a question for the long-term maintainers or anyone who has knowledge:

at the moment, i still have to really actively have an internal discussion in order NOT to have certain things (desserts, and high-fat food coming to mind) when they're offered to me in a situation, like the work place.

at the same time, it has really become a "habit" NOT to go down the confectionnary aisle in the supermarket. i don't have to think twice about it, i just don't go there as part of my routine anymore.

has any of your behaviour become a "habit" rather than a "change"? and how long did it take for those harder older habits to change?
i am only maintaining for 5-6 months now, so i know i am still at the beggining, yet some things get easier and yet others get harder (the workplace offerings, for example)....... my thought is that maybe it becomes harder in the transition from a "change" to a "habit"

thoughts?

I think the habits that form have more to do with how choices are evaluated when they arise, rather than strict yes-or-no responses that you always make.

Dessert at the workplace is a good example. On most days you'll think about your food for the day and decide to pass on the dessert. On some days you'll consider that you may have room for a small serving, and you'll decide to have some. But if that ever slips over into where you're having dessert at work often, then you'll realize that habit didn't get solidly made. At that point you'll have to go back to "No."

It takes a long time to make those habits of evaluation solid. Months, maybe years. Lots of practice!

Jay

Great question...as much as I post about this being a lifestyle change it is still something I have to actively do. Certain things though have become habit or just what I instinctively want to do. Most of the time I don't want the greasy hamburger and fries at the restaurant, I want or even crave the healthier options. I easily pass on the birthday cake at the office because I know how the sugar crash later will feel way worse than the five seconds of bliss of the taste of the cake (which actually doesn't even taste that good anymore). I read the labels and put stuff back on the shelf if it doesn't meet my nutritional criteria. Most days I crave exercise and the stress release it gives me. I think some stuff you'll always have to work on. For me passing on dessert at certain restaurants and passing on martini's durning date night will always be difficult and since those are only occassional I'll probably choose to induldge within reason as long as the rest of my week was on plan. I think with all things it's just time and some things may always require some active participation.