[Bell228]

Hello everyone! I am new here so wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I just moved to a new city and got a job teaching at a new school, and crazily I thought "It will be easier to lose weight once I get settled." NOT!! This past week/weekend I feel like its been harder to eat healthy and stay on track. The grass is always greener, right...

I've always struggled with my weight. It was especially difficult growing up because I was always the "heavy" sibling. I can remember my grandmother (who was "morbidly obese" as they like to call it) telling me as a little girl not to let it bother me when my brother and sister called me "fat." It was pretty good for my self-esteem. Ha! I really thought when I graduated college, moved away from everyone, and got in my own routine that weight would just fall off of me like a magic fairy! That was three years ago...and I still struggle everyday with my weight.

I guess the thing I struggle with the most is overeating. I feel like I have to chew something all the time. It's insane! In the past month I realized that I keep a lot of tension in my jaws because I grit my teeth when stressed, so eating and crunching works that tension out. I was actually craving some chips one day, and when I first crunched down I thought "That feels so good on my muscles." It was like a lightbulb went off for me. Eating relieves stress because it works tense muscles! At least it does for me anyways...now I'm trying to rub my temples/jaws when I feel stressed, chew gum, and drink plenty of water.

I signed up for this site because I've been reading your stories and it helps me not to feel all alone with my problem. Even my boyfriend is very thin and just loooooves to exercise! (Not me! ha!) Right now I'm the heaviest I've ever been: 225. It's hard to even type it!! I guess showing ownership of it will help me though.

I recently visited my doctor because I've been having shortness of breath. They found an irregularity in my heart, and my doctor said I could die if I don't reduce the stress on my heart. So why is it so hard to cut the sweets and start exercising? I should be just thrilled to wake up early in the morning and eat carrots for dinner! Now I know why they call overeating a "disorder" or "addiction." I would love any tips you all have to conquer overeating and taking your mind off of food!

Thank in advance for your support and for reading my very long, sappy post!

[bargoo]

Welcome and good luck !

[SerenityDiva]

Welcome and I am glad you found the site.

[savynaturalista]

I am having the problem it is a struggle overeating.. I would encourage you to find alternatives to the food you lovethats what I do, and I am watching the weight leave.. In order for me to not over eat. I half to tell myself sometimes that the food is not going any where and will be here later put it down.... THis site is so motivating...You will love it!!
savynaturalista.wordpress.com

[TheCrystalFairy]

Hi Bell ... and welcome! I just joined this forum today, too, and already I'm feeling better about the fact I can lose weight - I just need people to constantly remind me I'm doing okay

You're right when you mention addiction, or ertainly that's how I see food. It's taken me many, many years to realise it though - which is probably how come I need to lose 90 pounds! The fact you've realised it too, and taken ownership of your weight (it's hard to write, isn't it?) is a huge step in the right direction. But now we need to take every day, one day at a time. Good luck - you can do it.