venting/really in need of some advice/support:(

I know that peertrainer is all about support and changing goals/outlooks/habits towards a healthier diet or fitness routine or just basic lifestyle....and I really love being able to come here and get that! But I feel like I'm struggling more and more these days in my daily life...and I cant log on here when crisis hits at a dinner party or a super market aisle lol.
Its just so overwhelming sometimes ya know?! I know you all do...thats the point of this community. I just feel like I've finally mastered dieting and exercise routine but its not good enough...because then my social life, family life, work life, financial routine etc etc is still there, and its just so hard to keep it all in check. Whats more important finding time to meditate on your own body and mind or living life as it comes to you everyday in its busy hustle? Sometimes I just feel like I'm playing some kind of video game where I hafta dodge cookies and bills and debt and greasy food and high calorie margaritas and complaining kids and party invitations and a million little stresses that keep getting thrown my way...Its like all the things we want for ourselves are possible( I've atleast jumped over THAT self doubt hurdle lol) and we know we can do it...its just dear god sometimes it all piles ontop of you. Do you guys have any mantras/tips/ motivators/commiserations/kicks in the butt to throw my way? cause i sure as hell need somethin to help me outta this frenzy.

Tue. May 23, 11:35pm

That which does not kill you makes you stronger...

I can totally relate to what you're going through. Life seems to get in the way of having fun and trying to function throughout the day.
I also can relate about just trying to make it through the day without giving in to those pesky temptations. I can't offer too much advice but this is my attempt at offering support.
Just know that others are out there going through the same thing as yourself. You are a strong woman and I'm sure that this too shall pass.
Have faith and strength to get through the day!
Good luck and best wishes!
~ Your fellow peer trainer buddy

Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 11:56 PM

I would suggest planning food menus, shopping, and cooking ahead of time to help keep you from having to make lots of decisions, cooking, shopping everyday. Or try cooking once, eating twice, just cook double and freeze a batch. Some people like to do this on a Sunday or do two weeks ahead at a time. Pack up bunches of healthy snacks, keep some in the car so you don't get too hungry or find yourself starving at the grocery store. Simplify what you can. Buy greeting/party cards for the next 3 months at one time, and keep bunches of generic cards and invitations to use whenever you need. Sounds like the meditations is crucial for you to keep that frenzied feeling under control a bit. Good luck!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 6:00 AM

Sound like one for you is "Don't sweet the small stuff"

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 6:02 AM

ooh, i agree with the 3rd poster. planning in advance is a godsend. All I do is bring a pop-top soup to work with some crackers, some packet oatmeal I can cook with a cup of hot water, and an apple or other piece of fruit. When I'm really snacky I get the really small bags o' chips (they cost 25 cents!), and do NOT keep them in the house so I don't go bananas when I'm stressed and eat the bag.
But also keep a balance: one sweet thing or one drink a day, so you don't binge on either at the end of the week. It's worked for me, even through the hard times! There are days I want to inhale a whole bag of Cheetos, but knowing you have flexibility and planning ahead for meals really really helps.
And....breathe. Your life is better than you suspect.
Hugs,
Sophie

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 8:40 AM

a couple thoughts

First, at restaurants, gatherings, etc-be a leader, go first if you can. If you go out to a restaurant order first and order healthy-people tend to follow if you do. If they order first and indulge it is more likely you will.

For gatherings, again lead with healthy choices. Load up on the fruit and veggies-take a sliver of cake but bury it in strawberries, bring a dish if you need to, explaining you are trying to make healthier choices (this works better than saying you are on a diet because it implies lifelong commitment) With busy stressful lives, everyone looks (unconscoiusly) for a reason to let go.
Don't be the person who provides the excuse to indulge-motivate others to grab an apple instead of chips.

Drinks are hard to resist. Bring sparkling water and some exotic juice and make yourself a spritzer, or provide similar if you are entertaining.

At the store, go with a list as often as possible and stick to it. Avoid the inner aisles-stick with the perimeter.

Again, try to be a leader-I don't mean shame others or be sanctimonious, but we are really just pack animals and most people wish they could make better choices-lead and hopefully others will follow. Look at the smoking culture of the past-they smoked on TV while doing interviews for pete's sake. Maybe by the time we are sr. citizens the culture of existing on processed empty calories will have changed.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 12:07 PM

Set Your Priorities Straight

I have decided to myself that certain things like cookies, drinks and other tempting foods will always be available (unless you're in war torn country or something) - no matter your age is. But health and looks come and go. Even superficial things like being able to wear a mini skirt - it's hard to pull it off without raising a brow or two when you're say 60 -, enjoying myself at the beach without worrying about my looks and without oh-so bitter envy to skinny girls.

On the other hand, if the food experience is something joyful, I just go for it (in moderation) and not be a party pooper. Like, sharing an ice cream with my BF on a whim - fun; or sharing couple of que ribs with him after a long day of hiking.

Some parties you don't have to go to. And even when you go, you can always make them short - I live in NY and here people are chronically out of time so coming late, leaving early to social gatherings is normal.

If meditation is your priority - set aside a time for it everyday (could be very short like 10 min). You can do it first thing in the morning or right before bed, so you don't get distracted by your family. I learned it long time in middle school - since I had to share a bathroom with my brother - I would get up 10 min earlier than him and be done by the time he was up - no fighting over the shower! I do it now for my exercise in the mornings, and even if I rest that day I get up at the same time and spend a quiet hour with myself b4 my SO gets up.

Ok, finances, you can't get away from them - so you just have to deal with them right away - so you get it out of your mind - for now, until the next bill comes...

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 1:27 PM

Whats more important finding time to meditate on your own body and mind or living life as it comes to you everyday in its busy hustle? It's the same thing..try not to think of meditation as somethng you do sitting in a quiet room in the midst of calm but something you carry with you all of the time. Internal peace is not the absence of all that you mentioned..it's being in their midst and still finding peace in your heart. Good luck.

Thursday, May 25, 2006, 2:34 PM

rescue remedy

Have you heard of rescue remedy?! It is a bach flower essesence remedy in the form of drops. It is all natural and it evens things out. It just makes you calmer so you can deal with day to day issues. You would take it during stressful, etc. situations. You can purchase it at any natural food store and it retails for around $10.00. It is a safe way to take the edge off of things. Sounds like you need it. Good luck.

Sunday, May 28, 2006, 11:11 AM

I second the poster on rescue remedy.

Sunday, May 28, 2006, 1:59 PM

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