That new normal

[manofmusic]

Well, it's been 2 months since my dad passed away. I think I've found that new normal that so many people have mentioned. One thing I've noticed is that I'm getting quite a few panic attacks again. I had one on the way to work and another one on the way home. I'm ok at work though.

This Sunday, I'm going to start the week off fresh by doing the program over again. I feel I need to do that.

Another thing I've been neglecting is my diet. My eating habits have been really bad over the past few months. Quite a bit of eating out and drive-thru's. A while back, I was on a roll with taking my lunch to work and having a crock pot of cooked food on the counter when I got home. I was doing really good and I was feeling good. Now, I need to get back into that habit. The salt and the sugar of the takeout and drive-thru food is so high that I can feel the water retention and the headaches.

The exercise has stopped too. With the headaches, I don't feel like doing anything but lying down when I get home.

The water intake is another thing. I need more water !!!!!! I might be getting a cup or 2 in all day. That's not nearly enough. I need at least 8 glasses a day or more.

With the beautiful weather here now, I need to make those changes. I just need the motivation.

Everything else has been going good. Work is going really well and my friends and neighbours have be making sure I stay out of trouble ! LOL !!!!!!!!! Even though I'm sluggish after work, I'm back to working on my bathroom again. Hopefully by the summer it will be done. THAT could be my exercise !!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone is doing good ! I hope this beautiful weather stays until December !

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Manomusic! Great to hear from you! Glad things are settling down for you and you are able to take an inventory of what is happening in your life. Eversince I experienced my first panic attack and then found this place, I've found that homemade food is the best for me. There is a lot of salt in processed foods. So I make homemade chili with lean ground beef and add different kinds of canned beans to the pot as well as canned tomatoes and fresh onions. No salt, I add that later in my dish or use the salt from corn chips, and the luxury of grated melted cheese.

I even rinse the canned beans, b/c they come in salt and even say they have 50% less processed salt in the can. But I want more control! I can tell a difference when I have too much salt. Which salt was never a problem for me or my family or origin. We use to eat rock salt and add salt to our foods, but that was back when we had home cooked meals and we didn't add salt to the foods while it was being cooked. I use to get hounded because I would use table salt by my in laws. Funny thing though, I'm the one that is slim and they are all overweight. I'm talking about my husband's siblings, DH and his parents.

They have a weakness for foods in general, and I think they use it to calm their nerves or it is a family culture. Also, it could be a family brain thing, many of them are quiet people and do quiet things that require sitting down a lot. Where my family were more active and two of my brothers are always doing triathlons and marathons. I don't get it. I don't like running or competing, but have always enjoyed individual sports. Anyway, I think these two brothers are too slim and it probably is in my genes.

My Dad stayed slim all his life, wasn't interested in eating except to stay alive... and was always active as far as doing things and not one to sit for long.

Well, I just know that I feel better when I have eggs, tuna on toast, beef, chicken, sea food, vegetables. I really have to stay away from cookies, candy, chocolate, and so forth due to anxiety symptoms. So it naturally is keeping my weight down. I keep hydrated by drinking 1% milk. I use to drink a lot of hot chocolate or cold chocolate, but that went when I experienced the panic attacks. I love milk and need the calcium and VIT D to keep my bones and brain healthy!

I do eat fruit and occasionally try a jello or cheesecake or cake and see what happens. But I have to stay away from candy bars and candy. I miss it, but not the anxious feelings.

Well, we'll be looking forward to your posts as you work the Program! Paislee

[manofmusic]

Hey Paislee !

Thanks for the food tips. You just got my shopping list together for me ! LOL !!!!!! Salt is very bad for me this time of year especially. so are carbohydrates (bread, pasta etc.) Protein is what keeps me feeling full.

My dad was always very active so he was always slim. Unfortunately, I have a desk job, so my exercise during the day is very little. I need to get away from the desk more and walk around. The problem is that I get so wrapped up in work that I often lose track of time, so next thing I know, it's lunch time or it's time to go home. By the time I get home, I'm mentally drained and I don't want to move even though I know that's what I need to do.

This afternoon, I'm headed out to a BBQ. My panic is at an all time low today so I'm going to take advantage of that ! LOL

Hope all is going good with you !

Later !

[forever young 06]

hi manof music so glad to see you. I was thinking about you the other day hadn't seen you on in a while. Guess you need to get back on your diet and excersise. I am having trouble with my hip and leg started going to a chropractor I didn't spell that right. It has been about a month and not any better I have heard it can take a while. I don't want to have to have surgrey. I may have to go to a medical dr. this is causing my anxiety to kick up too. any stress can make it worse. I wont to stick my head in the sand and hope it will go away but when it doesn't I get anxious. have you heard from karma I sure miss her wonder what happened to her? hope you get better soon.

[Paisleegreen]

HI Mano! Have fun at the BBQ! Things get better each day. There is always something new to deal with, but I'm doing better at it. Now that summer is here, I should do much better. I know I'll be out exercising by swimming, gardening, walking, etc. Anytime I'm able to get into some sunshine and be with fun people always boost my spirits. Paislee

I am expecting some company and then a road trip. So I'll be working on skills learned. I'll be traveling with my sis in law and DD in my vehicle. Not sure if DD is going to drive or me. This DD can be quite bossy, so we'll see how things go. Being with my sis in law will be a nice visit though, she is coming from another state and traveling with us for a family get together. So the road trip should be fun.

[Karmerri]

Hey Manofmusic,

Although your'e trying to get into the swing of things again, I am glad you're doing okay. You'll get yourself on track again-good luck.