how to stay on track when so sad

Whenever i'm sad, depressed, or incredibly upset... I actually try to resort to exercise instead of food. Mainly because I know with exercise, my feelings will come out. Instead of hiding them by shoving food in, I'm bawling my eyes out as I walk/run. And I do feel better afterwards.

Do what you know will make him proud. Work hard and stay fit as if he's right beside you, telling you that you're doing the right thing.

So sorry for your loss. Stay strong and keep going.

Yes, you will hear his voice again - over and over in the little things that he always told you. And, know that your Dad is always with you - he did wish you a happy birthday in your heart. He is so proud of you taking care of yourself. Be patient with the grief, it is difficult and your heart, mind and body need to grieve.

I am so sorry. My dad died several years ago in January. I feel like I sat on the couch in a pair of fleece pants and ate constantly all winter. But, you're already on the site and doing the work and you know your dad wants that for you. Try to stock up on lowfat cheese, Greek yogurt, precut veggies, almond coconut milk, popcorn, all the lowfat, easy snacks you can think of so you can grab them and munch without harming yourself. Keep your food diary. Take walks and think about happy times with your dad. Grief comes in waves. When it washes over you, let the tears come. But, when the wave is passed, come up for air and do what's good for you. Do it for him. Big hugs!

I buried my dad 2 months and 2 days ago. I know what you are feeling. It STILL isn't real and I've yet to go to his grave. I probably won't for a VERY long time. My birthday is in 25 days and I won't see him either...it's still so surreal. I ate crap for a while, too. Then I felt even worse for weeks after. He died suddenly of heart issues. That will NOT be me. So I pulled myself together and for the past 2 weeks, have focused on eating within my calories and still getting in activity. I can't say when it might get easier...but it will for both of us.

I am so sorry for your loss. My mom passed away 4 years ago after having pancreatic cancer for 1-1/2 years. Depression from loss can just make good eating go out the window, I know. Just take 1 day at a time. Log your food every day, even if you overeat, because it will still keep your mind focused your weight goals. Exercise releases those endorphins, so even if you can't do your complete workout, just getting a little exercise, a walk here or there, should help you feel a little better physically. Know that your MFP peeps are here for you. Please feel free to add me as a friend.

Lost my wonderful Dad almost 18 months ago. He battled prostate cancer for 3 years, and it was awful. I miss him every single day. As I write this in many ways it still does not seem possible he is gone. I am sorry for your loss and understand your pain.

Give yourself time and let your heart, mind and body heal from this terrible loss. Right now your grief is to heavy to force yourself into any big choices. Don't beat yourself up over food- it will just create another obstacle. Feed your soul and your body with kindness, healthy food and exercise. Yoga, walking, swimming - stress reducing activities are a good place to start. Take care and get some rest too. Follow your heart.

I know exactly how you feel. My grandmother passed away on September 9th and it was really difficult to stay motivated. I would go to the park and walk and listen to music and cry. It DOES get easier, but it takes time. I'm sorry for your loss and wish you the best

I am so sorry for your loss

You sound just like me, I am very sorry for your loss and I know exactly how you feel. I lost my Father about 18 months ago after a 5 year battle with colon cancer, and on that day stopped exercising. It has taken over a year to get back on track and I am still not 100% there.

It will take time, right now you need to grieve but remembering all the good times does help. If you need to, talk to a counselor....they can help. I wish you the best but I also recommend don't give up on exercising and eating healthy

I'm so sorry tamba to hear of the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent has got to be one of the most traumatic life events we ever go through. Please do everything you can to take care of yourself as best you can. Don't fight the grief/sadness; you need to take the time to mourn his loss and grieve in whatever way helps you personally. Sometime down the road, you will be ready to deal with "staying on track". It doesn't mean you won't have bumps in the road or setbacks, but you will be able to do it right most of the time and achieve the goals you're hoping for. Your Dad will probably be sitting on your shoulder giving you a gentle nudge when he thinks you need it most. Hugs to you.

I lost my Dad 23 years ago, he's been gone now longer than I had him. Regardless of the time. sometimes it feels fresh as yesterday, but I can tell you that wound left in your heart will heal over.

It will get easier to process the loss and missing Dad. You'll never like it and you will always miss him. But there are days and they will come more frequently as time and grief pass that you can think of him or hear phrases people say, or see things that make you think of your dad and it will be a comfort and a happy thing. But I wish I could tell you your birthday will come and it not be hard, but it still isn't there for me. My dad's birthday was 15 days before mine, so my birthday is always a reminder that we split the difference and celebrated both halfway in the middle of his and mine together.

I can say that if you have kids you will gift them if you can with his silly things and stories, and his spirit will continue. Because I believe no one is gone as long as someone remembers, one to tell and one to listen. So you have shared your dad with us, and we will remember.

So here's my silly thing me and my daddy used to do, I passed it to my kids. Nutrition be damned. My Dad loved few things as much as Dairy Queen soft serve in a dish savored with Sonic onion rings, followed up with half a Three Musketeers candy bar split with me and a Diet Dr. Pepper. We split just one order of all of that once a week on thursdays, his day off and he spent it with me. Always with me. And the joke to finish the day: " do you want to hear a dirty joke?" Yes daddy, "Ok, he'd say.....a white horse fell in a mud puddle!"

So, don't beat yourself up. Stay on track as best as you can. Cry when need be. And know as long as you remember him and share his spirit he is never gone.

Much love to you. My dad and yours I'm sure are smiling and having a grand ole time up there.

A dear friend died a few weeks ago, I keep telling myself that he would want me to honor his memory by finding the humor in dark moments and noticing the little things that are good in life. Grief is a roller coaster. I went through this when my dad passed away. This time I am letting myself feel joy when I do in the knowledge that the tears come anyway at random times. On a more practical note, try to go outside and get some fresh air.