Quote:
Originally Posted by shelby897
Sorry for TMI - but the week before my "friend" visits -- I can't stop eating, it's crazy. I can handle myself almost all month long, but I crave everything the week before my period and then have a lot of trouble getting back on track. Any suggestions?
WARNING: TOUGH LOVE AHEAD:
Yes, you CAN stop eating. Stop telling yourself that you CAN'T. It's like your giving yourself permission TO. It's not that you can't - it's that you WON'T.
Remember, just because you want/crave/desire something - doesn't mean you have to have it. "WANTING" something is not relevant. It doesn't matter that you "want it". You do without it. NOTHING terrible will happen to you if you don't have it. Nothing. You don't have to give into cravings You're a mature and responsible adult, you need to make mature, responsible decisions. It's okay to tell yourself no. The cravings WILL pass. They always, always, always do. Cravings can be strong and stubborn. You can and have to be stronger and more stubborn. That's all there is to it. Eventually, not giving into cravings (& without a doubt they will diminish) will become second nature to you and natural. Just "another day at the office." But believe me, once you start stringing together good week after good week, after good month, after good month - your cravings will practically cease. You just can't give into them and then have to keep on starting the cycle again and again. By giving into them, you're making this harder than it has to be.
Plan the heck out of that time and stick to it just like any other weeks. Don't keep "those foods" in your house. If you have to eat everything in the house, at least minimize the damage. If you have to eat something, switch it up. Munch on cucumbers, string beans, grape tomatoes. Roast up some veggies. Drink a cup of tea. Be prepared. GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN. Keep yourself busy, busy, busy. Write, journal, read, sew, computer, knit, do puzzles, take a bath, a walk, clean, straighten, WHATEVER.
You CAN do this Shelby. I know it for sure. You need to know it too. Tell yourself again and again and again that you CAN do it - and eventually, it will be true.
EDITED TO ADD: I just wanted to add, Shelby, I know you're a great mom. Now imagine one of those precious boys of yours just "wanted to eat everything in the house",? Would you let them? No way. Because you're a responsible and good mom, and letting them overeat and get sick would be out of the question. Become your own child if need be. Start treating yourself as you would any other member of the family. Because you are a very, very valuable member of THAT family. And you deserve to be treated as such.