[RinaMarie]

Today was rough, after a week of dealing with illness in our family, and three sleepless nights I just caved today. I surprised myself in two ways.

First, I was surprised that it was so easy to cave. When I started my weight loss journey I was SO POSITIVE that I was going to stick with it - no matter what! I really thought I was invincible, and I got a nasty dose of reality today when I realized that the part of me that wants to use food as a coping skill is not yet completely dead.

Second, I was surprised at the extent to which I caved. I didn't binge eat. I didn't stuff myself. I don't even really think I went over the calories I need to maintain my current weight, or if I did, I didn't go much over. So while the part of me that wants to use food as a coping skill is still kicking, it's dying each day, little by little.

I appreciate the support here, and the testimonials especially. It helps me so much to see what others have been through and achieved.

[Laffalot]

I too use food as a coping skill & it's not easy to let it go. But I'm working on that. We can't beat ourselves up over a "cave-in" though. And I know that can be hard too. I guess we just start over & keep on keeping on, eh? It really helps knowing that we aren't alone in this. Good luck to us !

[Chantelle]

I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a rough week. I hope things start looking up for you and your family soon. Great job not throwing in the towel and falling back on your old ways though, that is DEFINITELY progress you should give yourself a pat on the back for. I'm still fighting my urges to stop for dinner every night on the way back from work.. it's just so easy compared to having to come home and cook.. but like you said, it's dying little by little. One step at a time!

[shannonmb]

First off, I'm really really sorry for your stressful situation and I hope whoever was ill is getting better.

I give you a lot of credit for recognizing that the stress (and the sleepless nights) are so connected to going off with food a little bit. Honestly, when I first started this I really just thought I loved food too much. But each time something has come up that has caused me to want to "eat" my stress/use food as a coping mechanism, I've really come to realize that I SO do that, it's like my go-to. I think it's been vital to have that realization. Now when those things happen that make me want to comfort myself with food, I am immediately recognizing what's going on -- which I think is the main factor in being able to reign it in.

You did awesome.

[Lori Bell]

Sorry you are going through this. Try as hard as you can to get back on the wagon today. It might be tough, but it IS doable.

I'm almost 3 years in this whole new "way of life" thing, and I still find myself reaching for a cookie when I'm anxious. I wish there was a non-medication cure for anxiety, because losing weight did not make it go away completely. Until I find *my* cure, maybe I should use the medication my doctor prescribed for me instead of eating crap.

[RinaMarie]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your support!!! Wow, it's so great to hear from others who have "been there/done that." It's funny, I just looked at the clock (almost noon) and realized that I haven't even eaten today! I've been too busy getting caught up with work that I wasn't able to do last week because of illness (all of our children came down with some type of stomach something-or-other and my youngest has fifths disease... it's been a rough week!) I'd say that's a good start being back "on the wagon." Thanks again, everyone. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. I'm off to eat "breakfast."