Saturday, January 25, 2014

Making progress... slowly

I am down 5 of the 8 lbs I gained over the holidays.  That means still 3 lbs to go.  I am making progress, eating better, exercising, tracking my food.  That doesn't mean I am perfect and that this is easy.  I have had a few less than good days.  I have eaten chocolate, had too many drinks, and maybe even a cheeseburger.  But.. I am making progress. 

The weather is really making me struggle lately.  It is SO cold, and so snowy.  I think it is ramping up my seasonal affective disorder.  I have been really anxious and stressed lately.  I have also had some minor life drama that seems to be adding to it.  Don't get me wrong, I am not making excuses for the way I am eating.  However, when I look at the whole scope, I can see I am still using food as a coping mechanism. 

When I was seeing a therapist I remember talking to her about using food as a coping tool.  She explained to me that it isn't entirely bad as long as I am only doing it when I have no other tool to cope.  She said to keep it in my "tool belt" for emergencies.  I think I have cut back a great deal on food as comfort, but I am not sure I will ever be able to cut it out for good.

I am working all weekend which also makes me feel sorry for myself.  There is no reason I should feel sorry for myself.  Many people work weekends, I knew I would work weekends when I was doing my Masters program.  I am a big baby.

6 comments:

KajunDee said...

Thank you for writing your blog, I'm having lap-band to sleeve revision early March. Your posts are giving me insight on the differences & post surgery expectations.

Beth Ann said...

Sometimes it feels to be a big baby for just a little bit. :) Hugs!

Dinnerland said...

I get it- I hate to work on weekends. Hang in there!

tz said...

congrats on the five pounds...it's hard to lose that Christmas weight! and feeling sorry for yourself -- you are not along :D hang in there! I feel sorry for myself every time I go into work, weekends or not :D

Barbara said...

Hi. I just read your questions about weight watchers. I have non problems getting my points in for the day and focus them on protein content first. Example skim milk rice crackers with peanut butter (reduced fat). Yogurt protein shake voltage cheese fruit veggies as snacks. Chicken or fish and salad and a glass of wine. I am very happy with my results and I have extra points for the weekend

Unknown said...

A therapist told you it's okay to use food as a drug if you've exhausted your other coping mechanisms? I wonder if he/she (I'm assuming it's a she) would tell you it's okay to drink alcohol, shoot up some heroin, cut yourself, gamble, or shop to self-soothe when you're stressed. Run, run away from this person. It is never acceptable to use the substance or habit to which you're addicted to try to make yourself feel better.