I've been trying to up my calories from 1200 to 1500 but I'm having alot of emotional struggles with it.

I get to my 1200 calories that I usually eat... and then I remember that I need to eat more and I end up binging. Tonight, my extra 300 calories that I needed to eat turned into 6 pieces of a cheeseless pizza.

I feel sick to my stomach, and I feel sick in my heart.

I can't seem to get this under control. I think I have a mental block when it comes to going over 1200 calories. If I go over 1200 I feel like I've "ruined" my day so I end up saying "f-it" and binging. Then, to make matters worse, I keep having disordered thoughts about how if I didn't eat tomorrow it would make up for it.

I want to get to 135 by my birthday on March 24th, which is 8 lbs away. I thought it was do able but now I'm getting discouraged.

I just need some advice on how I can get this eating under control. Maybe I should drop back down to 1200 calories and work my way up to 1500? Like, 1200 this week... 1300 for two weeks after that, then 1400, up to 1500.

I dunno. I'm just frustrated right now.

Your plan to move up slowly sounds very reasonable if you're having problems!

Good luck!

It seems that your emotional conditions really affect your health.. I was suffering from that for 5 years and it really disturbed my body..

I like the idea of working your way up to 1500 calories. Remember to stock your pantry with healthy snack foods that are about 200 calories or less, so you can have them instead of junk food.

i think your suggestion is probably the best for you. the extra 100 cals a day can be like a banana or something for next week and then the week after you go up another 100. if you plan what you will use the extra 100 on rahter than just thinking "i have to eat more" you're morel ikely to be able to control the binge. i do it too so i know how hard it is.

Hi,

I was thinking tha maybe rather than incorporate more food since you are having a problem with that, just switch something out. What I mean is if you eat yogurt rather than have the fat free go for regular, this way it is still healthy, you don't have the emotions of over eating, and you are able to up your caloric intake.

I think your plan is good. Also perhaps, write down exactly what it is you will be eating for those 1200 calories. Those 1300 calories. Those 1400 calories. Those 1500 calories. EXACTLY how you will be getting in those calories and don't deviate from the list. This way you're not stuck and faced with the decision of what to eat. It will be done for you in advance. Taking away the thought process during a time of struggle always helps me.

You CAN get a handle on this.

It sounds to me like you've got a set menu down and you don't want to change it, and then at the end of the day you're "making up" for it--with bad results! You can avoid the bingeing by spreading those calories throughout the day.

Here's what I mean: If you are used to eating 3 ounces of chicken, move it up to 4 ounces. If you've been using skim milk, switch to 1% milk or 2% milk. If you've been having 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, have 3/4 cup. This way you won't be deviating much from what you've been doing. Also, the door will not be open for pizza.

Jay

Well Melissa I can't help you out on counting calories or binging advice since I don't do either but I can give you a hug and a prayer.

My son's birthday is on the 25th of March! He will be 28....dang do I feel old!

As always these ladies give great advice. Hang in there....you will be OK!

Gary

I've been there.

What worked for me was adding in smaller calorie dense items earlier in the day and leaving my basic 1200 calorie menu the same. 1 tbsp of peanut butter (1/2 svg) is 95 calories (in my Peter Pan at least), a banana is around 100 calories, apples are 75-100ish depending on the weight. Polly-o Twists string cheese are 60 (and have some protein). I added in things like that to my snacks and it moved my total up without messing with my carefully planned out meals. I then didn't have extra at night when I was in front of the fridge or pantry closet staring at DHs snack food....

And I do what robin suggested also - I write down everything in the morning, and when I was actively losing I stuck to it like a script.

Hang in there.

I would figure out, in advance, something that equals your desired calorie increase for the day, or a couple of things that do, and eat that SAME thing to increase the calories every day until you get used to it. Example: Add a snack of 1 apple and 1 Tbsp of peanut butter on whole wheat toast -- then eat that every day or, even easier, but not so "whole foods" oriented, would be to start eating one 270 calorie Cliff protein bar each day...that would pretty much give you your increase and it would be the SAME thing added every day...no binging to "make up" those calories or you could do a smaller 200 calorie protein bar (Zone Perfect, Balance, Cliff all make them) and a piece of fruit like a banana or apple (100). Eat this snack at the same time each day, doesn't matter when, just make it part of your day and THOSE ARE YOUR ONLY EXTRA CALORIES -- clear, distinct rule in your head until your body and your brain get into the swing of things with the increased eating.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Ladies, please NEVER set a goal to loss a certain amount of weight by a certain date. If you do, you are setting yourself up for failure. What will happen if you don't reach the goal? How will you feel? If you end up feeling you failed, it could lead to giving up.

You ladies always have such great advice. I don't know where I would be without all of your support.

good luck & don't stress out about it too much. Bananas, peanut butter. Small steps.