No--I'm not referring to another rousing trip to Worlds of Fun. I wish I were.
Anyone who knows me is probably aware that I am usually on a diet, trying to eat healthier, or starting a new workout plan. Well, I am at it again, it seems. For the last month or so I have felt entirely out of control with eating, sleeping, working out, work, and just life in general. Things are finally slower at work so I should have more time to focus on myself...but that hasnt happened yet.
I started taking BC last month and it has pretty much sent me on a rollercoaster ride with my eating habits (not to mention my hormones). I CRAVE/WANT/NEED to eat...anything...but mostly sweets. I HATE it. I am not sure where this insatiable sweet tooth comes from, but it is very frustrating to say the least. It's like I cannot get enough sugar. And, on top of that, I just can't seem to stop eating. period.
If you read my blog you know that I recently lost about 30 lbs. Thanks to the BC and stress, I've gained about 8 lbs back--which is not what I want at all. It's just so frustrating to me that I cant seem to get this under control and I honestly feel like it's making other parts of my life spin out of control, too. I'm reading this article right now about breaking the habit and taking control of the cycle...kind of interesting:
Breaking It Down
Once you've identified trigger factors, work out other ways to address them. Don't beat yourself up with every little lapse. Instead, focus on positive things you can do to replace or avoid overeating. Pay attention to how you feel when you eat certain foods; you'll start to notice patterns emerging (eating after a family argument, for example, or when you're bored, lonely or disappointed). Consider alternative ways to lift your mood when the urge threatens. Perhaps call a friend, go for a walk or see a movie.
Once you've identified trigger factors, work out other ways to address them. Don't beat yourself up with every little lapse. Instead, focus on positive things you can do to replace or avoid overeating. Pay attention to how you feel when you eat certain foods; you'll start to notice patterns emerging (eating after a family argument, for example, or when you're bored, lonely or disappointed). Consider alternative ways to lift your mood when the urge threatens. Perhaps call a friend, go for a walk or see a movie.
Breaking the Habit
Here are some tips for winning the battle:
Here are some tips for winning the battle:
1.Take it slow. Crash dieting is more likely to end in losing control than a slow, steady loss of a pound or two each week.
3.Allow occasional treats. If you don't totally cut out "forbidden" foods (such as those donuts that you love), you're more likely to stay on track, because deprivation often leads to overeating. Opt for low-fat versions of favorite foods.
4.Reward yourself for every win — how about a bath or a walk just to enjoy a sunset rather than a reward consisting of junk food.
5.Plan ahead to stay in control. Facing a big test or other ordeal that you fear will send you straight to the cookie jar? Try to keep healthy snacks around to nibble on instead, and exercise to offset your munching — and calm you down, too!
6.Share your feelings — sad, bad or otherwise — with family or friends.
7.Seek support from others trying to lose weight — family, friends or online buddies. They're there to help, and want to see you succeed.
8.Look to calming alternatives if stress is your trigger. Anything from deep breathing to yoga to arts and crafts could help. And don't forget: Exercise is a great tranquillizer. (It also reduces your appetite!)
9.Count to ten. Is overeating your way of coping with anger? Consider other ways of dealing with negative emotions, such as learning assertiveness techniques.
10.Find other ways to fill the void. If you typically overeat when you're looking for emotional nourishment; stop. Feed your spirit by caring for yourself as well as you can during times when you feel unloved, under-appreciated or unworthy. Be your own biggest fan and try to focus on your successes, not to the occasional lapse.
11.Be patient and forgiving of yourself. Long-established complex habits won't change overnight.
12.Avoid all-or-nothing thinking, such as "I've already blown my weight loss plan, I might as well finish off the box." Accept that you may go off the rails from time to time. So you've lost six pounds and regained three? It's important to congratulate yourself for the pounds that you lost. You're doing a great job!
I think this week is going to be a week to refocus my energies on getting back on track. I really hate feeling out of control, but there are other things going on in my life right now that are not helping the cause--when I get stressed or something isnt going right, I tend to eat...which just starts the whole cycle again. Back on the rollercoaster---I want to get off.
You can do it!!
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