BambiS - Kudos to you for getting those daily walks into your routine! I'm sure the freedom to include that activity feels wonderful.
Aside from the heat and lack of appetite, are there any other pressures in your daily environment or routine that are hindering your capability to adhere to the recommended behaviors? I'm sure the newfound freedom that comes with your retirement has been primarily positive, but I was wondering if it has brought into focus any obstacles or challenges, as well. Trying a new adherent recipe can be a great way to spur enthusiasm; if you do that, let us know how it goes. Onward!
Starflower - Hang in there! Facing a stressful and emotional situation rarely feels easy or pleasant, and I'm sure dealing with illness only makes things harder. That doesn't sound fun at all. Cheers to you for not reaching toward the most calorie rich and troublesome foods that have been tempting in the past. Considering this week's struggles, I imagine it feels like a victory to have avoided running completely off the rails, right? Have you experimented with any specific activities (not associated with food or eating) that feel comforting, soothing, or fortifying when dealing with stress? In my experience, having a few reliable, go-to coping mechanisms can really have a positive effect.
for your determination, and have a wonderful week!
VegSeekingFit - Happy August, Stephanie! All of us need an occasional day of rest, right?
I'll have to keep an eye out for that "Orange Melon." I really loved the Sugar Kiss - probably my favorite melon, apart from watermelon. Great food, exercise, sun and fun - I love it!
Gimmelean - Despite the environmentally driven challenges this week, you still managed to post a pretty solid-seeming behavioral assessment; that isn't a small achievement! It makes sense that the "exceptions" have been happening at the end of long, stressful, late-working days: those are the times when our resources, faculties, executive function, and "willpower" are likely to be at their nadir. I think you are wise to recognize that ongoing, habitual "exceptions" risk reactivating past habits that are incongruent with your desired pattern of behavior. Do you think it would help at all to commit to yourself to always, whenever you feel tempted, at minimum, eat something adherent before considering a reach toward something else? The primary thing that helps me struggle against and overcome significant challenges is a strong, well-understood and visualized connection to the reasons why I practice and pursue the pattern of behavior recommended in this group. My motivation is tied to the challenges I face managing my chronic illness, and the need to be in the best physical condition I can sustain to manage and minimize the symptoms of my disease. I know from experience that I cannot afford much "wiggle room," so doing everything I can to be consistent about my adherence feels extremely important. What are your primary reasons for practicing these behaviors, how do they connect to your broader goals, and to what extent and why does any or all of that feel important to you? A step up toward pushing through these challenges may be waiting in the answers to those questions. You can get there!
Ejg - A successful-seeming week based on your behavioral assessment, Eric, even if that wasn't reaffirmed by the scale this time. I love fruit, too, especially when it is cheap and abundant!
I absolutely agree with you that it can make sense to trade time and effort for money, particularly to avoid activities that we "really don't like"; from that standpoint, prewashed bags of salad can be a great tool.
Glad to know that you are happy with your ongoing efforts, as well as how far you've come - many reasons for gratitude. Happy summer and keep at it!