Hi Diettalkers,
I'm back after a few weeks of not posting, and I'm in big trouble. I stopped posting because I "fell off" my program and eventually stopped coming even to read.

I'm struggling real bad with compulsive eating and binge eating. And over the last 4-6 weeks I've been completely out of control. As a result, my physical and emotional health has been going down hill fast! I'm on Prevacid for stomach problems and the binge eating is making that worse. I'm tired and run down because of poor nutrition and not sleeping well. I'm being treated for depression and of course this whole mess is making that worse as well.

Saturday, I spent a great deal of time surfing the net for some kind of help. I found lots of information and helpful sites, but I ended up right back here where I know I need to be. Then, as I lay awake during the night, unable to sleep, I realized something. I believe I was surfing the net looking for an easy way out. And in my heart, I know there is no easy way out of this mess I'm in.

Losing weight AND getting control of an eating disorder is going to be hard work and I've got to be willing to do the work if I'm going to succeed at reaching those goals. That's all there is to it. There's no magic Jeanne and there's no magic potion or pill. Losing weight means eating less and moving more, period!

Being out of control for so long has left me feeling pretty overwhelmed, to say the least. So I feel like I need to start with some small changes. The point is, I need to do something instead of nothing, even if it's something small. So tomorrow I'm going to start these things:

Food plan - I'm going to just try to eat as healthy as I can for one day at a time. No binging.

Water - I'm going to try to drink 6-8oz. glasses of water (or do the best that I can).

Exercise - I'm going to do some walking every day (2 days off), either on my treadmill or outside, even if only for 10 minutes.

Diettalk - I'm going to start a progress journal here on Diettalk and post my progress each day. I'm also going to try to spend at least a little time each day here giving and receiving support and encouragement.

Cindy

I am not the best one to give advise, but I wish you the best with your goal. I too have just started trying to lose 100+ and have been struggling with no motivation and feelings of despair. However, like you also I am trying to take one day at a time. I wish you the best.

Hi Cindy, Pelliott,
I know it's not easy. But like ya said. Truth is, each day we have to start over. I think alot of people go up and down until they can get on track. If it was simple, we wouldn't be here talking about it. You had a set back, we all do! You are getting motivated, have a plan. That is a BIG step in the right direction. Expect slip ups. There is no way you can just be perfect and never eat junk food again. Don't think of being on a so called diet. That drives ya nuts. 8-} Choosing better foods, eliminating just 500 calories a day from your usual calories, can easily give you a pound a week. Yes it depends on what the rest of the foods are you are eating. Can't live on twinkies. But with your planning and exercising, I bet you do great!

Ramble away the next time you can't sleep. If you are typing, can't eat. We are here for you. :x

Mertz

I like your plan. It's simple, direct and excellent. Journaling is a great way to keep track of how you are doing.

I'm looking forward to reading your posts.

Good luck,

Karolyn

Hello all!!
Mertz--looks like you have the plan-you can do it! I look forward to sharing thoughts with you-I have been binge free for a few weeks--I definitely know how hard it is to over-come it. Although I have some bad days, so far, I have been able to control the binge eating---YOU CAN DO IT--IT IS HARD-stick with your plan--post, post, post!
:rose: :rose:

Thanks so much gals for your encouragement! It's just what I need most right now. You all said so many good things.

Pelliot, You said you are struggling too. I know that losing weight is one of the most difficult things to accomplish. But you're right about taking it one day at a time. That makes it a little bit less overwhelming.

Surgaree, you have an excellent attitude. I agree with everything you said. When I'm doing well I go with the "no diet approach". Dieting actually promotes the binge eating for me. And about not being perfect, perfection is one of my biggest down falls. When I mess up I seem to just throw in the towel and give up completely. And to make things worse, I've managed to convinc myself that I have to wait till the first of the next month to start over.

Karolync1, thanks for your input too. I just know that after being on a binge for so long that I needed to start out as simply as I can.

And Otto, congratulations on being binge free for a few weeks. I'm just now starting to see where binge eating is being recognized as an eating disorder. Before now, I felt so alone with this disorder because all they focused on was anerexia or bulimia. And because I didn't purge I wasn't really a bulimic. What makes it so bad for a binge eater is that because you don't purge, you gain weight very fast.

Thanks all for your support and encouragement. It helped a lot. I hope I can continue to get support on this post because I really need it right now.

Cindy

Hi cindy,
i think it took a lot of courage to come back and post about how tough things have been for you. i hope you realise that we are ALWAYS here whether it be for the good or the bad times. thats what this place is all about. we all have down times and thats when the love and support of others that understand comes in.
i look forward to following your progress in your journal. feel free to stop by my journal and check up on me too.
bug hugs to you for your courage.
i know you can do it!
hugs bell :)

Mertz, sounds like you're going to do great! I'm also a bindge eater. I'm working on that. It is so hard for me not to contineously eat all day long. But I'm getting better. I have found water helps fill me up. Plus finding out why I'm eating. Sometimes I'm not hungry. I found writing in my journal has helpe a lot. I can go back and read what I've wrote.

I've learned, from the people here, that I (and you) can start over any time, not the next day, not the beginning of the week, etc., etc., we can start over the moment after we mess up.

Your plan above, sounds wonderful and you'll do great! :) :rose:

Cindy,
Hi again. I just wanted to let you know I will be out of town pretty much the rest of May. I will be faced with eating out and the dreaded buffets! :eek: But I think when we say okay, enjoy, (alittle) we are not feeling left out. It takes time to retrain our eating habits. I am on a NO diet plan. I choose everything I want to eat. I am finding I can have it all! Lots of food out there to pick from too. I had strawberries and fat free cool whip the other day. I prefer that compared to those empty calorie candy bars. Sure, I still like candy bars. But, I was eating them everytime I went thru the checkout lane. No more. I can look at them and not even blink.

Point is, the more you choose healthy, you lose the desire for all the junk. I still eat chips! But not the so called REAL Macoy. Keep trying different foods. Never know what reduced fat, ect.. you may like instead of the real full fat.

One pound at a time. Catch up to you when I return. :x

Thanks Bell and Debbi for your encouragement. It's 12:30 and so far I'm doing okay. I'm feeling a lot of hunger, but that's to be expected after weeks of binging all day. I brought extra snacks with me to work today - 1 string cheese, 1 apple, and 1 serv. of canned grapefruit. I know that during these first couple of weeks I need to eat when I get real hungry even if it means more snacks than I would normally have. I just have to make sure it's something healthy. I'm drinking my water too. I have a small bladder and it makes me run to the bathroom a lot, but I'm hoping that gets better too with time.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Cindy

Hi Sugaree,
It looks like you were posting the same time I was. Have a great time away. And I really like your attitude. I probably said this already, but I like the "no diet" approach too, for the same reasons as you. I can have whatever I want so I don't feel deprived. Now I just have to learn to stick it out, no matter what!

Candy bars were one of my binge foods too. I'm going to stay completely away from the things that were binge foods for me, at least for awhile until I know for sure that they won't trigger another binge.

Again, have a nice time away! I know you'll do just fine. Remember, we have to learn to deal with times like this the rest of our lives.

Cindy

Hi Friends,
I forgot to mention that in just 10 minutes I'll be going into my weight management group. Can you believe it, me, the out of control binge eater does a weight management group that meets weekly at my church? I know I'm not a good roll model, but I'm not going to let that stop me from providing the group for others in need or to keep trying myself to get on and stick with a program.

Cindy

Mertz

Back up that train!!! You are NOT an out of control binge eater! That is the past and it is gone. Now you have a plan. If you slip up, you will forgive yourself and keep on going in the right direction. *

I think it is fantastic that you have a class. What better way to encourage yourself than to show others that even though you have had problems, you are not giving up.

:rose: :rose: Good for You!!!!

Karolyn

hello mertz...i am also having a bad 10 days or so....but i tell myself i'm only human....and we make mistakes everyday!! but the important thing is that you have realized what your doing and are getting right back on that horse!!! thats all we can do.....forgive yourself and i think you will find life a little bit easier.....take care....jenn... 8-}

hi mertz :) im a binger, well used to be binger til i shifted my focus. ok, i admit i do mess up once in a while but the pressure isn't there to cause me to do it anymore. go to www.lds.org, (http://www.lds.org,) then go to magazines and click on the searchable html format, than in the search put "running away from it all" that's my inspiration. it may sound confusing to get to but it's worth it i swear.

Hi Mertz (and all others!!),
I am glad you are having a good day today, how was the rest of the day? I hope as well as the morning. You can do this!!
There was a time when I believed I was the only person on earth who binged--I ate and ate and ate, I cried every night-thinking there was something wrong with me. I had no idea other people had the same problem. It is good to know that we can get a handle on it--the longer we go without a binge-it gets easier. Water helped me a lot--it filled me. I drink at least 8 or 9 glasses of water-I go to bathroom a lot too, but its worth it, it helps! (the bathroom runs did lighten up a little). I find time to drink my favorit "diet coke" at least 1 a day-sometimes 2.
Again, if you get urges, come here, type, type, type!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!
GOOD LUCK FOR A GOOD AND HEALTHY DAY TOMORROW TO EVERYONE!!
:rose:

Hi everyone,
Well, I successfully completed my 1st. day on program. I experienced a lot of hunger all day, but I know I handled it in a healthy manner. As I mentioned in a previous post, I think it's important to eat when you get real hungry, expecially the first couple of weeks on program. I just make sure my snacks are healthy. And I use portion control.

Now I'm on to my 2nd. day and a little nervous because this is where I lost it the last couple of attempts. I don't mean to hog all the attention, and I don't mean to imply that it isn't difficult for everyone who comes here. But I need so much extra support and encouragement right now. I know that once I get through the first week even, I'll be okay. Right now I know that there is a greater risk of slipping back into a binge. I'm quite motivated and I know that your encouragement is and will help sustain me through this danger period.

My "trigger" time is actually from 1:30-4:30 in the afternoon. So I'm going to try to come here when I can. Today I have my allergy shots, so I'll be away from the house during most of that time, which will help. But I do plan on spending more time here when I can. Well, thanks again for all your support. Some day I hope to be in a better position to reach and encourage others in the same way.

Cindy

Cindy,

You made it!! That has to make you feel good. I've been there and I know how hard it is.

Today is your trouble day, but you've planned for it. Just keep reminding yourself that it is only today. You can follow your plan for one day. You already proved it yesterday. It isn't easy, but you can do it.

Karolyn

Cindy, I'm gald you did it. I still binge, did last night. It is hard. I need to work on it. I don't every night so that's a comfort and I've been working on it since I've come to DT. You'll find lots of help and encouragement here. Keep up the good work.

Teresa, you had a comma at the end and so that won't conntect. However, I found the entire link http://library.lds.org/library/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm and that should get them there whoever wants to read it. I've read it it's good. They can also go to www.lds.org (http://www.lds.org)

[ 05-16-2001: Message edited by: Debbi ]

Hi. I'm still sort of new here, but can totally relate to what you are go ing through. I've been there, lived it, and until recently let it control my life. You have a plan now, and you also have another important thing, the support of the people here.You know you have to do it for you. But never pass up a helping hand. We are all struggling with this every day. Friends, co- workers,etc..can all help you to achieve your goals. Learning to seek out help is important in achieving any goal. You have done just that by coming back again. You are stronger for doing it. Treasure your friends and be a friend to someone else. Doors will open and success in all you seek will come if you put forth the effort. You are going to make it!
Take care and have a geat today.
Love Linda

Hi Diettalk friends,
Guess what? I'm doing real well with my second day on program. Today wasn't as bad as I anticipated it to be. I'm still having the hunger, but even that wasn't quite as bad as yesterday was.

I am just bound-and-determined that I'm going to stick it out this time. I've just got to take it one day at a time. I got out of work at 1:00 and had to go for my allergy shots, and do a couple of errends afterwards. I think it helped getting away from the house for awhile.

I keep trying to imagine what it will be like and feel like to get this weight off. They say you should think about what you will look like and what it will feel like. It will be nice to go into a store and not have to shop in the Plus section.

Well, I'm going to go and do my treadmill before supper. Thanks Theresa for the article. It was inspiring. And thanks everyone else for helping me through this difficult time. I wish you all success in your own weight loss goals.

Cindy

I can't really say I'm a binger...I'm more of a grazer. But each day, just like a recovering alcoholic I have to recommit to my plan and to my determination that this year I will embrace better health and treat my body with the respect it deserves.

You have a lot of courage...it takes more courage to get up after you've fallen than to take that initial step. Now that you're up keep going until you succeed. :rose:

TERRIFIC MERTZ!! I hope the rest of the day goes all good too! You can do this--drink lots of water, exercise and post, post, post . . .
GO GIRL!!
:rose:

Cindy...you are fighting the brave fight. I know it is very difficult to break the binge habit. One thing that might help is to exercise first thing in the morning, before work if you can. It really helps to reduce anxiety and stress which will probably help to get through the day the way you want to. Have a great week...I will be thinking of you.

Hi Friends,
Just a little check-in. I'm about half way through my 3rd. day on program and I'm doing really well. I was so scared when I started that I wouldn't be able to stick it out through these first few days when it's the most difficult. Of course all the encouragement I've received from so many of you has helped a whole lot. And because of that I know I can come here when I run into a difficult time.

Thanks for the advice Artsy. I didn't think about the early exercise helping with stress throughout the day. But I do like to do my exercise before I leave for work. I think it gives your metabolism a boost after a long night of sleep.

As I mentioned yesterday, the hunger is beginning to let up some. And today I haven't had a really hungry spell yet. But again, I'm prepared with some snacks. If I get real hungry, I'm just going to have a light, healthy snack.

Cindy

Originally posted by mertz:
<STRONG>Hi Diettalkers,
I'm back after a few weeks of not posting, and I'm in big trouble. I stopped posting because I "fell off" my program and eventually stopped coming even to read.

I'm struggling real bad with compulsive eating and binge eating. And over the last 4-6 weeks I've been completely out of control. As a result, my physical and emotional health has been going down hill fast! I'm on Prevacid for stomach problems and the binge eating is making that worse. I'm tired and run down because of poor nutrition and not sleeping well. I'm being treated for depression and of course this whole mess is making that worse as well.

Saturday, I spent a great deal of time surfing the net for some kind of help. I found lots of information and helpful sites, but I ended up right back here where I know I need to be. Then, as I lay awake during the night, unable to sleep, I realized something. I believe I was surfing the net looking for an easy way out. And in my heart, I know there is no easy way out of this mess I'm in.

Losing weight AND getting control of an eating disorder is going to be hard work and I've got to be willing to do the work if I'm going to succeed at reaching those goals. That's all there is to it. There's no magic Jeanne and there's no magic potion or pill. Losing weight means eating less and moving more, period!

Being out of control for so long has left me feeling pretty overwhelmed, to say the least. So I feel like I need to start with some small changes. The point is, I need to do something instead of nothing, even if it's something small. So tomorrow I'm going to start these things:

Food plan - I'm going to just try to eat as healthy as I can for one day at a time. No binging.

Water - I'm going to try to drink 6-8oz. glasses of water (or do the best that I can).

Exercise - I'm going to do some walking every day (2 days off), either on my treadmill or outside, even if only for 10 minutes.

Diettalk - I'm going to start a progress journal here on Diettalk and post my progress each day. I'm also going to try to spend at least a little time each day here giving and receiving support and encouragement.

Cindy</STRONG>

Hi, I have never done this before, but I have turned wround and eating disorder and being overweight. It is really hard, but doable. The thing about the disorder is to know that it is a disease like alcoholism and it will always be with you. Kind of like quitting smoking, I hear that you are always tempted to light up again.

What go me through was exercise. At first so little that I didn't think it could be doing anything. Then I started to see changes and be able to increase distance/intensity. With this came more self confidence. They are all wrapped up together.

Good luck.

Hi Mertz -

I think your attitude and plan is wonderful and I admire you for your bravery! I too, used to be a regular binge eater and didn't fit the neat classifications of anorexic or bulimic, which made it really hard to find help. I didn't purge in the way most people do, but instead would do things like eat a whole Pepperidge Farm cake right out the freezer and then not eat for 2 days because I was so afraid of gaining weight! Even though I was thinner then than I am now I felt terrible and absolutely hated myself. I obessed about food constantly, either because I was starving myself, or I had gone over the edge on a binge and felt like I was completely out of control.

I am grateful to say that I have largely recovered from this now and rarely binge, though I still struggle with my weight. What really saved me was Overeaters Anonymous. I found that their program was perfect for addressing my binge eating and I learned how to eat regularly in normal healthy portions. I went for about a year, had a sponsor, read all the literature and leaned on the support of the group and slowly I noticed my obsession fading. It was such a relief because I had hated myself for so long for not being able to control my eating. They don't focus on dieting or losing weight, just eating healthy. Amazingly enough, I lost weight anyways just by eating regularly in normal portions and not binging! OA was truly a lifesaver for me.

I haven't been to OA in a while but have gone to meetings since then when I feel those old thought patterns threatening. When I do diet (like I am now) I have to really watch it because sometimes the concept of "dieting" make me start to obsess about food again. I've learned that if I'm having problems like that, I need to change my focus from losing weight to eating healthy, normal portion regular meals. The weight loss comes as a happy side effect. I have also found that it really helps me to have something small every 3 hours or so, if I don't, then I get too hungry and overeat. It sounds like you have absolutely the right idea about this - the snacks you brought are healthy and will help keep your blood sugar from dipping.

I think it's wonderful that you're going to a group. I don't know what program they follow but support and encouragement is what you really need. You WILL make it - if I can do it, anybody can! I wish you the absolute best in your efforts. Remember that you are not alone! I know how terribly painful binge eating can be for both body and mind and I'm sending you a hug...I hope you have a good day today!

Carrie

P.S. You probably already know about OA but if you don't and would like more info, feel free to e-mail me! There is also an OA folder on DT under the Weight Loss Programs - Misc category that has more info. :rose:

BBallGirl & Carrie,
Thank you SO much for your reply about this awful eating disorder. I definately want to answer your replies, but got to get to work now, so I'll be back this afternoon. If you get a chance you might read what I posted in my journal this morning.

Cindy

Hi gals,
BballGirl, I'm glad to hear that you've won the battle over an eating disorder. It's such a horrible way to live. It pays such a toll on you both physically and emotionally! Like you, I've come to realize that this is something that I'll have to work on for the rest of my life. But, I keep saying, that I will NEVER, EVER give up. I really think if it wasn't for this attitude I would have gained hundreds of more pounds by now.

I agree with you about the exercise too. Last winter I started doing my treadmill just 5 min. twice a day. Before I "fell off" my program and gave up, I was up to 30 min. in the morning and 18 min. after dinner.

Stay well BballGril!

Carrie,
Your reply to my post made my whole day. To finally find someone that understands the full extent of this eating disorder. Anerexia and bulimia are horrible to deal with also, I'm sure. And to find someone who can relate to exactly what you are going through really helps a lot.

I've gotten so much encouragement and support here from these wonderful people, and I hope every one of them are successful in their weight loss goals.

I am so glad that you have recovered from the binge eating and hope you will always be in control of your eating habits as you are now. You don't ever want to go back to that place that's a living HELL!!

About OA, I am very familiar with it, and have been in the group a few times. It is a good group, but right now I am doing something else. I do a weight management group at my church that I planned and organized myself a little over a year ago. I named the group New Focus. We meet once a week. We weigh in and then go over some materials I hand out at each meeting. We use a lot of charts and stickers and other fun stuff. At the end of each month we have a drawing for a $20 gift certificate. Each member earns chances at this drawing during the month for coming to the meetings, exercising during the week, not showing a gain etc... Also, during each meeting we have a personal share and discussion time. We try to have fun with the group.

Besides New Focus, I am coming here to Diettalk for help and support. So far I haven't been able to spend enough time to answer other people's posts, and that really bothers me because everyone has been so wonderful! I think I'm going to go on housewife strike!!!

Well, I'd better go for now. I wish you both great success in reaching your goals!

Cindy

Carrie,
I forgot to comment on something else you wrote. You said the concept of "dieting" sometimes causes you to obsess about food more. A couple of years ago, I decided I was sick and tired of being stuck on the diet-binge roller coaster. I had been doing Weight Watchers. And as long as I stuck to the program, I did good. But as soon as I went off program, I wanted everything I couldn't have while I was on program. So I quit dieting. No more weighing and measuring or counting calories or fats! I just decided to eat as healthy as I could for just one day at a time, get regular exercise and drink lots of water. And guess what happened? I began to lose weight. I lost a total of 19.5 lbs. in 26 weeks which averaged out to 3/4 lb. a week. And the best part was that I rarely felt deprived because I wasn't on a diet that determined that certain foods were off limits. I could have anything I wanted. The choice was mine. I had to learn to take responsibility and accept the choices I made. But it worked for me. Now if I can learn to stick with this program, I'll be all set ha?

Cindy

Hi Cindy,
I'm back for acouple days. Had a nice trip. Even those big bad buffets didn't get to me ,,,too bad! I had what I wanted and enjoyed. Now when I go next week, I am headed your way. I see you are in Michigan. Hubby is from there too. I am not as concerned about eating out this time as the Vegas trip. I can order better off a menu than a buffet! I don't know how kind my scale will be this next weigh in. But it's okay. I know if I indulge alittle I may see an increase. I can handle that. I will adjust back on track.

I love hearing all the positiveness in your writing. You mentioned not being a role model in your meetings? Yes YOU are! You are there and have discovered what to do to keep inline. Having a plan, learning how to eat daily is what we all have to do. We are getting better at it all the time. Sure we see some of our favorites and want to gobble them up. We are changing our eating habits. Doesn't happen overnight. I am NOT going to diet again. I want to eat daily not obsessing over every bite. Should I have this, how many calories? Nope, eating healthy can taste good while losing too. It works!

We CAN do this. You have a Great Attitude! :)

Welcome back Surgaree,
It's nice hearing from you again. Sounds like you did good with the buffets. This is one of my downfalls. My hubby and I go to them often, and truth is, I'm really not ready to give them up. I just try to do the best I can. I'm working on stopping as soon as I start to feel "something" from my stomach.

Where are you coming to in Michigan? I'm near Traverse City. Do you do a lot of traveling with you or hubby's work?

I'm afraid to admit that I haven't done a good job today. Been sloppy on my eating and just can't seem to get up the ambition to do my walking. I know that I need to make a serious committment to start a walking program. I've been very sloppy with that since I started. I just hate admitting these things after all the help and encouragement I've gotten from everyone here. Normally, I wouldn't. I'd just stay away and wallow in my own self-pitty and guilt.

I need to get up tomorrow, and put today behind me completely, and focus on tomorrow. I can see that we need to stay focused and on top of what we are doing every minute of the day.

Well, better go!

Cindy

Oh, I'm so happy everyone!
As you can see in my previous post here, I was so down yesterday. I was sloppy with my program, and the lack of motivation to do my walking was effecting my whole attitude about my program. I think I was having a pitty party. I heard Joyce Meyers say the other day on TV that those pitty parties are really a drag to go to because nobody else ever shows up. How true!

TODAY'S NEWS FLASH!! I've got some exciting news to share. My hubby and I went for a ride this morning and we discovered the most beautiful little park only 3.5 miles from our house. And there's a one mile paved walkway there. I can't believe It!! :eek: And we've lived here for 7 years. I'm so excited about this! I'm going to start going there as often as I can. And I'll set up a blank calendar for me to write all my walks down.

Cindy

Cindy,
What a difference one day made! You found more inspiration to get back on a program! That is how it happens. Incentive keeps ya going. You said buffetts were a routine? Yup, need to go there less if possible. Or when eating, remember, it's not the salad, but the toppings you add to that lettuce that can ruin your efforts. You said too you ate till you felt full. It takes your stomach 20 minutes to realize you have eaton! You can eat alot in 20 minutes. Try drinking a glass of water before each meal. It will help you to feel full. Try and leave a bite or two on your plate. If you like soups, look for the broths over creams. Buffets are tough, because our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. You can still pick the lighter choices and enjoy. :)

I will be in Detroit, and Indiana. Maybe Kentucky. I don't know Michigan like hubby, he is from a town called Royal Oak. Has family in Indiana, where he will see the Indy race this year. Sometimes we have to do what they like! :laugh: Only fair, he went with me when I visited back east. We don't normally travel this much out of state. Hoping for June to get in the pool and get to swim!

I am happy to hear you found the walking mile park. It will be a joy to go!

Talk To You Soon. ;)

Update - You are all going to be so proud of me! And I'm so proud of myself! Today is day #9 and I'm doing absolutely great on my program.

If you read back on this thread, you'll see that I came here a week ago in a desperate cry for help. I had been binge eating for several weeks, and consumed with pain and despair. I was terrified that I would fail again if I started another program. So I asked all of you for lots of support and encouragement, so that I could just stick with my program. And I received more then I ever imagined.

So, here I am on day #9 and I've lost 5 lbs. When I started on the 15th. I set a goal on Weight Commander to lose 3 lbs. by the end of the month. My goal now is to reach 199.75 so that I'm out of the 200 range. That gives me 3.75 lbs. to reach this goal.

About the binging, NONE since I started. I've been eating 3 meals and at least 3 snacks every day. And I'm drinking 6-8 oz. glasses of water every day. I've had a rocky start on the exercise part, but I've walked 5 miles in the last 3 days, since I found the paved walking track near my home. I think the Lord put it there just for me. ;)

I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again for all your support and encouragement and I wish you all success with your own weight management goals!

Love you all!
Cindy

Cindy,

THAT IS FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations! You have a right to be proud. Seeing the way you have turned your bad times around gives me a real boost. * * *

Karolyn

Way to go Cindy! * Now that you have seen some results it should be easier to stick to your guns. You go girl!

Great work, Cindy!!! I am glad you are giving your body what it needs in terms of food and exercise. Just keep going because you are headed down the right path to your destination.

Cindy what a turn around from the frist post to this latest one! You're doing great! I think that path was put there just for you! How nice. Congratulations!
* :rose: * :rose:

[ 05-23-2001: Message edited by: Debbi ]

Hi Friends,
I'm afraid I have some bad news to report, and I'm very disappointed in myself. I had my period this week, a pretty bad one, and I slipped back into the eating to deal with it. :(

I just wish I knew how to get through a difficult time like this without turning to food to medicate myself. I keep thinking that it should be as easy as just plain choosing not to do it. Maybe I didn't put enough effort into it. I guess what makes it so difficult, is that not only are your emotions all out of whack during this time of the month, but you are more physically hungry as well.

I guess what's really important here is that I accept the fact that I messed up, let it go and move on with my program. I know that none of us are expected to be perfect all the time. I've read over and over that it's not reaching a goal that's the most important thing. It's what we learn along the way that's the most important.

So today I need to focus on getting my body back into that healthy mode. And I guess I'm a little anxious about that transition. I know it's going to be hard. But I'm off work for 3 days, with plenty to do to keep busy. I've got 4 new members coming into my weight management group, so I've got lots of work to do to prepare for my first meeting with them.

Again, I appreciate all your love and support!

Cindy

Cindy,

Don't be disappointed in yourself. You've already decide to move on and you shoud be proud of yourself. Everyone has bad times. Look at the diet talk stars. They are doing fantastic, and we are amazed at their stories, however if you read their posts, you'll see that they have bad days they have to overcome, too.

I know we all have to find our own way through these times. There's no magic pill for this either. You will find the answer that will work for you. It may not be easy or quick, but it will happen.

You said you had to get ready for some new members at your group. You will be preparing some positive things to say. When you finish, go back and read them and tell them to yourself. Use the support you give others to help yourself.

Karolyn

This is something many of you might want to read. Not that what I have to say is so important, but it's important to my own success and may help encourage some of you too.

Has anyone else noticed a significant change in the way you think, and feel and act when you are with other people? I mean since you've lost some weight?

One of the things I've struggled with my whole life is low self-esteem. And as a result of that I've always had a real hard time socially. When it comes to family functions and other social gatherings, I'd much rather stay at home where I feel the most comfortable and safe from the judgement of others. The good news is that I've really been doing better with this, which brings me to the point of this post.

Since I started my program a couple of weeks ago, I've noticed that I feel a lot more comfortable when I'm spending time with other people. I feel a sense of security. I'm more comfortable with myself and no longer worry about what others think of me. I know I've lost some weight, and not only do I feel and look better, but I know others can see the weight loss too. And I know that if I stick to my program, I'll lose even more weight before I see those people again.

This is what I'm hanging onto today as I get myself back on my program. Because I want to feel like this all the time. I don't want to go back to those awful feelings that I felt when I was fat, and bloated and very insecure with myself.

Cindy

In response to Friday's post about messing up through a difficult time, I'm here with great news!! I made the transition back on program with not too much difficulty. I was quite hungry the first day, but I kept busy and stayed focused on my desire to get the 3/4 lb. I gained, off again.

And here I sit this morning with not only that 3/4 lb. gone, but another 1/4 along with it. So I've lost a total of 5.75 lbs. since the 15th. of May. COOL! ;)

Cindy

"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory"

Cindy..Way to go my friend..What an accomplishment..I am very proud of you and I hope you are proud of yourself also. Keep up the great work and you will see those pounds melt away. Have you been walking at that little park you found????? Have a great day and a good week.

Debbi

halfpint@diettalk.net

Psssst - Hey Halfpint,
Shhhh... Don't tell anyone okay? If Bev finds this out after that post of hers last night, she'll come all the way to Michigan (probably walk knowing her) and kick my butt!! :eek:

I haven't been walking at my little park, first because of my period and then then it's been cold and rainy for about 4 days here. Yup, I know! The rain and cold is a lame excuse because I have a treadmill. But guess what? I went today and walked 2 miles. And I promise to do better on the walking.

But, guess what else? I had another loss this morning. I'm now down 7.25 lbs. since the 15th. I'm so happy!! ;)

Thanks for the encouragement gal!

Cindy

HORRAY!! YIPPEE!! YES!!
Well I guess you're now looking at a no longer desperate, need help and encouragement gal. I've made it through that initial 21 day period that I talked about in my first post on this thread. ;) And I've lost 7.25 lbs. to boot!

Please don't think I'm bragging, because I'm not at all. I just can hardly believe the progress I've made during the last 3 weeks. I was so depressed and desperate for help and encouragement when I started. And now I feel like a whole new person.

It feels so good to feel good all the time. I'm even sleeping so much better now. If I'm feeling tired at all, it's not so overwhelming that I have to lay down for a nap. And my social life is so much better. No longer do I want to stay home and isolate myself from the rest of the world. I actually find myself wanting to go out and socialize with people. I just feel so good! I don't ever want to go back to that awful life of a binge eater.

Again, thank you all for your encouragement and support. I really don't know how I would have made these changes without all of you. I love you all!

Cindy

I was just about to come and kick your buns, but then I noticed this morning that you're DOING FANTASTIC! I think you need to start a new thread, with a more appropriate title!! No more desparation here! :x *

That is so great Mertz. We are so proud of you.

Originally posted by mertz:
<STRONG>HORRAY!! YIPPEE!! YES!!
Well I guess you're now looking at a no longer desperate, need help and encouragement gal. I've made it through that initial 21 day period that I talked about in my first post on this thread. ;) And I've lost 7.25 lbs. to boot!

Please don't think I'm bragging, because I'm not at all. I just can hardly believe the progress I've made during the last 3 weeks. I was so depressed and desperate for help and encouragement when I started. And now I feel like a whole new person.

It feels so good to feel good all the time. I'm even sleeping so much better now. If I'm feeling tired at all, it's not so overwhelming that I have to lay down for a nap. And my social life is so much better. No longer do I want to stay home and isolate myself from the rest of the world. I actually find myself wanting to go out and socialize with people. I just feel so good! I don't ever want to go back to that awful life of a binge eater.

Again, thank you all for your encouragement and support. I really don't know how I would have made these changes without all of you. I love you all!

Cindy</STRONG>

Way to go Mertz.. you are doing awesome..now when you feel like you are gonna blow it go back and read your last message to remind how far you've come since your first one here on this thread.

Mertz,
I am so pleased to hear how well you are doing! I was reading thru the posts. Boy, you have come along way! I gotta tell ya. It rained the entire time we were in Michigan! :laugh: So I see why you didn't walk, but you have your backup treadmill. Keep Moving, You're doing great! :x