Losing/Getting Healthy While Grieving - Emotional Eating

TexasTallchick

My 45yo husband died unexpectedly not long ago and it turned my whole world upside down. I wasn’t in great shape to begin with, but since then, I‘ve gained about 50lbs stuffing my face when I was sad/lonely/depressed/anxious which was pretty much all day, every day. Some days still is.

I still miss him an unmeasurable amount, but I know he wouldn’t want me to grieve him forever, but find happiness again with him in my heart. I’ll always miss him and love him, but I need to figure out how to do that without being perpetually sad that his life ended way too early.

So, I’m looking for anyone who has also gained weight due to emotional eating or the like. Or, just anyone dedicated to making progress, no matter how slowly it may go. I weigh/measure my food and do my best to log meticulously. It’s been a little haphazard as of recent, but I’m dedicated to buckling down.

Thank you!! 🕷

littleblackskirt

I'm sorry you lost your husband so young. I just wanted to say that it will get easier, and if you want to lose some weight that could be a good project to concentrate on.

I get how sad and lonely you feel. Over 25 years ago, my husband died suddenly aged only 39. I lived in the country and was quite isolated. After the children were in bed at night I felt very alone and started to eat as comfort. I didn't binge eat or anything but the extra treats added up. I finally got myself into gear and lost 50lbs. Unfortunately I didn't master not comfort eating, and over the years as life was good/bad I yo-yo'ed up and down. Lost 40lbs, put some on again, lost 30lbs.

I'm back on mfp since June and determined this will be the last time. I WILL learn to maintain properly! I'll be 60 next year and the older I get the more I realise how important my health is.

So I'd say be gentle with yourself. If you have a bad day, just move on, it's understandable. Find something to occupy you. I learnt to garden, a time consuming hobby! And it is so worth doing it now, don't wait until you're my age!