Teetering on the Edge

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Need some support. Positive progress toward better fitness has been a major objective for me since my cancer treatment ended in 2008. I have had huge positive success in health factors and appearance.

With so many years of experience, I am self-aware enough to know when I am losing my way. It is happening now! The last time it happened was in May when I had a lumbar disk burst. I had to change my exercise campaign (from increasing muscular and aerobic strength) to physical therapy and pain management. I forced myself to switch to maintenance calories and to continue to find ways to move my body (sometimes it was lying on the floor, knees bent, lifting one foot at a time). Very proud that despite meds that cause weight gain, significant changes in activity and challenges galore, I only put on three pounds.

Now I am good to go. I brought the exercise back in, but I am struggling so much with food. September through December is traditionally my hardest time with food. I am finding myself raiding the multiplying candy jars at work, eating continuously (at least healthily at home); restless in sleep as I deal with the changing seasons and I am having trouble mobilizing myself to reinstitute good habits.

Ideas and suggestions will be appreciated. Warning, I seem to post at either really busy times or off times so I will bump this shamelessly, because I know many of you will have suggestions or words of support.

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Bump

Wow this showed up on the board for two seconds only and I see that someone else has posted a similar topic in a different category. So this may not be the avenue for motivtion and support for my individual case. I don't want to shamelessly bump all day. That makes me feel desparate (and then I comfort with food).

Maybe I use this day to turn to friends and family for advice instead. When my husband gets back from walking the dog, we'll have a serious food in the house sit-down conversation (He is grocery shopper in chief and he has been buying more of the "treats" that I love). At work on Monday, I'll change my routine and not walk past candy jar desks (I'll make people come to my desk if I need to talk in person).

Anyway, just writing down the problem and owning it has helped me go into concrete problem solving mode.

heatherloveslifting

Exercise and eat more protein helps me not feel hungry!

Or you could just start lifting and build some muscle while you eat higher calories and maintain and then cut fat later when you're in a better frame.

wimeezer

Well done you for maintaining during that difficult time.

Remember why you started...

Don't let a bad day derail you. Take a deep breath, look at what triggered the response (the awareness will help you next time) take another deep breath and move on.

Take it a day at a time; we all stumble now and again. What matters is getting up and starting again.

Look at all the positive work you've already achieved. You've got this:)

Friend me if you like-I'm here often and like cheering.

You can do this!

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Thanks, both of you.

I really appreciate the friend support. Thanks for the friend offer. I go back and forth about using the friend feature. I am a social-media-phobe. I was actually on MyFitnessPal for over a year under a different name (successful, but wanted a fresh start) and never used the friend feature. I will give it some serious thought though.

GuybrushThreepw00d

Try it out for size, worst case you unfriend everyone in a week

katevarner

If you decide to accept friends, feel free to send me a request.

I agree that in addition to making healthier choices (maybe take snacks with you to work to avoid the candy jars?) you could try lifting enough weight that the majority of the pounds you gain at this time could come from muscle, then after the holidays you can try to cut calories and fat. Also, since the weather is cooler, if you live somewhere that it's possible, get out and walk more. I see you have a dog? My dog encourages me to get out and walk even when I don't want to, and it helps both of us to add longer distances. Also gives us both less time in the house to overeat.

Good luck!