breathebelievejen Member

going to the gym! I realise I've been too dependent on weightlifting as a way to shake off negative emotions.. time to expand my toolbox! Also going to face to face meetings and groups for my mental health. We're replicating many of them on zoom but it isn't the same as actually being with my people.

Do and revise :) do a little experiment, see how it goes and then you can change things up to suit your needs. You don't have to commit yourself to either for life!

I think it's possible to eat more mindfully whilst also calorie counting. It's interesting you mentioned black-and-white thinking because I don't believe we have to either only eat to fit our calorie/macro goals and disregard our emotions, hunger signals etc or just eat 'intuitively'. Calorie counting is a tool, amongst…

For me, bingeing on anything makes me feel mentally and physically crappy.. even if it's broccoli and almonds. I want to cut out the bingeing entirely. If I know I'm liable to snacking late at night, I make sure i distribute my calories realistically over the day to reduce my physical hunger. It's easier for me,…

I can relate to this.. I see it as a form of self-sabotage and usually need to ask myself some questions about my motivation to lose weight or to eat a certain way. Am I making this change for me or because I think I should to be more attractive to others etc? Is this really a goal that I, personally, want to pursue? What…

As someone who has self-harmed in several ways over time, I agree with this. I find myself bouncing between cutting, binging, substance abuse, starving and over-exercising and I do believe they are all linked. I'm learning to look after myself and over time and through practice now some of my self-care activities are to…

Binge: 5 Me: 5 Streak: 4 first few days spent binging on junk food in the evenings.. going a lot better now that I'm not cutting food groups or trying to restrict total calories or meal sizes. Feeling more energetic and less low, irritable and preoccupied with food.

also interested, great idea

these sound really yummy- thanks for sharing :) I 100% agree with amusedmonkey on the panties comment. Loads of these foods would be so much better received if they weren't marketed as alternatives but just recipes in their own right.

here here! thanks so much for posting this- really motivational. I've bookmarked it for future reference because it's relevant to all of our pursuits in life but so easy to forget when you're in the midst of a 'flailing' ;)

I used to be pretty scared of the scale to be honest (especially after a binge) and it'd often send me into a panic and a period of restriction that just led to another binge and.. well you get the picture. I bought a fitbit aria recently and I've been weighing myself each morning and whenever I feel like it (after a…

wowza! Well done! It's great to hear about how much your self-esteem and mental health has improved :) It's really interesting to see your personality starting to shine through as time goes on and you lose more weight. You look absolutely amazing- great work!

I didn't get as much stick for being fat as an adult but as a kid it was pretty horrendous. I never said anything back to the nasty comments and it pretty much shattered my self esteem. I make a point to talk to my young nieces (one is overweight and has been bullied for it.. even by her dad) and emphasise the fact that we…

My fitbit has been the best motivator I've ever had to be and actually stay active and stick to my health and fitness goals. In the past, my interest has always petered out after a few days/ weeks etc but I find it incredibly motivating to keep hitting my fitbit activity and food goals. It makes me sad to see red bars on…

I was vegan for about 6 years, vegetarian for a few after and I'm now a pescetarian. Things I found helpful to keep my calories down without compromising my sanity/ enjoyment of food: - write a list of your favourite (or tolerable) veggies and use these as the bulk and basis of your meals. For example, I eat a crap load of…

I make little wraps out of quorn slices spread with extra light laughing cow cheese + add sweetcorn, onion and cucumber NOM. Some other things I usually pick: raw or steamed veggies, frozen grapes or banana, fruit in general, greek yoghurt, sugar free jelly.. If I don't have any calories to play with I just drink herbal…

well done! what an amazing achievement- you look great and should be so proud of yourself!

Hello from Nottinghamshire! Feel free to add me UK ladies and gents :)

Hello :) you might find the 'fitness and exercise' and 'goal: maintaining weight' boards to be helpful.. Oh and the Not-that-heavy girls group welcome to MFP- good luck and have fun!

I'm a little confused at your question.. your macros could be exactly the same as someone eating omni, veggie or vegan.. (ie. it's individual choice). It's simply the deficit in calories that is going to give you weight loss.. if you're not losing fat it's because you're eating more than you burn not because you're eating…

honestly, I don't think there's any point forcing foods on a grown man. I know it's hard but you're not responsible for his health- if he wants to eat those foods that's his choice. I would keep cooking the same for him. It's possible that in time he may decide he wants to try some of the yummy, healthy things he sees you…

what a difference- great work!

I'm not trying to wean myself off my mood stabilisers but I do use diet and exercise as a way to help me cope with my mental health problems. I applaud your efforts, good luck and all the best :)

I think that's a sensible approach- long term maintenance is far more important than dropping weight drastically but ballooning back up. It's definitely worth experimenting with your calorie allowance. Please don't feel like you've let yourself down- slow and steady is not a bad thing and you've already lost an amazing…

glad you've found something that works for you :)

nice one! thanks for sharing, this sounds yummy

My approach would almost be the opposite to the above advice. Personally, I find it's specific foods that trigger my binges and therefore I don't keep these foods in the house at all or I keep a one portion serving. For me, the trick to staying on track with this is to find several meal and snack options that don't include…

re: low blood sugar (if that's what you meant?), depending on how regularly you're currently eating, maybe try eating more often or adding in a few snacks in between meals and see if that improves your mood?

I actually thought this thread would be about being cranky because of a lack of exercise.. that's what I experience personally. Do you actually enjoy the exercise you do or are you just doing it to burn calories? Cause I'd be cranky if I was only working out for that purpose. Also, are you eating enough to refuel your…

I have to separate it in my mind as my food and their food. My OH has all sorts of treats in the house but I don't give in because I see it as his 'rations' and not for me to eat, if that makes sense? but I'm afraid that's not very helpful on a practical basis- the suggestion about putting it out of reach is a good one! If…