Really Need HELP
I am in maintenance too and it is really tough. I have struggled just like you. I am still figuring it out but here is what has worked for me:
Be gentle, shaming yourself, being unkind and hateful to yourself just makes you want to eat more. I have started writing a letter to myself when I am in that "never again" space but it isn't a "you are an idiot don't do this" kind of letter. It is more like a "I know this is really hard but this feeling is just awful, what were you really needing?" kind of letter. A therapist can be really helpful too, but be careful about who you choose. you want someone who understands eating disorders. My husband and kids eat all sorts of stuff but they are pretty willing to work with me. if a food is way too big a trigger they are very supportive and agree to just eat it when out at restaurants or whatever. Or we will keep just small portions of it in the house. I like Poet Kelly's idea about putting people's names on things. I know that if my kids are looking forward to that cupcake they saved i am way less likely to eat it. I also need really really tasty food, like all the time, at every meal! that helps me immensely. I think the questions of whether to eat certain foods or abstain from them forever is a really personal one and there are lots of factors involved. For me, I seem to do better when I include certain foods in my diet, like carbs... But I work to figure out a way to do that that protects me from binging. For example, I know that eating "trigger" foods like bread, cookies... when I am upset will ALWAYS lead to a binge. So that is something I work hard to not do. But when I am in a good place, having a small portion of something seems to protect me from binging later. Some folks do much better with total abstinence. It takes some work to figure out what you need.
This is clearly the hardest part of the journey so far for me. And I struggle greatly just like you. Hang in there and just keep showing up.
Hey TD, I'm not in maintenance yet, but I do have an aunt who is and her advise to me is that every Monday, make sure your protein is over 100 and carbs are under 50. Also, make sure that your carbs only come from veggies. She says she doesn't even eat the veggies on Monday, she literally eats lean protein and shakes (and occassionally some string cheese) and that's it. She says this really helps with her carb cravings through out the week. Hope that helps!
on 7/23/14 2:01 am
I am sorry that you are struggling.I would talk to your husband about the snacks in the house and how it affects you.I make my kids buy their own junk food.I won't buy it. I feel like I am buying cigarettes when I buy garbage food.
I also have my kids hide anything that might trigger me into an eating frenzy.I know it sounds silly but if it works I will do what ever I can.