is something you enjoy. I still log most of the time but it's after the fact. I no longer plan meals based on calories, I used to. I'm almost always under and definitely even out over a week if I go over. It's simply part of my life now. I'm still working on the exercise being part of my routine. I think having a good option at home is a helpful solution for me. I often have trouble fitting the gym in, though I love going. I, like you will get back to the creative part of my life sometime soon. It has been on hold, like you.
16 Aug 15 by member: wholefoodnut
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Nice journal NM. The other thought that comes to mind is that we need to be intentional in the things we do. Learned that way of thinking from a counselor I saw when going through some issues. Give the important things their proper place in the priority list and then be intentional in thinking about them, doing them, getting them done. Maybe that's part of habit too.
16 Aug 15 by member: jmb3450
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Well said. Have a nice evening.
16 Aug 15 by member: snezica
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I really appreciate this journal. You make it sound easy but we realize that these lifestyle changes are the result of a lot of dedication and hard work. So - congratulations - you deserve it!
16 Aug 15 by member: BuffyBear
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As always -- great insight. The rule of thumb I've heard about making an activity 'habitual' was 8 weeks(?); but, like you, even that has not proven enough for me in the past. The struggle for me is, in the weight loss phase, I know I'm being more restrictive than I will (hope to be) once I enter 'maintenance' phase. So it's almost as if I'll be starting anew (probably amidst some 'trial and error') in maintenance to figure out what that version of my 'lifestyle change' will look like. A bit of a scary prospect.
16 Aug 15 by member: losinit1655
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FYI, it's not easy on that journey to a healthy life. I'm still working on it. It becomes easy when it is your life, for me eating is now easy, exercise is still a challenge. It takes trials and errors, lots of twists and turns and new things to learn along the way. Relax, enjoy the journey, it's full of challenges and facing the demons that affect you. it's tears and triumphs, it's fitting healthy into your whole life.
16 Aug 15 by member: wholefoodnut
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FYI, the 30 day is more like 300.
16 Aug 15 by member: wholefoodnut
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Bill, I think the inspiring thing for me was your suggestion to read "Younger next Year", I thank you in my mind everyday for that suggestion, though I did read the one for women. LOL I need to order several copies for friends and family for gifts coming up shortly. It is an inspirational book. If you do not know I pass that recommendation on and give you credit all the time. Reading it was life changing for me.
16 Aug 15 by member: wholefoodnut
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The path moves forward even if our circumstances change meaning we should always be in flux and not stagnating any certain way. Hopefully, always for the better. Never accept the status quo, always know that there is a turn or a dip in the path before us meaning we need to pay attention and adapt embrace the change and not stray from the path.
16 Aug 15 by member: Pterath
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I'm glad she recommended it to you and you passed it along to others
17 Aug 15 by member: wholefoodnut
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NM you deserve a huge "at-a-boy!" At-a-Man, in your case. :o) Loved your journal today.
17 Aug 15 by member: Mom2Boxers
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northernmusician's Weight History
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