Hey all.
Just wanted to share something that happened to me this week, hoping to encourage others who might struggle with the same stuff.
(I'll give you a quick background, for those who don't know me).
I have been maintaining my goal weight for almost a year now, and for the most part think "I've got it" where healthy lifestyle is concerned. I know that I will have to count Points and burn as many calories as I take in for the rest of my life if I want to keep healthy, and I'm fine with that.....BUT....
The other day, I woke up not feeling great, so decided to cosy up with a book and a blankie, and take it easy. Then I got up for a snack then another then another, until I was eating everything in sight and clearly bingeing. I could not believe how out-of- control I got, but did not take the time or the energy involved to figure it out. I was clearly miserable! Not enjoying any of it, but EATING none-the-less. I am a bit ashamed to say that I was literally stuffing my face!
The next day, I began anew, OP, and decided to consciously figure out what had happened the day before. It didn't take me long to realize that the girl in the novel I spent the whole day reading had "abandonement issues". (Her mother left her, her sister ran away from home, her Dad checked out emotionally).
Well, guess who else has the same issues? I had been identifying so much with this character's anguish, that I got completely off track from my own life, and had thrown myself head-first into her misery. And I had tried to drug myself from the pain with my old friend FOOD!
I have used it for so many years to "stuff down my feelings" so that I didn't have to feel anything.
I am so glad that it only took me a day to get back on track, because there was a time in my life when my binges lasted for weeks.
Being aware of my triggers has helped me immensely in this weight loss journey, and I hope this helps someone else who might struggle with similar junk.
It takes a lot of hard work, but it is SOOOOOO worth it. Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.
So, my advice is, the next time you are eating something for any reason other than hunger, stop and think about what you are doing. And take the time to deal with the feelings. Prayer definately helps.
Keep the faith !
LouAnne, what a great example for all of us. It takes strength to try and figure out why a binge happens. Thanks for sharing with us. Glad you are able to get back on track.
I really can relate to this lou anne. I am a binger through and through. It has gotten better, mine to only last less than a day instead of all week. I tend to take too much on. Get overpressured, and then eat to destress. I am still trying to learn to take one thing at a time and then all is good. I can only get so much done in 24 hours.
I found it really interesting how u related to the book. But being an avid reader I too get my self engrossed in the characters and whatever they may be thinking. I realize I too have done the same binge routine while reading.
Thank you for your honesty, Louanne. It is so good to hear when someone is finding the triggers for overeating and addressing them head on. You are far the wiser for this and it takes great strength to share something personal like that.
I agree that prayer makes a world of difference. Once I could turn over my pain to God and let Him take it for me, I was free. That doesn't mean I don't struggle - I am human and we make mistakes and bad choices, but my relationship with God truly set me free.
