Pita - Thanks for the reminder about positive thinking. It was one of my keys to success the first few weeks I did this, and I have sort of let it get away. It's a great tool!
Cheryl - I second your recommendation to get all of the junk out of the house. I am rarely tempted to go buy something I shouldn't have, but when I know I have something in the kitchen I shouldn't have, it calls to me. And getting out of the house is good, too. I know when my husband brings home pizza or something else I don't need, I often choose that time to go for a walk or bike ride.
And my two cents - if retirement means that you have some time to fill (and I know it doesn't for everyone!), use it to become as educated as you can about successful weight loss strategies. Different things work for different people, and I think you will find hope in the success of others and find strategies that will work for you. Also, if you're a cook, what better time to experiment in the kitchen? Even if you're not a cook, you can still try different things. I watched an episode of Roseanne the other night when I was doing my strength training. Dan had just had a heart attack and was complaining about the health food. Roseanne was feeding him some unidentifiable health food and saying, while he closed his eyes to imagine, "Here comes the steak. Here comes the shrimp scampi." Terrible! I LOVE so many varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables, many of which I'd never eaten before. Find what you love, and enjoy eating it. You can't deprive yourself for the rest of your life, so I think it's much better to educate yourself on how to enjoy this new way of life.
Emotional eating is really tough. I know it's been discussed several times recently, so going through the archives might be helpful. For me, exercise is really great at helping me deal with my emotions. I know that others plan for emotional eating and eat healthy foods. The most important thing I've come to understand from this board, though, is that it's possible to make mistakes and start again - again and again and again. That simple truth is making all of the difference for me this time around.
Laurie
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