[ladyrider72472]

Okay, Friday I was 7 pounds away from goal..... but something went horribly wrong in my eating over the weekend..... and I ate like nobody's business. I don't have a TOM anymore, so that cannot be it..... I just did not control my eating. To the tune of 8lbs gained. In fact, I drank wine coolers Friday and Saturday night..... and I DONT DRINK-- at all-- normally.

So, I thought I would do some damage control today by doing protein shakes. I just cannot pull that off either.

I need a little wisdom from all of you who may have been through this. Do you think it is just my mind playing tricks on me?

I am soooo sad today.

[Megan1982]

Ladyrider, we all fall off plan sometimes. The most important thing, I believe, is to accept it, and get right back on track with your food & exercise plan. If you don't like protein shakes, don't drink them. Just get right back to your normal eating & activity habits. The most "extra" I do when I slip up is to try and drink lots of extra water to flush out any water retention, and I make extra sure I get to the gym b/c for me, a good workout keeps me really motivated.

I doubt you gained 8 lbs in one weekend. More likely you're retaining water from the off-plan foods and alcohol. Getting back to on-plan eating, workouts, and lots of water as I mentioned above should help flush out the extra fluids.

As to the psychology behind a slip-up... not sure how much your question is about that as well. I do try to figure out why I had trouble, so I can prevent it in the future (this doesn't always help me, but it does sometimes). e.g. Was I emotionally eating b/c I was lonely/bored b/c I had a Friday night home alone? Make plans with some friends next Friday...that kind of thing.

Don't beat yourself up too much. It happens to everyone. Just get back on track. You're doing great, you've come so far, keep up the good work!

[Sheila53]

Don't panic. I think I'm correct in saying this has happened to most of us. I can't address the why because it's different for everyone, but I know that you have to put it behind you and start fresh today, eating just like you always eat rather than trying to "fix" it.

Part of the gain is water retention, which should disappear in a few days, especially if you drink a lot of water to flush out your system.

[Meg]

Big hug! Please don't be sad -- it's all part of the journey for all of us. It what happens now that's important.

I agree with Sheila and Megan about just going back to what's worked so well for you in the past. There's no need to punish yourself by restricting too much, plus it often can backfire and lead to a spiral of off plan eating.

Alcohol can cause such a loss of inhibition about food! The fact that you're not used to drinking and had wine coolers might explain why your eating went off-track.

You obviously has a plan that works well for you! Go back to it, drink your water, get some exercise and those 8 pounds will be gone before you know it. You're going to be fine.

[ladyrider72472]

Thank you ladies so much! It is nice to have support from such wonderful people!