[Fairy Sarah]

I used to be really obsesssive about my diet - kept myself to 1000 calories a day, exercised of at least 500 everyday. It really took over my life and put alot of pressure on many relationships - well practically every relationship that was important to me.

I went through a stage where I was constantly telling myself "It's okay Sarah - you are a young, fit, healthy woman and you are allowed to eat that!" and now I justify everything I eat?

It's interesting that so many people have this issue, especially those with just a few more pounds to lose.

I'll check out Calorie-King - thanks for the tip off I used to just plug everything in and it got to be a pain!

I'm so glad people pointed out to me what I'm doing. I'm going to try ask myself before I eat why I am doing it - and if there is a valid reasons - and if there could be a better choice to make.

[WebRover]

For things like crackers, it could be as simple as counting out how many you intend to eat, putting them on a plate or napkin and closing the box before you sit down to deliberately eat them. It can be very easy to munch them down as you carry them to your seat before you've even focused on eating them.

[Fairy Sarah]

That is a really good point Webrover - see here I am subconsiously self sabotaging again.

I instantly think - oh but I don't have that much to lose - I don't NEED to go to those lengths. But really I do! Infact I weighed myself today and I've gained! eeeeeekk!

[shrinkinglizzy]

Oh Sarah, I totally hear you! You and I could be the same person -- I used to be so thin because I was OBSESSED! Then, I didn't like that, and it was like a pendulum swing the other way, to "oh, stop worrying about what you eat all the time! Just eat!" And it is funny, how my mindset has changed so much since I've gotten "close enough" to goal again. Maybe the maintainers' site has some wisdom about this!
Good luck!
S

[marheena]

I went through the same thing. I lost alot of weight... looked great, told myself that I was fit and I could afford to eat that just this once... then once turned into twice and before I knew it I was saying well I'll eat this today and start my diet on Monday... and then its next Monday... or next month etc.

You have to tell yourself you are making a life change and then realize that you should always be eating healthy. When "Monday" finally came for me, I put up a picture of what I looked like the last time I met my goal weight on the fidge, the cabinet were I keep snacks, and where I keep my makeup. So when I am about to eat or go out with friends to eat I remember what I am striving for. That helped me get back on track. Good Luck

[UrsusMaritimus]

This is so funny, I thought I was the only person this happened to. When I've dieted in the past, I would forget too.

This time I'm writing down everything I eat, and I'm reporting my food intake to a friend at the end of the day (she's doing the same). It keeps me really mindful when I'm about to eat - I get out my notepad, write it down, and then send an email in the evening.

I really think being accountable to someone other than yourself is helpful. I rarely forget to do things when I've made a commitment to someone else.