I did this when my son was eating jelly beans out of his Easter basket. I would have him bite them in half (rather than just popping it in his mouth) so that I could smell them. It started as some sort of sadistic thing to myself, I think, but I found that, somehow, it actually helped me . . . like I had been able to enjoy them in another way.

Other days, I get a tad resentful . . . like on Saturday when we were all trapped in the car together on a road trip . . . while I ate my WaWa salad (with mustard for dressing since I forgot my WF packets) smelling their delicious subs for miles. LOL

As for emotional ups and downs . . . early into my second week, I threw a tantrum that would make a 2 y/o blush right there in my own kitchen. Even threw something. It kind of snuck up on me and surprised the heck out of me. I find I am not having those mood swings anymore.

Hang in there, everybody. It only gets easier.

As for the mood swing, eek, my first week on the IP program had my family members "running for the hills"...and while some of it is likely aspects of the estrogen in the fat cells I think at least for me I have a lifelong "people-pleaser" aspect that I sooth with carbs. If people didn't respect my boundaries I would eat a donut and feel soothed. If I put everyone's needs above my own I would eat a half a pizza and feel soothed. Now that I am not doing any of that I am becoming more "real"...not nasty at all, but definitely acknowledging when I feel I have not been treated respectfully. I am not as "easy" to get along with, because I advocate for me, not just others, so this change just might need to be longer term if I am going to keep the weight off.

Amen. I strive for this, myself. I think that is change for the better. Congrats.