Need to vent about my eating habits...

Hi!
It sounds like you have quite a bit on your mind. The first thing I would say is even if you do mess up one day (ie, having a little too much chocolate cake), that doesn't mean you should starve yourself the next day. I know you feel like you should to "make up" for it... believe me, I sometimes want to do it too. But our bodies need nutrition to work their best, and if you deprive your body of the nutrients it needs, you are putting yourself at risk for slowing down your metabolism or even gaining weight because your body will want to retain as much of the food you eat as it can and you will burn less calories naturally. Another thing to remember is that you shouldn't beat yourself up about eating something tasty, especially if it doesn't put you over your calorie goal (but even if it does put you over, still, don't be upset at yourself). Eating healthy is extremely difficult, especially when the people around you aren't supportive. That's why you need to be supportive of yourself. If you mess up, then tell yourself "Whoops, I promise myself to do better next time" and then do it, because focusing on the negative will make it harder to do what's right next time. I know that when I overeat, I think "well, since I had ice cream for lunch, it won't matter if I have pizza for dinner" which isn't the right attitude.
One trick that I use is if I feel tempted to eat something even if I don't have any calories left is to go and brush my teeth. The minty flavor sometimes helps distract me from wanting the chocolate or chips or whatever it was. Then, if 20 minutes later I am still hungry, I try to incorporate a small portion of the junk food with something nutritious that will fill me up (something with protein or fiber) so I don't feel hungry anymore. For example, if I'm really craving chocolate, I will eat a banana with a tablespoon of chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Or, if I'm craving something salty like chips, i'll have a handful of almonds (there are some varieties of almonds with flavors like barbeque or chili/lime that are super yummy!) Another trick is if you're bored and want to eat because of it, find something to do! Call a friend, walk the dog, read a book, do a jigsaw or sodoku puzzle, do something arts-n-craftsy... preferably something that requires the use of your hands so you can't eat while you do it. I know if I'm hungry and try to distract myself with the TV, that makes it even harder since not only are there tons of food commercials on TV, there's also nothing preventing me from shoveling an entire bag of M&Ms in my mouth without even noticing since I'm concentrated on my show.
As for not having the support of your family, that must be so difficult. Have you ever been able to talk to them about your reasons for wanting to be healthy? I know sometimes it's not possible to have conversations like that, though, especially if your parents are already decided on what their answer is going to be. I wish I had more ideas for that one, but one thing I could say is to just keep the peace... bringing up issues especially if you know it won't help will only bring you and your mother further apart. If you are able to rebuild your relationship, maybe when things are less rocky between you two, she will listen to what you have to say.
Good luck!!

Rich, darlin, dont beat yourself up about a piece of cake. Not eating anything tomorrow to make up for it? Gonna do your body more harm than good. You will put your body into starvation mode, and throw your metabolism all off.
One more thing dear...you're 17. You should be much more concerned about graduating high school, going to college, or who you are taking to prom than you are about every little piece of food you put into your body. Here is what I have learned in life: dont sweat the small stuff. Its OK to have a treat for yourself now and then. Everything in moderation. One piece of cake here and there isnt going to kill ya. Relax! If you are really feeling THAT guilty about it, go for a run/walk, get some exercise of some sort, and burn it off. Then LET IT GO. Im sure even Jillian Michaels has a piece of cake now and then. If you need someone to vent to, add me as a friend. I was 17...awhile...ago. :-) But Ive been where you are, and I know how it goes. Please feel free to ask me anything.

I think either your parents feeling guilty about their own weight, thus turning the negativity on you to help themselves feel better, or they are actually scarred and concerned about your health. Probably because they hear things like, "I ate a pieces of cake and now I need to starve myself."

I would try to be more open with them. Maybe get them to do small things with you like take a walk or let you cook a healthy meal once a week. If the family starts taking baby steps with you, maybe they'll understand your position. Give them some time. As long as you are being healthy about weight loss everything will workout.