Breaking Bad Habits
by Lisa on April 18, 2010 · 53 comments
Is it already Sunday? Bummer. I’ve allowed myself Friday and Saturday to not study, but today is the day I have to start studying. All day. Everyday–for the next 20 days. I’m at least happy that the number is getting smaller!
This weekend has been great and just what I needed. I don’t have many pictures to show you because I haven’t eaten or done anything interesting, but that’s ok. I did do a “leftover makeover” with my taco meatloaf (which I’m glad so many of loved–seriously, it’s REALLY good and great for an HG recipe because it doesn’t contain a bunch of artificial junk). Instead of eating my meatloaf the regular ole way–I decided to just cut it up, put it on a Chipotle flavored corn tortilla, add some spinach and hot sauce and eat it as a taco. I dare say it was even tastier that way!
I’ve also REALLY enjoyed a new-to-me product: Cinnamon Raison ezekial english muffins. Wow, delicious!! Ive eaten 2 a day for the past 2 days! They are almost gone and it makes me sad!
The usual meal: Scrambled eggs, spianch, hot sauce...but now with a new star: my english muffin
Workouts:
I never posted my Thursday and Friday workouts because they were the same as Monday and Tuesday. Making the Cut is 4 days a week and usually this means two different workouts done twice each. But, I’ll post here again in case anyone didn’t get a chance to see them.
Saturday I also went for a 2.5 mile jog.
So far, week 1 of Making the Cut has been good. It’s been good to get rid of some gym boredom. It’s definitely intense and gets the heart rate moven.
The only thing I don’t like is how long it takes me. I hate staying at the gym for an hour. It’s just way too long for me…and these workouts take at least 45 minutes if you go through them twice like I do. Like I’ve said before, I’m much more of a short and intense workout kind of gal, but, this is a new challenge for me! I’m excited for next week and new workouts.
Weekend Recap
Friday night was spend with my other boyfriend. Dexter. or Michael C Hall. I’m not sure I’d like to say my “other boyfriend” is a serial killer. But, I stayed plopped on the couch watching Season 2 episodes and then hit the hay for some nice sleep.
Saturday was a big day! Me and Sean went and looked at apartments and settled on one–I CAN’T WAIT! First, it’ll be great to live with Sean. Second, I’m ready to get out of my current living situation. Third, the kitchen is amazing! WHOOHOO for tons more homemade meals. We are looking to move in June-July and that time can’t come fast enough.
Breaking Bad Habits
Many of you read and related my I’m back to being me Post. It’s been a month of being binge-free for me now and I feel wonderful. I’ve never felt happier and my mom STILL comments to me about how much she sees a change in me once I FINALLY let go of food controlling my life.
But, I still have a bad habit leftover from those days of striving for perfection with my body and how I ate. I didn’t even realize or think about doing this until I read this post. Her post really caught my attention and it made me realize that I needed to break this bad habit if I ever expected myself to truly love my body.
Everytime I go into the bathroom, after I do my business, I stand in front of the mirror and lift up my shirt and judge my abs. I look from the front and the side and look at it. This either has the power to make me feel great about myself or it has to the power to make me beat myself up for not having the perfect abs. This sort of negative self talk isn’t good for me and it only hurts when I’m trying to fully love myself where I am now.
So, for the past two days or so, I’ve really made a conscious effort NOT to do this. And it’s hard. I always catch myself starting to do it because it’s something I’ve done for the past 2 years. When I being to get the urge to look at my stomach and judge myself, I try to repeat “you are more than your abs.” over and over and it’s been helping. Here’s to a long future of no bingeing and no more negative self talk.
Blog Updates
- I’ve been trying to update my blogroll (can be found under Blogs I love tab). If you aren’t included, please let me know and I’d be happy to include your blog there.
- I’m not going to be able to post as much for the next couple week due to a very very busy schedule, so, if anyone would like to write a guest post for my blog, I’d be more than happy. It can be about anything related to fitness, well being, health..ANYTHING really. Send your thoughts/ideas/submissions to SOONERLIZA@GMAIL.COM.
Hope everyone has a good Sunday!
What are some tips or advice you have for living with your husband or S.O?
Does anyone else have the same bad habit as me? It’s always comforting to know you aren’t the only one.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey girl – great news on the apartment!! I have been living with my husband for 14 1/2 years now. I think the key when you first move in together is to realize that it’s not going to be perfect 24/7. You’ll do things that really annoy one another (like my husband leaving dirty clothes ON the hamper). Just try to enjoy each other and the time together.
Girl – I totally do that mirror thing too. WTH??? So, you’re not alone. I too make a conscious effort to not do that. Some days it’s a huge ego boost though right?
All good tips! I guess the lesson there is don’t sweat the small stuff because we all have some annoying habits!
It definitely can be a big ego boost somedays–or it can make my mood change from good to horrible!
Hey girl…I am so proud of you for trying to break those bad habits. They die hard but once you break it you will feel a lot more free! I promise!!
As for living with my husband…I think the biggest adjustment was just not having that alone space. You know when you just want no one else around? But after a while I got used to it and now when Keith isn’t around I feel weird! haha!
u r great just the way u r.
wow – an apartment to share – big step!
I have that exact same habit/problem. I am very aware of the fact that I do it and want to stop but just haven’t been able to. Hearing you talk about it and your challenge to not do it makes me want to try harder as well. This was a great post, and good luck with the studying over the coming weeks! It’ll go by faster than you think!
We can do it together! Seriously, everytime I reach to do it I tell myself that it doesn’t matter what they look like, and that I am more than just my abs.
Whoohoo on the apartment. Great choice. I am going to make the Taco Meatloaf today. I will let you know how we like it.
Again, I am soooo excited for you and your move. Remember not to let the small things eat at you and never go to bed mad.
Beef Bundles were GREAT:) I saved you some for leftovers for your 20 days of studying.
yay beef bundles! CANT WAIT!
I’m so glad you posted that blog link- I read it & was like…WHOA I always do that too- especially the “ab routine.” Every time I go- I HAVE to check. It’s almost ridiculous. I am going to try to work on that as well…
& your eggs look yummy!!!
Hey Lisa, I’m glad you’re going to break your habit of checking your abs in the mirror. When I go to the bathroom, I always look at my thighs. I’ve been known to pinch at my inner thighs and wish I could magically melt that fat away. When I met Andrew he’d grab my inner thigh and tell me how much he liked my “cookies.” I thought that was so cute and it almost made me feel relieved to know that he loves all of my bits, even the wobbly ones, hehe!
(Have you seen Bridget Jones 2? When Bridget is trying to hide her naked body under a sheet to shield her “wobbly bits” the guy says to her “I happen to love your wobbly bits!”) I try to remember that every time I start thinking negative thoughts.
Speaking of Andrew… we lived together for about 2 years before we got married – best decision ever for us!! We learned so much about each other during that first year. I’d say definitely sit down and talk about chores. Decide who will do the laundry, etc. and decide how you will handle finances. Be very clear with each other from the start on what you expect from each other. And have FUN! Don’t get in a routine of just sittin around staring at each other. Keep the sparks alive by having date nights still and leaving each other sweet notes or whatever…
Oh, and one last thing, I too am obsessed with those Ezekial cinnamon raisin english muffins!! I had one for breakfast this morning and they are THE BEST english muffins in the entire world!!!!!!!!
Yes, our wobbly bits are GREAT. thanks for the reminder of that part–its so true!
Thanks so much for your advice on living together. I think a big discussion about chores etc is probably so needed!
Hey, did you ever get to check out Francescas? Ive tried to avoid that place
How exciting on getting to live together soon. I know it has been talked about for awhile now and you have been waiting for it.
And I do the ab thing too. Why do we women do this to ourselves???
I used to do that too. Well I still do sometimes but not nearly as much as before. BUT i have changed the focus though. Instead of poking at my abs, I think , dang it looks good.
I have that same (stomach-judging) habit. I have no idea where I picked up from or how long I have been doing it, but it is a pretty regular thing for me. It is good to know that I am not alone in that.
I have (had?) the same bad bathroom habit. But once this injury happened and I had become inactive, I made myself stop because I didn’t want to get upset about how I look. But you know what, I am HAPPY with how I look, even now. I can’t believe I am saying that. But I promise, if you make yourself stop, you won’t believe how much it will help you!!
Ahhh I LOVE the Ezekial cinnamon raisin english muffins. They are the BOMB.
That’s great that you’re breaking those habits, it’s hard but you can do it!
Living with a guy is all about picking your battles, they will never do things the way you like em. haha
That’s so exciting that you are moving in together! My fiance and I have lived together for about a year in a half. I’m going to be honest – the first month or so was a little difficult. But if you work hard in the beginning, it is sooo worth it. Talk a lot about chores, including cooking, and your routines. Make sure you respect each other’s space. I agree with a comment above, make sure you still have date nights. Most important – have fun!
Congrats on finding a place together! Sometimes the apartment hunt can be so draining…
Enjoy the rest of your weekend (even if it includes a little studying…blah!)
I have the same bad habit and check my appearance in every single thing that will give me a reflection. The thing is, it’s not my face I’m looking at, it’s my body – stomach, legs, arms. The bathroom thing is an issue with me too as I check out my stomach every time. What helps me (when I put my mind to it) is to make a conscious effort NOT to do it. That helps so much. If I go in the washroom and tell myself that I will NOT look at my stomach, I can usually leave the bathroom without doing it. It’s difficult though but I know that if I keep making an effort it will get easier with time.
I love reading your workouts!! They look killer!!
I think you are doing awesome with your negative self talk-be-gone! I must admit I have to check myself out too. Sometimes it can actually help though- like if the scale goes up I’ll check to make sure my abs haven’t blown up or something. LOL. But still.. this needs to stop!! I”ll join you and stop the negative talk!
P.S. I’d love to be on your blogroll!
I can’t believe you werent on my blogroll esp since Im a bigtime fan
. You are on it now!
hey girly
i have to admit that i have that same bad habit..glad to know i’m not the only one.
and i’ve never lived with a bf but i’m happy for you and sean! congrats on picking a place! : ) exciting stuff!!
Binge-free for one month? That is incredible! You are such an inspiration….so self-motivated (it seems
), and as far as workouts go, I love how you have such structure and stick to your plan. I have a general plan, but end up just riffing off that plan for the most part.
I’d be willing to do a guest post….no ideas, but if you have some and would want me to ramble about ‘em, I’d be honored
Oh and I would love to be on your blogroll!
I have had a problem with binge eating before as well…and occasionally still do. It is hard to overcome so I know exactly where you are coming from. But seriously, binge free for a month?! That is so awesome! keep up the great work girl! xoxo
Oh my gosh, I have done the EXACT SAME THING with looking at my stomach! Thanks for bringing it out into the open like this! I don’t do it as much anymore, but I occasionally still do – I’ll be joining you in trying to STOP THIS HABIT – and all negative self talk, for that matter!
I’d love to be added to your blog roll.
OMG honey great job so far! I am so proud of you for working on this and starting to break the habit! i too have been making a conscious effort not to lift my shirt, etc. and as hard as it is, and as much as i’m bothered after the fact…within a few minutes after leaving the bathroom i’ve already forgotten i didn’t do it and I”M FINE!
congrats on realizing and working on it…i know we can do it. you are such a gorgeous woman to boot!!!!
PS. thanks for the link/shout out. <3 you!
Wow…I can’t believe so many people do the same thing? I thought there was something “wrong” with me, because I not only do it when I’m in the bathroom, but in my desk chair, in my car, on my couch….you get the idea! It’s pretty bad, and I do realize now that it has an effect on my mood (sometimes good, sometimes bad). I’m going to reallllly try not to for tomorrow – maybe I will wear a dress so I can’t.
Ugh… I DO I DO!!!!! But i’ve totally broken it for the most part. If i’m walking towards the mirror to check my stomach out, I only do it if I know i’ll be happy with seeing some curves, or whatnot! You’re right–we aren’t defined by our abs and they’re always going to look great and healthy if we continue to live this type of lifestyle! We’re aloud to indulge. We’re aloud to skip a few workouts. All will be fine and well
We take care of ourselves and it shows! No need to expect perfection. Perfection is impossible and unnecessary!
Oh, and I loooove english muffins! I literally had a cinnamon raisin one with breakfast every single day in high school. It was my fave!
Keep up the good work love!
Boy do I EVER have that bad habit! My best friend used to make fun of me and roll her eyes because it seemed like every time I passed a mirror I’d lift up my shirt and scrutinize my stomach. It probably looked like a vanity thing, but most of the time I’d lower my shirt feeling upset because I wasn’t thin or cut enough. I still do it NOW even though I’m pregnant – I’m a little more forgiving of myself, but I’m in that in-between not really looking pregnant/getting fat stage and it sucks.
The good news is that you are on the right path to overcoming your old habits! It doesn’t happen overnight and it’ll take a bit of time to “unlearn” these behaviors but you will.
And hopefully so can I!
I still weigh myself multiple times per day even though I really don’t care about losing weight that much anymore. It’s just something I do and sometimes it does put me in a bad or good mood, which is not productive. I should just throw out the scale.
Good luck overcoming your habit, it’s really hard to break those cycles, but you can do it!
Yeaaaah I do the same thing wiht my stomach. Congrats on finding an apartment though, that will be so fun!
I’m so happy for you that your “I’m more than my abs” mantra is working – keep it up, because it’s true! You ARE more than your abs
I love Dexter too – BEST SHOW EVER. Did you know Dexter and Deb are married in real life??
Hope your Studying Sunday went well and you’re enjoying your Monday!
I agree….the weekend passed too quick!
I’m so glad to read a good review of the Ezekiel english muffins. I’ve been wanting to try them, but they’re so pricey that I like to read a review by a trusted blogger first
I DEF do the same thing EVERY SINGLE TIME I walk through the bathroom. I really hate that I do it, but I have stopped weighing myself all together this past month which is SUPER empowering to me, so I’ll worry about the tummy thing at a later date
Sorry for all the caps. haha.
I didn’t know you were moving in with Sean! Congrats! Seems like you and Sean are on the same track as Andy and I…we’ll both be experiencing living with a BF soon!
That’s exciting you found an apartment! Sorry you have to go back to studying (I know what you mean…finals are soon for me
)
I think your goal of breaking the habit is awesome
I’m so happy for you that you found an apartment! Unfortunately, I can’t give many tips for living with an SO because I haven’t had such great experiences with it, but that was all about the relationship and nothing about the situation of living together. I think its great to make that step, just remember to still make time for yourself, because lack of “me” time can become an issue. Other than that, I think its really exciting news!
I definitely have my body image concerns and days of looking in the mirror and inspecting myself…it is so unhealthy and detrimental to our mindset. I like your mantra “i am more than my abs” because it is so true. You’re a beautiful person with so much to offer, and theres no need to waste your precious life criticizing yourself. I hope you realize that and continue to let go of negative self talk.
Oh man I am guilty of this nasty habit too. Not necessarily always checking out my stomach but just analyzing what I see in the mirror…each and every time I catch my reflection.
This is a great wakeup call for me to work on this as well! Thanks for the post girl.
I’ve never lived with my s.o. but stay with him on the weekends. We never really get too annoyed with one another but I can see some potential cleaning and food/cooking differences that might one day cause problems haha. I used to do the same thing all the time- like before a run to “motivate” myself. I was really beating myself up about it so I tried to stop but I’ll admit I still do it sometimes.. but it’s such a bad habit!
You know the more I’ve been reading people’s blogs, the more I have become aware of just how much negativity affects us almost on a daily basis. At first we might just think we are faced with negative things because of a person specifically speaking against us. But what we don’t realize is that a lot of these bad vibes that we are feeling is what we have done to our own selfs! It’s awesome that you choose to not always check yourself out in the mirror when you walk by or analyze your abs. Because if we continue to examine our bodies, and pick at every little detail, whose the one being negative? We are.
hello! i have six posts of your to read, so i am lurking. had to click out and say YAY for the apartment!
WOW! I seriously though I was the only one who lifted up my shirt like that after I do my buisness. Truth: I still do. I should stop it!
Sorry I am like parading your blog with comments! I just feel everything you say I think or have done!
Parada away! I love when someone finds something in one of my posts that they feel the need to comment on.
Truth: I still do it sometimes too–much less than before
I still go to do it and then remind myself and stop it 
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