What do you do when you feel blue?

allieimproves
allieimproves Posts: 19 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi everyone,

before I begin:

SW: 382 (June 1st)
CW: 345.2

I started making changes to lose weight and become more healthy on June 1st. For the first two weeks I focused just on just walking and lost 20 lbs. I hit a bit of a plateau and decided to hire a personal trainer hoping I'd gain back momentum, which I did for the next two weeks or so. After five weeks I'd lost around 36 lbs. But I've hovered in that same place now for the last three weeks.

I'd say yesterday was my first really bad-eating day. (You know those days where you make bad decisions and you feel very guilty afterwards?) I was able to control myself and stop the downward slip so I was within my calorie goal for the day. And I added a little extra strength work to my day to try to make a dent in my bad eating, but the sad feeling lingers this morning. (It's crazy how what you eat will impact your mood!)

I don't want my sad feelings to lead me back down a self-destructive, empty-calorie filled day. And on days like today, I start to feel like my goals are so unattainable and so impossibly far out of reach.

I'm just wondering what you all do when you're feeling down and blue, especially as a beginner in this process? How do you switch out the bad thoughts and maintain a positive outlook?


Thanks!!!
~Allie

Replies

  • Megansmith112712
    Megansmith112712 Posts: 62 Member
    edited July 2016
    Please keep in mind your initial weight loss isn't typical. What is normal is about 2 lbs a week. Your are doing fantastic keep it up. If you don't have a food scale invest in one. What I thought was about 4 oz of chicken turned out to be about 10 (Eek). Unfortunately when I feel blue I eat, then I'm upset because I ate unhealthy so I eat something else. It's a horrible cycle I'm trying to fix with counseling. I've bought adult coloring books, play sudoko (found a app for it).
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I pay attention to how music makes me feel, and listen only to music that makes me feel strong, upbeat, and happy, when I'm in a vulnerable mood. Then I take my empowering music to the gym and work out.
  • RachelElser
    RachelElser Posts: 427 Member
    I cuddle with the cats, and play with them. Laughter is a great medicine and they are hilarious with the laser pointer!
  • allieimproves
    allieimproves Posts: 19 Member
    Megansmith112712 wrote: »
    Please keep in mind your initial weight loss isn't typical. What is normal is about 2 lbs a week. Your are doing fantastic keep it up. If you don't have a food scale invest in one. What I thought was about 4 oz of chicken turned out to be about 10 (Eek). Unfortunately when I feel blue I eat, then I'm upset because I ate unhealthy so I eat something else. It's a horrible cycle I'm trying to fix with counseling. I've bought adult coloring books, play sudoko (found a app for it).

    Thanks for the advice, Megan. You're right. I need to take a step back look at this in the long term and understand that on average from week to week, I'll be ok as long as I don't get derailed by expecting to lose the same amount every day like in the first weeks.

    I'm pretty careful about portions. I've got a scale at home, at my desk at work, and at my mom's house, but I could do better about eating whole foods like fruit rather than the low cal snacks that probably add to the problem.

    Counseling might be the next thing I look into! Did you find a weight loss counseling specialist or a general counselor? Funny enough, I just bought an adult coloring book, so I'll try that tonight! Thanks again!!
  • allieimproves
    allieimproves Posts: 19 Member
    lithezebra wrote: »
    I pay attention to how music makes me feel, and listen only to music that makes me feel strong, upbeat, and happy, when I'm in a vulnerable mood. Then I take my empowering music to the gym and work out.

    Thanks, lithezebra. I'm going to create a kick-butt playlist today and put it on repeat. when sad thoughts come in, I'll just turn up the volume! thank you again!
  • allieimproves
    allieimproves Posts: 19 Member
    RachelElser wrote: »
    I cuddle with the cats, and play with them. Laughter is a great medicine and they are hilarious with the laser pointer!

    Hi Rachel,

    I've got a puppy, and you're right. I didn't cuddle with her at all last night or this morning. I'll make a point to do so after work tonight! Thanks!

    ....now to just find a laser pointer... lol
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    You lost 40 lb and you know how you did it. You know what you did today and you know what that means tomorrow. You know what you're going to do. If the stuff you are going to do is going to make you happy, start now.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,630 Member
    allieimproves wrote: »
    I'm just wondering what you all do when you're feeling down and blue, especially as a beginner in this process? How do you switch out the bad thoughts and maintain a positive outlook?

    I exercise ... go for a long walk or long bicycle ride out in the fresh air and nature. :)

  • Imagine_if
    Imagine_if Posts: 54 Member
    Stay here, in the MFP community.

    The boards got me through night #2. I was so into my emotions last night. The family had ice cream for desert. I had my healthy nutritious dinner. I recited my positive meditations. Yet, I was so down and quickly heading for a depressed, binge night. Instead, I came online, posted and read threads until I could take no more. Then I went to bed early. This morning, I am glad that I have another day of good choices under my belt.

    If you're home, try a good hard cry in the shower - let it all go.. the frustration from having to work this hard, the fear of always feeling restricted and what ever else is in your heart. Then breathe in that steamy shower air and remind yourself that this is just a time, a period of weight loss and then you'll be in maintenance. Challenging still, but not as aggressive as getting the weight off. Talk to yourself about any positives -no matter the size or frequency - that you've accomplished thus far. Remind yourself that you DID reach out this morning on MFP, you are moving forward, this is your victorious time.

    Keep going okay!!

    ALSO: I read this last night. I hope it encourages you.
    "Success is not final, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: it is the courage to continue that counts.

    Marie.
  • momma712
    momma712 Posts: 79 Member
    First off weighing and tracking everything you put in your mouth even water will help so you know exactly what ur eating! Having a support system or a weight loss buddy you can turn to when your feeling down is a big help. Sometimes I will go and look at before and afters cause that's motivating. And you have to remember you didn't put the weight on overnight and it won't come off that quickly either people who lose weight at a slower pace tend to keep it off better! If you ever need advice or someone to vent or talk to you can message me

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