Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I have kind of felt the same way and am weighing in once a month...I have to admit, though, I wish that I could feel confident enough to not do it! I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks.blogspot.com/http://suesresearch.blogspot.com http://suesretirementmusings.blogspot.com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I have kind of felt the same way and am weighing in once a month...I have to admit, though, I wish that I could feel confident enough to not do it! I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks.blogspot.com/http://suesresearch.blogspot.com http://suesretirementmusings.blogspot.com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I know!! I am just freaking out worried that I've put on 10 pounds in a week and a half!! At the same time I'm afraid to face the number on the scale if I did get on it! It is really scary because I did IE before and happily didn't weigh myself, but somewhere along the line I slipped back into compulsive eating, but still stayed off the scale and gained a lot and it took a lot of hard work to lose most of it... I want to be sure that doesn't happen again, but the scale will probably send me back to dieting. FRUSTRATION!!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 9:45:28 AMSubject: Re: Weighing... I have kind of felt the same way and am weighing in once a month...I have to admit, though, I wish that I could feel confident enough to not do it!On Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 11:36 AM, Oceanlady65 <oceanlady65@ yahoo.com> wrote: I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks .blogspot. com/http://suesresearch .blogspot. com http://suesretireme ntmusings. blogspot. com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I know!! I am just freaking out worried that I've put on 10 pounds in a week and a half!! At the same time I'm afraid to face the number on the scale if I did get on it! It is really scary because I did IE before and happily didn't weigh myself, but somewhere along the line I slipped back into compulsive eating, but still stayed off the scale and gained a lot and it took a lot of hard work to lose most of it... I want to be sure that doesn't happen again, but the scale will probably send me back to dieting. FRUSTRATION!!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 9:45:28 AMSubject: Re: Weighing... I have kind of felt the same way and am weighing in once a month...I have to admit, though, I wish that I could feel confident enough to not do it!On Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 11:36 AM, Oceanlady65 <oceanlady65@ yahoo.com> wrote: I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks .blogspot. com/http://suesresearch .blogspot. com http://suesretireme ntmusings. blogspot. com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I know!! I am just freaking out worried that I've put on 10 pounds in a week and a half!! At the same time I'm afraid to face the number on the scale if I did get on it! It is really scary because I did IE before and happily didn't weigh myself, but somewhere along the line I slipped back into compulsive eating, but still stayed off the scale and gained a lot and it took a lot of hard work to lose most of it... I want to be sure that doesn't happen again, but the scale will probably send me back to dieting. FRUSTRATION!!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 9:45:28 AMSubject: Re: Weighing... I have kind of felt the same way and am weighing in once a month...I have to admit, though, I wish that I could feel confident enough to not do it!On Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 11:36 AM, Oceanlady65 <oceanlady65@ yahoo.com> wrote: I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks .blogspot. com/http://suesresearch .blogspot. com http://suesretireme ntmusings. blogspot. com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I think it's going to be very different for each person. Sometimes I can weigh and be really objective about the number and not feel bad about it. Sometimes I can't and it just sends me to a bad place. Right now I'm more the latter than the former, so I'm choosing not to weigh at all. For now, I'm not doing it for at least a month (or at least that's the goal. We'll see...), but I'd actually like to see if I can go a whole year without weighing at all. I think I'll be able to tell by my clothes whether I'm gaining or not. That just feels better to me. But I'm prone to changing my mind on this topic, so I may think something completely different a week from now! But if not weighing is causing you anxiety, then doing it, but infrequently, to ensure that you're not getting out of control with your eating, is probably the right step for you. Josie > > I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, > or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was > thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us > if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking > about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per > month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if > we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating > intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help > to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done > before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do > you all think? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I think it's going to be very different for each person. Sometimes I can weigh and be really objective about the number and not feel bad about it. Sometimes I can't and it just sends me to a bad place. Right now I'm more the latter than the former, so I'm choosing not to weigh at all. For now, I'm not doing it for at least a month (or at least that's the goal. We'll see...), but I'd actually like to see if I can go a whole year without weighing at all. I think I'll be able to tell by my clothes whether I'm gaining or not. That just feels better to me. But I'm prone to changing my mind on this topic, so I may think something completely different a week from now! But if not weighing is causing you anxiety, then doing it, but infrequently, to ensure that you're not getting out of control with your eating, is probably the right step for you. Josie > > I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, > or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was > thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us > if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking > about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per > month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if > we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating > intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help > to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done > before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do > you all think? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 I think it's going to be very different for each person. Sometimes I can weigh and be really objective about the number and not feel bad about it. Sometimes I can't and it just sends me to a bad place. Right now I'm more the latter than the former, so I'm choosing not to weigh at all. For now, I'm not doing it for at least a month (or at least that's the goal. We'll see...), but I'd actually like to see if I can go a whole year without weighing at all. I think I'll be able to tell by my clothes whether I'm gaining or not. That just feels better to me. But I'm prone to changing my mind on this topic, so I may think something completely different a week from now! But if not weighing is causing you anxiety, then doing it, but infrequently, to ensure that you're not getting out of control with your eating, is probably the right step for you. Josie > > I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, > or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was > thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us > if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking > about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per > month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if > we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating > intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help > to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done > before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do > you all think? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge. GOod luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge. GOod luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 Thank-you Laurie and all who've written in with their thoughts on this subject. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with this and also glad that it may not be a bad thing to weigh occasionally as a way to help know we are still on the right track eating intuitively. I'm reading an older book... Overcoming Overeating... and the advice given in it is to throw the scale out. While I see the point, I can also see that there may be a healthy way to use the scale and glad to hear others feel this way too.Thank-you all!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 3:16:07 PMSubject: Weighing... Hi, , I wrote a recent post on this very thing. Since I tend also to avoid the scale when I've slipped into obsessive eating (or alternatively, to weigh myself obsessively often when I'm into restricting mode), I feel like I need to find a moderate amount of times when I should check my weight (without freaking out regardless what the scale says), just to make sure I'm not slipping back into an old unhealthy pattern. It doesn't feel healthy for me personally to totally avoid weighing, just as much as it doesn't feel healthy for me personally to weigh several times a day. But that's just me--I think we each have to find our way with this. All best, Laurie wrote: >>>I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? <<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 Thank-you Laurie and all who've written in with their thoughts on this subject. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with this and also glad that it may not be a bad thing to weigh occasionally as a way to help know we are still on the right track eating intuitively. I'm reading an older book... Overcoming Overeating... and the advice given in it is to throw the scale out. While I see the point, I can also see that there may be a healthy way to use the scale and glad to hear others feel this way too.Thank-you all!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 3:16:07 PMSubject: Weighing... Hi, , I wrote a recent post on this very thing. Since I tend also to avoid the scale when I've slipped into obsessive eating (or alternatively, to weigh myself obsessively often when I'm into restricting mode), I feel like I need to find a moderate amount of times when I should check my weight (without freaking out regardless what the scale says), just to make sure I'm not slipping back into an old unhealthy pattern. It doesn't feel healthy for me personally to totally avoid weighing, just as much as it doesn't feel healthy for me personally to weigh several times a day. But that's just me--I think we each have to find our way with this. All best, Laurie wrote: >>>I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? <<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 Thank-you Laurie and all who've written in with their thoughts on this subject. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with this and also glad that it may not be a bad thing to weigh occasionally as a way to help know we are still on the right track eating intuitively. I'm reading an older book... Overcoming Overeating... and the advice given in it is to throw the scale out. While I see the point, I can also see that there may be a healthy way to use the scale and glad to hear others feel this way too.Thank-you all!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 3:16:07 PMSubject: Weighing... Hi, , I wrote a recent post on this very thing. Since I tend also to avoid the scale when I've slipped into obsessive eating (or alternatively, to weigh myself obsessively often when I'm into restricting mode), I feel like I need to find a moderate amount of times when I should check my weight (without freaking out regardless what the scale says), just to make sure I'm not slipping back into an old unhealthy pattern. It doesn't feel healthy for me personally to totally avoid weighing, just as much as it doesn't feel healthy for me personally to weigh several times a day. But that's just me--I think we each have to find our way with this. All best, Laurie wrote: >>>I had a thought recently but not sure if it is only me stuck in diet mentality, or helping in IE mindfulness, so I wanted to see what you guys think. I was thinking if we weighed occasionally to see where we are at, that would tell us if we've been eating intuitively or have lost track somewhere. I'm not talking about multiple times per day weighing, but like once per week, or even once per month getting on the scale and just letting the number help to inform us if we've gotten lost or have stayed on track. Because if we've been eating intuitively, then we shouldn't have gained, right? I just think it might help to serve as a reminder to not slip back into obsessive eating (which I have done before, stopped weighing and 60 pounds later... yikes... nightmare!). What do you all think? <<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 That is true....I'll get the hang of this eventually, lol!Thank-you!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 4:18:23 PMSubject: Re: Weighing... One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge. GOod luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 That is true....I'll get the hang of this eventually, lol!Thank-you!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 4:18:23 PMSubject: Re: Weighing... One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge. GOod luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 That is true....I'll get the hang of this eventually, lol!Thank-you!To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thu, July 8, 2010 4:18:23 PMSubject: Re: Weighing... One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge. GOod luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight "sometime next month." Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) All best, Laurie wrote: >>>One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge.<<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight "sometime next month." Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) All best, Laurie wrote: >>>One does not need a scale to know if one is losing or gaining. Do you feel bloated? How do your clothes fit? Etc. THAT is just as good a gauge.<<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 It's interesting that you write this, because I have a similar, though slightly different problem. Generally speaking, I find that my clothes do get tighter or looser as I gain or lose, so they're not bad measures. Though, I have found that my body shape has changed over time so certain clothes don't fit me properly anymore, even though I have gained. For example, I had a pretty nice pair of Liz Claiborne wool slacks that I could wear with a blazer when I had to look very professional. When I bought them, they were a decent fit. Over time when I gained and reached my heaviest weight, I could still wear them, but they were definitely snug. Several years ago, I went on a diet and got down to 217 pounds and I was swimming in them. Subsequently, I regained all of the weight, but oddly, they were always big on me from that point on, and that was even before I was working out regularly. So, somehow, my weight shifted or something and you're right, those pants wouldn't have been a good measure, even though all my other clothes got tighter. Weird! But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, even if I've been having a good day and there hasn't been some sort of event that has upset me (which can definitely change my perception of how I look). That's what happened the other day when I was so bent out of shape over my co-worker. I've never been able to figure that out. I could understand it if I always felt like I looked either good or bad, but for the perception to change so drastically within a matter of hours has always been baffling to me. Seems like some sort of weird version of dysmorphia. Josie > > > I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. > > But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. > > So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. > > Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight " sometime next month. " Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) > > All best, > Laurie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 I can so relate to this...isn't it crazy? But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, It's interesting that you write this, because I have a similar, though slightly different problem. Generally speaking, I find that my clothes do get tighter or looser as I gain or lose, so they're not bad measures. Though, I have found that my body shape has changed over time so certain clothes don't fit me properly anymore, even though I have gained. For example, I had a pretty nice pair of Liz Claiborne wool slacks that I could wear with a blazer when I had to look very professional. When I bought them, they were a decent fit. Over time when I gained and reached my heaviest weight, I could still wear them, but they were definitely snug. Several years ago, I went on a diet and got down to 217 pounds and I was swimming in them. Subsequently, I regained all of the weight, but oddly, they were always big on me from that point on, and that was even before I was working out regularly. So, somehow, my weight shifted or something and you're right, those pants wouldn't have been a good measure, even though all my other clothes got tighter. Weird! But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, even if I've been having a good day and there hasn't been some sort of event that has upset me (which can definitely change my perception of how I look). That's what happened the other day when I was so bent out of shape over my co-worker. I've never been able to figure that out. I could understand it if I always felt like I looked either good or bad, but for the perception to change so drastically within a matter of hours has always been baffling to me. Seems like some sort of weird version of dysmorphia. Josie > > > I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. > > But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. > > So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. > > Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight " sometime next month. " Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) > > All best, > Laurie > -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks.blogspot.com/http://suesresearch.blogspot.com http://suesretirementmusings.blogspot.com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 I can so relate to this...isn't it crazy? But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, It's interesting that you write this, because I have a similar, though slightly different problem. Generally speaking, I find that my clothes do get tighter or looser as I gain or lose, so they're not bad measures. Though, I have found that my body shape has changed over time so certain clothes don't fit me properly anymore, even though I have gained. For example, I had a pretty nice pair of Liz Claiborne wool slacks that I could wear with a blazer when I had to look very professional. When I bought them, they were a decent fit. Over time when I gained and reached my heaviest weight, I could still wear them, but they were definitely snug. Several years ago, I went on a diet and got down to 217 pounds and I was swimming in them. Subsequently, I regained all of the weight, but oddly, they were always big on me from that point on, and that was even before I was working out regularly. So, somehow, my weight shifted or something and you're right, those pants wouldn't have been a good measure, even though all my other clothes got tighter. Weird! But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, even if I've been having a good day and there hasn't been some sort of event that has upset me (which can definitely change my perception of how I look). That's what happened the other day when I was so bent out of shape over my co-worker. I've never been able to figure that out. I could understand it if I always felt like I looked either good or bad, but for the perception to change so drastically within a matter of hours has always been baffling to me. Seems like some sort of weird version of dysmorphia. Josie > > > I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. > > But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. > > So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. > > Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight " sometime next month. " Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) > > All best, > Laurie > -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks.blogspot.com/http://suesresearch.blogspot.com http://suesretirementmusings.blogspot.com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 I can so relate to this...isn't it crazy? But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, It's interesting that you write this, because I have a similar, though slightly different problem. Generally speaking, I find that my clothes do get tighter or looser as I gain or lose, so they're not bad measures. Though, I have found that my body shape has changed over time so certain clothes don't fit me properly anymore, even though I have gained. For example, I had a pretty nice pair of Liz Claiborne wool slacks that I could wear with a blazer when I had to look very professional. When I bought them, they were a decent fit. Over time when I gained and reached my heaviest weight, I could still wear them, but they were definitely snug. Several years ago, I went on a diet and got down to 217 pounds and I was swimming in them. Subsequently, I regained all of the weight, but oddly, they were always big on me from that point on, and that was even before I was working out regularly. So, somehow, my weight shifted or something and you're right, those pants wouldn't have been a good measure, even though all my other clothes got tighter. Weird! But on the subject of body dysmorphia, it's not always the case, but it's not uncommon for me to look in the mirror at home, even naked, and think I'm getting leaner and that I look pretty darn good. I mean, I don't think I look like a supermodel, or anything, but some days I can feel pretty good about myself. Then, literally, on the same day, I can go out and see my reflection in a store window or in a restroom mirror and think I look really fat and gross, even if I've been having a good day and there hasn't been some sort of event that has upset me (which can definitely change my perception of how I look). That's what happened the other day when I was so bent out of shape over my co-worker. I've never been able to figure that out. I could understand it if I always felt like I looked either good or bad, but for the perception to change so drastically within a matter of hours has always been baffling to me. Seems like some sort of weird version of dysmorphia. Josie > > > I'm wondering if I'm the only person who mostly doesn't find how my clothes fit to be a reliable gauge of whether I'm gaining or losing? For one thing, I've a lot overweight, and dropping (or gaining) 10 pounds doesn't actually make my clothes fit all that much differently, at least not something I notice. I also have various food allergies, so I can feel bloated only because of the food allergies, so that doesn't really work for me, either. > > But even more to the point is this: I don't see my body as it really is. Anorexics are well known to have body dysmorphia, but I think some compulsive overeaters may, too, though in the other direction. At least that's true for me. If I get a little lighter feeling, I have a disproportionate feeling that I'm losing weight like crazy, maybe too fast! In some ways I find my fat comforting, safe, grounding, in some ways, sick as that sounds. I actually *fear* losing weight, so have to take it slowly so I can get used to a new lower weight, or I start freaking out. That happened to me last year, after I lost 30 pounds. It took me several months to get used to the lower weight, even though I lost the weight very slowly. > > So for me at least, not weighing is kind of dangerous, because I can talk myself into thinking that I weigh less than I do, that maybe I'm losing too much, even when that's not the case. And even though scales can lie, too (due to water weight, muscle increase, etc.), for me stepping on the scales occasionally, if done in a mindful, gentle way, is a reality check I think is helpful for me. > > Finally, the rebel in me says that anything that is outlawed is something I've gotta have, so making weighing--or anything else--taboo makes me want to do it all that much more, and I get obsessive about it. So for now I'm going to tell myself that I'll check my weight " sometime next month. " Or sooner, if I think it will be helpful. (Like Josie, I change my mind a lot!) > > All best, > Laurie > -- Sue on FritzCheck out my blogs at: http://alifeofbooks.blogspot.com/http://suesresearch.blogspot.com http://suesretirementmusings.blogspot.com/Check out my books on Goodreads: < Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 Hi Laurie, For me, and according to many intuitive eating books I've read, the scales have a whole bunch of power. Your mileage may vary, and it's everyone's personal viewpoint. For me, I am giving myself a year because in a year it doesn't really matter if I gain or lose 10 or even 30 lbs. As far as " talking yourself into thinking you weigh less than you do " or " that you're losing too much " etc. I think many authors believe that one should stop being attached to even that much detail about weight. Because at the root of weighing oneself is a belief that the numbers on the scale indicate health, and that the goal is radical weight loss. This all seems kind of Zen to me. In order to lose weight, if that's what our setpoint allows, we need to lose attachment to losing weight altogether. And I love that!!! I too considered whether outlawing the scales was making it taboo or causing problems, I really resisted doing this, but once I did I felt more free. And since I'm giving it a year it's more an experiment than a taboo. pp. 56-59 of Intuitive Eating have good commentary. Here's a bit of good quotes: " The dieter relies on external forces to regulate his eating...also validates progress by external forces, primarily the scale, asking 'How many pounds have I lost? Is my weight up or down?'...The scale ritual sabotages body and mind efforts; it can in one moment devalue days, weeks, and even months of progress...Ironically, 'good' and 'bad' scale numbers can both trigger overeating--whether it's a congratulatory eating celebration or a consolation party. " I know, for a fact, that as I exercise regularly and eat according to my body cues, that I can TRUST MY BODY TO BE MORE HEALTHY. Throwing out the scales, for me, was a rebellious act against the scale as false idol, against that feeling that " I should weigh myself once a month just to make sure " . That was my attitude for years, that weighing myself " occasionally " was okay, and yes I only weighed myself every month or so. However, the numbers became my new gods. Like it or not, they were. This is just my take, and everyone is different. I am not saying that my approach is better, because we all live in our own bodies and have to gauge our own internal cues. I myself am pretty die-hard anti-scale, and know a few women who have come to great internal peace and happiness when they stopped weighing themselves as well. Geneen Roth doesn't know what she weighs right now. That's a nice approach! Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 Hi Laurie, For me, and according to many intuitive eating books I've read, the scales have a whole bunch of power. Your mileage may vary, and it's everyone's personal viewpoint. For me, I am giving myself a year because in a year it doesn't really matter if I gain or lose 10 or even 30 lbs. As far as " talking yourself into thinking you weigh less than you do " or " that you're losing too much " etc. I think many authors believe that one should stop being attached to even that much detail about weight. Because at the root of weighing oneself is a belief that the numbers on the scale indicate health, and that the goal is radical weight loss. This all seems kind of Zen to me. In order to lose weight, if that's what our setpoint allows, we need to lose attachment to losing weight altogether. And I love that!!! I too considered whether outlawing the scales was making it taboo or causing problems, I really resisted doing this, but once I did I felt more free. And since I'm giving it a year it's more an experiment than a taboo. pp. 56-59 of Intuitive Eating have good commentary. Here's a bit of good quotes: " The dieter relies on external forces to regulate his eating...also validates progress by external forces, primarily the scale, asking 'How many pounds have I lost? Is my weight up or down?'...The scale ritual sabotages body and mind efforts; it can in one moment devalue days, weeks, and even months of progress...Ironically, 'good' and 'bad' scale numbers can both trigger overeating--whether it's a congratulatory eating celebration or a consolation party. " I know, for a fact, that as I exercise regularly and eat according to my body cues, that I can TRUST MY BODY TO BE MORE HEALTHY. Throwing out the scales, for me, was a rebellious act against the scale as false idol, against that feeling that " I should weigh myself once a month just to make sure " . That was my attitude for years, that weighing myself " occasionally " was okay, and yes I only weighed myself every month or so. However, the numbers became my new gods. Like it or not, they were. This is just my take, and everyone is different. I am not saying that my approach is better, because we all live in our own bodies and have to gauge our own internal cues. I myself am pretty die-hard anti-scale, and know a few women who have come to great internal peace and happiness when they stopped weighing themselves as well. Geneen Roth doesn't know what she weighs right now. That's a nice approach! Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 Hi Laurie, For me, and according to many intuitive eating books I've read, the scales have a whole bunch of power. Your mileage may vary, and it's everyone's personal viewpoint. For me, I am giving myself a year because in a year it doesn't really matter if I gain or lose 10 or even 30 lbs. As far as " talking yourself into thinking you weigh less than you do " or " that you're losing too much " etc. I think many authors believe that one should stop being attached to even that much detail about weight. Because at the root of weighing oneself is a belief that the numbers on the scale indicate health, and that the goal is radical weight loss. This all seems kind of Zen to me. In order to lose weight, if that's what our setpoint allows, we need to lose attachment to losing weight altogether. And I love that!!! I too considered whether outlawing the scales was making it taboo or causing problems, I really resisted doing this, but once I did I felt more free. And since I'm giving it a year it's more an experiment than a taboo. pp. 56-59 of Intuitive Eating have good commentary. Here's a bit of good quotes: " The dieter relies on external forces to regulate his eating...also validates progress by external forces, primarily the scale, asking 'How many pounds have I lost? Is my weight up or down?'...The scale ritual sabotages body and mind efforts; it can in one moment devalue days, weeks, and even months of progress...Ironically, 'good' and 'bad' scale numbers can both trigger overeating--whether it's a congratulatory eating celebration or a consolation party. " I know, for a fact, that as I exercise regularly and eat according to my body cues, that I can TRUST MY BODY TO BE MORE HEALTHY. Throwing out the scales, for me, was a rebellious act against the scale as false idol, against that feeling that " I should weigh myself once a month just to make sure " . That was my attitude for years, that weighing myself " occasionally " was okay, and yes I only weighed myself every month or so. However, the numbers became my new gods. Like it or not, they were. This is just my take, and everyone is different. I am not saying that my approach is better, because we all live in our own bodies and have to gauge our own internal cues. I myself am pretty die-hard anti-scale, and know a few women who have come to great internal peace and happiness when they stopped weighing themselves as well. Geneen Roth doesn't know what she weighs right now. That's a nice approach! Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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