[fljen]

Mama's, I am in desperate need of some help!

A little bit of backstory, over the last year I've managed to lose almost 80 pounds. Before that I was a chronic overeater, very overweight and had a very low self image. After I learned how to control my eating I lost the weight and felt much better, though I never did attain my goal. In the last couple of months a lot of things have happened to cause depression and I'd started to lose control of my eating but I was able to exercise enough to curb the massive weight gain that would have occurred had I not been exercising.

Here's the problem, with the hunger and cravings/aversions of this pregnancy I'm starting to gain weight a lot faster and combined with hormones I'm getting very upset, clothes aren't fitting any more and it's getting into me into a very negative cycle. I feel horrible so I eat comfort food (though I'm trying desperately not to) which makes me feel horrible, etc...

I do try and keep up my exercise but it's so bloody hot outside that it's tough, and I'm so depressed most of the time that I have a hard time getting off the couch. It's so horrible, I just want to cry all the time

:

Does anybody have any ideas that could help??

TIA

 

[lotusdebi]

Throw out your scale. Don't weigh yourself! If you have to be weighed by your care provider, turn away, and ask to not know the numbers.
Invest in some maternity clothes, and just start wearing those. Your body should be getting bigger! Embrace it!
Pledge to eat healthy, for yourself and your baby. And do your best to do that. I'm a big junk food snacker, but I've been trying to snack on fruit instead, and not buy the junk.

If you are able to, get in touch with a therapist who has some experience dealing with eating disorders.
You aren't alone.

I've been there, as have many other MDC members.
Take care of yourself!

 

[cinnamonamon]

Oh,

s mama -- I wish I had some advice. I would just say try to relax & to find some safer comfort foods, ya know? I found airpopped popcorn to satisfy my urge to munch. I also limit the amount of junk I allow in the house (or at least in the kitchen). Could you exercise earlier in the day or later in the evening? And remember it's already August, so in another month it should be much cooler... Sorry I don't have anything really helpful.

 

[coffeetastesgood]

Exercise and DHA's to help with mood. That might stabilize you enough that you won't feel so compelled to eat.

 

[Yo Becca]

I agree to stop weighing yourself - focus on listening to your body. Eat when you are hungry, just try to eat well. You're pregnant - you are going to gain weight. I'm 11 weeks this week, and I can't fit my pants anymore. move on up to maternity pants and don't beat yourself up about it.

I allow myself a "comfort food" everyday - but only once. that way, when I want tater tots of something I know I shouldn't eat, I can say, "well, if I eat this, I can't have ice cream" - so I have to say no to most urges, but don't feel totally denied of my cravings. You will feel better if you exercise - so commit to doing it 3-4 times a week. Workout inside if possible, or int he early morning or evening. But don't kill yourself trying to gain no weight - it's not possible. Instead, try to maintain a healthy actiivity level.

your hunger will level off and you will likely start craving really healthy food like fruitsand veggies. At 11 weeks, I've only NOT been starving for the past 2 days. Up til now, I've been eating basically 5 meals a day. But what's the alternative, faint from hunger? You will get through this starving phase soon, then you;ll feel more in control of your appetite. But don't abuse yourself over this.

Hugs

 

[nznats]

I dont have any advice, but I do know how you feel. With my daughters pregnancy I felt beautiful and great this time I feel like a beached whale and I hate it. I am feeling more and more insecure in myself (I am even dreaming about my partner cheating on me because of how I look etc)
My eating habits are getting worse, and im not eating properlly which is making my nausea feel worse. I wish I could offer you some advice, other than embrace the fact that you are meant to be growing, you are growing a baby. Dont weigh yourself and you really dont need to be weighed during the pregnancy, it isnt a great indicator of anything.

 

[hapahaolegirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotusdebi Throw out your scale. Don't weigh yourself! If you have to be weighed by your care provider, turn away, and ask to not know the numbers.

I second this. When I owned a scale I obsessed about my weight and it controlled my thoughts and feelings about myself. I haven't owned a scale in five years and I am a much happier healthier person because of that!

Kristen

 

[ChillMom]

I agree with everyone -- ditch the scale. it only draws attention to "weight gained" as opposed to "healthy growing baby in your belly". One thing that I've found helpful is to prepare lots of healthy snacks in advance so that when I have the urge to snack, it is easier to reach for something healthy, rather than junk food. Some of my favorites - sliced fruit (cut up in advance, stored in a tupperware), mixed berries, whole wheat crackers with slices of cheese, celery with peanut butter and raisins, hummus or babaganoush with whole wheat pita, dried fruit/nut snack mix. I make sure I have these types of things in my fridge all the time. Also, if I'm going to work or to run errands, I'll throw a piece of fruit (apple, banana) or a baggie with fruit/nut snack mix into my purse.

I also agree that if your regular clothes don't fit, embrace it and wear your maternity clothes. Some of the styles now can really make you look and feel like a goddess! Good luck, and remember your baby loves you no matter what!

 

[blue-eden]

Jen, I agree with the above posters to stop looking at the scale so much!

But you also have to realize that you're not alone. It's been well documented that women who lose a lot of weight before becoming pregnant tend to gain more weight and gain it more quickly than other pregnant women.

Do try to eat more healthily and exercise, but don't be so hard on yourself and blame yourself too much. It's a common and normal reaction that your body is having, and it's not just because you have no control.

Can you find a buddy to go to the gym with? Even if it's just an online pg friend to be accountable to?

 

[fljen]

Awwww ladies, thanks for all the support

I will definitely try to ditch the scale, it's giving me more heartache than anything else. And yeah, probably time to move a size up... At least I still have all the clothes that I just shrank out of

I feel better today, the depression isn't as bad and I managed to go exercise this morning and then went on a walk with my ds at a park. We do try to have good snacks in the fridge, it's just tough when you open the fridge and have this mulish urge not to eat any of the good stuff. I wasn't a big fruit eater due to all the carbs it tends to have but I'm loosening up on that and at least it's not chocolate.

So I think the key is to try and take it one day at a time and if I don't do great one day to just pick up and try to do better the next. Just gotta hang in there!

So, thank you so much for all the support! You have no idea how appreciated it is

 

[lunadoula]

Jen - Have you thought about contacting a nutritionist familiar with eating disorders and/or getting some support from Overeaters Anonymous?

I work a 12-step program for food - it is the only thing that has ever helped. I no longer have any battles in my head about food. I yo-yoed up and down and could never really gain "control" of my eating, and it caused me a lot mental heartache and depression. I don't know if OA is something you would be interested in or willing to try, but if you want more info please feel free to PM me. I also work with a great nutritionist (via the phone - she's on the East Coast) who has helped a lot of pregnant women with a history of binge eating and other eating disorders. You are not alone in dealing with this issue.