Has anyone thought of a way - or method - to kill the demons we face everyday? I noticed a few of us really have issues with some of the *favorites* that we think we can't say no to.

I was asking myself when I eat - how am I feeling? For the most part I don't eat when I'm depressed - I eat in social situations & possibly stress. For example walking away from the Krispy Kremes WAS HARD! And I don't even like Krispy Kremes!

So I know I was stressed about school & I still am - but what is something I can do to work through that and not unknowingly turn to things off program?

I only ask this because I am only on this program for 17 weeks - after that who is going to hold me accountable, if not me? I will take any suggestions!!

Girl Scout Cookies = Drugs = Just Say No!!!!


LOL If only it were that easy.

Here's a thought. Can you imagine if they sold Girl Scout Cookies year round? Yikes!

That is funny! And it's funny we're talking about these because I just read an article on fooducate.com about Girl scout cookies (Feb 11th), and it linked another article about two girls in Michigan, "doing research last fall on endangered orangutans in Indonesia as part of their Bronze Award project. They discovered the habitat of orangutans is being threatened by conversion of the land to the production of palm oil, an ingredient in Girl Scout Cookies." (Seattle Times, 2008).

I guess they were serious about not selling GS cookies, instead they sold magazines!

I talked to a counselor at my center about redirecting stress thoughts away from food with other things. Finding something else comforting and soothing, the things we want from comfort food in sticky situations. She told me to do what I can in my environment. At work and feeling stressed? I take a 5 minute walk outside and take deep breaths. Anywhere I can listen to my ipod? Listen to my favorite song. At home, a bath or my favorite soft slippers can help.

We have to train ourselves to deal with stress without turning to food. It is about redirecting. Find something else. A friend of mine is very naturally thin. She only eats at meals. When she is stressed, she stretches. She always has. I remember in high school, before a test, she would stretch her arms, shoulders, and back. She didn't want M&Ms to soothe her.

Food is for fueling our bodies, not for soothing our souls. Find something else that works for you. It is obviously not the taste (you said you didn't even like Krispy Kremes) you just wanted sweet and fat food to soothe you. What might work for you?

Way to go!

Mariah

I'm just starting out so I'm sure that those foods will soon be calling my name. So far I have opted for avoidance whenever possible. . . I'm not quite sure how to avoid food when people are trying to give it to you, other than to JUST SAY NO or maybe wear a sign that says "Do not feed me!"

I decided to keep all of my receipts from MRC in my billfold next to my debit card so that everytime I go to purchase something I am reminded about how much money (time, effort, etc) I have put into this program. So far it has stopped me from buying things for myself that are not on plan. I am also keeping my stones (I got my first one today) in with my change. I only use the change in my purse for 2 things . . . parking meters and vending machines and I am hoping that feeling that stone as I reach for the quarters will keep me from making poor choices at the vending machine.

I don't know if this will work for you, but these are some things that have worked so far.

Mariah

So I rejoined MRC last Saturday and boy did I pick the wrong week to go back OP!! TOM came earlier than expected and I got really lonely and sad and I had a not great day and a really bad day. Not even a week in and I've already digressed from the program! This is what I was afraid of, the slip up and the carbs. I really need this to work and I can't seem to stop thinking about food!! AHHHHH

This is great .. I did use to listen to music at work, I rarely use my MP3 anymore because we don't have anyway to load music & commercial radio sucks. I also am very famous for skipping breaks and eating lunch at my desk due to work load - but I will try to get out now that the weather is turning awesome! Today is 60 degrees! Thanks for the suggestions!

WI today and I lost 4 pounds this week for a total of 11.5 lbs in 15 days.

Mariah

Mariah..
What a great weight loss. Great work and I am very happy for you.
Patzi

That's awesome!!! Congrats!!!

Rock on Mariah!

I have been really pondering my eating habits and what makes me eat unhealthy. I like rewards. When things are tough and I feel I dealt with them, then I reward myself with a treat (usually a candy bar or something else unhealthy). When I had a good workout, I rewarded myself. I realized that these rewards were my way of feeling good. I don't know if it would be beneficial for any of you, but I have started rewarding myself in other ways. I bought myself a new shirt today for getting half way through my husband's deployment without killing myself or the kids. I rewarded myself with flowers after my son got out of the hospital. I have found other things the I like that are more rewarding than the candy and other things I shouldn't be eating. My demons are slowly being overpowered. I am taking control and I love it. They are still there and will always be there, but they are not in control... I am.

Hi everyone. I have been reading the threads on this board for awhile, but just joined MRC today and thought I would actually join this board as well for help and support and to say thanks to everyone here for posting as it made a BIG difference in my decission to make the leap and actually join MRC.

This is AWESOME. Congrats on admitting that to yourself and doing something about it! I really had to get over the fact that junk food is NOT a treat or reward. It's actually the exact opposite! When I eat candy, I am hurting myself, not rewarding myself. I am actually "treating myself" when I eat something healthful. Good job - it takes time but the demons can be quieted! I still fight the fight every day, but like I've said before, it's like exercising a muscle. The more you exercise that "NO" muscle, the stronger it will get.