Trying to regain "control"

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Posts: 17,588
12/3/11 2:00 P

TRACIEO2,

It is NOT impossible ! I've done it and I was exactly the same age as you when I decided I needed to make a change. I can't be more thrilled with the results and that was nearly 8-9 years ago ! So, YES, you can turn your life around !! You can be a healthier person who will live a long, productive life.

What to do ? you have to start with small changes. Don't try to do everything at once or you will end up frustrated. that's the mistake everyone makes. Don't look at weight loss with an all or nothing mentality. If the only healthy thing you were to do for yourself today was to drink 8 glasses of water (and nothing else), that's still a step in the right direction.

Remember, you're trying to change habits learned over a life time. that's not going to happen overnight, a week, a month or even a year. Change take time. thus the need to be patient with yourself and your body.

First, you start with some simple changes you can stick with because remember, this isn't a diet. it's a lifestyle change. If you're not used to a regular exercise routine, don't try to do 60 minutes a day. You start with what you can do. How about taking a daily walk ? If you're in reasonably good health, set a goal to take a 30 minute walk each day for one week. if that seems like a bit too much, then how about taking three 10 minute walks ? You can break up your workouts into shorter segments and still get all the benefits. there are members who started by walking to the end of their block and back. that's all they could do, but that's okay. that's where they started. You need to start somewhere too.

As far as what to eat, that's a lot of common sense. have you set up your Spark nutrition profile yet ? If not, set up your profile and let the software set a calorie range for you. don't try to go too far above or too far below. stay within that range and with time, you will lose weight. but once again, you must give yourself time to lose. you didn't gain the weight overnight, it's not coming off overnight.

Also, once you start taking better care of yourself, you will start feeling better. Once again, start with the simple things. for optimum health, a person should eat 6-9 servings of fresh fruit and veggies each and every day. if that too seem like too much, then start with 2-3 servings. With time, you keep adding more until you are comfortable eating 6-9 servings. And yes, eating 6-9 servings of fresh fruit and veggies CAN and will help you become a healthier person.

So, try not to worry and don't beat on yourself if you're not perfect. You are going to make mistakes. we all did and that too is okay. What we learn from those mistakes is what matters most.

Posts: 880
12/3/11 1:31 P

It is absolutely possible, in fact most of the people on Sparkpeople can identify with what you're saying. Learning more about yourself, what triggers your eating, why you turn to food instead of something more beneficial to you, what do you want, the choice is yours ultimately, and the support is available. Don't look for perfection, each day, each hour is a new day. It's not always easy, but finding other things to do that you enjoy really does help, and keeping your goal in front of you all the time helps. Most of all support from others, helps tremendously.

Posts: 72
12/3/11 11:02 A

I have a history of yo-yo dieting too and I too am the heaviest I've ever been. I decided about a week ago that I've had enough. I've had enough of huffing whenever I climb stairs. I've had enough of hating how I look in the mirror. I'm ready for change. It sounds like you are too and that's the first step.

In answer to your question, yes it is possible - even after all these years - to break the cycle of emotional/compulsive eating. Take it one day at a time and get support - whether here, from a pro or from the people in your life. Celebrate the small successes. You'll get there.

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12/3/11 10:04 A

Hi Tracie,

As a life-long dieter (age 12-44), only until I gave up dieting did I finally see success and more importantly keep the weight off (for over 3 1/2 years now), For me it was incorporating small, permanent changes into my life and changing my mind frame. I was no longer on a diet, I was living a healthy lifestyle.

I wish you well! Just remember it's never too late to change!

Coach Nancy

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12/3/11 9:12 A

I totally understand where you are coming from. Believe me it is the hardest choice you will ever make I to am at the same road and I am so ready to change I think that it has to be gradual to make a change 100% is doomed for failure so I am taking baby steps. Today is my first day and I am going for a walk and do some small weights and as far as food not sure but 6 small meals is what I plan.

Don't worry I feel what you feel so your not alone Lets keep in touch......

Millie

Posts: 62
12/3/11 8:34 A

After a lifetime of yo-yo dieting I am the heaviest I have ever been. I feel terrible physically and emotionally but I just keep eating. I decided that Dec 1st had to be the beginning (again) of eating right, exercising, etc. I turn 40 in Feb and I do not want to spend the next decade getting heavier. But a big part of me wonders: is it even possible, after all these years, to break the cycle of emotional eating, compulsive eating, etc. I feel defeated and I've only just begun (again).