I let myself go, can't find my way back, eating emotionally

[Weisabunny]

Hi all,

I'm a mama to two. I want to loose 20 lbs and I want to work out *consistently* 4 times per week. I keep yoyoing the same 5 lbs, I get it off then 'reward' myself and its back on. I work out consistently several times per week for 3 months or so, start to feel sooo much better, then one thing or another knocks me off track and I don't work out again for 5 months. I feel yucky in my own skin.

After the birth of my first I went to WW and the weight FELL off. It was work but it worked. Didn't happen the same way after the birth of my second (2 yrs later, age 34 yrs old), lots of stress - moving, dh's job changing, I had undiagnosed adrenal fatigue - super tired and irritable, on and on.

In the past 3 yrs with all the life stuff going on - I did WW 3 different times, Jenny Craig (out of desperation and it was GROSS), South Beach, now I'm eating high raw (80% raw). I feel the best I've felt in at least a year since starting to eat high raw 5 weeks ago. I was loosing and then went out with friends, had martinis and sushi and I haven't been able to regain focus since.

My base of what I'm eating is good, but I put things in my mouth as the day goes on... its almost unconscious. Then every night I feel gross and recommit to myself. I'm trying to eat well as an act of love to myself (I'm one of those that takes care of everyone but myself, so cliche ).

Maybe I just need someone to smack me! I *know* if I just focus and stay serious for 2-3 months I can get in a better place with my size. THEN I can focus on getting back into shape.

I'm feeling lost and stuck. Has anyone else been in a place where they KNOW what to do, what works for them, but are in their own way of reaching goals?!?!?

[lil_earthmomma]

I can very much relate to this.

Try to outsmart yourself. It's working for me. If I'm going out with girlfriends, I stuff myself with healthy food, so I only have a few drinks, I don't gobble down greasy bar food or unhealthy treats.

For emotional eating, I'm trying to reprogram my comfort foods, and I'm getting pretty good at it. Now I reach for healthier foods rather than junk.

Take it one day at a time, and try to really remind yourself after an unhealthy day to get back on track. Since you're raw, why not commit to a raw juice fast after a day of poor eating choices. It might kick you back into gear and make your body feel good while flushing out your system.

Work out no matter what. Find something you enjoy doing and stick to it. Workouts should be fun and fulfilling and envigorate you, not something you have to make yourself do.

[corrie43]

I was the same way, the only thing that worked for me is joining a group that has accountability. My weight is posted each week for everyone to see. All of ours are. We do 14 weeks sessions and the biggest loser (5age wise) wins an amount of money. I lost 21 pounds the last session and won 400 bucks.

Knowing my group is there for me helps, knowing I will weigh in every week helps

[425lisamarie]

Originally Posted by lil_earthmomma

I can very much relate to this.

Try to outsmart yourself. It's working for me. If I'm going out with girlfriends, I stuff myself with healthy food, so I only have a few drinks, I don't gobble down greasy bar food or unhealthy treats.

For emotional eating, I'm trying to reprogram my comfort foods, and I'm getting pretty good at it. Now I reach for healthier foods rather than junk.

Take it one day at a time, and try to really remind yourself after an unhealthy day to get back on track. Since you're raw, why not commit to a raw juice fast after a day of poor eating choices. It might kick you back into gear and make your body feel good while flushing out your system.

Work out no matter what. Find something you enjoy doing and stick to it. Workouts should be fun and fulfilling and envigorate you, not something you have to make yourself do.

Ditto to this and learn this ****JUST WALK AWAY****

outa the kitchen, that is. Find something quick to do.....go upstairs/down the hall whatever and gather up laundry, do a quick sweep of the playroom, put on some lipstick.....whatever. Then do 20 jumping jacks and repeat "I am beautiful, I am worth it, I will look like a hottie cause I can." LOL. Seriously after 10 minutes you will 1. not have eaten, 2. done something productive and 3. be proud you made it through 1 temptation.

It gets easier mama. Habbits are hard to make, easy to break as I always say. This is a long hard journey and coming from someone who has a history, I truly know the battle. I was a walking eating disorder to very obese to now.....and I mean i've been on every side close to death, literally. You can do it, you just gotta start. And when you slip up, do NOT spiral down. Just tell yourself it's ok and don't think of it as needing to start over, but just keep on

[umami_mommy]

i have found paul mckenna book "i can make you thin" invaluable to deal with emotional eating.

i have been listening to the CD every night at bed time and it's been an amazing help. the techniques in the book for dealing with craving really work too.