Most recently, I have had several episodes where I get this ache that starts out as hunger, but turns into something that I cannot seem to satisfy. When that happens, I feel completely out of control, which makes my eating out of control. Sitting with the "empty" feeling is also difficult for me, so instead I mostly just try to get rid of it by eating--however only massive amounts of food tends to work, if you can call that "working". It's really not working for me, but I'm not sure what to do.
The worst thing about it is that it makes you feel very alone. Like, what's wrong w/ me? Why can't I just eat normal like everyone else? But truthfully I know I'm not alone and a lot of people have trouble w/ emotional eating. I haven't been able to figure out where this insatiable appetite comes from, or what to do about it. I think the key is distraction or finding out what it is that's actually bothering me. I think there will be lots of trial and error involved!
My biggest concern is I don't want my negative feelings about how I've been eating lately to effect my motivation to work out. Many times it feels pointless, but I guess I have to remember that this is a process, and I'm going to continue to fail until I figure out what works for me.
“Like success, failure is many things to many people. With Positive Mental Attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order and prepare to try again.” -W. Clement Stone
So, on that note I am sticking w/ my planned workout tonight at the gym even though I feel like complete crap about myself. I'm going to try to work on turning those negative thoughts around because I have a great weekend ahead of me! I'm working a wedding this Saturday and then heading with the girls to Indy for a night out on the town!
Last night I did Workout 2 of the 30 Day Shred. It started out fine, but towards the end it got much harder! I do have to say, what I like about Jillian's workouts are that they incorporate everything from cardio to strength to abs. It's an all around workout that targets every zone. Also, to her critics, I find her tough love attitude refreshing. I don't need a cheerleader, I need someone to kick my ass in the gym! Sure, at the time I might hate you for it, but I am more likely to want to punch the bubbly cheerleader in the face rather than the Army Sergent. But that's just part of what works for me.This weekend will be busy, so everyone take care and have an awesome three day weekend! I'll have some more pictures of cakes to post soon!
Jess - you definitely have the right attitude believe it or not. It is all about perserverance, not perfection. Keep at it and work on turning those thoughts around and you will get there! I think it is so important that you are reflecting on why you eat - that is half the battle.
ReplyDeleteYou know a great book that helped me out with emotional eating was 100 days of Weight Loss. It isn't a diet at all but it gives you one mental aspect to focus on each day to conqure emotional eating.
Good luck, good luck - I believe in you and know you can do it.
have fun this weekend!
You have to address the issues in your life first, to address the emotional eating. I used to find food as a comfort for me when I was younger, in fact I would say the for the majority of the population here, emotional eating is a big culprit.
ReplyDeleteIf you notice you are grabbing food, not because you are hungry, but because you are stressed, upset, or even happy...it helps to stop and think about why you are picking it up first. is this easy? No. In fact, I recommend writing down how you feel because it takes time to do that..and gives you a moment to change your mind. They say food cravings last only a couple mins strongly, if you can get through those first few mins..and walk away or put in a piece of sugarfree candy to just have something in your mouth..it can help.
Don't overthink it, or try not to think about food all day long. Try to take the thinking out of food. If you are hungry..eat. Keep foods around that you are free to eat as much of as you like (veggies, sugarfree jello) anything. A major problem for people is they feel deprived and you don't want that. If you can't stand it, give in and have a piece of what you want. Savor it. Don't avoid food altogether. When you eat often and regularly, the right things and the right portions, you will eventually stabilize your cravings which will help you avoid the desire for the junk in the long run. As for the emotions, figure out what your triggers are and find something that you can do when those feelings 'attack'. (I drink green tea with soy when this happens to me a lot).
Don't give up, you are a strong person. This won't be an issue for you forever if you keep working for it.
xoxoxox
Char