I don’t smoke (never have) and barely drink but had my own demons to deal with, that being love of chocolate and cake that caused my weight to increase over the years. At 44 and 18stone with various health issues related to my weight I decided enough was enough. Going to be 48 this year and I’ve been maintaining at 12 stone for over year, I was feeling great and fitness levels were fantastic until I got diagnosed with gallstones 8 months ago which has played havoc with my diet and fitness levels. Getting fitter is definitely the best thing I ever did entering middle age
I sort of smoked, like a few a night as the missis smoked and I always said if she kicked it I wouldn't have any so we went out to the out building and smoked in there at night, then I got her to try an ecig and fair enough after a few weeks she stopped, so we bought her a good one and subsequently I totally stopped it, now I have always ran but when I stopped completely my mile times dropped a fair bit as I wasn't gasping as much when I ran and my chest never hurt as much so it was easier, so doing both will help loads, it may seem a bit hard to start but it soon gets easier data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7.
I think it will probably be cycling for me rather than running BUT the ability to run will be a massive bonus (as,....why not jog to the shop for your milk, loaf or whatever!!!!)
Win win
However;
Was chatting to a psychologist today who actually advised NOT to stop smoking as it would hurt bad mentally in a few weeks/months when I “ inevitably” start again.....
This set me on track to disprove them and show them a “ Double” two fingered salute
Ala vivien from the young ones data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
I have a weakness for chocolate and found the I can eat a little of good stuff (in my case Waitrose fruit & nut, one bar can last a week).
I used to buy 70% dark chocolate and have a few squares a night, it would give me my chocolate fix without feeding my sweet tooth.
Good point about the sweet tooth, it is possible to wean yourself off with some effort.
Mate the day before you are going to go to the gym, pack your bag and leave it by the front door, in the way of the door, so you have to pick it up when you are leaving the house...
Make sure you aren't buying it in the first place. If you are in the supermarket buying crisps, then they will be in the house and you will eat them. If you are hungry do beans on toast or something. Too easy to go to the cupboard and open a packet of crisps/chocolate etc. Similar thing with beer. Have a drink at the weekend if you want, but avoid it when you can. Beer has a lot of calories and if you have a few, next you will be snacking.
It is more the burgers, pies, battered fish and chips that I always est rather than sweets, this worries me
I never ever drink booze.... hatethe smell and taste it makes me retch
I look out for good fruit e.g. pink lady apples, they cost more but have great flavour so I enjoy eating them, clementines etc.
As a treat Sable black grapes (South African ones are best). Strong flavour but lovely.