MINDLESS EATING :(

Elizabetnelson
Elizabetnelson Posts: 71
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I was down to 280. I've gained 20 lbs in about 2 months. Why?! I know exactly why... But I don't know how to stop. I work at an Answering service on the 4p-12a shift. The entire time I am on shift I am eating. What I eat differs depending on day, but most of the time is all bad and from a vending machine! Not only is it expensive but it's adding pounds... How do I stop!? I'm freaking out. I promised myself I would never get up to even 290 again, and now I'm at 300. I'm 30 pounds from my heaviest weight ever and I don't know what to do :(. Any advise?

Replies

  • Can you take a lunch with you and keep no cash on hand to use at the vending machine?
  • Crystal817
    Crystal817 Posts: 2,021 Member
    Plan your meals out for when you are at work. Bring healthy snacks and don't bring in any money for the vending machine!
  • twiztedgrl69
    twiztedgrl69 Posts: 191 Member
    I work 6p-6a and am at a sit down job too...I just make sure I bring enough good food to eat throughout the night and I leave any money or my debit card at home so I am not tempted to get anything
  • sarahmaryfearnley
    sarahmaryfearnley Posts: 366 Member
    Can you make tea at work? Hot, herbal tea has no calories, is sipped slowely to keep you busy, and can be slightly more exciting than water.

    Or, small pieces of fruit that you can eat one at a time, like grapes or pistachios because you have to peal them.
  • CBaumgardner7
    CBaumgardner7 Posts: 212 Member
    Hi! I know what you are going through. I'm a nurse and work crazy shifts so I can stay at home through the week with my kids. What I found that helps me is that....#1 I don't take any money with me to work and that way it doesn't tempt me to hit the vending machine. #2 pack your lunch with snacks. I pack my snacks in the snack zip lock bags because it tricks my mind into thinking that I'm getting more because the bag is filled. #3 is to keep a water bottle handy and just keep sipping water.. That 2nd shift is hard esp for anyone trying to lose the weigh. Wishing you lots of luck and I'm sure you can do it. :happy:
  • jakejacobsen
    jakejacobsen Posts: 584 Member
    leave the cash at home and pack some good snacks low cal or no cal
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    This is a tough one! But there are definitely some solutions. You could bring healthier snacks/meals from home, and don't bring money for the vending machines ;) Also, keep a container of water at your desk to sip throughout the day...at least then you'll be well hydrated. If you have down time between calls and need something to do, drink water, read a book, write a letter, surf the net (if you're allowed), knit (ok I have no idea what your interests are but at least it keeps your hands busy :)...try to keep the eating to just when you're actually hungry. You've lost weight in the past, you can definitely succeed at it again.


    I find that when I plan my meals and snacks I tend to eat healthier (and cheaper). It takes some planning and work, but it's worth it ;)
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    Being honest like this is a great start. At least you are still weighing in and entering your results. Self honesty is rarely pleasant, but its more useful than the alternative.

    Is there anyone at work that you can buddy up with? Help hold each other accountable?

    If its really hard, maybe leave money at home so you truly can't buy anything while you are there?

    Working odd hours is challenging in and of itself. Maybe try getting a bit of exercise before you go to work? The mental benefits of exercise help keep my moods more even and keep my motivation up. When I am happy and motivated, I am less likely to over indulge.
  • Eat only half the package of sweets and replace the rest with a healthy snack. Also when you feel like eating drink some water, black coffee or tea ( by itself). It helps control the urge.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    Ooo... another idea! get a small box and a bunch of little pieces of paper. On each piece, write yourself a bunch of little notes. They can be about anything: something funny, something that inspires you, a reason why you want to lose weight, something you are grateful for. Then, keep that at your desk. When you get the urge to eat, pull a random paper out and read what it says. Try focusing on that for a while until the urge passes.

    One thing I learned when I quit smoking was that urges come and go. I found that if I could overcome each individual urge the time between them took care of itself. Getting my mind of the urge was tricky, but it got easier and the urges became less frequent over time.
  • KeshiaV
    KeshiaV Posts: 187 Member
    Oh no :( This is a tough one. Have you already tried planning ahead and packing snacks/meals to take to work? I'm not sure if you have access to a fridge while you're there, but even if you don't, there are plenty of healthy snacks that don't require refrigeration. Some of my favorites to pack are: fruits and veggies, crackers, string cheese (fat free), and nuts/granola/ cereal. If you really want, you can pack something sweet, but in a controlled portion (e.g. two fun size snickers). It really really helps to drink tons of water. Sometimes when we think we're hungry, our bodies are actually just thirsty. Try carrying a large bottle of water with you to work and drink it anytime you think you're hungry. Wait awhile and then if you're still hungry after the water, grab a snack. Also, maybe try leaving your wallet/money in the car. Vending machines are sooo tempting (I'll never understand why there are two right next to the locker rooms at my gym!). If you leave your money in the car, maybe you won't be as tempted to purchase snacks that you didn't pre-plan for.

    If all else fails, make yourself get up before work and burn off those extra cals on the treadmill.

    Best of luck on your journey. I'm so glad that you're determined to face your challenges :)
  • nannyx6
    nannyx6 Posts: 72 Member
    Definately pack a cooler bag or a little cooler with low cal snacks,veggies whatever you can find that is low cal and you can eat in abundance like carrots,celery or maybe a meal like a healthy sandwich and some good munchies.If you put stuff in zip lock bags you can divide up your snacks and what are you drinking? Calories from sugary drinks can really add up too.Hope this helps.
  • aolani
    aolani Posts: 80 Member
    Don't bring any money to work. My husband had the same problem with the vending machine at his job. To make matters worse his students do fundraisers throughout the year selling World Finest chocolates. It was getting to be very expensive. What I did was purchase enough snacks to last for the entire week. I usually give a separate small lunch bag just for snacks. I usually get stuff for him like pretzels, popcorn, grapes, strawberries, bottle water, and a treat such as 1 individual reesecup or a few chocolate chip cookies(no more than 3). That way he still gets his sweet treat, but most of his snacks for the day are healthy. It has saved us tons of money doing this method.

    To save time you could separate the items in advance.
  • Thank you all! I think I will start leaving my wallet at home. It's so simple but I really hadn't thought of that. It seems as though I just can't control myself anymore. I can't stand myself at this weight and I can't stand the fact that I am doing so horribly with appetite control. :(
  • meex
    meex Posts: 135 Member
    dont mean to sound too harsh but "it comes down to what you really want and what you are willing to do to get it"! I have that as a motivational message on my cupboard to remind me being thin is more important then a biscuit! It helps, try putting some that resonate with you around your workplace and a fat pic u hate to remind u of what u dont wanna be
  • psmd
    psmd Posts: 764 Member
    gum and water! you will be busy going to the bathroom to pee and won't have time for any vending machines! hopefully they aren't next to each other!
  • LJGmom
    LJGmom Posts: 249 Member
    I was going to say gum. It really helps mid afternoon, I pop in a piece, and I stop opening he pantry to see what's in there. Letter writing or crossword puzzles to keep occupied. Make sure you get some exercise in. Buy fitness health magazines and books to read to keep you motivated. YOU can do this!
  • bmqbonnie
    bmqbonnie Posts: 836 Member
    Remember you can mindlessly walk or something like that just as easily as eat. You probably can't walk around at work, but you can probably walk in place while taking calls, or do chair squats... something! Keeps you occupied and it's much more productive.
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