Ass-kicking your devil

[acroy]

What’s your devil? Everyone has one…

I love food & booze. Intemperance is the devil I can’t seem to put behind me.

I want to be “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise”. It’s why I read MMM and spend time on the board. I get a lot of things right: kickass job, family life, bike to work, save a lot, very productive. 

Munching & boozing makes me “Fatter, Poorer, and Dumber” (brain cells soaked in ethanol work slower).

I can’t seem to form the habit of moderate eating/drinking. What gets me is quantity. I eat well, but too much. Start with one ‘rita, then have 3 more. Tough long-term habit to break. 10+yrs I’ve been about 30lbs over fighting weight. I’ve tried and failed more times than I can count to get it under control.

I know what to do (stop boozing, eat less). Just have to force myself to do it. Dammitt, it’s the one thing that most bother me about my life.

Have you kicked your devil in the ass? How do you continue the ass-kicking? Does it get easier with time?

[allergic2average]

I would say lack of patience and trying to understand others are my devils.  I have gotten better over time but it takes consistent effort.  Sometimes I lose it and go on tirades and shit on others for being so stupid but hey we're human, and our defects are something that we'll never get rid of.  At least me personally I have noticed it gets easier to manage with time and also eliminating variables that lead towards your devil.  My brother has the same issue as you in terms of food and booze, and while he hasn't completely eliminated them from his life, he now consumes less of both but only because I get on his case and motivate him to be healthy.  So I would suggest you ask someone to constantly look out for you because alcohol and food addiction are not easy things to let go of. Best of luck to you

[Pennsylvanian]

This is my first post here but maybe my contribution will be helpful.

I found a local high school track near my job and started going most days a week at lunchtime (usually 4 days a week) and walking 30 minutes. It allows time for me to eat my lunch quick when I get back on a lunch hour. Not sure if you have thAt type of work schedule. I've lost almost 10 lbs. since April with no other changes to my eating/drinking, which aren't always doctor recommended. I also usually walk to the library at least once a week, which is roughly the same distance, so about 10 miles a week total, with 2 lbs. a month weight loss.

Small changes can make a big difference. If you can fit in 30 minutes of walking a day, even in 3 10 minute stints I've read, it could make a difference over time. Dieting is so rigorous and results oriented but getting in some calm walking time can be therapeutic and offer slow, but long term results. 2 lbs. a month is almost 25 lbs. a year. I'll be happy if it winds up to be 18 or 20 and I really enjoy my routine now.

Life is complicated. Don't try to fight the devil, just do something good for yourself every day. I'm amazed at what it has done for my stress level at work, peace of mind and health. I can't bike to work like so many here, but small steps are good steps.