Here is my thing!

I just started this session today. I am a horrible eater (eg. donut for breakfast)I don't work out except the ocasional walk with my husband and daughter. I got a palaties(sp?) tape for mothers day along with lucindas bood. I drink coffee am a chocolate feen and I smoke...ALL BAD. I even got the nicorette gum..Still in my purse. And I know not helping my anxiety or depression one bit.

I havn't even taken the palaties tape out of its package yet. I don't need to loose any weight so just wanted something I could do exercise wise once my daughter went to bed. I am from beautiful British Columbia and my husband always says we need to go and do stuff out doors more..

MY QUESTION: Where do I start...I don't even know were to begin. Any ideas would be great...Or maybe some of you have a plan that would work for me to get me started. Anything would be great...I know I need to change everything and I just don't even know were to start

Confussed and now fully in axiety mode becuase I don't know what to do.

Misty

Hi Misty:

How great you want to change! I hope that in itself is encouraging for you.

I think everyone is different in terms of how they want to change their diet and add exercise. For me, I changed my diet all at once -- stopped all sugar and caffeine, ate more healthly food. That's what worked for me -- wam, bam thank you mam.

Baby steps have worked better for other people. Decrease you sugar and caffeine intake gradually, start exercising very slowly. (Even 5 minutes a day of Pilates is great!)

I would double check with your doctor if you're going to make any drastic changes, especially about smoking. You might need some help and encourage with some of the withdrawal symptoms.

You can do, fast or slow!

Thanks

I guess because this is something I have instant controll over..I am scared to fail..Weird huh.

Thanks for answering me Emily. I really apreciate it.

Misty

Misty, Don't beat yourself up. Take a step and congratulate yourself for what you are doing to help yourself. I suggest working on decreasing one thing at a time - caffiene, sugar, or cigarettes - and tell yourself what a great thing you are doing everytime you cut back even a little bit because you are and keep your expectations realistic. Also, try to find an exercise you enjoy doing and start small. The real trick to developing an exercise program is to find something you enjoy (you can lower your expectations and even shoot for something you don't hate) and you can fit into your lifestyle. I hope these suggestions help you out. Just don't forget to be your own cheerleader for every step you take!!

Misty your defintely the same way I was. Well for one my anxiety was/is at times so bad I was scared to leave the house so walking was like a huge joke. What helps me is I started walking outside and I put on my head phones and listen to session five. It's like Lucinda kicking your butt in gear! Before I knew it I had already walked around my block 5 times. I too am a smoker I try to cut back but it is hard b/c instantly I wake up and want to smoke but I see too it makes me more anxious! Thats when I start to walk or do yoga or just actually dance w/ the music I like on, sounds weird but now I'm an exercise addict once you start, you'll keep going, promise. GOOD LUCK KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Hey Misty do not beat yourself up instead give yourself credit for needing to change your eating habits and like any habit that takes time. I went to a dietitican and got a diet geared to me for calories and basically it is just good eating habits. I have a sweet tooth and I still have my sweets only in smaller amounts and not as often. I still have my coffee only I adjusted to drinking it much weaker. Everything in proportion!!! The key is to be aware how sugar and caffeine overload can effect us and adjust your diet accordingly to your body!!! Good Luck--Timber

Good for you for wanting to take steps to change some not so healthy habits. I would suggest starting small, one change until it becomes second nature then move on to another change. Save the hardest for last so by then you have built up your confidence by accomplishing the other new habits. You can do anything for a few minutes a day. Like walking or exercising somehow. How about one less soda or cup of coffee a day or eliminating one item from your diet for 3 weeks then remove something else. Keep it removed of course and work on less sugary foods. YOu can add healthy replacements instead too. Like icewater with lemon in it. Whatever you decide to do figure out what works best for you and take steps to make those life long changes. Just keep starting over til you make it. YOu can do anything. Put up post it notes to remind you what you have planned to do differently. I know I forget in a flash until later then I beat myself up for failing. But making rmeinders to help is a good way to remember.
Best wishes, Reena

Renne great idea...I will do the postit notes...I have already cut down on my coffee and don't drink any pop Exercise is still yet to be done but tonight is the night. stopped smoking whent back to it but only a few a day so atleast I have dramaticly cut down for now...So much to do but I know I will do it...

Thanks everyone for there posts