So... I ate crap all of Labor Day Weekend and all the week after and the Saturday after was my sister bridal shower, so I ate and drank and drank some more. I planned to get right back on track that Monday (last week). And I did go right back to the gym. And my breakfasts and lunches were right back on track. But the EVENINGS... they were SO HARD. It was like carbs, crunchy treats, MSG, HFCS and fat had control over me. I just wanted to EAT.

I actually had to take a few days to tell myself it was ok. That I would be Ok. That I could take one step at a time and get back on track at whatever pace I needed. By Friday I was back on track... but it was weird that Monday thru Friday. I felt like I had no control. It was a little scarey. Taking a moment to tell myself it was OK was really a huge help.

Now that I am back to my daily veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and fruits, I feel "normal". (that is the only way I can think to describe it) Not so food crazed. I feel in control again. I feel at peace. I think I am going to have to store this away and remember it for the next time. My sisters rehearsal dinner and wedding are in two weeks and I think I will be making very different choices. I will still be drinking, but I think I will be focusing on eating plenty of lean proteins and veggies. A taste or two of dessert maybe... but no cheesey, saucey appetizers. No over-eating. No eating bags of chips. I don't need to eat bad b/c I LIKE healthy foods. I like the way they make me feel. I don't LIKE the way "crap" makes me feel.

Has anyone else had an experience like this after eating "bad" for a little while?

Yes, I have trouble getting back on track when I'm off plan for a few days, like on a vacation. It's like I have "fed the monster" and my body just wants more and more sugar, carbs, treats, etc. Like a bottomless pit!

It feels good to get it back under control. My body feels better, too. It's like my body is thanking me for quitting the junk. I feel so much more energetic and productive, really, when I'm on track. When I'm eating junk I'm just lazy, moody, and can't get anything done.

Yes, I have thought of it exactly the same way. It's like trying to tiptoe around a sleeping beast so as not to wake it.

Yes.

I went very badly off plan during a couple vacations this summer, and when I came home and planned out my food and ate cleanly for that first day I felt an incredible sense of RELIEF. I feel like the very-off-plan/binging is like a frenzy, and then getting back on plan is calmness and serenity descending again.

I think you have a great idea about "storing this away." I think I may make a little bottle or a pretty little box or something like that, and keep it out on my windowsill to remind me. Remind me that the calm and relief is in there and I know how to open it. I hate the frenzy.