What is your bad habit(s) that you can't seem to kick *but keep trying to*??

Made it to maintainence no problem.  With that though, I have a couple of bad habits that seemingly no matter how many times I attempt to kick, I can't seem to do it.  For that matter, not even so much as reduce it in a short term goal setting. That is not to say I am giving up on it, but I think I am at a point that I need to figure out an entirely different approach since all of the tips and tricks learned during the weight loss journey just aren't touching these habits.  

1.  Artificial sweetners.  I know better, but I just can't seem to stop.  I am at least switching over to xylitol and stevia, because (I think) they are the lesser of the evils out of the group.  

2.  Coffee creamer.  Sugar free of course.  I drink a LOT of decaf a day, and take in between 100-150 calories from the creamer.  This is such an issue for me that during weight loss I would choose not to eat before dropping the creamer and sweetner in the coffee.  I did have a stint where I used chocolate protein powder in place of it for a while, but once I ran out I never replaced it.  

3.  Drinking too close to eating, and a few sips while eating.  Don't get me wrong, I am not downing 20 ounces with a meal but I do struggle waiting the appropriate time periods.  

 

None of these poor choices prevented me from getting me to goal, but in some sense I regard them as a type of "gateway drug" in that with the sweetner I know the more I use it the more it messes with my need to eat more sweets.  

So how about you- any habits you can't seem to kick or strategies that worked or maybe just helped a little?

Half and half. Yep, I still use half and half in my coffee and (don't tell anybody) don't usually count the calories.

I've tried nondairy creamer but even though it tastes good, I hate all the artificial additives and would rather have the fat and calories that come from good organic milk.

Eating more because it tastes good instead of because I'm hungry. That will always be something to struggle with.

Ha, your bad habit of half & half is actually a good habit I'm trying to form!

This morning was my first using h&h instead of the flavored sugar-free nondairy (which I love!!) for the exact reasons you mentioned. And I just dont get the creaminess I want when I use almond, coconut or flax milk.

I'd reeeaaallllyyy love to use heavy cream, but h&h will do.

I don't like flavored but if I did I'd probably use syrups.

I haven't been waiting the full 15 mins after drinking to eat. Especially when I have to take meds on a full stomach. Sometimes, I just forget what time it is. And every now and then, I have to have a sip of water if my food is too dry. Also, during TOM, I'm a horrible sleever. I eat around my sleeve and graze for 2 days, then I go back to normal. (Be proud, hubby just asked if I wanted anything since he's getting the girls their treats, and I said no! haha)

Oh yes, and this really bad habit that I picked up again after surgery...smoking. We're going for acupuncture (both of us) this week to get it handled. Not proud of the fact that I started again, but it was there when I couldn't eat and I haven't been able to go back yet.

 

Ooops?

Are we still supposed to do that? I thought that was an "early on" kind of thing. Better check with my surgeon at my one-year appt.

My husband quit smoking a few years back and now uses a vaporizer (an e-cig) - don't get the stuff at the grocery store if you decide to try it. Look for an "ego kit" - usually around $70. Lots of yummy juices available too. You get the nicotine, but not all the other crap.

I quit smoking 17+ years ago, BUT I still was picking up a pack here and there on vacation or, like now, when I'm on narcotics (high begets high is my theory). I realized I wasn't giving them back up like I usually did and hubby hooked up with a kit too. It's still not "good" for you, but much much better.

Just an idea to throw at you. My fave flavor is banana cream pie. Interestingly enough, I really hate the tobacco and menthol flavorings, but it helps my nicotine cravings (although I'm vaping 0 nic and hope to drop it completely eventually)

Just want say, using the vapor thing is still smoking and damages your lungs. Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine and heroin, so the addiction continues . I have a friend who has been a heavy marijuana smoker for years and for the past few years she had been using the device that you and others mention. Last summer, she was diagnosed with COPD and is on inhalers and other assorted medications. There is no way to get around the damage that any type of substance can do to one's lungs.

Yes, of course. BUT you aren't burning leaves, this is water vapor. Marijuana and cigarettes are burning organic material. There's a lot of research ongoing (some good and some so-so, some funded by tobacco companies, etc etc). It's an interesting time for nicotine folks. Cigarettes have 3000 ingredients and chemicals in them. E-juice has 5. I think it's "safer".

Vaping is NOT smoking of any type. I was just trying to help her. It's much safer than cigarettes and many folks use it to quit.

I'll step out of this conversation now. Was just trying to help some folks. As a former smoker and married to a former smoker, it's hard to quit and I know. I'm working on my "social smoking" myself now too. We're all works in progress.

You're right. I have some friends who are using the vapor thing, but unfortunately, they are still smoking. Smoking is so addictive and I know what a b*tch it is to quit. I stopped smoking 22 years ago, after many, many tries of stopping. It was one of the most difficult things that I ever did, but also the best thing, next to WLS .