The last few days I feel like I am regressing in my progress. I've done pretty well over the the last few months (not perfect by any means, but still showing progress). This past week has been filled with personal and professional stress. I'm starting to go back to my old habits, like raiding the vending machine at work and stopping by convenience stores to load up for a binge. I've blown off the gym twice this week.

I'm so afraid to undo all the progress I have accomplished at this point. I could use some words of wisdom/encouragement.

Thanks in advance.

Look how well you've done! 50 lbs! That's amazing!!! We all have set backs but just remember a lapse in the morning doesn't mean the whole day is ruined. A lapse at the beginning of the week doesn't mean the whole week is ruined. You just have to tell yourself oh well it happened now I just have to be a little more careful not to let it keep happening.

You are beautiful and STRONG or you wouldn't have made it this far! Just take it a day at a time and you can do it. Forget about the past week every single day is a fresh start.

WTG on your success thus far!! woohoo

Sorry to hear you're going thru lots of stress! It can wreck havoc with the best of intentions!

I have 2 suggestions. 1. Leave all of your change at home. That way the vending machines can SCREAM your name and you can't respond.
2. Bring LOTS of healthy snacky foods with you to work. Cut up fruits, veggies, yogurts, nuts, individual oatmeal packs, etc. whatever works for you. Just ALWAYS have something healthy to eat when you get hungry. Also make sure you're getting enough protein in your lunch.

Those are just things that've worked well for me in the past. You are doing a GREAT job and I'm sure you'll continue! You've worked too hard to backslide now!

Good luck!

There is no way that just one week could possibly be undoing all that progress. You are doing beautifully. Geneen Roth says something in one of her books to the effect that even today, she sometimes binges. It's just that for the most part, she doesn't. But she says we are ALL emotional eaters. There will always be a time once in a while that we turn to food to cover our emotional issues. What really matters is how/why you eat *most* of the time. Nobody is meant to be perfect. I personally think you're doing great. Your stats really inspire me.

{{{{{Jen}}}}}

I just want to add my good wishes for you.

I totally understand about the stress thing, as I'm going through some very frightening things right now -- super-high stress. It has affected my dieting. I ate bad things this week, didn't get in much exercise at all. My reasons are still there, but sometimes they weren't enough to override the "I want!" mood of the moment.

Sometimes you need the vending machine snack. Just try to work it into your day's intake. Add some time onto the workout, too, and remember that working out is a de-stressor.

Also remember that things will pass and get better, and that when they do, how much happier you will be if you've stuck to your diet and are weighing less! You may not be able to do much about the causes of your stress, but you can keep from adding to it by sticking to your diet, or at least keeping the junk food eating within reason.

I know you posted this a while ago, but I just thought I'd add my support to the pack.

Losing 50 pounds is not something that just anyone could achieve. You must really have some incredible willpower and inner strength to have gotten this far, even if you don't feel like it right now. It's gotta still be there somewhere! I'm sure you'll be back on track in no time and this will just be a one of those minor blips that everyone goes through.

Your post got me to thinking that I've really been neglecting my own exercise regimen. Thanks for the reminder to get back on track!

Thanks everyone for your responses. It was a good weekend. There was only one part of the weekend that my eating was not controlled (alcohol really lowers your inhibitions!).

I took Elizabeth's advice and left all my cash at home so I wouldnt be tempted to hit the vending machine. It's way too convenient having the machines so close to my office!

Thanks again for your support!