As I get more settled into my new home in Boulder, and settling back into my independent lifestyle, I have noticed that I’m also settling back into old, bad habits. Habits I wanted to kick when I left NYC. These included:
- My unhealthy eating habits. These include salty foods, sugar rushes, caffiene overloads, carbs galore and eating out a lot, particularly at Mexican restaurants which feature my favorite guilty pleasure: sour cream. The weight gain since I’ve gotten here is ridiculous and I’m NOT happy about it.
- My shopaholic tendencies. I had a feeling I’d run into this problem with a blank slate apartment where I’d be tempted to decorate and outfit every space. I’m spending more money than I have coming in and it’s a problem.
- Alcohol consumption. I drank a LOT in the last year in NYC and it was one habit I knew I needed to kick and fast. Not only was I drinking a lot, but I was drinking some heavy shit, like tequila. While tequila is awesome, it’s not good as your go-to-drink after a rough Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the job.
All of these have come back full swing after arriving in Boulder and reactivating my social life. I’ve been going out for food and drinks and not ordering the most healthy stuff on the menu. The drinks thing has been nearly every night–whether it be at a bar or a bottle of wine or champagne at home. While not in mass consumption, it’s still more than I should be drinking.
As for shopping, it seems every day I pick up SOMETHING. Some things were important–a sofa, bed, sheets, food and business cards. But other things are not so important–a pair of $60 dollar ridiculously cute boots, a $5 set of plates (we already have like EIGHT in my cabinets), and Someecards postcards. And that barely covers the amount of crap I’ve purchased. I’m blowing through more money than I am making and I have to still be able to afford rent, heat, electricity, gas for my car and food for my belly on a freelancers budget, which doesn’t even make me enough for rent a month.
It’s problematic.
All these things have added up to one big bad mess for my health and for my stress levels. When I gain weight, or when I start thinking about money I STRESS OUT. And then I gain more weight because when I get stressed, I eat to feel better. Then I just feel like crap because I just gained 5 more lbs and all the weight I lost while in europe has been put back on and then I cry and then I eat some more.
It’s not just problematic, it’s a vicious cycle of crap. Which I need to put an end to NOW.
I have been kind of sad lately–not in the woe is me, depressed, angry, sad self from NYC who hated EVERYTHING, (since I infact love EVERYTHING about Boulder and my life right now. With the exception of the above.) but sad as in I miss my family and I really miss my friends. I still talk to my bests daily and my family as well, but it’s hard being so far away from all of them. The 2,000 + miles that are between me and NYC has been more and more apparent as time wears on and I get a routine settled here (that involved hours and hours spent at Barnes and Nobles). This home-sickness doesn’t hit that often which I’m lucky for, but it still sucks when it does surface. When I get sad, I tend to go to what’s comfortable which is what I know–food, shopping, alcohol. None of which solve any problems. As I think I’ve pointed out like a bajillion times in this post.
I am determined though to change my habits and get towards a new, healthier lifestyle. A new, healthier me. One that doesn’t forget where I have come from and the people who have helped shape me into the person I am now while I make new friends and new experiences. One who also doesn’t forget how a healthier Ashley is a more balanced, happier Ashley.
So, internets, I need you to hold me accountable for my actions. For cutting back on alcohol (I think I am quitting drinking for three weeks. It was jut one week but that doesn’t seem like enough.), stop eating out and eating unhealthily when I do eat out, making better food choices, stop drinking coffee and stop spending the money as if I have a steady income.
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Wow that’s quite a list! I’m totally here for you, my only suggestion would be to set specific goals for each of these that you’re taking on. If I was in your position I could see those as being high standards to live up to, getting frustrated, and getting off track. You’ll do great at this though, I’m sure of it. Knowing what you need and knowing how good it will feel when you get there is a huge step towards hitting your goals! =)
It’s really hard to get back on the wagon after you’ve fallen off…but I know you can do it! Especially because you’ve moved to a great place!
you can do it! maybe you should try and tackle one thing a week? i think overloading yourself with too much could be even more stressful. and stress, is what you’re trying to avoid!
i gave up all alcohol for the three weeks leading up to my half marathon, and i felt awesome. it was only tricky when i was craving a beer on a hot day. but mostly, it was okay, and you’ll be happy you did it.
You and me both sister! The emotional eating especially has gotten out. of. control. for me lately. We should find a website or some other way online to be “buddies” and hold each other accountable/cheer each other on!
I started logging everything I eat at dailyburn.com. I was AMAZED at how many calories I was taking in, and how I was hardly getting any protein and eating way too many carbs. Now I’ve switched it up and feel so much better. Not just physically, but mentally, because I’m taking CONTROL. I’ve been working out too, which definitely helps. Lost 4 lbs already.
You KNOW that you will feel better if you make the change. It’s just SO HARD to get motivated!!
And Mary has a great idea! Having a buddy(ies) helps! On dailyburn, you can pick Motivators to help you. If anyone wants to join me I’m “suzannahbanana”.
I like what everybody’s saying about setting goals for each week instead of all it once- I think it’ll make it all a bit easier to manage.
Good luck, I’m totally cheering for you! (Especially because I’m dealing with almost ALL of the same problems)
Good thing your roommate is kind of a crazy, broke, hippie, pseudo-vegetarian and (with the exception of wine) won’t tempt you too much
Good luck – You can do it!
Secret: I made a decision on January 31st that I wouldn’t eat candy for the month of February. I found myself waaay too often heading down for a 3pm pick-me-up that was nearly always Skittles, 5 cent candies, something of the sort. So I stopped. Because it was making me feel like shit and I knew it. I train hard and I was crashing at 5pm when I needed energy to get my ass to the gym, or to the rink.
So on February 1st when I wanted candy, I reminded myself I could have some in March. And that if I really didn’t have the willpower to go without freaking candy for 28 days, I sucked. It is day 17 now and I feel good. I have apples or something of the sort during the afternoon slump. It is kind of silly – I mean, its JUST candy, but it was a little thing that was slowing me down.
Good luck, and I’m certainly here to keep you motivated and on track
I would love to be your accountability buddy…are you able to access email through the work day, or use something like gchat? Those are all things I’m working on too, and I’d be happy to work out a way to keep each other in check, if you’re interested
I’m sort of where you are, in that I just moved and my lifestyle is changing rapidly. I moved home instead of away, but I left a lot behind in a city that I loved. I’ve been eating all the wrong things, and spending way too much money with nothing to show for it. I will be here and be accountable for you, and hope that maybe we can do this together! Good luck, and I’m around if you need someone to vent with!
Good luck! I don’t mean to be cliche, but I think the whole “admitting you have a problem is the first step” thing is actually kind of true.
i am definitely holding myself accountable for overeating and drinking as well. and hell just add in the shopping issue too and we’re pretty much twins. you can do it, i can do it, we can do it! woo!
I think you are right about different stresses leading to over-eating/drinking/shopping.
Back in 2003 I moved from Ontario, Canada to Chicago. I was only 800 miles away but I missed my family and friends. I immediately began to put on the lbs. and such. So what did I do five years later? Moved from Chicago to Los Angeles and now 2,300 miles away from everyone
Find a time to exercise and do it religiously. Sounds good, but obviously hard to nail down. Not only will it assist with the extra weight but it’s amazing how a little workout can help take away some stress and allow your mind to wander in a good way.
As for eating, that’s a tough one. I love pizza, I love wings and I love Coca Cola. Don’t get me wrong, I eat other things to but if junk food was a food group I would meet the daily recommended requirements with ease. Logging what you eat is tough and wears off fast. Try to eat at home more, don’t stock the fridge but rather get food for a couple days and make sure you eat it.
I have the same problem with eating. I use food as a reward and also as a go to comfort when I’m stressed/bored/whatever. I did manage to give up drinking completely, but I eat SO much ice cream. The way I keep justifying it to myself is “well, at least I’m not drinking! Ice cream is healthier than vodka!
Good luck, Ashely. Anyone who can quit their job then ravel Europe by themselves can tackle the things you’re wanting to conquer!
You can so do this!! I have a lot of the same problems…minus the drinking thing but that is probably because many in my family are alcoholics or recovering alcoholics (including my man) and I was never overly attracted to alcohol. As for the food…don’t even get me started. Take it one day at a time. It is so frickin’ hard!! I agree with everyone who said…don’t take everything on at once. For most of us, that is just asking for failure. Maybe set up a reward system too. For conquering the drinking and the eating issue for “X” # of weeks treat yourself with something…whether it is something you’ve had your eye on that you wouldn’t allow yourself to buy as you conquer your shopping issue. Or like me…I’ve made myself a deal that for every 25lbs I lose I will treat myself to a mani/pedi and for every 50lbs maybe a massage. So something like that… Also try setting up a budget/way to track your spending. I’ve been doing that since the first of the year and I admit that I rethink before I spend money because I know I’m going to have to enter that expenditure on my budget/tracking spreadsheet. To help holding yourself accountable, set up a day each week that you will report your progress here…good or bad…that helps me with my eating/weight. I weigh in every Sunday and blog about it regardless of the results. I wish you luck…I’m thinking of ya girl! Can’t wait to hear about your progress. Good luck!!
Good luck! That sounds EXACTLY like me!
Also, that thumbnail is a picture of my dad? Weirdness.
I’m exactly the same way with food. I’m sad, I eat. Then I feel crappy that I ate and I eat some more. I still haven’t managed to figure this one out. But the shopping one? I just remind myself ‘You don’t have the freaking money.’ and then I go eat to make up for it! I probably think redefining your goals and making them specific will be a little bit easier and more manageable!
Good luck Ashley!
When it comes to the shopping, don’t cut it out cold turkey. I’ve tried that, and it’s not super effective. My suggestion is every few weeks or so by yourself a small treat. Under $20. You can still get something to perk you up and quiet the MUST SHOP NOW urges but you won’t break the bank!
And at the risk of sounding like I’m plugging my blog, I started posting easy/cheap/healthy-ish recipes over there so if you want to some new ideas for the food rotation, you should check it out.
Good luck with everything!!
Seriously AMEN to the food choices thing. Ugh. I’m so bad about that.
And I totally know what you mean about being a little sad. That’s been me lately too. Nothing really triggered it but it’s just looming. Here’s to hoping we snap out of it soon
xoxo
we are here for you….but i recommedn you don’t give up all your vices at once…slow withdrawl.
start with the things you most wanna get rid of and work your way down the list if you completly deprive yourself you will never succeed!!
but all the best of luck!
I don’t know. Sometimes the best way to get rid of a problem (or addiction if you want to call it that) is to just stop. Admit it’s a problem and then stop. Obviously, you can’t just stop eating or stop all purchases, but you can just stop on the alcohol. Which you’ve done, I think, for a week.
I find that if I keep juices, special teas or “fancy” drinks like sparkling lemonade or even sparkling water, I’m less likely to get a glass of wine. Have a glass of water with dinner and then drink a nice herbal or detox tea a bit later.
I hear that detox and herbal teas are a great way to fight the urge to eat. Instead of grabbing for a bag of Doritos or what-not, make yourself some tea. Learn to make it without an instant teabag and then you may find yourself enjoying the tea ritual.
Exercise! Just go for a walk. Don’t go join a gym you cannot afford. Boulder is probably the same weather more or less that I have here in Stavanger, and a nice crunching walk in the snow is very satisfying. =)
Don’t be ashamed to tell your friends, “Hey, I don’t have money to go out and eat. Come over and watch a flick and have tea with me.”
And since you don’t have the money and a lot of extra time, maybe you should put an ad out for dog walking. Money and exercise. When I lived in Texas, I paid about $20 a day for a dog walker. Get a few dogs and then voila! Extra money to help you make ends meet.
But remember, through it all, it’s always an adjustment to make a move. Give yourself time.
I gave drinking up for lent one year… best and worst decision I’ve ever made. Best because I stopped drinking so much. Worst because it was a long 40 days surrounded by a lot of drunk friends, playing DD Nora and Nurse Nora!