Hi everyone. I am not currently attending WW right now but am on the verge of rejoining. In the mid-90s (I think), I had lost about 40 pounds with WW's Fat and Fiber program. Over the course of the next several years, I gained it all back and more.....I am currently at my all-time high of 234.5 pounds. I can't remember the last time I felt good about myself.

Anyhow, I've unsuccessfully rejoined WW time and time again since then, tried Atkins and Slim Fast, and I finally did some self-introspection to find out WHY I've been falling off-plan for years. I even have it narrowed down to the specific time of day that I always cave in and mess up - whenever I get home from work. I teach 4th grade and my days are long and super-busy. For me, nothing says "I'm home and truly relaxed" than coming in, rummaging through the fridge for something to snack on, and plopping in front of the TV. It is a habit so deeply engrained in me, that it's almost become who I am! I hate having a hungry, empty feeling in my tummy and all I can think of is getting home, filling my grumbly tummy (I've tried carrot and celery sticks and typical "light" kind of snacks - pretzels, fruit, etc. and they don't work for me) and eating to soothe and reward myself. I've tried time and time again to break this habit but I almost feel like I'm addicted to it!

I almost feel like I'm doomed to fail. I've gotten to a point where I'm so far off-kilter with my weight that I don't even know where to begin getting my body back on track again.
Have any of you ever gone through a really hard time breaking eating patterns that although comforting and soothing to you, are ultimately destructive to staying on program? How did you break the cycle?

I apologize if I seem whiny. I'm not saying this with a whiny tone, but with a puzzled curiosity.

Thank you,
Jennifer

Although I have never done WW, I can totally sympathise with you. My destructive eating behavior has caused me to fall off the wagon after only ONE week. I snack. Constantly. And I want something sweet or crunchy or salty and bad for me, like potato chips, Triscuit, or chocolate. When do I want this? As soon as I get home from work! What a coincedence. I have found that occupying myself with something else doesn't work, because I am a pro at eating while reading or watching TV, even keep something near the sewing machine for my idle moments. Is that zany or what? I would love to have a solution to this problem, so when you get one, will you please let me know? Good luck!!

Sherrie

The hardest part is the first two weeks. Find something you enjoy at that time of day that isn't to many points. Maybe some (since winter is coming) hot cocoa (Diet Swiss Miss is like 3 packages for 1 point) and maybe something that contains protein with it (apple and cheese, crackers and cheese). Make sure you drink your water. Make sure your lunch includes some protein too. Do you get an afternoon break? If so maybe something with protein at that time would help too.

What I did was budget my points for the day. For example here is the way I break down my points for the day:

BREAKFAST - 3 points
LUNCH - 4-6 points
DINNER - 8-12 points
SNACKS - remaining points (I'm in the 20-25 point range)

Thank you for your reply, Sherri. I just don't know what has happened to me - why am I such a slave to food? Why does it have such a hold over me? It CONTROLS me and I feel powerless, absolutely powerless to resist it. I am addicted to snacking and overeating and I don't know how to break the cycle anymore. I almost feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes in my battle against my cravings.

Jennifer

Thank you for your advice Kelly.

can you try substituting some other comfy activity for tv and snack time? maybe a bath or shower with fancy gels and scrubs?

do you have a hobby or something that you enjoy doing that relaxes you? some collection or artsy activity maybe?

can you take a snack to school to eat before going home? maybe a 2 point bar or a luna bar? that way you aren't dying of hunger, and you may have the motivation to go out for a walk or meet with a friend.

if you must have tv with food, can you make the snack part of dinner? sorta the first course of the meal? maybe soup, or a salad, or a warmed corn tortilla with ff or lf cheese? can you prepare healthier snacks ahead of time? maybe english muffin pizzas or low fat pudding? m aybe airpopped pop corn with a teaspoon of real butter on it?

can you meet with some friends or coworkers to unwind a bit? maybe start a walking club that meets as soon as school is out? you can all vent and leave work behind so you can feel good when you go home?

take care,

andrea

I can sooooo relate! But my "time of the day" that I must be very very careful with is after dinner - when I am really not even hungry. I can go to the fridge and get in front of the TV before I really know what has happened. It is sort of scarey. With WW, and the need, really, to write down every little thing that goes in my mouth, and making that a habit, it has truly caused me to change this bad habit in just a few weeks. No more bowls of ice cream or cakes or chips...I usually, if I must, have an apple or a rice or popcorn cake (caramel flavored, of course) or whatever can fit in my point range, which usually isn't much by the end of the day. I understand how powerful this "habit" can be, but at least you have pin-pointed your main trouble spot and that is really the first shep. Like the above posts said, plan agead and if you really know that you must write it down, it might make a difference.

Good luck. We know you can do it. Hey, YOU know you can do it. You have done it before!!!

Jennifer

I would agree with Andrea, shake up your routine, get a new routine. I can see how after a day in the Fourth grade, (my favorite teacher in my whole life was Miss Daly, my 4th grade teacher, she never thought anything you said was silly or stupid, just an opportunity to learn more. LOVED her) you would want to relax. Now can you relax a different way, instead of disconnecting, try connecting with something else. Physical activity could be a big help along with a prepackage, preplanned snack awaiting your return.

I would suggest the walking or yoga tape or stretching. Set out the appropriate clothes right on the floor inside the door. You have to trip over them to avoid them. Get changed and go. Grab some water, and even starting slowly, you can get a new routine. One which connects you, you can relax and unwind. I walk DD home in the stroller, a 30 minute ride. She now babbles and I get wonderful monologes on her day. When we are home, I really do find that I am ready to be at home, cooking, cleaning, folding laundry whatever. It just feels better.

I hope you have success, restarting WW is better than giving up now.

Liza

Hi to all of you, First I didn't think anyone was whining here. We all come here for support in this crazy world and all the same. Have you read the post here about "I found something that works"Try counting your points starting with when you get home, it is a lot less stressful and you can then plan things like going out to dinner or extra events that come up at night. It is truly a mind game but it will start with a fresh start when you get home if that is the worst time.

Dinner-9/22

Snack-9-22

Breakfast-9/23

Lunch-9/23

Snack-9/23

DEAR JENNIFER There are some great suggestions here.

A real key that someone mentioned is that whatever you do - it'll take at least 2 - 3 weeks for that "fat brat" to stop fighting so strongly for the old, easy, comfy way.

The idea that Winwood just mentioned sounds like it might work for you. Starting to count the points when you get home. I know the feeling of wanting to just turn off and tune out very well especially in front of the TV, etc. and maybe if the first thing you do is take out your journal and WRITE DOWN all the snacks your taking out and munching - you'll soon not want to use up all your points that way.

One of the toughest for me used to be coming home on Mondays and eating away my stress and frustration. I'd have a drink, some cheese, maybe another drink, more cheese... I found I had to get myself out of the house and started walking with a friend after work. Now I'm part of a walking group that does track workouts after work and lengthy miles on Saturday. (5 years later)

Do not give up. It's taken you a lifetime to build up these patterns and it will take time to divert your mind from falling back into them. Even 5 years later, I still slip up... and gain a bit o weight back - but I don't let those devils in my head keep me from getting back to the weight I want to be.