I am trying to see if there would be support for a new discussion thread for caregivers that are trying to diet. A place that they could immediately go to for emotional support when the will gets weak. So many of us seem to ruin our health as soon as mom/pop moves in. We forgo our own MD appts., forget to take our meds, never hear any words of encouragement,give up on our own appearance, simply cease to exist as an individual. I don't want to replace the "whine" thread, it is very important and I use it myself.Also it seems many of use due to our caregiving situation are prisoners in the house and can't go to weight watcher meetings, support groups, live in rural areas etc. This could be a place as close as your computer. I look at this site even late at night, I would love to be of help to someone that is trying to stay out of the refrigerator at 3 AM. Just thought I would throw this out there to see if there is any interest.
I like the playlist idea for getting chores done. I used to call my long distance friends when I was doing housework and use them for distractions. I also did that while sitting on the recumbent bike to pass the time.
Mom is 24/7 right now and just about as high intensity as you can imagine so we don't do much housework and no exercise. Which totally sucks. We did find a local caregiver willing to do some nights so I get to sleep the whole night and in my bed (not Mom's sofa) 2-3 nights a week. Yay! I feel like a new person. We're maybe a month out from having a lot more in-home help. @#$% the bureaucratic paperwork !@#$ ;-) But at least we know help is coming.
Until then I'll just stay off the booze and save some money while I'm at it - and check in here to see how all of you are doing.
I have a feeling that soon we're going to be hearing 235.
I hope the Pseudomonas responds quickly to the antibiotic. My special needs rabbits used to get it sometimes when their fur stayed damp. I can see why they might thrive on feet. I go barefoot as much as possible to try to keep my feet dry, but I know one day I'd have to be shod all day long. It's the way of life.
The good news is i hired a caregiver to start monday for half day. Im hoping that will give me some relief so i can focus on myself for a change.
Congrats to all of you who are sticking with your excersize and eating right. I hope to straighten myself up and join you all.
Have a great day!
Also like the bit about the butt kicking except for the hurt ankle. Hoisting Mom around both my knees hurt, a toe hurts and my back hurts. All the sitting on my butt watching her is really helping me stay fit ;-)
I'll check in here for empathy and maybe inspiration :-) Sending supportive thoughts to you all.
Ah, the life.
You are doing so well with your diet. You ought to be proud. I imagine that your clothes are already starting to feel looser. That is rewarding. :)
I wish your foot felt better. You could go for a walk when craving hit. Maybe you could rake some leaves. That can be fun, giving exercise and distraction at the same time.
The only way I know to get weight off and keep it off is to do some cognitive behavioral therapy on yourself. I think people can do this without having to pay a therapist. When there is a trigger to eat, redirect that trigger into doing some other endorphin-releasing behavior. This can be going for a walk or having a cup of coffee. Personally I like doing the cup of coffee, because it is a lot eaiser. If it is late night, like it is now, turn on the TV or put in a movie and curl up in bed. There are so many ways to comfort ourselves and soothe those brain centers that are crying out for gratification.
The hopeful thing is that when we learn to not eat, our brain will reset itself. The satiety center located in the primitive brain will tell us to stop eating. You won't even think about comfort eating of high fat food after a while.
But no smoking. Cigarettes are deadly -- so bad for the lungs and heart -- and add to weight problems through the effects on bp. Alcohol is also bad, since it adds calories and lowers resistance. What helps me the most when I'm trying to be healthy is to see myself as this healthy person who loves salads and exercising. Sometimes I almost convince myself... then someone shows me cookies. I am a definite cookie monster.
I grew up fat and know how hard it is. I don't struggle with my weight now. After you learn to not eat when triggered, your body will reset itself. If you think you need some extra help, find a good bariatric specialist. Worth the money, since it can be avoiding a future of diabetes and heart problems.
And I still feel like kicking your hubby's butt. Nothing worse than smelling something good when your body is in training for dieting.