I just got back from Zumba class. Boy, am I exhausted! It wasn't that hard or anything, just continuous movement for an hour. My poor legs and knees are sore. (Hope I can walk tomorrow.) We did every kind of dance you could think of...Hip Hop, Rock, Twist, Cha Cha, Indian Dancing, Belly Dancing, etc. Wow, all that in an hour...I felt like I was in "Dancing With the Stars." lol

MzShaunna, I'm so proud of you for not eating any sugar!!!!! That's huge!! Congrats to you! And I don't think the peanuts were that bad for you. The main thing is that you stopped after a little. :)

MrsSnark, I just realized you lost 60+ lbs. Wow, I'm impressed!! Congrats!

Thanks Tyla! Zumba sounds awesome, I hope just getting out of bed this morning wasn't super challenging due to soreness!

Another great day for me yesterday, felt really good and normal. Tried on clothes in my closet for a while -- that always helps me stay focused, lol!

Hi MrsSnark!! How did you do with wearing your old clothes? I've still got a ways to go (from just last year), before I can fit into clothes, that I looked good in. What a bummer!

I got major cramps in the middle of the night from Zumba. I don't know why?! I took another Zumba class some time ago, with a different instructor. No problems. But I guess pushing in too hard too fast isn't the way to go for me. I can walk, though! :yay: I will go back, however.

I thought I've been in control, binge-free for months. It's only been 10 days! :lol:

Tyla -- I had fun trying things on, stuff I don't even recognize anymore it has been so long since I wore them, lol! Unfortunately I have "aged out" of alot of my skinny clothes, lol, oh well.

Sorry about the cramps, those stink. Hopefully that will be your one and only experience with zumba-induced cramps!

Hi everyone,

I've been having a hard time with binging (or mini binges) lately due to the stress of moving to a new city and being unemployed. I'd love you join you ladies for some support and to be more accountable :)

Lisa

It's Thursday already! Tonight I teach my class, and I've been a little anxious this week, since I haven't taught in a while. Plus the classroom is different and the set up may be different. I hope everything turns out ok.

I've been eating healthy, because of this thread. I'm so happy I'm in control again, staying within my calorie range and exercising.

MrsSnark, you get to buy a whole new wardrobe! Fantastic! I just love that pic of you on the beach!

Welcome, Lisa! Glad you could join us! I know all about stress and stress-eating. Trying to stop that behavior, too. :)

Tyla, I hope your class goes well! (I'm sure it will!!!)

Mrs. Snark, sometimes when I get back into my old clothes, they're just plain out of style. Always a bummer!

LisaT, new city + no job (and the resulting lack of structure) is definitely hard! Hang in there!

I'm struggling today not with the urge to binge so much as the urge to overeat. Maybe it's a fine line, and probably the latter will lead to the former. The scale was up again and I'm frustrated as anything. Boo! I just keep telling myself, if I give in, then I'l *really* be frustrated. Grr.

Hey Lisa, welcome to the thread! Those are very stressful circumstances you are in, so hang in there!

Tyla, good luck tonight, I'm sure you'll do great! Being in control is such a nice feeling, isn't it? Congrats on all the hard work you're doing to stay on plan! :carrot:

7lbs, I have lots of out-of-style clothes as well -- but I hold on to them because everything comes back around again, so you never know! Hang in there, nothing is EVER improved by overeating or binging, NOTHING. Don't let the scale put the kibosh on your mojo, he is a fickle creature, best ignore when he isn't cooperating!

Just a check in: I'm teetering on the edge of the teens at 220. In general that's a fairly low point for me, only reaching it twice in the past two decades. I'm practicing intuitive eating (I'll never diet again) and I'm having to remind myself to not only live in the moment at the table but to live in the moment and enjoy the body I have for today rather than anticipate the body I might have in the future.

Some people do well with visualization and motivators but I personally need to be careful with "the future" so as not to go into diet mode in my impatience to get 'er done. What I'm doing is working, slower than I'd like, but I'm also not tempted to stuff my face when stressed or bored.

I went to the tailor to have a few of my very favorite things cut down. I saw a large woman in the mirror (a very average largeness) not huge like I'm used to seeing. That's enough for today.

An affirmation from a recovering food addict, binge eater and serial dieter.

Binge free in September.

Cat

Thanks for all the welcoming posts! This seems like a great group. I did a Spin & Sculpt class today and now I'm super hungry I really had to resist stopping to get Frozen Yogurt on my way home, but I did it :)

@tyla what do you teach?? I used to teach music/drama

@thesame7lbs I definitely struggle with both overeating and binging, I hate binging way more.

Hey vintagecat, thanks for sharing! Congratulations on the milestone you're about to cross, how wonderful!

Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the body (and the life) we have TODAY. That really is so important.

Binge free in September, whoo hoo!

Happy Friday all, TGIF! Everyone ready for the weekend (and weekend challenges?).

Last night I had a planned martini with my dinner, and while I greatly enjoyed it, I ended up struggling mentally with not eating mindlessly later. So I think I will pass on any more alcohol this weekend. There are certain times of the month it just seems hard to keep the Snack Monster under control, and this is one of those times I fear.

I had an okay weekly weigh-in this morning, looking forward to a fun weekend. We went sailing at 6 am to watch the moonset and sun rise. It was gorgeous!

Happy Friday, Everyone!!
I feel great today. I've lost a pound since I've started this adventure almost 2 weeks ago. :yay: And I can tell my belly is not as prominent. Plus I'm so happy my class is over. What a relief! :carrot: At first, things were a little disorganized at the school. They didn't put up a sign to tell people where the class was. So I had to round them up and show them where it was held. That was a little annoying. I was teaching a Psychology class about having more joy in our lives, so I couldn't really look too annoyed. lol But when everyone was situated, the class went really well. Thank you for all of your good wishes.

7lbs,, I hope you resisted the urge to eat. It's so hard when that stupid scale doesn't want to cooperate. I just hate that, because it's so frustrating!! But please be strong. Eating will only make it worse, and then cause depression. Stay strong. We're rooting you on! :cheer2:

Vintagecat, congrats on making another milestone! Weight loss plus inches lost! Kudos to you!! :congrat: What exactly is intuitive eating?

Lisa, wow, what an accomplishment to resist temptation!! That's huge! What is spin and sculpt? You are on your way to a binge-free September! :woohoo:

MrsSnark,, so what are you doing this weekend? Your pic on the beach always gives me motivation to exercise. Thank you! :thanks:

It's the weekend! Let's have a great one!

MrsSnark, I must have been posting the same time as you. I just wanted to add that the sail you took this morning sounded fantastic! What a wonderful way to start your morning!! Talk about finding more joy in your life!! I can just picture the sunrise :sunny: and moonset!! Thank you for sharing.

Congrats on resisting the urge to snack last night! It's not always easy, but you did it!!! :bravo:

Hello everyone!

It is so encouraging to come hear and read of everyone's successes. Dancing carrot for everyone on this Friday! :carrot:

VintageCat, reading your post was like wrapping up in a cozy blanket. Excellent food for thought (ugh! pun!), enjoying the bodies we have today.

Tyla, so glad your class went well after the initial chaos! I love the image of you trying to rein in frustration so you can teach about finding joy! :)

Mrs Snark, an early morning sail sounds heavenly. It must be so quiet and serene. Serious gratitude time, eh? I agree that even one drink erodes my resolve on food. For that reason, I have really reduced the number of days when I drink -- where I used to have a glass or two of wine a couple nights a week, now it's once a week at most, and usually reserved for social occasions or when I've cooked something really nice that just deserves a glass of wine.

I had an NSV yesterday and stayed within my calories despite my frustration. Took DS out to lunch (he is 4.5 yrs old and a fabulous lunch date) and really narrowly avoided cookie-related indulgences. Just knew I would stop at one. And all that perseverance paid off today -- whatever bumped me up yesterday came off today and I am down a lb.

Good Morning, Everyone!
Just thought I'd check in to say that I'm having a good weekend so far. We went out to a Chinese Restaurant last night, and I did very well. Left the rice on the table and only ate a lunch portion of chicken and broccoli. Of course, today I feel the salt retention. lol

Hope everyone has a great, healthy weekend! :hug:

I calculated my calories today, and found that I went over my 1200-1500 calorie range. Usually I feel bad, and that sends me into a downward spiral of overeating or bingeing. But that didn't happen this time. I realized that happened, so now I can move on. I'll make up for it during the week by eating less or exercising more. This is a huge deal for me! I am actually thinking and acting like a normal person, not fretting and punishing myself over it. I've progressed! :carrot:

Tyla - going over your range now and then is no big thing, it all seems to even out with time! Good for you for circumventing the "death spiral" as I always think of it! So hard to break that pattern! YOU ROCK! :carrot:

I'm having a good weekend, out on the boat alot enjoying some nice weather!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Happy Monday, Everyone! I love Mondays. It's a new week and another fresh start. If anyone that is struggling wants to join us, please feel free. We take it one day at a time. Have a great day! :hug:

Yay for Mondays!

My kitchen is now closed. I was feeling snacky this evening so I ate my dinner with my fingers, lol. A big bag of sugar snap beans with garlic salt. Eating them one at a time with my fingers satisfied that urge for alot of hand-to-mouth snackage. And they were seriously delicious as well. Win!

Did great yesterday. The weekend was a little harder than usual. But I made up for it by fasting yesterday. I am really proud of myself! I exercised by going for a long walk outside to make sure I got plenty of endorphins. So today I have a lot of things to do to keep my mind occupato, and I have my Zumba class tonight. I really look forward to that!

Here's to a great day!

Hi everyone,

Tyla, I agree the weekends are harder. Do you fast often?

MrsSnark, I will have to try garlic salt on SSPeas. I love them!

I can't believe it's already Sept 24! In a week I will be binge-free for the month. What a great feeling!:carrot:

So close to a whole month 7lbs, that is AWESOME!

Tyla, I can't fast as a response to overreating -- that has always set me up for a terrible binge/restrict pattern that never quite ends up working out in my favor over the course of several days. But that's just me, and I had to learn that the hard way over lots of years. I hope the fast works for you and you feel refreshed and reinvigorated moving forward!

Just to let you all know, the one-day fast was something I wanted to try. I actually felt great doing it. The reason why I did it was to stop the cycle of allowing myself to overeat. I'm not making this a habit. I just wanted to prove to myself that I am stronger than I think. I feel great today, back to counting my calories and not tempted to overeat. No worries. :) Looks like we're going to make this a binge-free September! :carrot:

Hi guys,
My zumba class last night was fantastic! I had so much fun. The good part was that the instructor told me that I was good, that I could keep up with all of her steps. That felt good, because I'm not much of an athlete. Not good at jogging, but love to dance.

This morning I have already done Pilates and walked a bit. Going to walk more this afternoon.

Hope everyone has a binge-free day. :hug:

Tyla, just to clarify -- I wasn't judging or challenging your decision to fast. I know that totally works for some people. For me, it is a very compelling way to re-establish control after an off-plan day; unfortunately, my attempts at IF have led to bingeing, though of course, nothing occurs in a vacuum and it could have been any number of things (or combo of things) that triggered me.

I just read this article the other day. I perceive Dr. Weil as someone who is level-headed and doesn't endorse trendy, risky, or extreme things, and he is positive on fasting.

I have never tried Zumba but can only imagine I would look really goofy doing it -- and I am pretty coordinated and athletic (except where golf is involved...)

Hope everyone's having a great day -- keep strong everyone!

Happy Thursday! Wow, the week went by fast! I'm feeling good today. Did Pilates this morning. Now that I don't mind doing, and I feel great afterwards! Pilates is great, because it strengthens my core and makes me feel slimmer.

7lbs., thanks for the article by Dr. Weil. I will read it right after I post this. I've always like him.

September is almost over. Can you believe it?! Let's continue to do well.
Best of luck to everyone!

7lbs, I've just read Dr. Weil's article, and I completely agree with him. I feel better sleeping, have more energy and am more in control. Thank you for this information!

Hello ladies, I have a quick question for you: How much food do you need to eat for it to be classified as a "binge"? I realized that there are nights where i snapped and ate a pizza, a bag of chocolate turtles and a bag of m&ms in one sitting and those are what I considered my "binging episode". But what are the boundaries between eating, indulging and binging?:?:

Hi Luzitania!

To me, that's considered a binge. There is a difference between just overeating and a binge-eating. According to Psychology Today, binge-eating is eating excessive amounts of food. It is feeling a loss of control while eating. You keep eating, even if you're full. Usually this happens with some kind of loss. Any emotion can trigger binge-eating. Being sad, upset, angry (due to an argument or mishap,) financial problems, being alone, bored, rejected, relationship problems, a death, divorce, etc. And the list goes on and on. Even if you have dieted (restricted yourself) for a long period of time can cause a binge. There are so many reasons people binge, usually it's emotional.

Overeating is merely just that. An extra piece of cake, more calories than usual, etc. But then you stop.

Luz, it takes one day at a time to stop this behavior. Come join us here on this thread. We are all trying to stop this habit. (Really, that's what it actually is.) Check in with us and tell us how your doing. :hug:

Does anyone else want to chime in? I may have missed something. Thanks.

As for me, I'm meeting my girlfriends for lunch next week, and I'm making this get together a strong enough reason to stay in control. Sometimes I need a little goal to help me stay stronger.

Good luck to all of us over the weekend! :goodluck: :hug:

I pretty much agree with Tyla on what constitutes a binge. For me the line is when I feel out of control. I have had planned "over eating" in which I ate quite a lot -- much more than I do on a normal day, but I wasn't out of control.

On the other hand I've had binges where I ate uncooked linguine dipped in peanut butter (there were no crackers in the house) -- gross now, and gross then, but I was stuffing it down like there was no tomorrow . I couldn't stop.

I've been very sick this week and not eating much. I am starting to feel a bit better today and need to make sure I get enough healthy calories over the next few days so that I don't binge once my normal hunger catches up with me and the low calorie days I've been having due to being ill.

MrsSnark! I'm so glad to see you! I'm so sorry that you were ill. I am sending you good thoughts that you stay strong mentally during this time. Remember, you've achieved so much to start blowing it. :cheer3: Take it from one who has blown it. You really regret it, and it wasn't worth it. :hug:

As you know, it's Saturday. Sometimes weekends are tough for me. I'm really trying to be on my best behavior today. But it's hard. I'm going to listen to my own words, that I've come to0 far to ruin it. I will be strong!

Hello everyone,

I'd like to join this thread,
There are 2 days left of September and I am promising myself that I will eat healthy and stay away from the refined carbs. When I feel the need to binge, I am going to drink 2 large glasses of water.

I read somewhere else to have only one day a week as a designated treat day, what do you think about that?

Thank you ladies. :) I will definitely join you as it has, as you said tyla, developed into a habit that I need to get rid of. Hopefully, I can make October binge-free. :carrot: If it wasn't for my "episodes", my weight loss journey would be going a lot better.

Welcome, Primalgirl. Glad you could join us. Did you buy yourself yellow flowers like I mentioned? They only cost about $4 or $5 at a Albertson's or Trader Joe's. I mentioned that Rutgers University has done studies that buying and giving flowers gives you endorphins, and the color yellow brings you joy. So when you get the urge to spluge, drink water and go do something nice for yourself - like buying yellow flowers. I bought yellow roses at Trader Joe's for $4.99. I love them!

As for the planned treat once a week, it depends on how strong you are. I used to do that, but I feel it only led to overeating, and then bingeing. But if it's a special occasion, I plan for that. For me, I'm trying to stay away from sugar and other trigger foods right now until I lose a few more lbs. Besides, I've learned that sugary foods are very bad for you. There is a list of reasons not to eat sugar, that I posted on this thread somewhere. I try to find non sugary treats, like almonds. I love almonds, and I count them in my calories for the day. Or I'll eat a frozen banana, when I want ice cream. I try to keep one ready in the refrigerator. Hope this helps.

Anyone else want to comment on this? Maybe eating a treat once a week helps someone else?

Luz, I'm so glad you're joining us. Come here often, and post how you are doing. We want you to succeed. Coming here helps you to read others successes. It gives you motivation to stay strong. Even if you mess up, post because we'll help you get back on track. We're here to help each other, too. We all get it.

Hello, everyone!

Luzitania, your question is very timely for me, because I had an off-plan day yesterday. I keep telling myself, "It wasn't a binge, it was just overeating," but then I wonder if that's just semantics to make myself feel better. For me, there were a few things that mark it more as overeating: 1) I've been thinking about having an off-plan day to "shake things up," as I've been disappointed with my loss, 2) I didn't eat in secret, 3) I didn't eat all that much, it just felt like a lot after eating on a deficit for a month, and 4) I didn't eat beyond hunger or eat anything unusual.

That said, of course the scale was up today and now I feel worse. :( So I've planned my food for today and will get right back on track.

Primalgirl, welcome! Re: treat day, it works for some and not for others. I have a small treat pretty much every day -- like a skinny cow dessert or something. Some days I skip it, but I pretty much always plan for it within my calories. In the past, I've had success with eating on plan during the week but having a much more lenient Saturday, allowing for dinner out or a party.

Mrs. Snark, I'm sorry you've been sick -- hope you feel better soon!

Tyla, you're doing so well -- congrats! I think I will buy some yellow flowers today. I love having fresh flowers in the house.

Hello binge warriors.

Binge free in September. Starting tomorrow we will be on the road for roughly a week leaving AK for warmer climes. Since I always lose weight on the ride out (even in my worst state of bingeing) I can say with some level of certainty that I'll be binge free. I made a daily healthy meal for the road that we can thaw and nuke as we go to avoid road eating. Chicken veggie soup, chili, tuna salad, snacking veggies.

My DH went out for coffee today and brought back a donut for each of us. Nothing I like better than donuts as far as crap foods go, especially the plain glazed old fashioned type, which he bought. It was good but it didn't call for more, more, more like it usually does.

We've had dark chocolate bars in the house for many days as well as cashews and no problems with them either. I made one pasta dish to use up fridge stuff for the road that really didn't look that desirous to me. Objectively it is definitely tasty but my wants have changed. I'll probably foist that off on DH while I eat the soup. Weird to write this.

I hope everyone does well. Checking out....

Cat

Welcome Luz and Primalgirl! Let's all finish September strong and then embrace October binge free!

Primalgirl, I personally can't do designated treat days very often at all or it triggers a binge (which generally leads to multiple binges). Treat foods are just terrible triggers for me. I know some people can eat off-plan foods one day every week, but for me I can only do it for one meal (not a full day) every 3 or 4 months. And getting back on track the week following that planned treat day takes ALOT of willpower. A seriously, ridiculous amount of willpower. I do SO much better when I don't have sugar and simple carbs and junk in my system. I hate going through treat withdrawal, it always brings me down. I used to be very bitter about all this, but I seem to have made some peace with this truth this time around for me. I really, really want to maintain my weight loss (I've lost and gained many times, I want this to be the last).

I know more frequent treat days work for some people, though, and it may be worth experimenting with to see if it works for you. :)

Tyla -- thanks for the info on flowers, I think I'll get myself some next time I'm out!

Tyla, I now have a vase of sunflowers in my kitchen :flow2:

Ah, the last day of September! I don't know if I feel like I have a fresh, shiny month ahead of me or a gaping maw of temptation -- 4-day girls' weekend in NOLA, Halloween, etc...

I did have an NSV yesterday when I got right back on-plan after Saturday's overage, and I have today's food planned and logged so I'm feeling positive going forward as well. :cool:

Wishing everyone a good day and positive vibes!