Dh left this morning for his pre-Iraq training. He'll be there a few weeks. I really want (and need) to start losing weight. I seem to be at a standstill. I really don't want to start right now but I know that if I don't it's slim to none that I will at all. Besides the day that katrina hit (knowing that my hubby was in the middle of it) I think this is the most depressing day I've had yet. I don't want to do anything, I don't want to talk to anyone, I'm ignoring my dd, I don't want to think about my food (which is a BIG no no) I REALLY don't want to exercise. Plus, TOM started yesterday so thats on top of the way I feel. Can I get a little encouragement? It's been quite a while since I've been back here. I attempted a couple of posts after my disney world trip but can't seem to get back into the habit. Well, I don't really know what else to say. I may be back a little later...

Happymomma --

I can't even imagine how tough it is to be you right now, seriously. The idea of having bf (don't have a husband!) leaving for such an uncertain future would kill me -- I have unlimited admiration for your strength. It's completely understandable that you feel really vulnerable right now, and I wish I could offer you better advice!! The only thing I know is that I've found amazing support here, even for things that have nothing to do with weight loss. I have no doubt at all that it's going to be really really really really tough for you for a few days or weeks, but that it will progressively get a little easier. Not that it'll ever be the same as when he's home, but you'll adjust.

Today it might be best for you to be by yourself, but you should really try to get into contact with some people that can be a support system, even if they don't know that that's their purpose in your life. A friend, a family member, anyone to just keep you involved.

Once you've gotten over this first emotional hurdle, try and get back into the gym/workout routine. It really does help take your mind off things and aside from losing weight, it's just plain healthy. And just think of how proud of you your hubby will be when he hears that not only are you staying emotionally strong and keeping up with life, but you're also trying to take positive steps toward having a healthier life! Not to mention, having a kickin new body when he comes home would be an added bonus

My thoughts are with you...and all this business right now isn't weakness, this is your strength showing how far it can take you.

wow, puts all my petty problems in perspective! You are strong for even coming here rather than diving head-first into a pile of donuts, which is probably where you'd find me! I don't know that I have any advice/encouragement that would really help, just try to keep your eyes on the prize, think about how proud your hubby will be when he gets home and sees the new slimmer healthier you! Sometimes when I'm upset exercise does help, as much as you don't want to do any, pounding away on some gym equipment does sort of relieve stress, at least for me. Maybe more achievable would be to just give yourself some splurges (in non-food ways!), maybe pick up a favorite book, or take a nice long bubble bath, watch a favorite movie tonight, call a good friend you haven't talked to in awhile, whatever you think would take your mind off your troubles for a bit and help you cope.

I'm proud of you for coming here instead of making not so great food choices! I like carolineintx's tips about rewarding yourself in non-food ways. Something I do to keep from snacking when I'm bored--I paint my fingernails. It takes a while to dry, which means I can't mess them up to prepare a snack. Trust me, potato chip crumbs look pretty stupid embedded in your bright red nail polish, lol!
I'm thinking good thoughts for you!!

The hardest time is when they first go and then when it's almost time for them to come home. I know, I've done it 3 times. Once you get into a routine it's so much easier. Try to make the gym part of your routine. And make a goal of having that hot body when he comes home. I did the first time, and didn't tell my DH. It was great. Of course, I'm fat again, but whatever. I'm working on it
Good Luck, and if you want to talk, feel free to email me. Being a military spouse is hard, you have to have lots of support.
Maggie

I know how you feel! My husband has been gone on a deployment for 3 weeks now and I've only managed to lose 3 pounds. All this time I blamed him for my bad eating habits (he's 6'3" and skinny as a rail) but now I have no one to blame but myself. I just can't find the motivation to leave the house and go hang out with friends and exercise. The last time he deployed it was so easy, but not anymore. I hope this gets easier for you!