Hi everyone! I used to post on this site occasionally a little over a year ago and then I seriously lost my way. At my lowest weight, I was under 200 pounds and was on a very restrictive, low carb diet. I went off of it and havent been able to stop eating this year!! I have regained at least 60 pounds and am too scared to step on the scale. When I try to get back on any semblance of a plan I last half a day at best. I am super busy lately with a lot of wonderful developments in my life (I'm in grad school now, have a great albeit stressful job, and am *finally* in love But I REALLY need to get my eating under control! I can't go back to >300 pounds. I just cant! Any advice?

P.S. Merry Christmas! I have had the best Christmas this year! This guy treats me like a goddess

First of all, don't beat yourself up about it. There isn't any way you can change the past, you just have to move on and known that you can only change your future. I have been in your exact shoes, and I know how tough it can be. Your first step is to just breathe and really think about what is going on in your life right now. The key is to make small changes, and try to make sure that whatever plan you choose is something you can live with forever. The last diet sounded a bit too restrictive, from they way you have described it. Just start slow again, and before you know it you will be back into the groove again!

Quit going ON a diet! It implies, that some day, you will get OFF! Like getting on a horse or bike, at some point, you have to get off, or, you fall or get thrown.

Find a reasonable lifestyle you can live with for the rest of your life.

Merry Christmas!

You know, whenever I am gaining and binge eating with no end in sight, I feel like I've failed completely. Is that how you are feeling? Because you have maintained a very high weight loss. However, that's kind of like being very wealthy but spending money like crazy and feeling that you're getting poorer with every day (sorry, this is not the best analogy, but it's all I can think of this late at night).

How about this....do you have any pants from when you were at your absolute highest weight? Why not put them on? See how loose they are? Now take some pants from 60 lbs. ago and take some pants that you wear now. Put them in order from largest to smallest on the floor. Take a good hard look and see how far you've come.

Now, make a commitment. Don't think about the next year, month or even week. Just one day. I know you said that you can only last half a day, but I bet that you can do a full day. If you need, ask for help. I try to visualize myself stepping on the scale the next morning and seeing a loss.

I highly recommend you do weigh yourself. Be prepared for any number and accept it and love yourself. You're a wonderful lovable person and your weight is not what defines you, but you need to take good care of yourself. Diets are not supposed to be punishment. Find a way of eating that you can stick with in the long run. Easier said then done, I know, but just try. Never give up. You can do this!!!!

Everyone here has already given some great advice but let me just add-you are in love! and that is a wonderful feeling. To have a man with you that accepts you and loves you and you are super comfortable with.

Be careful here in terms of food..from my personal experience..if he also enjoys good food and lots of it. My husband is naturally thin and the man loves to eat! When we first met, I knew he loved my curves and all we ever did was go out to eat, movies, well you get the honeymoon dating period. This went on for a year. I went crazy in love and in food heaven. In a way, it was the best and worst thing to happen to me. I had a man that loved me at any size but at the same time was enabling me-unintentionally I am sure-to consume large amounts of food. If this is happening now make sure to at least chose healthier options when you eat out.

I'm an emotional binger and can consume large amounts of food without even blinking. Having someone in my life that witnessed it and still didn't care made me feel even more comfortable in continuing with the same behavior. Suffice is to say I allowed this to go on through many years of marriage and am finally coming to terms with it and trying to change my ways. It takes some time but as someone else said here, take it one day at a time.

Best of luck to you and I hope you get back on track!

Thanks everyone! I did fairly well today. We went out to eat and I got all the sauces on the side and ordered the healthiest thing on the menu. On thursday and friday, I have no plans and am thinking about not making any and just focusing on exercising and eating right those days. Usually, if I can get a couple of days back to back on plan then I can sustain it for a while. Off to work in the AM!
p.s. I stepped on the scale and am so ashamed but am trying not to let it get me down. I just hope i can fit into the bridesmaid dress I will be wearing in March!!

You wrote:


I can't go back to >300 pounds


Any time a piece of food hits your hand, say that to yourself over and over.

Love this advise!! I'm gonna use it on myself: I will not go back to my highest weight. period.

So how bad was it? My advice would be to change your ticker and come clean. Whenever I put on a few pounds I make sure I post it and be accountable. I think being honest with my 3FC family is one of the reasons I have been able to maintain my weight for a long as I have.

Also, please don't do what I've done in the past and wait until a few weeks before the wedding and then try and starve myself to fit into "the dress". Start today to fit into it. March will be here SOON! Don't add the extra stress in your life of worrying about that darn dress. Take care of it now.

ok I changed it. I can't believe how much ground I've lost

Good girl! Commit & keep going ...