Topic : Breaking Unhealthy Habits

 I know the trap of "just one won't hurt" and "oh try it" and "come on, I made it just for you!"
I once had to say in public that yes, this once WILL hurt me, and that they must have had somebody else in mind when they made it because I've told everybody that I'm on a diet and "that's not on my menu."
I was afraid the other person would take serious offense, but I did it anyway because not to would have been caving in yet again. (This person was notorious for noticing EVERY pound that I gained and commenting on it, but turning around and pushing sweets etc.)
As it turns out, this person dropped the matter and never pushed food again.
What you fear as a reaction from others to your stand usually never happens. And if it did, if this person had got mad, so what?  My health, self confidence, and self image are far more important than someone else's inaccurate perceptions. That's their problem to overcome, not mine.
Oh, and the old "diet at home" thing, tell them if you were home right now you'd not only be avoiding food but working out! So thanks for the break!

 What poem?

I am writing in response to a segment about a man who is so morbidly obese that he can't get off the bed without his wife's help or travel in a car without a special space.  I admire the courage and humility this man showed by asking for help on international television.  He showed immense commitment to change his life by just making it to the studio.

 

He has expressed regret for the damage he has inflicted on his body, his family and his own happiness.  This man knows that what he eats will cause him to put on weight and yet he is powerless over food, he can't say no.  I am powerless over food myself.  Through Overeaters Anonymous I have  a supportive network of abstinate eaters to help me see the nature of my addiction.  I have admitted to God and another human being that I am powerless over food. 

 

The nutritionist on the show told him to take responsibility.  I felt that he did take responsibility by asking for help and expressing regret.  Sometimes, it is easier said than done.  I encourage anyone who eats even when they are full, anyone who can eat a whole packet of tim tams in one sitting (before you realise it) to go to www.overeaters.com to find your nearest meeting.  Listen to the stories of recovering overeaters.  See if you identify with others' journeys.  I have found OA to be a great support network for my compuslive over eating.  While I don't have perfect abstinance yet, I am much better and more aware than I used to be.  I also have a higher power as I understand her to give me guidance and strength.

 

I hope that the man I am refering to will somehow hear the message that OA has to offer.  I am confident that OA will help him learn the emotional motivations behind his eating because, until he acknowledges his feelings and admits that he is powerless over food, he will continue to over eat and continue to be unhappy.  The emphasis of OA is not on weight loss and temporary diets, but peace, joy and abstinance from compulsive over eating by following a food plan and not eating the foods that trigger a binge.

 

 

I have lost 28 lbs over the last 11 weeks, one I am motivated to do it for myself because I am worth it.

The second reason is I picked a program that is a lifestyle change, I still go out to dinner 3-4 times a week and out to lunch 2-3 time a week, I eat breakfast at a dinner on my two days off.

The third reason I never have to deprive myself of the foods or drinks I want, I just need to plan and control portions.

The last reason is I got my a** off the couch the last 4 weeks and hit the gym.

 

I feel great, I am looking better, and have zero desire to ever let myself go again....... If there is something that I know I can't handle I avoid it.  If I am stressed I address it and stay out of the kitchen until I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.  It is an enlightening experience to realize that you are the only person that control what you weight. "NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS" 

 

It will be great to reach my goal weight but it well be enjoyable to maintain that weight.

 

When did you read the book? Did it give you a fresh new approach to weight loss? The first time I read the book. I could not believe how easy it was for me to feel in control. For me when I read in the book that I did not have eat perfect 24 hours a day it took so much pressure off the process. I never heard that before about weight loss. After dieting for 30+ years I had brainwashed my self into so many limiting thoughts that were so restrictive I was always setting my self up for failure every time.

                                                                                                                  Denise