The holidays really took a toll on me. I was losing right before Thanksgiving, and then a string of events - the holidays, my wedding and honeymoon, and our New Year's Eve party - pushed my progress back. I gained a few pounds, which I expected, but I didn't expect it to be so hard to get back on track. I know that I need to stick to counting calories, but I've been starving at night the past few weeks. So, of course, I've been overeating.

So, I get it. I overate through the holidays and I need to get back on track. Why is it so tough?

I've been trying to be positive about it, but lately it's really been getting to me. I feel myself becoming depressed and feeling like this journey is impossible.

I've been coming onto 3FC and trying to be involved but finding myself unable to connect with anything.

What's going on with me? I had a positive attitude after the holidays, and all of a sudden I feel like it's hopeless and disconnected from my goal.

Help - How do I snap out of this?!

Tell yourself that you're not going to let all this get you. You're strong, determined and hard-willed.

Getting back on or on in the first place is never easy when it involves a complete lifestyle change. My suggestion ? ease yourself back in. Slowly wean the calories. Start with 1800 for 3 days. Drop it to 1700 for 2 days, drop to 1600 for one day and then finally 1500 from here on out. Add some exercise so you can increase your calorie budget a bit. Tweaking things isn't a bad thing. Especially if it helps get back on track.

The biggest thing is knowing that you CAN do this and that you have before.
I find that letting myself have little 'cheats' helps. If I want some chocolate, I break off a square of teh chocolate bar. If I want some apple juice, I pour half a cup and water the rest down.

Don't restrict to the point where you're not enjoying it. I know some people say it's never fun. Well I think you can make it fun and less "tooth pulling". Eat what you want in moderation, for snacks.

I keep saying this but green tea has been a miracle for me.

You'll get there, if you let yourself.
Good luck

I think everyone's been here....I remember thinking to myself "what's wrong with me" after my eating went out of control..... A few suggestions:

1) Set a small goal. If you're having problems sticking to the biggies, choose a mini goal like no liquid calories or no fried foods or no eating after 7 or only 1 soda today.

2) Get a picture of the end. Find a picture of the abs you want or maybe even the cute dress you want to wear when you hit goal. Post it on your desk or on the mirror. Keep the end in sight!!!!

3) Remember who's in control...YOU ARE. I used to say to myself every day "I am in control of me"...(I still do).

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can do this!
Pick one habit you can improve on each day.
Good luck!!!

Thanks everyone I really appreciate your feedback and support.

I'm going to keep focusing on my night eating. We had to do laundry last night, so relaxing was out of the question. We didn't get home until 9pm.

But, as was said - today is another day! We'll see how the calories go.

Thanks for listening

I agree with above! Little goals along the way!

I also made a game for the door of my fridge. Every time I find myself mindlessly staring at the fridge thinking about what's in there for me to eat, I instead spin the little wheel on my fridge door and whatever it lands on I go do. Like go up and down the stairs twice or clean the litter box. Make that activities whatever you like but I think its a pretty good way to either get distracted and forget I was looking for food, or I just avoid the fridge all together!

You can do it!

What a great idea! I'm going to make myself an activity wheel right now!

I like the activity wheel idea!