Disappointed in myself

enchantedgardener

I decided I was going to start tracking my calories again. I haven't been able to do so for a while now because work has been crazy busy with overtime and general madness. But I decided it was time to get back on the calorie-counting wagon because, well, I've been able to maintain my weight for a while now but I'd really like to see it headed downwards again. I still have quite a bit to lose.

I started my day off right yesterday with a big healthy lunch, packed snacks and planned my dinner for my evening shift at work. All went well until mid-way through my shift. Stress and frustration got to me. I started mindlessly devouring on everything in front of me: french fries, chocolate, nuts, cheese. I HATE myself when this happens. I'm so embarrassed by my total lack of self-control. It's awful. And of course I really don't even know how much I ate during this binge. I think night shifts are worse for me in this respect. Fewer people on shift means things can get overwhelming at times, and of course it's easier to hide the fact that I'm constantly snacking. *sigh*

Working in a restaurant kitchen poses a serious difficulty when it comes to staying on course with my healthy eating habits. I'm surrounded with all kinds of food - both healthy and unhealthy - at all times.

Today is a new day and I know I should just focus on making it a better one than yesterday. But I'm still troubled by my failure last night. I could really use your kind words of encouragement right now.

Blessings, love, and light to all of you on a similar journey.

runningcat76

You're not alone. I don't do shifts but can imagine evening/night time to be so hard. I find evenings hard at home.
Stay strong, just take one day at a time and have faith in yourself that you can do it.
We're all behind you!

75Juniper

I've been reading a lot of blogs about self-talk and how it helps/hinders our goals (weight loss or otherwise). Something that has really stuck with me is this: treat yourself the way you would treat someone you love. If a friend was beating herself up over a slip, what would you say to her? What gentle and kind things would you tell her? :flowerforyou:

WillLift4Tats

Working in a kitchen environment would be such a challenge, I can definitely understand your struggle. I hope today has gone better for you

Please don't dwell on past mistakes. It hardly, if ever, makes a positive difference in your actions. Focus on what you can do in the future. Write down some things you can do when you're stressed/frustrated instead of turning to food. Some ideas:

- Giving yourself a pep talk. I know this sounds silly but I've literally told myself, out loud on occasion "I am worth being healthy. I deserve to treat my body well. I deserve to reach my goals." etc. I self-sabotage like crazy and sometimes I need to remind myself that I don't deserve it. You don't deserve it either.

- Singing a fun/inspiring/favorite/upbeat song. Again, a silly thought but I was on the verge of a binge when I thought of Katy Perry's "Stronger", started humming, then singing it out loud to myself. It empowered me to choose NOT to binge.

- Log into this site and browse success stories. There's so many inspiring stories posted here, just give them a read.

- Write down some fitness goals. What would you like to do? Run a 5k? Do a pullup? Focus on positive things you want for the future. Even if you're at work, this would be a good mental exercise to focus on instead of food.

Stay positive!