Day #107- H.A.L.T.T.
Starting weight (7/15/08): 279.8 (1/8/08): 285.2
Calories/Carbs Goals (limits): 1400 / 30.0
Tuesday’s calories & net carbs: 1364 / 24.5
Yesterday’s calories & net carbs: 1076 / 33.5
Tuesday’s exercise: 40 min. ex. bike / 10 min. elliptical
Yesterday’s exercise: 40 min. elliptical
Weight Tuesday: 249.6 Weight Yesterday: 248.4 Today: 248.6
Change today:: +0.2 lbs. Loss-so-far: 31.2 lbs. / 36.6 lbs.
As I’ve mentioned before, I quit smoking on New Year’s Eve, 2006.
Last year when I was going through the stages of quitting smoking, I got invaluable information and incredible emotional support from an online forum at stopsmokingcenter.net. It made all the difference to me and my quit - the site helped me to know what I needed to know to STAY quit, to never succumb to the temptation of that horrible addiction ever again.
This year, in going through the stages of weight loss (so far), there have been many similarities. For this journey, 3FC has been my source for information and support. Just like last year with the quitting smoking, the bits of information I have internalized have solidified my resolve to move forward. I can’t un-know what I know now. Just as I will never again see cigarettes the same, I will never again look at food the same. I can never again just eat whatever I think I want with abandon and NOT KNOW how many calories, how many carbs, how much fat, or how little nutrients I’m ingesting into my body.
For the rest of my life I will be AWARE - and that’s a good thing, because it means this loss will be permanent. Ain’t no yo-yo here. This weight is going and it’s never gonna come back. Oh, I’m not just spewing what I *HOPE* to be true, I’m stating with certainty what I *KNOW* to be true.
Anyway, I was thinking tonight and I remembered something that I learned during my quitting-smoking-journey, something that was very helpful to me at the time, and it occurred to me that it applies to my weight-loss efforts as well.
H.A.L.T. It stands for “Hungry Angry Lonely Tired.” The idea behind it is: When you feel a craving for a cigarette, take a moment to evaluate your current state of mind. It’s quite likely that you’re either hungry, angry, lonely, or tired - and if you just address that current state - the crave will go away.
The same thing applies to eating! When I get a “crave” (or just the urge to eat outside my plan), I stop and take stock - does my body or mind need something else? I would, however, like to add another “T” to that acronym. H.A.L.T.T. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Thirsty. Often when I want food, what my body really needs is just a drink!!
By the way, I visited the stopsmokingcenter forum today and realized that I’ve now been quit from cigarettes for 668 days - and that I have NOT smoked 20,065 cigarettes so far. Wooohooooo!
CARTOON OF THE DAY
4416
H.A.L.T.T-Hey that’s a good one! I’m going to try and remember that! Happy Halloween!!!
I am thinking that having experienced the whole stop-smoking thing, that you definitely have what it takes to make it through the weight loss too. You have proven to yourself how tough you can be! Good for you. I am excited to keep watching as you get through this journey!
Great stuff, Eileen - both on the knowing you will do this, and the H.A.L.T.T. - true, true. Good stuff! Thanks for your support. Checked out the other blog too, great as well - thanks! Delita
LOL
I just love the cartoons that you post! they are so great.
I quit smoking 3 years ago when I found out I was pregnant with my youngest son. I have to say I agree with you on how eating helthier is so close to how it feels. You are so right. I never thought about that until now. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend!
Joy
The HALT idea is a great one. And you’re right, this website is such a valuable source of information.
In response to your question on my blog, TJ stands for Turbo Jam. One of those cheezy infomercials that you see but it’s actually an awesome series of workouts. They’re fun, get your body moving, and the leader isn’t irritating like some others can be.
Way to go! How awesome to have the cigarettes put behind you. My husband also use a site like you mention, though I forget what one it was. But he still has his SilkQuit meter on his desktop that shows how long he has quit, how many cigarettes he has not smoked, and how much life he has added. I really love the HALTT idea. I am going to try to think of that when I get a craving or out of plan. Thanks for sharing!
I couldn’t remember… who was it that brought the HALTT to my attention… but I found it! I’ve referred to it a couple times already and have thought about it nearly every day. It’s a great way to pay attention to what you’re feeling and why you might be seeking food you don’t really need! Thanks again!