How do you recover from a bad day?
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How do you recover from a bad day?
| Wed, 08-10-2005 - 1:16am |
I know we all have issues with food. But how do you get yourself remotivated after you've had a really bad binge day (or days in my case)? I just can't seem to get back on track.
Becky

Personally, when I realize what I'm doing, I brush my teeth...this is like "drawing the line", so to speak...besides, virtually anything (other than gum) will taste yucky afterwards :P
Then, I look for inspirational stories from people who have lost alot of weight, and it re-motivates me to do better :)
Don't beat yourself up over this...we all make mistakes or have setbacks sometimes.
I don't have any wonderful, sparkling advice, but I can say that we have all been there, and it's why we are here. I myself am suffering from the exact same problem and I have no clue how to get past it.
I manage to find enough motivation for a day and a half, then go off track. Then back on for another day or so, etc. I know it's not great, and I know that it's not going to help me lose the weight, but I also realize that this is helping me maintain instead of gain. Will all of the horrible eating I have been doing over the past few weeks, I have managed to keep my weight right at 241.5. I'm amazed! Sadly, I think I would have been better had I gained a few more pounds, because then I would have motivation to get with the program and get those pounds off!
The last time I was trying to lose weight (and I lost 50 lbs, only to gain it back a year later), I hit a wall at this exact same weight. I think part of it is that this is my "comfy weight", where, although I don't truly love everything about my body, I like it well enough to feel hot and sexy; I can fit into most "normal stores'" extra-large, and I feel well proportioned. Last time around, I hit my "comfy weight", then gained and lost within a 5lb difference for almost 2 months before I got back on track. I guess that I'm just going to try to maintain this time, too, until I can get back on track.
I say don't beat yourself up over it, and don't worry if you can't get back on the healthy track 100% right away. Think of it this way, if you eat healthy only 1/2 of the day, then you are probably cutting enough calories to at least prevent a gain.
I battled with this last night as well. I had a very stressful day yesterday....left my house at 6:30 AM and didn't get back home until 8:00 PM, stopped at the grocery store to pick up some healthy items for dinner, LOL. I made tamale chili pie for my roomates b-day in which I had a serving and had some ice cream w/ chocolate syrup and whip cream.
Even though I made poor choices I didn't have more than one serving. I have also come to realize that we are human and we are going to make mistakes. It is impossible to be good 100% 24/7 in my mind. Yeah, I felt a little bad....but then I said atleast I didn't overeat and I was ready to get back on track this morning.
Another thought...if it is late at night and I keep snacking/binging and I dont see an end to it, lol. I just decide to go to bed for the night.
I hope this helps???
Good suggestion: brushing the teeth...I like that idea!
I work nights, so I am up usually all night long, even on my nights off. I find myself eating all night long. I hate this. I know I am not going to lose the rest of my weight like this. I just can't make myself stop. I guess I just need a good kick in the right direction.
Becky
You might try a protein shake when you are hungry vs. snacking because for me snacking is addicting...first you want something salty then sweet etc.. Sometimes when I have eaten my meals for the day and im still hungry I will make a protein shake (powder w/ water or low-fat milk, sometimes add in fruit, and/or sugar substitute).
Or you might try eating 6 small meals a day, this is supposed to keep your metabolism going and could work good if your like me and want to eat/snack every few hours. I just started this new routine this week. So far good....just takes adjusting the bigger meals (lunch and dinner) down.
I don't know if this is an option, but the nights you are off of work...try going more places or get focused on projects around the house. If you keep busy this will help. I know that evenings im home because it is my day off from working out...I sit in front of the computer/TV and constantly want to be munching on something.
BTW, I struggle with eating too late. I'm working on not eating 3 hrs before bedtime. I have found that every day we are going to be faced with challenges with food and exercise. Hopefully we are overcoming those challenges/temptations more and more, but they will always be there.
You need to find what works best with your schedule, your body, and something you can stick with ;-) Sorry this was so long, but I can totally relate! Hopefully this will help.
GiGGles
312/309/165
I think I could do the six meals a day. I just need to have a plan. I go through most days clueless. Not a good idea to play it by ear everyday. Once I start thinking about food, it's all over. I can't stop thinking about it until I have it. I always think I'll do better tomorrow. It's amazing how tomorrow never comes. LOL. It's all like one big binge day.
Becky
Oh Becky!
I know from going to therapy that you have to be aware of the emotions that start the binge. He really emphasizes journalling. I hate it. I think I would much rather bury my head in the sand and cover my ears than to acknowledge hurtful emotions. That's why I haven't made any progress!!! He says not just to write down what you are eating, but when you find yourself in a binge to stop and write about what emotions you are feeling and what you are trying to cover up with food. I do know that eating can be kinda a protection of sorts for me. I use it to cover up feelings of unworthiness, lonliness, fear, just to name a few. I have a hard time journalling, and usually just eat, but I'm trying to do better. Hope you can use something in here.
Becky