Unhealthy lifestyle but can't change

[mollydol]

Really fed up with myself. I know I have to improve my diet and lifestyle but I'm just struggling to know where to begin.

My diet is rubbish. I eat big portions and don't get enough nutritional stuff. A typical day is cereal bar for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and something carb heavy for dinner. I drink 2-3 coffees and snack on crisps and chocolate. Takeaway at the weekend. I don't exercise at all and have a sedentary job. I drink most nights of the week, not to excess but it's becoming a habit I struggle to break because life is such a slog I just relish that downtime in the evening. People say find something else to do that you enjoy but the sad fact is, I enjoy having a gin and tonic and sitting in front of the TV.

I have young dc and between them, work and house stuff there is very little time for the gym and classes and even if there was, my motivation is zero.

I keep promising myself I will make small changes. Quit the booze. Get up early and do a YouTube workout. Try and stick within a calorie deficit. I just can't stick to any of it.

My dh is supportive but we are in a rut together and have no help. I'm nearly 40 and well aware that I need to start future proofing my body and taking better care of myself.

I've had periods in the past (before my second child) where I managed to stick to healthier diets and exercised a bit more often (still actively hated it most of the time) but at this point in my life I'm just totally spent. I feel very down on myself.

Had two glasses of wine with my Sunday lunch and felt great at the time. Now I'm laid in bed thinking I've done it again. Eaten and drank and left myself looking bloated and feeling shit.

Is anyone else in the same boat? How the hell do you overhaul your lifestyle when you don't want to but know you need to?

You could shift Sunday lunch to evening. We are usually out with the dog Sunday evening. So out and active and then have Sunday dinner at the table in the evening. Less incentive to have a drink too. It marks the end of week.

I think eating more but better is a key thing.

You don’t need to go to the gym to lose weight. Biggest thing is a calorie deficit. You could eat unhealthy food and lose weight, as long as you’re in a calorie deficit. Obviously its good to make healthier choices and its good to fill up on salad and veg. Maybe start to log what you eat, and see how many calories you are eating with a view to reducing in the new year. My exercise is walking. I am in a ladies walking group and its brilliant as its great for socialising too. But I often walk up and down my living room as I like to do 15k steps a day and I have a sit down job. Calorie counting diet you can still have a G&T and a chocolate bar, just factor into your calories. Maybe you and DH commit to doing it together in the new year

I think you should have a look at Slimpod. There are quite a lot of threads elsewhere.

I’m just finishing up my initial 12 weeks and it has made a big difference in my habits. Somehow helps you make better choices without solely relying on willpower (which isn’t enough when dealing with ingrained habits).

@mollydol how are you getting on? I just came across this thread and finding it very inspiring