Food Guilt

joebooth28

Things on my diet have been going really well. I was at 387 and have dropped to 365 in 3 weeks. I eat between 1700-2000 calories a day. I know thats "below" recommended but it is very manageable for me. I also am walking 3 times a week and its already getting easier. My problen lies in guilt now when I eat. I know I am eating less but I feel guilty. I am disgusted right now when I see myself and I know eating got me that way. Even when I enjoy something moderate I feel like I let myself down. I have such an unhealthy relationship with food. Maybe I should talk to a professional?

jemhh

joebooth28 wrote: »

Things on my diet have been going really well. I was at 387 and have dropped to 365 in 3 weeks. I eat between 1700-2000 calories a day. I know thats "below" recommended but it is very manageable for me. I also am walking 3 times a week and its already getting easier. My problen lies in guilt now when I eat. I know I am eating less but I feel guilty. I am disgusted right now when I see myself and I know eating got me that way. Even when I enjoy something moderate I feel like I let myself down. I have such an unhealthy relationship with food. Maybe I should talk to a professional?

Guilt should be reserved for things like running over your neighbor's dog or stealing money from Grandma's purse to buy scratch off tickets. I would not search out a professional yet, as you need time to get adjusted. I think a lot of us go through a "mad at ourselves" phase and we can be pretty unkind to ourselves mentally. You're making good changes right now and at a certain point it all should click and you'll feel better when you realize that thoughtful moderation in eating (especially eating treats) is something you can continue with. If you continue to struggle with guilty feelings, you might need counseling, but right now I think you're going through a very normal/common phase. Give yourself a break--you're doing well. Best of luck to you.

Adc7225

Give it some time. I know what you are going through, that point were you start recognizing what a dysfunctional relationship you have with food and wonder if you can ever have a really good healthy relationship with food. Yes, it will take some time and some getting in-tune with your body but as you educate yourself about eating and find your balance between health and enjoyment the guilt will be gone.

In the beginning I went through some tough times and I would also wonder if when it was all said and done, would I look back and wonder what a cry-baby I was. The answer was yes, but it was what I needed at the time, to be a cry-baby! Your health is the most important thing and while it may be tough getting to a healthy place it is nothing like what you would go through staying where you were.

Keep up the great work and stay connected to MFP - Best wishes.

RodaRose

If you have access to a professional, go find a good one. Whenever we go through a big change like you describe, some of us need help with the feelings. For now, trust yourself and know that you are making good decisions.