[sapphire9]

How many "last meals" must I have before I get back on the wagon? Does anyone else have this problem? I fell off my program just before Christmas and I haven't been able to get back on. I keep saying I'll "start tomorrow" or "start Monday" so then I treat it like a free-for-all and eat more of my favorite bad foods because "tomorrow" I will give it all up. Except that tomorrow comes and it is again the "last supper" again. As a result, I'm gaining even more weight and am even more depressed than usual. I've made a list of all the reasons I need to lose weight -- and there are some very serious ones -- but I can't shake this compulsion to keep eating these last meals. Anyone else have this problem? How do I get off this treadmill?

[Stepping Out]

It's good to see you here! I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with your eating. I'm there too . I've had a lot of stress in my life lately, and I keep turning to food for comfort. As a result, my weight is slowly creeping back up . All I can tell you is just take it one day, one meal, one moment at a time. That's what I'm working on right now. I just had myself a "mini binge" , but I'm not going to give up on myself! Don't wait until tomorrow-start right now! And keep coming back and sharing with us

[nibs]

Hi Rosetta,

I know exactly what you mean. I always say I'll start again tomorrow but tomorrow never comes. I do or eat something that I feel messes up my day and then eat everything I want in site because I screwed it up anyway. When in reality whatever I ate wasn't that bad after all. We have to get it in our heads that today is the day and DO IT!!!!!!! No more waiting for tomorrow for me. As of right now tomorrow is here.

[Lyria]

One simple truth I learnt: Tomorrow NEVER comes. Chuck "tomorrow" out of the vocabulary and add a big "Today" in it's place.

Live in the present and take each day as it comes.

I guess the second thing is try not to assume the attitude of "I'll give it all up". Because eating healthy and maintaining your health is a lifelong commitment and no one, but no one is going to be able to give up ALL "bad" foods forever and ever lol.

I found the easiest way to approach it was to go for an 80/20 attitude. Eat healthy 80% of the time and treat myself occasionally. When I know that nothing is offlimits too me, that if I want too I CAN treat myself on the odd occasion and know its not going to completely derail my efforts then choosing the "right" things to eat becomes remarkably easy.

Livi

[CIN]

Rosetta
Yes.many have experienced the same problem. You are not alone!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "A problem recognized is half solved"

You recognize the problem and now need to act on it and do something about it!

I agree with the advice others gave you too.

If you fall off your program.try getting back the next meal......not the next day or next week. Forgive yourself and "move on"

Good Luck!

Hope this helps!

Cin~

[Leenie]

Oh boy thats my problem too and the cause of all my weight gain - sigh. Its funny because I want to be thinner today not tomorrow, but I keep saying I'll start tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow is a bad 8 letter word.

Instead of us saying the next meal, lets say "this meal."

Its all about training the brain.

Hang in there Rose, your definitly NOT alone.

[marbleflys]

Boy0Boy do I know this feeling.....I decided back on Jan. 14 to stop "babying" myself and demonstrate some tough self-love......I've had some small rewards (8 lbs. in 7 weeks with 4-6 hours of exercise and clean eating) and on the advice of my physician, started Meridia...we shall see. My goal is another 5 lbs. by Easter.....so I can start wearing my clothes again.,

[sapphire9]

Thank you all for your advice and support. I'm especially tense because I have a doctor's appointment in two weeks and need to see an improvement on the scale. I almost made it today but I had to go out for lunch which made it a restaurant meal and well.... but I have a class tonight so will have to eat afterward and there's nothing at home but cup of soup and Lean Cuisines so I will at least be OP at dinner.

[pegatha1]

Rosetta, boy do I undersand and identify with your problem! Although I still have a lot of ups & downs with my eating, here are two things that seem to help me a lot:

1) Stop thinking in terms of the last meal, and start thinking about the first. The first healthy, nourishing meal, in a long line of nourishing meals. Make a list of some low-fat (or low-carb, if that's your approach) main dishes & side dishes that you really like, and then celebrate your first meal from that list. If it helps, use the good china if you own any, and drink your water from a pretty wine glass. It makes all the difference in the world to me when I remember to enjoy my healthy meals.

2) Nothing is the "last" one. Think of your favorite forbidden treat, then go to your calendar and schedule a serving of it for next Friday. Having something special to look forward to really helps keep me on track the rest of the week. If a week seems too long to wait, then start with a tiny everyday treat. Maybe two Hershey's kisses after dinner. Just enough to get a taste of chocolate (if chodolate's your thing, for example). I've found that as long as it's something planned for and looked forward to, and as long as I'm getting the nutrition I really need the rest of the time, scheduling these little treats really motivates me to stay on track the rest of the time.