I haven't even started this lesson, yet. I'm convinced I'm going to fail at improving my diet and exercising. I know improving my diet and exercising would help my emotions immensely. But when I try I crave chocolate like crazy. I must be addicted because I can't stand it! I've gone for weeks, but I eventually have to have it. If I can't get chocolate, I'll substitute anything sweet. It is a serious weakness. Does the lesson offer suggestions on handling addiction/cravings?

Also, I can't seem to stick to an exercise schedule. I start, I do great for awhile, then I get distracted with one of my many responsibilites, and I get off schedule. So, I drop it. I'm pitiful!

I don't have the added incentive of being overweight. I have a naturally high metabolism, and a very nice figure. I have very smooth skin, except for scars from my accident.

I'm afraid to start this lesson because I can see being frustrated and angry with myself all of the time for not doing well at it.

Okay - let me have it!

You are no different than millions of people out there. Including myself. Remember we dont beat ourselves up for things anymore. WE dont try to do things perfectly either. Just listen to the tape, work at it and you will improve, I'm sure. I have gotten better about it but not like I'd like to be. I am still trying to cut down certain things, exercise more, and on and on. Its just part of taking better care of ourselves.
Reena

I don't deal with my cravings. If I want a coffee, I have one. I have too hard of a time staying awake with the two lil ones at home.
As far as chocolate? To me, chocolate is simply Prozac for the soul.
I do keep up with exercising though. Don't beat yourself up over it all, that's worse than eating Micky D everyday.
Take baby steps.

quote:

Originally posted by lovejoy522:
[qb]I crave chocolate like crazy. I must be addicted because I can't stand it! I've gone for weeks, but I eventually have to have it. If I can't get chocolate, I'll substitute anything sweet. It is a serious weakness. Does the lesson offer suggestions on handling addiction/cravings?[/QB}

[QB]Also, I can't seem to stick to an exercise schedule. I start, I do great for awhile, then I get distracted with one of my many responsibilites, and I get off schedule. So, I drop it. I'm pitiful!
[/qb]

The more sugar we consume, the more we crave it. I try to have 1/2 of a chocolate Power bar or some other energy bar when craving chocolate. It works for a while. Lots of fruits help too, I find that grapes do the trick sometimes. Other times I will just have what it is I'm craving.

In regards to exercise, I find that the key is doing and exercise that you truly enjoy. There is no sense in forcing yourself to run 5km everyother day if you detest running. Exercise works best when enjoyed... walking, bike riding, gardening, swimming, yoga, belly dancing, ice skating... the list and possibilities are endless. I'm sure there must be something you enjoy.

Doing a couple of thing that you enjoy will help you not to get bored of doing the same exercise all the time. Have fun with it and don't look at it as something else that "you have to do."

Thank you for your replies, Reena, and bijoux. I still haven't started the lesson. Since I've taken on homeschooling, I've been eating worse than ever. It's because my focus is somewhere else right now. I hope that once I get a good routine established with my kids, I'll get back to paying better attention to my diet and exercising again. But I promise, I won't beat up on myself.

Thank you, cutufa, for your suggestions. I will definitely try the grapes thing. I was thinking about buying more fruit and trying to substitute them for chocolate. I do love fruit. And you are right. I am active. I rollerblade and bike with my hubby and kids. And I love to dance. I also have five levels (partial) in my house, so I run up and down stairs all day. When we chose this house to build, I thought lots of stairs would be good because I don't like to do "formal" exercise.

Thanks again!