It's a new year, which means a renewed optimism for getting stuff (like blogging) done! So, I have decided to try to recommit to writing here, and I can think of no better subject than my epic struggle to combat the weight gain that the stress of moving caused.
Being diabetic always makes weight management challenging. Insulin produces fat or something, so having a constant flow of insulin pumped into my body makes staying skinny an uphill battle. When you add the additional problem of low blood sugar necessitating extra calories (that are all sugar) to address, it becomes even more futile. But, on top of all the normal trouble I have, I sort of threw myself a several months long pity party about the move.
It's been a rough adjustment. I miss my friends, my house, and gainful employment (and the income that comes with it). Making friends has been hard here, and the friends we do have are busy with jobs, kids, or just other stuff in their lives that doesn't stop just because I'm here and lonely. I still don't have a job, so I haven't created a good routine for myself. What's more, after a long day all alone, when Eddie gets home I just want to open a nice bottle of wine as we discuss our unevenly busy days and enjoy whatever meal I've created. With the added bonus of not having to get up at any specific time the next day, the imbibing may have gotten a wee bit excessive. So, I am trying to remedy this in 2019 and am taking a mini break from booze.
This isn't a new year's resolution (because gross), nor is this a dryuary (too hard - especially with an upcoming weekend in Carmel this month). This is about trying to reset myself a bit and start the year healthier and more positive. One of the problems with drinking when you're already sad is that it can make you more sad (alcohol is a depressant after all), and I have had more than a couple wine-induced sobbing fits since settling here. So, taking a break is also helping my mood. But, and I admit this with a twinge of shame, this is HARD.
I love wine. I love the taste. I love pairing it with food. I love the warm, calming influence that a nice glass of red gives me. Also, there are certain foods and places where having a drink has become a near Pavlovian response. There is also the social element - we have cemented many a new friendship over drinks, and we're actively trying to make friends. So, going cold turkey, even for only 2.5 weeks, is rough.
I will admit I am sleeping and feeling better. And while I haven't noticed a difference at the scale yet, I am certainly hoping I will. Because even though the cold turkey phase won't be a permanent change, I do plan to try to cut back this year and only drink an amount that doesn't make me feel like I need to lie to a medical professional.
So, fingers crossed that this kick start in empty calorie cutting pays off. And hopefully the job hunt will get more fruitful soon, and the introduction of a more strict routine will bolster my weight loss efforts (see already being more positive). In the meantime, have a glass for me. Cheers!
Being diabetic always makes weight management challenging. Insulin produces fat or something, so having a constant flow of insulin pumped into my body makes staying skinny an uphill battle. When you add the additional problem of low blood sugar necessitating extra calories (that are all sugar) to address, it becomes even more futile. But, on top of all the normal trouble I have, I sort of threw myself a several months long pity party about the move.
It's been a rough adjustment. I miss my friends, my house, and gainful employment (and the income that comes with it). Making friends has been hard here, and the friends we do have are busy with jobs, kids, or just other stuff in their lives that doesn't stop just because I'm here and lonely. I still don't have a job, so I haven't created a good routine for myself. What's more, after a long day all alone, when Eddie gets home I just want to open a nice bottle of wine as we discuss our unevenly busy days and enjoy whatever meal I've created. With the added bonus of not having to get up at any specific time the next day, the imbibing may have gotten a wee bit excessive. So, I am trying to remedy this in 2019 and am taking a mini break from booze.
This isn't a new year's resolution (because gross), nor is this a dryuary (too hard - especially with an upcoming weekend in Carmel this month). This is about trying to reset myself a bit and start the year healthier and more positive. One of the problems with drinking when you're already sad is that it can make you more sad (alcohol is a depressant after all), and I have had more than a couple wine-induced sobbing fits since settling here. So, taking a break is also helping my mood. But, and I admit this with a twinge of shame, this is HARD.
I love wine. I love the taste. I love pairing it with food. I love the warm, calming influence that a nice glass of red gives me. Also, there are certain foods and places where having a drink has become a near Pavlovian response. There is also the social element - we have cemented many a new friendship over drinks, and we're actively trying to make friends. So, going cold turkey, even for only 2.5 weeks, is rough.
I will admit I am sleeping and feeling better. And while I haven't noticed a difference at the scale yet, I am certainly hoping I will. Because even though the cold turkey phase won't be a permanent change, I do plan to try to cut back this year and only drink an amount that doesn't make me feel like I need to lie to a medical professional.
So, fingers crossed that this kick start in empty calorie cutting pays off. And hopefully the job hunt will get more fruitful soon, and the introduction of a more strict routine will bolster my weight loss efforts (see already being more positive). In the meantime, have a glass for me. Cheers!
