Dedication Vs. Obsession

TFG_em · September 2014

I started trying to lose weight about two years ago, and I have since lost about 25 lbs. I would still like to lose about 15-20 lbs. more, but I hit a plateau a few months ago. A few weeks ago when I joined MFP, I decided to really buckle down in order to break through the weight loss wall I've hit. I am very serious about it, and have been very strict about my diet and exercise regimen.

A few days ago, I was at a birthday party and had a slice of birthday cake. I still feel guilty about it. I was talking to a friend, and I mentioned how guilty I feel if I eat something I think I shouldn't have. She seemed concerned and told me that it sounded like I was on my way to developing an eating disorder. Personally, I don't think I'm in danger of developing an eating disorder. However, I am wondering now how I should balance my diet and exercise, and how to know the difference between dedication and obsession. I don't want to feel guilty for indulging occassionally, but I do want to stay disciplined as I move forward with my weight loss. Am I just being too hard on myself?

I want to stay committed to my diet, but I don't want it to consume me so much so that I can no longer enjoy the foods I love. I want to lose/maintain my weight, but I also want to maintain a generally healthy relationship with food. Any advice?

Also, I'm still new to MFP so anyone in their 20s/30s with 20 lbs. or so to lose, please friend me. I login almost daily.

Shirotora88 · September 2014

I don't think feeling guilty about eating cake is an eating disorder.. I sometimes feel guilty too, but remember we are human we sometimes slip on our diets. I wouldn't worry too much about one day of over eating. Do not get discouraged as your doing great

That being said some people believe in a cheat day anyways.. Some others will argue that though

WickedPineapple · September 2014

Feeling guilty about having one slice of cake + still feeling guilty days later? Not an eating disorder, but definitely disordered thinking.

If it fit into your calories, macros, etc., eat the cake. This is not a 'slip' or a mistake or 'wrong'.

If it doesn't, don't eat the cake. Or eat half a slice. Or eat the whole slice anyway and eat slightly less the next day. Either way you choose to handle it, lose the guilt.

msalamun · September 2014

I started trying to lose weight about two years ago, and I have since lost about 25 lbs. I would still like to lose about 15-20 lbs. more, but I hit a plateau a few months ago. A few weeks ago when I joined MFP, I decided to really buckle down in order to break through the weight loss wall I've hit. I am very serious about it, and have been very strict about my diet and exercise regimen.

A few days ago, I was at a birthday party and had a slice of birthday cake. I still feel guilty about it. I was talking to a friend, and I mentioned how guilty I feel if I eat something I think I shouldn't have. She seemed concerned and told me that it sounded like I was on my way to developing an eating disorder. Personally, I don't think I'm in danger of developing an eating disorder. However, I am wondering now how I should balance my diet and exercise, and how to know the difference between dedication and obsession. I don't want to feel guilty for indulging occassionally, but I do want to stay disciplined as I move forward with my weight loss. Am I just being too hard on myself?

I want to stay committed to my diet, but I don't want it to consume me so much so that I can no longer enjoy the foods I love. I want to lose/maintain my weight, but I also want to maintain a generally healthy relationship with food. Any advice?

Also, I'm still new to MFP so anyone in their 20s/30s with 20 lbs. or so to lose, please friend me. I login almost daily.

First of all, congrats on your results so far! Your dedication to living healthy for so long and the progress you have made already should make you proud! And since you're looking for even more results, I think MFP is a great resource to help you continue towards your goals! So Welcome!

As for your topic, this is not obsession, and eating a slice of cake is not something to obsess about. Don't feel guilty about indulging if you only do it once in a while. Indulgence is an important part of life and a healthy lifestyle. I think part of us all wants to be healthy to enjoy life to the fullest, and that includes the treats from time to time. From your post, it already sounds like you know how to balance diet and exercise and are disciplined on your fitness journey. But it is important to balance all aspects of life. Not occassionally induling in a treat would be too hard on yourself. So enjoy those occassional indulgence (but, as you probably know, all things in moderation)! That's part of enjoying life! And if you're still feeling guilty about it, do as the others have already posted: try and fit those calories into your MFP account; and maybe just go a little longer/harder on your next workout, just in case

Remember, "Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated" - Anonymous

bake_n_run · September 2014

I am in the same boat as you..dont feel disheartened..some of us really have a hard time seeing the foods we love..I beat myself up for letting myself go over a box of sweets that arrived from home all the way for me..i did indulge but then i also shared..the old me would have never shared my dessert with anyone. :P Personally I think having little victories like this and telling my brain so I think its a good way of coming back on track. I am still trying to be friends with my eating habits and stuff. Hello, you are talking to the girl who would eat a tub of icecream watching a sappy movie..but now even when I indulge I do feel real guilty but then I tell myself its not the end of the world. Pull up your socks the next day and get right back on track. TOMORROW is a NEW DAY!
Don't know if i helped :P but I believe denying myself the little joys would make me go more crazy and I would then binge. A little indulgence never hurts

Dedication Vs. Obsession

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