I've been getting worse and worse for the past few weeks. Stress at work is surmounting (I've been at work since 5 am) and i don't see an end in sight. This weekend topped it off I think. I baked brownies for my roommates- ate three of them. Ate dessert that night with out of town family at a Tapas restaurant. Then yesterday my maid of honor duties involved wedding cake testing. I think my body went into sugar shock. Although I made a point of eating high proteing meals in the morning and evening, I was running around like a pregnant woman last night. Made tea- that didn't suffice. Made a sugar free orange marmalade whole wheat tortilla wrap- nope. Finally ended up taking a bowl of edamame to bed with me. Soybeans! Today I packed a salad and cheese, peppers, and an apple to snack on. I'm so afraid this is the end for me because I don't know if I have the stregnth to do Phase I again to jump start my weight loss. I'm back up to 160 ( don't know how much is due to TOM).

No, its not the end. You're so close to your goal. You've done great and you can continue to do well. Maybe TOM is contributing to the stress. Are you getting your exerise? I know being a maid of honor has its share of stresses, too. Don't worry. Maybe you could continue with Phase 2, or 1.5 as some people (jokingly) mention here. Your snacks sound healthy and SB friendly. The tapas and brownies aren't so bad as long as the rest of the day is within the appropriate guidelines. The wedding cake part is over, right. If you have to do it again, just taste a smidgen and say its fine, because they usually all are - LOL. Remember not to misinterpret thirst signals for hunger signals, be sure to drink enough water.

Just take a deep breath, and take it one hour at a time. Make healthy, informed food choices and everything will fall into place.

Edamame is great! Have you tried the Edamame salad in the book?

Oh, VT! I know this is a tough time, but you can so do this. It sounds like you are stress eating rather than really hungry. Can you find a project to help you with the stress? I get on my computer and play Civilization...keeps my mind and hands busy. Before I know it, it is time for bed! Can you take up a project, or even ask your friend for some wedding favors to put together or such? I know you CAN do this!!! You are so very close to goal!

If you find that you are not able to handle the cravings alone, consider joining an Overeaters Anonymous group. They are very helpful. See www.oa.org for more info.

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing, girl!

I have been feeling it's the end for me lately, too, so you're certainly not alone. I've been off the beach for almost a whole month, for no obvious reason. Today I've resolved to get my act together. It doesn't help that I walked into work today to donuts, cake, bagels and cookies to celebrate a co-worker's anniversary. If I can just avoid the conference room, I know I can make it through today!

Hang in there, VT! We can both do it! Just take one day at a time and don't let the occasional cheat turn into an excuse to leave the beach altogether. You are SO close to your goal weight!

Meanwhile, phase 1, here I come...again!

Hey, VT--

I just finished my stint as matron of honor this month on the 4th, and I can certainly relate with your dilemma. Showers and rehearsal dinners and receptions have lots of opportunites for misbehaving. My goal for weight loss for the wedding was 50 pounds, and I made that goal, so I didn't feel too horrible about the breaded chicken parmesan at the rehearsal or the stuffed pork chop and cake at the reception... Besides, I'll bet there wasn't one other person at that reception that had really EARNED that pork chop as much as I had...

My point really isn't to justify misbehaving. I guess it's more to say that it's ok to take a break and treat yourself for these special occasions. It doesn't mean you're at the end.

Since I had reached my wedding goal, I determined to rededicate myself to exercising, and I set a new goal for myself for New Year's this year. The exercise alone has really helped to boost my weight loss; a health instructor friend of mine told me about "interval training" and it has really boosted my weight loss into high gear, though I have to be very careful about how often I do the interval training. Too much of it makes me lose too fast.

As for the nighttime binges, the ladies here gave me some good advice not too long ago. Brush your teeth after you eat dinner. There's something psychological about it, plus food doesn't taste as good mixed with that toothpaste taste...

I can testify that weddings don't have to be the death of your diet plan. I feel like I passed a milestone, and now I'm trying to find new ways to put energy back into the plan. Find some new exercises or try some new recipes or snacks. I did it and so can you!

Monica

Try not feel guilty and just get back on the horse. All of us go through slumps and the stress of the wedding probably isn't helping. Yesterday we went through our third major hurricane this season and I spent the whole day hiding in my room, eating chocolate cake, cookies, and pizza. The night before that I did the same thing. Being a stress eater stinks

So now I'm going back to phase I AGAIN and I know I can do it and you can too. Good luck!

You are not coming to the end, you are in a crisis that won't last. Do some meditation and remember why do are doing this in the first place.

You are doing great things to remedy the situation, you'll be fine! Praying for you cause I know how hard it can be to regain control.

Hang in there!!

You have made such great progress and have shown yourself that you can do this. Everyone hits a bump now and then, but there is always a way to get over it. Keep thinking positive thoughts and remind yourself that you are able to do this and that you can make it!

~P

Thank you all for your support. I just feel so silly that I keep hitting these bumps. I don't know if I'm not discliplined or this isn't the plan for me. I think it's a great lifestyle and I love the results it produces. But now I'm stuck in thie gain some lose some cycle. What's worse is that I love food, love to bake, and love to cook. I almost always cook healthy but baking, not so much. I'm hanging in there though. Thank you all!

Thinking of you, VT... Even if you do decide to change plans, we'd love to have you keep posting here.