cant get into the right frame of mind!help!

uniquechic

Ive been trying to lose weight since september and Here I am, 9 months later, at the same weight!
I lost 6 pounds before xmas, and then totally derailed over the festive season, eating everything around me and drinking lots of alcohol. I put on 7 pounds. After that I went back to eating right and lost a few, but easter caused the same to happen again. I just cant seem to get rid of this all or nothing attitude I have.
Also, trying to eat healthily has actually made my cravings worse. Before this when I wasnt trying to lose weight I would eat chocolate and stuff but never the binges I have now. My thoughts are consumed with cake and where in the day I can slip in a cup of tea and a slice of cake. I never thought like this before I tried to lose weight! Also, I am living with a good friend whose also trying to lose weight and shes doing so well. When shes there I eat well but when shes not I get this urge to eat bad stuff because shes not there to see me and judge me.
I also work in a cafe and weekends and just constantly pick at food there because theres always food left out for us to eat...
I know I have problems binging and eating for emotional reasons, but this fixation with food is driving me crazy and it has to stop! I know you will all say encorporate small treats but that doesnt work for me either because I just get a taste for them and want them more. Im currently 135 pounds and want to get down to around 119...can anyone help me?

uniquechic

bump

va_va_voom

Stop dieting and start changing the way that you eat. Make this a lifestyle, not just a way to lose weight.

Pre-plan for holidays or festive get-togethers. Consider ahead of time what the menu will be and what options you can make to keep things as healthy as possible. Only eat treats if they're REALLY worth it. For example, I went to my friend's daughter's bday party and steered clear of things like fried chicken wings, potato salad, etc. and ate a couple of handfuls of baby carrots, some fresh fruit, and one hot dog w/bun. I had a small slice of cake - only b/c it was not store bought (wasn't going to waste the calories on something not homemade!). Also, eating a small, healthy meal ahead of time will fill you up so you're less likely to overeat at an event.

Find healthy alternatives for the things you like that aren't that great for you. If you're not sure where to start, check out the Hungry Girl website - I just learned about it last week and think it's an awesome resource for healthy alternatives.

If you're "grazing" at work when you're at the cafe, pack some healthy snacks that you can grab and nosh on instead of picking at the food they put out. Free isn't always better.

It sounds like you're psyching yourself out with "deprivation" talk. You *can* find a healthy balance between the things you should be putting into your body and things you want to put into your body. You just have to stop looking at any one food like it's forbidden, IMO. Try to follow an 80/20 rule. Eat 80% healthy and 20% the things you crave - but make sure you portion the 20%, too.

uniquechic

thanks for the reply!Im gonna try some of these tips this weekend

va_va_voom

Awesome! Reply back here and let me know how you do. Or, feel free to add me as a friend if you could use some regular encouragement.

Libro27b

I am proud of you for not giving up entirely! Everyday is a new day and a new chance to do well. You will succeed :flowerforyou: