Working the program... NA, SA and AA

CariBgood

Do you ever feel like your working an addiction program? I feel like that's what I'm doing. EVERYDAY I have this mantra..."it works if you keep on working it" I have stagnated the last couple of weeks. I worry myself daily about the calories and carbs I am putting into my body. I worry that if I eat the exercise calories then I won't lose, if I don't eat the exercise calories I won't lose. I have to believe that if I keep on keeping track and I exercise 5 days per week, that eventually this will work. It would help to hear from some other people....

MrsHyland

I'm sorry you are having a tough time. Unfortunately this is a hard journey you have decided to take on. But the biggest thing is finding what works for YOU. Lots of people have already found what works for them, but maybe it won't for you. If you are already losing, then keep doing what you are doing. If you aren't losing, try something different. Maybe eat back half your exercise calories instead of all or none. Try a different type of exercise or experiment with different foods. You will hit your stride eventually as long as you keep working at it. Good luck to you, I know you can do this. And I'm here to offer encouragement the best I can.

:flowerforyou: Meghan

gc_tweety

I worry that you worry too much! =D If you trust the program you will not have to worry so much. And yes, some days I do. One of my mantras is: One day at a time, one hour at a time, sometimes -one minute at a time and one bite at a time. Eventually thought it becomes second nature with a few little bumps in the road here and there. Good luck!!

clairedance

I totally hear that. The difference here is that you can't cut food out of your life, you can't avoid social situations where there will be food, and food will always be around. I guess the difference is making peace with food and with your relationship with it. Also making peace with your body and your relationship with your body. This is not a war, there is no way to destroy the enemy in order to win. There ARE ups and downs but you are worth it every step of the way. Your body needs the calories and carbs that you are eating. But your body also needs love and respect. How do you want this process to look for you?

cookieluvsya

That is totally how I feel.. food is def my drug.. I just can't seem to walk away from my 2 year old's leftovers when we have dinner.. Then after I do eat I feel like such a pig, such an idiot that I put so much damn effort all day just to come home and throw all the hard efforts down the drain. . That is just one of the many examples, and everyday is such a hard battle but they say if you keep up with something for long enough it will start to stick.. Im praying it does.. I also go to the bathroom and look at myself in the huge mirror at night.. kinda helps not to indulge.. good luck :bigsmile:

Bull2707

Good info from everyone so far. You may have a long term goal, which you should. What is the end product you want to have? Then break into reason small goals. Example 3 pounds per week for 5 weeks. I have a reasonable cheat day every Sunday. Healthy snack with my two beers. It keeps me from going nuts.
Eating five meals a day does not work for me. Eating right and exercising the crap out of myself does. Find what works for you!! Good lluck and kick *kitten*!!

mommasox

I hear ya... I obess about what I am eating, what I am going to eat. Should I eat my exercise calories back or not? I beat myself up when I eat something naughty that is high in calories and if I don't work out or work out hard enough. Sometimes I feel like just not tracking for a while to stop the worry but then I worry about that too, that I will gain more. But in over 3 months i have only lost 8 pounds so I guess what I am doing is not working either.

Thanks for posting this. Its nice to know that I am not alone.

slowturtle1

I worry that you worry too much! =D If you trust the program you will not have to worry so much. And yes, some days I do. One of my mantras is: One day at a time, one hour at a time, sometimes -one minute at a time and one bite at a time. Eventually thought it becomes second nature with a few little bumps in the road here and there. Good luck!!

I agree. When I first started MFP back in March I obsessed over everything! My husband would tell you I still do, but I've come to a place in my journey where now I can trust that I know what will work and I can relax a little and know that even if I mess up, I can fix it..

The big picture can be overwhelming at times, but it is important to have an idea of what you're shooting for. Small steps was the key for me, as stated above, sometimes very small (minute to minute). I took advice and tried it until it either a) didn't work, or b) was stressing me out too much, and then I tried something new. I always gave it at least two weeks any time I made a change. You will find your groove and you'll be on your way! Good luck!

TriciaAllen7251

Food addiction is the absolute worst! If you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, all that stuff is something you can live without and not miss out too much, but food, you have to face that demon every day, every meal. Good luck and keep working it. It works if you work it.