I continue to lose weight on my journey and I often wonder how it happened. Tracking my food has become so routine that I don’t even think about it. Does that mean I’ve created a new habit?
I bring this up because I believe I have changed my habits. I’ve had a chaotic couple of weeks with sick kids, random events and I don’t even know what else. I just feel like my priorities have shifted and am concerned that losing weight, tracking everything I eat, and making good choices have fallen by the wayside. EXCEPT, they haven’t! It’s so routine for me now that I just do it without thinking. (A-ha! Is that a habit?? Fireworks exploding!) It is as if this process now takes up less space in my brain and I don’t have to worry because it’s just what I do. How did that happen to me? It’s so unlike me! But, here I am. I keep doing it and I continue to lose weight. Since I started on Nov. 30, 2015, I have only gained weight one week and it was a nominal amount. I hope you don’t think I’m bragging here. I’m just trying to express the evolution of my journey and how it has changed me. I’m honestly surprised and astonished at the situation! It’s all good.
Recently, I was talking with my cousin who has lost 40 pounds. I asked about her journey, attitude and new habits. One thing in particular really struck a chord. She said, “Think of the future because that is what keeps you going.” I wholeheartedly agree with her! That is my big long-term motivator, but I didn’t even realize it until she said it (another A-Ha! moment). Without something to keep you going, you don’t get a chance to make new habits.
So here’s to making new habits when you’re not looking, and the fireworks that accompany them! Here’s to changes we make because they are in the best interest of our long-term health. Every. Step. Counts.
What accidental new habits have you formed? Were you surprised when it happened?
February 3, 2016 at 5:15 am
Very happy for you. Keep taking those steps!
February 3, 2016 at 10:13 am
I find keeping a food diary an essential part of my healthy/weight-loss programme. When I do it – even if it’s just for me – I focus on eating the right things. As soon as I stop doing it, everything seems to go to mush. I use a spreadsheet which sits on my PC Desktop – I record all food and exercise, and even the odd diary note about how I’m feeling, challenges of the day etc. This time, I’ve been doing this since September, and it’s now a very ingrained habit. All power to you and your habits – they’re working, and that’s what counts!
February 3, 2016 at 11:27 am
Julie, I completely agree! When I talk about tracking, that’s exactly what I’m doing! It has become so routine, that I almost don’t remember doing it!
February 3, 2016 at 3:25 pm
I am a HUGE fan of habit. I think it holds unlimited potential for those of us who use it to move forward in our recovery journey. I am soo celebrating with you as you continue to lose weight and feel invigorated.
I, too, have taught myself to make my bed EVERY morning, and I also used habit to create a routine for cleaning off my range top every time I do dishes. My bed is made and range top is free of grime and food particles today, so if nothing else, I am a winner in those two areas! 🙂
February 3, 2016 at 3:49 pm
You are absolutely a winner! Thanks for sharing! I have a lot of work to do on good habit building, but this one caught me off guard, so I’m still wrestling with it, because it feels like my food and weight loss journey aren’t first priority and that makes me nervous. But, I’m chalking it up to habit, because I am still tracking which is key!