In a rut...

mrsbullard21

This is probably my tenth or so attempt at weight loss. I've tried just about every diet out there - Atkins, South Beach, low glycemic index, low-fat - but I've never been able to stick with anything. So I finally decided that rather than dieting, I would just make better choices - whole grain rather than white, more fruits and veggies, cut back on sweets, drink more water.

But just like when I've dieted, I did really well for the first week or so...week two was a little tougher, but doable...and then by week three I've got a donut in one hand, chocolate milk in the other, and lunch plans at McDonalds with enough to feed two people.

It's so frustrating. I feel like a drug addict that needs a hit and ends up binging. It's always been this way, and I've noticed a very scary pattern - I feel bad about myself; I diet; I binge; and then I gain 10-15 pounds. Right now I'm at my very heaviest at 240 and I'm terrified of how much I may potentially gain in the next cycle of this way of eating.

Any suggestions on how you've overcome the need-to-binge feeling? I've tried motivational quotes posted in my home, I've tried journaling, and now I'm trying MFP but have ended up in the same place.

emmaleigh47

How about planning your binges and earning them with exercise?
You have to get control of the binges, but if you plan treats for yourself after earning those calories with exercise maybe you will feel better about it?

buffalogal1979

The best thing that worked for me was to make small changes, slowly. So the first thing I started with was to just change how much I was eating. I didn't even try to change WHAT I was eating, I just worked on appropriate portion sizes. After that was mastered, I started swapping healthier foods for some of the other stuff I was eating. After that, I started working out. I was an athlete in high school, so I went back to some of the things I had enjoyed then. I aimed for 20 min/day.

After a while I was losing well, feeling better, and I didn't want to go back to the pattern of over eating. I know what you mean about feeling like an addict. It can be really hard. The first couple of weeks, all I could think about was eating - when, how much, what... it gets better.

And I can't cut out some things - So I leave room (or try to) more days than not, to be able to have some ice cream or frozen yogurt. I mean, really, I LOVE ice cream - I'm not giving that up for anything :laugh:

That's just what has helped me. Everyone is different. Actually right now I'm a little stuck, so I will have to make some more changes, but that's how it goes. One day at a time. Feel free to add me as a friend.
HTH
J

meggonkgonk

PLANNING!!

First of all I LOVE junk food- pizza, ice cream, donuts, chips, you name it I like it!

But for me, this became about making those things something I consciously choose rather than I run out the door with no food prepared for the day and have to get subway just to get through to dinner. I keep food on hand so that I really can make going out the exception, not the rule (and I do go out proly 2-3 times a week still).

I start with a big, filling breakfast- something protein based, then have snacks for throughout the day, and lunch is usually a sandwich, soup or wrap with a piece of fruit.

If you get your basics planned out, so you know what to reach for and have it on hand, it will make things infinitely easier. And when you want a donut have the donut. But maybe find a way to skip the McD's.

thedeegan4

I know exactly how you feel. I am just coming out of a rut myself. You can do this. Making a lifestyle change is not easy, at all! You have to remember that you didn't put the weight on over night and it's not going to come off that fast either (it comes off a lot slower than it went on). We are all here for support and will do whatever we can to help you. You can do this! Set small goals for yourself and like PP said, plan your binges. If you know you are going to have treats, be sure and exercise to allow for those treats.

danamfinn

I am in week 7 of a 12 week fitness challenge and I want nothing more than a fricken pizza, but I know if I have just one slice I will want the entire thing.

The hardest part of this was overcoming the craving for food, if you can go at least 4 weeks without giving up, then you can probably accomplish anything you put your mind to. Just remember, food is a fuel source, try to eat things that are good for you, but also taste good. If you eat things that are good for you, but taste bad, your mind will just keep telling you to pick up the donut.

Try black forest cake/ red velvet cake or strawberry shortcake yoplait light yogurt, or skinny cow ice cream sandwiches if you are craving the "bad" foods...these are delicious and you feel like you are cheating, but you aren't! Just stick to protein and veggies for meals. You can do it!

mrsbullard21

Thanks for all the suggestions - planning is definitely my Achilles heel! And it's not because I don't have enough time, it's simply because I'm usually too lazy to get it done.

I'm going to try to plan cheats...maybe once every 2 weeks treat myself to something, but exercise to make up for it. I'm very much the type of thinker that says, "Okay, I've worked hard so I 'deserve' this." So maybe that will trick my mind into thinking that if I want that chocolate chip cookie then I have to earn it somehow.

I really appreciate all the support. Thanks so much ladies!

Dreamerlove

try to surround yourself with friends (on mfp and in real life) who have goals like you do. Look for friends on MFP that have completed their journey and lost tons of weight and maintaining. This may NOT be you, but I find when I am not social and don't have constant fun activities planned with friends, I tend to fall off the wagon. Like I need to look forward to something, I am always stalking my MFP friends, food diary's and exercise's to see if I can keep up. YOU CAN DO IT!!! I PROMISE!!!

Dreamerlove

Also I have on day a week, and its never the same day where I don't count cals. I don't wait till friday to cheat. I just go with the flow, If I wake up one morning and I do good with breakfast but then I crave pizza I will say to myself, I can have pizza today but do I want to wait or have it today? Also the more you eat whole fresh foods, the more you will stop craving the bad foods. Just take two weeks or more and don't have any cheat days and then when its time to cheat you might not even want it. Once you see results and see how good you feel, it will be eaiser.

I plan to eat foods off of here, mainly the first two teirs nothing processed (or I try at least, thats my goal) http://teambeachbody.com/eat-smart/michis-ladder Also drink half your body weight in outsizes daily. Thats my fav secret.

robertf57

I would also recommend a buddy. Someone to be accountable to ( and for) that will help keep you on track!

callipygianchronicle

I believe strongly that for anyone who has more than 20-pounds to lose, a big chunk of this battle happens on the inside. It’s about finding your own worth, and believing that you are worthy of having a healthier body. But it also means accepting the body you have right now, without hatred and judgement. Probably the most inspirational post I have read on the subject here is a recent Success Story: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/201844-from-295-to-onederland . Along with a series of blog posts from a user named superwmn: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-1-48846 .

Wishing you luck on your journey. And reminding you that there is no all or nothing. Every day you log in, you have made progress. Celebrate it. Own it. And get ready to fly!

koosdel

I'm a grazer. Part of why I exercise is so I can eat more. I think people like us should try to maintain a healthy diet, but benefit more from aggressive exercise.

slapshotgolf

I've been there...believe me...and not that long ago. I just hit the 90 lb loss mark this morning, and it did it in less than 20 weeks. I'm going to post a blog later reflecting on why this is different for me - but in summary.

1. Diet alone will not do it. You have to commit to an exercise regimen. Doesn't have to be a hard workout everyday (all depending on how quickly you want to drop the weight), but even if it just starts with a 30 minute walk once per day, you can up the effort as the weight falls off and you're capable.

2. You have to me mentally prepared. Lose the defeatist attitude if you have one. I can rhyme off several diets that have failed for me in the past. Who cares. This is not a diet. Its a tool and support centre for people that want to change their lives. Procrastination is generally a big factor in weight gain.

3. Build your network of friends. Great people on this site. It's not corporate (its free, so the advertising has to pay the bills). Just genuine people trying to change, and in some cases save their lives. Ask to "friend" someone on the site. Not only will you get great support, but you start to feel accountable to them, and that will keep you on track. You can add me if you like, and have a look at my diary over the last few months.

The great news is, you've decided to take the first step - which is one of the hardest. Good job.

SSG.