Help - fighting old demons

Alright guys I need . I got a lot of stressful things going on right now, most of it is of my own making and I am putting too much emphasis on it but of course I am falling into old bad habits and mindlessly eating. I am snacking a lot, for the most part I am picking healthier choices (although not always) but still the act of constantly eating is scaring me big time. How do you all cope with the demons? When you have the urge to snack for emotional reasons, what do you do to get past it? I have had a lot of trouble getting back into the gym since my gall bladder surgery, some of it has been legit colds, etc. but a lot of time I just use the excuse of being too busy and too tired (even though I realize that going to the gym will help me feel better). Any suggestions on how to push myself to get back on track? On some level I see where emotionally I am trying to hide and become invisible in some ways but at the same time I am applying things I have learned and am trying to address the issues so as to not completely avoid them. Any suggestions? Support, encouragement, hugs, tough love, etc. welcome. Courtney

Courtney- I don't have suggestions for the snacking...I find myself in the same boat at times and will be watching for tips in your post! For the exercise, I've found that when I enlist the help of a friend to go with me that helps. I think it's the "don't want to let her down" thing...a built in accountability to get there. It's great you at least recognize the behavior...that's half the battle. Just keep talking to yourself and give yourself a swift kick or a hug...whatever you need at the moment. You're doing great....have come to far to go back...so if you need a friend to just chat with I'm here for you...I'll PM you my phone number...maybe we can get together sometime for a long walk. Christina S

Thanks Christina. I wi**** were easier but as they say the tool doesn't fix the mind. I would love to get together some time for a walk or something, maybe we can fit something into our busy schedules. Courtney

Good morning, Courtney I have not had the surgery but feel like maybe I can help a little. When you get the urges of wanting to eat when you are not suppose to get a piece of celery out and chew on it slowly that somethimes helps. Do not belittle yourself you are doing a fantistic job and should be proud of yourself. I hope that this will help a little eating vegetables and fruits will help and they are good for you. Think back to when you first started and start there again and that should help. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Thanks mom. It sure is great to know that I can count on you guys. I definitely think I need to start planning ahead for more healthy snacks. Courtney

Yip.... I am in your some boat. I wish I knew the answer here. I have been kicking myself lately wondering why in the world I am trying to sabatoge myself. You are right...better choices, thank gawd for the dumping..but a bad habit to get back into. Maybe you should post this on the main board Courtney. Dana

I think part of the problem is that I don't dump so I don't have that extra tool. Maybe the main board or the grads board will be helpful. Thanks Dana. Courtney

Hey Ms Courtney, Since I sooo early out I have not gotten to that point just yet. I know when I am down I like to walk or workout like you said. Eat your healthy snacks and maybe just talk to someone that would just listen. Here is a big ((((((HUG))))) for you I hope this makes you feel a little better. Mo

Thanks so much Mo. I think maybe taking some more walks will definitley help. It would get me away from the food and give me some quiet time for reflection to sort out the stress. Courtney

Hi Courtney, It is hard to get out of the snacking mode. I think - at least for me - distraction is the key - when you feel the urge to snack, find something else to do so you don't do it or try to eat something a bit good for you like a protein - you know slice of ham, piece of cheese, peanut butter, celery and try to stay away from the unhealthy snacks. Also Jill has a plateau diet to rid us of carbs and I have been doing that for 2 days now as I think I was letting carbs creep back into my system. You could try that one - it isn't hard or restricting. Also discipline yourself back nto meals and designated snacks - and tell yoursel no eating outside of those times. Drink plenty of water - that really helps. I go to the gym but find it hard to just get up and go there - once I am there it is fine. So you really have to force yourself to go - you know you feel better once you are there. Christine had a good suggestion - find a buddy if you can then you feel obliged to go. You have come so far - don't let the demons win - you are better than them!! One thing I did- and it may seem silly to some but I bought an exercise ball ($9 on ebay) and when I feel like snacking I do some exercises on that - it is fun and hard to believe it is exercise. Of course I have to stop my son playing on it all the time - I am sure he thinks I bought it for him! Good luck we all fight this demon - maybe we shold have asked for a labotomy to go with our surgery lol!! Jackie