Introduction

[Guest guest]

Maybe I should try that. I miss OJ, too. I'm just sitting here

voting for Bo on AI repeatedly right now. Too busy to eat

ann

> Hello! Since I subbed yesterday I need to come out of lurkdom and

introduce myself. I'm Jackie and I started the SBD yesterday. So

far only 1 setback - I had to make cupcakes for my bosses birthday

and tasted the icing. Yep, I should have just made a trip to the

bakery and bought them but he would be disappointed if they weren't

homemade. Sooooo, I can't wait for these things to get carried out

of my house tomorrow! So far I've missed my orange juice in the a.m.

as much as anything. Taking vitamins with water is terrible :-(

> I'm 5'7 " tall and weigh about 146 lbs, pretty much a sz 12. I've

carried 10 pounds around since my baby was born and well, the baby

is 8 years old now so it's become obvious that I just need to rid my

body of the sugar that it loves so much. Also, I'm 42 and it seems

that poundage is shifting around and I'm carring more weight in my

hips than ever before. So, I look forward to taking this journey

with each of you and am looking forward to some other recipes to try.

> Thanks,

>

> Jackie

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> I'm somewhere between the Port of Indecision

> and Southwest of Disorder

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> Design Team Member

> Tomorrow's Memories

> www.tomemories.com

> See My Layouts at

> http://makeashorterlink.com/?I17C249EA

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

>

>

> Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-

fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and

the right fats-the good ones - and enables you to live quite happily

without the bad carbs and bad fats.

>

> For more on this Way Of Eating please read " The South Beach Diet "

by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Maybe I should try that. I miss OJ, too. I'm just sitting here

voting for Bo on AI repeatedly right now. Too busy to eat

ann

> Hello! Since I subbed yesterday I need to come out of lurkdom and

introduce myself. I'm Jackie and I started the SBD yesterday. So

far only 1 setback - I had to make cupcakes for my bosses birthday

and tasted the icing. Yep, I should have just made a trip to the

bakery and bought them but he would be disappointed if they weren't

homemade. Sooooo, I can't wait for these things to get carried out

of my house tomorrow! So far I've missed my orange juice in the a.m.

as much as anything. Taking vitamins with water is terrible :-(

> I'm 5'7 " tall and weigh about 146 lbs, pretty much a sz 12. I've

carried 10 pounds around since my baby was born and well, the baby

is 8 years old now so it's become obvious that I just need to rid my

body of the sugar that it loves so much. Also, I'm 42 and it seems

that poundage is shifting around and I'm carring more weight in my

hips than ever before. So, I look forward to taking this journey

with each of you and am looking forward to some other recipes to try.

> Thanks,

>

> Jackie

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> I'm somewhere between the Port of Indecision

> and Southwest of Disorder

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> Design Team Member

> Tomorrow's Memories

> www.tomemories.com

> See My Layouts at

> http://makeashorterlink.com/?I17C249EA

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

>

>

> Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-

fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and

the right fats-the good ones - and enables you to live quite happily

without the bad carbs and bad fats.

>

> For more on this Way Of Eating please read " The South Beach Diet "

by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Maybe I should try that. I miss OJ, too. I'm just sitting here

voting for Bo on AI repeatedly right now. Too busy to eat

ann

> Hello! Since I subbed yesterday I need to come out of lurkdom and

introduce myself. I'm Jackie and I started the SBD yesterday. So

far only 1 setback - I had to make cupcakes for my bosses birthday

and tasted the icing. Yep, I should have just made a trip to the

bakery and bought them but he would be disappointed if they weren't

homemade. Sooooo, I can't wait for these things to get carried out

of my house tomorrow! So far I've missed my orange juice in the a.m.

as much as anything. Taking vitamins with water is terrible :-(

> I'm 5'7 " tall and weigh about 146 lbs, pretty much a sz 12. I've

carried 10 pounds around since my baby was born and well, the baby

is 8 years old now so it's become obvious that I just need to rid my

body of the sugar that it loves so much. Also, I'm 42 and it seems

that poundage is shifting around and I'm carring more weight in my

hips than ever before. So, I look forward to taking this journey

with each of you and am looking forward to some other recipes to try.

> Thanks,

>

> Jackie

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> I'm somewhere between the Port of Indecision

> and Southwest of Disorder

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

> Design Team Member

> Tomorrow's Memories

> www.tomemories.com

> See My Layouts at

> http://makeashorterlink.com/?I17C249EA

> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

>

>

> Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-

fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and

the right fats-the good ones - and enables you to live quite happily

without the bad carbs and bad fats.

>

> For more on this Way Of Eating please read " The South Beach Diet "

by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Me Too!!!!!!! I got 5 calls in before the show went off air...and before they said you could vote. I hope he wins, but either way he's got a record deal...

But that Orange Crystal light is pretty good....

ann wrote:

Maybe I should try that. I miss OJ, too. I'm just sitting here voting for Bo on AI repeatedly right now. Too busy to eat :)ann> Hello! Since I subbed yesterday I need to come out of lurkdom and introduce myself. I'm Jackie and I started the SBD yesterday. So far only 1 setback - I had to make cupcakes for my bosses birthday and tasted the icing. Yep, I should have just made a trip to the bakery and bought them but he would be disappointed if they

weren't homemade. Sooooo, I can't wait for these things to get carried out of my house tomorrow! So far I've missed my orange juice in the a.m. as much as anything. Taking vitamins with water is terrible :-(> I'm 5'7" tall and weigh about 146 lbs, pretty much a sz 12. I've carried 10 pounds around since my baby was born and well, the baby is 8 years old now so it's become obvious that I just need to rid my body of the sugar that it loves so much. Also, I'm 42 and it seems that poundage is shifting around and I'm carring more weight in my hips than ever before. So, I look forward to taking this journey with each of you and am looking forward to some other recipes to try.> Thanks,> > Jackie> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> I'm somewhere between the Port of Indecision> and Southwest of Disorder> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> Design Team

Member> Tomorrow's Memories> www.tomemories.com> See My Layouts at> http://makeashorterlink.com/?I17C249EA> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> > > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones - and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. > > For more on this Way Of Eating please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8 > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Me Too!!!!!!! I got 5 calls in before the show went off air...and before they said you could vote. I hope he wins, but either way he's got a record deal...

But that Orange Crystal light is pretty good....

ann wrote:

Maybe I should try that. I miss OJ, too. I'm just sitting here voting for Bo on AI repeatedly right now. Too busy to eat :)ann> Hello! Since I subbed yesterday I need to come out of lurkdom and introduce myself. I'm Jackie and I started the SBD yesterday. So far only 1 setback - I had to make cupcakes for my bosses birthday and tasted the icing. Yep, I should have just made a trip to the bakery and bought them but he would be disappointed if they

weren't homemade. Sooooo, I can't wait for these things to get carried out of my house tomorrow! So far I've missed my orange juice in the a.m. as much as anything. Taking vitamins with water is terrible :-(> I'm 5'7" tall and weigh about 146 lbs, pretty much a sz 12. I've carried 10 pounds around since my baby was born and well, the baby is 8 years old now so it's become obvious that I just need to rid my body of the sugar that it loves so much. Also, I'm 42 and it seems that poundage is shifting around and I'm carring more weight in my hips than ever before. So, I look forward to taking this journey with each of you and am looking forward to some other recipes to try.> Thanks,> > Jackie> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> I'm somewhere between the Port of Indecision> and Southwest of Disorder> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> Design Team

Member> Tomorrow's Memories> www.tomemories.com> See My Layouts at> http://makeashorterlink.com/?I17C249EA> ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~> > > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones - and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. > > For more on this Way Of Eating please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8 > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Welcome ! Without getting too personal, I hope you will share with us how

things are going with your therapist. I admire you for taking that step. I

still want to skip over the section in the IE book about finding other ways to

deal with our emotions, other than food.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

PJ

>

> Hi all,

>

>

>

> I'm 49 and have been overeating since I was about 4 years old. I started

> dieting when I was 13. I have yo-yoed up and down more times than I can

> count. I stopped dieting and weighing myself a couple of weeks ago. I'm

> overweight, on the edge of being obese, by the tables I've seen.

>

>

>

> I started working with a therapist this week, in the hopes that exploring my

> eating issues will be the door to make some improvements in my mental and

> emotional health. I purchased Geneen Roth's " Women, Food & God, " and I'm

> reading it in small chunks, because I get very emotional when I read it.

[Guest guest]

Welcome ! Without getting too personal, I hope you will share with us how

things are going with your therapist. I admire you for taking that step. I

still want to skip over the section in the IE book about finding other ways to

deal with our emotions, other than food.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

PJ

>

> Hi all,

>

>

>

> I'm 49 and have been overeating since I was about 4 years old. I started

> dieting when I was 13. I have yo-yoed up and down more times than I can

> count. I stopped dieting and weighing myself a couple of weeks ago. I'm

> overweight, on the edge of being obese, by the tables I've seen.

>

>

>

> I started working with a therapist this week, in the hopes that exploring my

> eating issues will be the door to make some improvements in my mental and

> emotional health. I purchased Geneen Roth's " Women, Food & God, " and I'm

> reading it in small chunks, because I get very emotional when I read it.

[Guest guest]

Hi, mj,

I actually have the MacKenna book and CD, but I think only listened once to the CD. I do think the title probably predisposed me away from using it much--his publisher was ill-advised to agree to/insist on that title. I'll give it another try--thanks for reminding me of it; it's great to hear you find it helpful. I do also have and like Polle's CDs. Her "Clearing Emotional Blocks" is soooo relaxing. I just ordered her "Anxiety" CD. Until I started doing IE, I never realized I was an anxious person. I guess maybe because I'm a high-functioning anxious person, it never occurred to me that my anxiety was something that needed addressing, LOL. Once I stopped shovelling food in to cover my anxiety, I saw it really bloom. Yikes! Had to address it then!

I'm reading a book now on mindfulness that's really good. I've had it for some time, but only just started reading it. It's called "Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness" by Arnold Kozak. It's 108 short chapters that help to explain the workings of our busy, busy minds, and how to manage them compassionately through mindfulness and meditation. For example, the first "metaphor" is Storytelling Mind. Kozak gives a short example of how he was teaching a meditation class at his office for a small group of physicians. It was to be a two-day class, and after the first day, he'd thought the class had gone well. He arrived early at his office the next day, and as the time for the class approached, he began to wonder why no students had shown up. A few minutes after the class was to begin, still no students. His storytelling mind began to weave an explanation: They must not have enjoyed the class. Maybe he pushed them too hard. Then he realized he'd forgotten to unlock the front door! When he opened it, there all the students were, conversing happily outside the door.

This example (which Kozak labels with a "metaphor" or title, to make it memorable) is iteself a story and therefore memorable. It can be used as an aid to catch yourself from indulging this habit of mind, storytelling, which can be fairly self-destructive. I'm loving this little book; the short chapters make it easy to read in bursts, which is congenial to my lifestyle right now.

Laurie

mj wrote:

Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation & relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?

mj

[Guest guest]

Hi, mj,

I actually have the MacKenna book and CD, but I think only listened once to the CD. I do think the title probably predisposed me away from using it much--his publisher was ill-advised to agree to/insist on that title. I'll give it another try--thanks for reminding me of it; it's great to hear you find it helpful. I do also have and like Polle's CDs. Her "Clearing Emotional Blocks" is soooo relaxing. I just ordered her "Anxiety" CD. Until I started doing IE, I never realized I was an anxious person. I guess maybe because I'm a high-functioning anxious person, it never occurred to me that my anxiety was something that needed addressing, LOL. Once I stopped shovelling food in to cover my anxiety, I saw it really bloom. Yikes! Had to address it then!

I'm reading a book now on mindfulness that's really good. I've had it for some time, but only just started reading it. It's called "Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness" by Arnold Kozak. It's 108 short chapters that help to explain the workings of our busy, busy minds, and how to manage them compassionately through mindfulness and meditation. For example, the first "metaphor" is Storytelling Mind. Kozak gives a short example of how he was teaching a meditation class at his office for a small group of physicians. It was to be a two-day class, and after the first day, he'd thought the class had gone well. He arrived early at his office the next day, and as the time for the class approached, he began to wonder why no students had shown up. A few minutes after the class was to begin, still no students. His storytelling mind began to weave an explanation: They must not have enjoyed the class. Maybe he pushed them too hard. Then he realized he'd forgotten to unlock the front door! When he opened it, there all the students were, conversing happily outside the door.

This example (which Kozak labels with a "metaphor" or title, to make it memorable) is iteself a story and therefore memorable. It can be used as an aid to catch yourself from indulging this habit of mind, storytelling, which can be fairly self-destructive. I'm loving this little book; the short chapters make it easy to read in bursts, which is congenial to my lifestyle right now.

Laurie

mj wrote:

Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation & relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?

mj

[Guest guest]

Hi, mj,

I actually have the MacKenna book and CD, but I think only listened once to the CD. I do think the title probably predisposed me away from using it much--his publisher was ill-advised to agree to/insist on that title. I'll give it another try--thanks for reminding me of it; it's great to hear you find it helpful. I do also have and like Polle's CDs. Her "Clearing Emotional Blocks" is soooo relaxing. I just ordered her "Anxiety" CD. Until I started doing IE, I never realized I was an anxious person. I guess maybe because I'm a high-functioning anxious person, it never occurred to me that my anxiety was something that needed addressing, LOL. Once I stopped shovelling food in to cover my anxiety, I saw it really bloom. Yikes! Had to address it then!

I'm reading a book now on mindfulness that's really good. I've had it for some time, but only just started reading it. It's called "Wild Chickens and Petty Tyrants: 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness" by Arnold Kozak. It's 108 short chapters that help to explain the workings of our busy, busy minds, and how to manage them compassionately through mindfulness and meditation. For example, the first "metaphor" is Storytelling Mind. Kozak gives a short example of how he was teaching a meditation class at his office for a small group of physicians. It was to be a two-day class, and after the first day, he'd thought the class had gone well. He arrived early at his office the next day, and as the time for the class approached, he began to wonder why no students had shown up. A few minutes after the class was to begin, still no students. His storytelling mind began to weave an explanation: They must not have enjoyed the class. Maybe he pushed them too hard. Then he realized he'd forgotten to unlock the front door! When he opened it, there all the students were, conversing happily outside the door.

This example (which Kozak labels with a "metaphor" or title, to make it memorable) is iteself a story and therefore memorable. It can be used as an aid to catch yourself from indulging this habit of mind, storytelling, which can be fairly self-destructive. I'm loving this little book; the short chapters make it easy to read in bursts, which is congenial to my lifestyle right now.

Laurie

mj wrote:

Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation & relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?

mj

[Guest guest]

Hi MJ: My girl friend gave me a 30 day trial membership to the gym when I was going through a stressful time at work and losing a loved one. I was very surprised to find out how much I enjoyed it and so, I think, got off on the right foot :-) with exercising for stress release, fun and pleasure rather than as part of "dieting". I am still exploring IE but have been committed to getting healther for some time. I was the fat girl, last to be picked for the team, etc., so the compulsive exercising has never been my deal. Congrats on getting a handle on it! My yoga instructor is a dear friend and incredibly spiritual person who has taken me under her wing in every way. We are blessed that we worship together in the same church and serve

together. She is 69 and can move in ways I've NEVER been able to move! In fact, she gave me Women, Food & God. :-) She begins and ends every yoga class with a meditative reading. Her fave is Jon Kabot-Zinn, Whereever You Find Yourself, There You Are. I can and do bring many of those reading to mind when I need to check in with myself.

I, too, definitely fall into that mindless, did I eat all of it already category. I keep myself so busy that it seems I'm always eating on the run. I'm working on that.

And although exercise can be an "instant" worry antidote, self care is absolutely the way to go and it can come in so many ways that we overlook. I am a pianist and it is amazing how often I "forget" to play just for my own pleasure. I also read every day, and it is easy to read without mindfulness as well and not enjoy the moment. Our weather here has been absolutely gorgeous and I'm trying to take every opportunity to go for a walk before that white stuff starts flying around!

There's my lunch break--gotta run eat while I work! God Bless us Every One, Deb

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 9:11:31 PMSubject: Re: Introduction

hi Jody & welcome to this group. I have found it to be a very supportive community.Deb, your gym sounds amazing. I work out at my gym 3 days a week. I do a set weight training routine for 45 minutes & then I do a yoga/ball class for an hour. on alternate days I do yoga & lately I'm teaching myself belly dancing from a Kathy DVD (that is soooooooomuch fun even though I have 2 left hips LOL)In my 20s & 30s I used to be addicted to exercising, teaching up to 11 aerobics classes a week & lifting weights. I burned myself out with that & it took me a long time to find a happy medium, one that challenges me enough to progress but isn't so over the top which was my normal way when I was in my restricting phases. My goal is really to just have BALANCE in all areas of my life.Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation &

relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?mj>> >

Hi, Jody, and welcome to our group! I think you'll find a lot of us here use food to soothe anxieties of various sorts. Although I don't think of myself as a worrier per se, I certainly get anxious about other things, and have long used food to try to distract myself or calm myself down.> > One of the best things I've discovered through this process is the value of self-care. I no longer run myself into the ground; I let myself lie down and take a nap when I'm tired, and give up on a long list of "to dos" when I'm stressed or just don't feel like doing so much. I make sure every day to do something that pleases me, even if it's just lying down for half an hour to read a bit.> > I look forward to getting to know you better and hearing about your journey.> > All best,> Laurie> > > > > > > > > Introduction> > > > > Hi all, > I'm new to this group. A friend suggested that I join as I've begun on the journey of intuitive eating. I started by reading some of Geneen Roth's books, and now have plans to read beyond that base. > > I use food for comfort. I'm a chronic worrier and use food to sooth my anxieties. Instead of addressing the worry or the use of food as a soother, I've dieted in many restricting ways that may actually increase me anxiety. > > I'm working on reducing worry and finding other ways to comfort myself. If any of you have suggestions about either of these

please let me know. > > Jody>

[Guest guest]

Hi MJ: My girl friend gave me a 30 day trial membership to the gym when I was going through a stressful time at work and losing a loved one. I was very surprised to find out how much I enjoyed it and so, I think, got off on the right foot :-) with exercising for stress release, fun and pleasure rather than as part of "dieting". I am still exploring IE but have been committed to getting healther for some time. I was the fat girl, last to be picked for the team, etc., so the compulsive exercising has never been my deal. Congrats on getting a handle on it! My yoga instructor is a dear friend and incredibly spiritual person who has taken me under her wing in every way. We are blessed that we worship together in the same church and serve

together. She is 69 and can move in ways I've NEVER been able to move! In fact, she gave me Women, Food & God. :-) She begins and ends every yoga class with a meditative reading. Her fave is Jon Kabot-Zinn, Whereever You Find Yourself, There You Are. I can and do bring many of those reading to mind when I need to check in with myself.

I, too, definitely fall into that mindless, did I eat all of it already category. I keep myself so busy that it seems I'm always eating on the run. I'm working on that.

And although exercise can be an "instant" worry antidote, self care is absolutely the way to go and it can come in so many ways that we overlook. I am a pianist and it is amazing how often I "forget" to play just for my own pleasure. I also read every day, and it is easy to read without mindfulness as well and not enjoy the moment. Our weather here has been absolutely gorgeous and I'm trying to take every opportunity to go for a walk before that white stuff starts flying around!

There's my lunch break--gotta run eat while I work! God Bless us Every One, Deb

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 9:11:31 PMSubject: Re: Introduction

hi Jody & welcome to this group. I have found it to be a very supportive community.Deb, your gym sounds amazing. I work out at my gym 3 days a week. I do a set weight training routine for 45 minutes & then I do a yoga/ball class for an hour. on alternate days I do yoga & lately I'm teaching myself belly dancing from a Kathy DVD (that is soooooooomuch fun even though I have 2 left hips LOL)In my 20s & 30s I used to be addicted to exercising, teaching up to 11 aerobics classes a week & lifting weights. I burned myself out with that & it took me a long time to find a happy medium, one that challenges me enough to progress but isn't so over the top which was my normal way when I was in my restricting phases. My goal is really to just have BALANCE in all areas of my life.Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation &

relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?mj>> >

Hi, Jody, and welcome to our group! I think you'll find a lot of us here use food to soothe anxieties of various sorts. Although I don't think of myself as a worrier per se, I certainly get anxious about other things, and have long used food to try to distract myself or calm myself down.> > One of the best things I've discovered through this process is the value of self-care. I no longer run myself into the ground; I let myself lie down and take a nap when I'm tired, and give up on a long list of "to dos" when I'm stressed or just don't feel like doing so much. I make sure every day to do something that pleases me, even if it's just lying down for half an hour to read a bit.> > I look forward to getting to know you better and hearing about your journey.> > All best,> Laurie> > > > > > > > > Introduction> > > > > Hi all, > I'm new to this group. A friend suggested that I join as I've begun on the journey of intuitive eating. I started by reading some of Geneen Roth's books, and now have plans to read beyond that base. > > I use food for comfort. I'm a chronic worrier and use food to sooth my anxieties. Instead of addressing the worry or the use of food as a soother, I've dieted in many restricting ways that may actually increase me anxiety. > > I'm working on reducing worry and finding other ways to comfort myself. If any of you have suggestions about either of these

please let me know. > > Jody>

[Guest guest]

Hi MJ: My girl friend gave me a 30 day trial membership to the gym when I was going through a stressful time at work and losing a loved one. I was very surprised to find out how much I enjoyed it and so, I think, got off on the right foot :-) with exercising for stress release, fun and pleasure rather than as part of "dieting". I am still exploring IE but have been committed to getting healther for some time. I was the fat girl, last to be picked for the team, etc., so the compulsive exercising has never been my deal. Congrats on getting a handle on it! My yoga instructor is a dear friend and incredibly spiritual person who has taken me under her wing in every way. We are blessed that we worship together in the same church and serve

together. She is 69 and can move in ways I've NEVER been able to move! In fact, she gave me Women, Food & God. :-) She begins and ends every yoga class with a meditative reading. Her fave is Jon Kabot-Zinn, Whereever You Find Yourself, There You Are. I can and do bring many of those reading to mind when I need to check in with myself.

I, too, definitely fall into that mindless, did I eat all of it already category. I keep myself so busy that it seems I'm always eating on the run. I'm working on that.

And although exercise can be an "instant" worry antidote, self care is absolutely the way to go and it can come in so many ways that we overlook. I am a pianist and it is amazing how often I "forget" to play just for my own pleasure. I also read every day, and it is easy to read without mindfulness as well and not enjoy the moment. Our weather here has been absolutely gorgeous and I'm trying to take every opportunity to go for a walk before that white stuff starts flying around!

There's my lunch break--gotta run eat while I work! God Bless us Every One, Deb

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 9:11:31 PMSubject: Re: Introduction

hi Jody & welcome to this group. I have found it to be a very supportive community.Deb, your gym sounds amazing. I work out at my gym 3 days a week. I do a set weight training routine for 45 minutes & then I do a yoga/ball class for an hour. on alternate days I do yoga & lately I'm teaching myself belly dancing from a Kathy DVD (that is soooooooomuch fun even though I have 2 left hips LOL)In my 20s & 30s I used to be addicted to exercising, teaching up to 11 aerobics classes a week & lifting weights. I burned myself out with that & it took me a long time to find a happy medium, one that challenges me enough to progress but isn't so over the top which was my normal way when I was in my restricting phases. My goal is really to just have BALANCE in all areas of my life.Laurie, you are so right about the need for recognizing when I need to take a break. I'm trying to get more meditation &

relaxation into my life. The thing that Geneen said in Seattle was that in order to succeed with IE we NEED to establish a daily practice of JUST BEING WITH OURSELVES even if we only start out with 5 mins & build up from there. 5 mins of pure meditation is still really difficult for me but I am working on it. I have no problem with really long guided meditations or hypnosis CDs. I really like MacKenna's I Can Make You Thin hypnosis because it really does cover all of the IE recommendations. It may not be a great title (you can make yourself slim might have been a better choice) but I think listening to it really works for me. I listen to it at least once a day. Has anyone else tried it?mj>> >

Hi, Jody, and welcome to our group! I think you'll find a lot of us here use food to soothe anxieties of various sorts. Although I don't think of myself as a worrier per se, I certainly get anxious about other things, and have long used food to try to distract myself or calm myself down.> > One of the best things I've discovered through this process is the value of self-care. I no longer run myself into the ground; I let myself lie down and take a nap when I'm tired, and give up on a long list of "to dos" when I'm stressed or just don't feel like doing so much. I make sure every day to do something that pleases me, even if it's just lying down for half an hour to read a bit.> > I look forward to getting to know you better and hearing about your journey.> > All best,> Laurie> > > > > > > > > Introduction> > > > > Hi all, > I'm new to this group. A friend suggested that I join as I've begun on the journey of intuitive eating. I started by reading some of Geneen Roth's books, and now have plans to read beyond that base. > > I use food for comfort. I'm a chronic worrier and use food to sooth my anxieties. Instead of addressing the worry or the use of food as a soother, I've dieted in many restricting ways that may actually increase me anxiety. > > I'm working on reducing worry and finding other ways to comfort myself. If any of you have suggestions about either of these

please let me know. > > Jody>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot

imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice

for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that

have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My

thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the

past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in

this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional

eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only

been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with

stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much

stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips

would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot

imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice

for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that

have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My

thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the

past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in

this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional

eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only

been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with

stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much

stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips

would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot

imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice

for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that

have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My

thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the

past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in

this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional

eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only

been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with

stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much

stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips

would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

Big hugs. My oldest daughter battled a rare cancer in her early 20's & since it was considered a pediatric cancer she was treated in the children's section of City of Hope. We met many young ones battling. Is your granddaughter in treatment? It is so difficult - all you can do is love her & appreciate each day. I miss my daughter so much but I am glad we shared so much time together even tho much of it was in hospital. Jody Sent from my iPhone

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

Big hugs. My oldest daughter battled a rare cancer in her early 20's & since it was considered a pediatric cancer she was treated in the children's section of City of Hope. We met many young ones battling. Is your granddaughter in treatment? It is so difficult - all you can do is love her & appreciate each day. I miss my daughter so much but I am glad we shared so much time together even tho much of it was in hospital. Jody Sent from my iPhone

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

Big hugs. My oldest daughter battled a rare cancer in her early 20's & since it was considered a pediatric cancer she was treated in the children's section of City of Hope. We met many young ones battling. Is your granddaughter in treatment? It is so difficult - all you can do is love her & appreciate each day. I miss my daughter so much but I am glad we shared so much time together even tho much of it was in hospital. Jody Sent from my iPhone

Hi Terri,

Belated welcome from me. So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. I can't say I have any good advice for how to deal with that sort of stress, though I agree with the others that have said do try to take the best care of yourself that you are able. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Josie

>

> Hello, I'm new to this group. I have tried Thin Within and Weigh Down in the past. It has been difficult doing it on my own. There are no support groups in this area. I'm hoping online support will help me. I know I am an emotional eater. My weight has been up and down most of my life. Recently, it has only been in the upwards direction. My two-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer nine months ago. I have eaten my way through so much stress and pain. I have to figure out another way to deal with it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

>

> Terri

>

[Guest guest]

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that

your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in

line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my

needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer

to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as

I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder

to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only

way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help

and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I

could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who

helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I

have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's

about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>

[Guest guest]

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that

your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in

line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my

needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer

to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as

I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder

to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only

way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help

and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I

could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who

helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I

have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's

about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>

[Guest guest]

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that

your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in

line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my

needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer

to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as

I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder

to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only

way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help

and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I

could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who

helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I

have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's

about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Claudette!I agree with MJ that that was awesome, rejecting your first therapist's suggestions.and even more than that, starting by asking yourself how to stop imposing stress, and thus rules, on yourself... and finding IE from there! 

awesome!abby

 

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Claudette!I agree with MJ that that was awesome, rejecting your first therapist's suggestions.and even more than that, starting by asking yourself how to stop imposing stress, and thus rules, on yourself... and finding IE from there! 

awesome!abby

 

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Claudette!I agree with MJ that that was awesome, rejecting your first therapist's suggestions.and even more than that, starting by asking yourself how to stop imposing stress, and thus rules, on yourself... and finding IE from there! 

awesome!abby

 

welcome Claudette

This is a very supportive group. And congratulations to you for recognizing that your first therapist was not what you needed & for finding one that was more in line with your needs. One thing I've learned from doing IE is to listen to my needs & respond to them because that is being kind to myself.

again, welcome to the group

mj

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

>     I just joined this group and am delighted to have found you all. I was

> searching the Internet for support with intuitive eating when I found this

> group. It has taken me a long time to even recognize that I was not, and

> sometimes am not, at peace with myself and food. Then, it has taken me longer to

> realize that I don't have to be at war with myself over food and exercise. I

> have had many judgments and self punishing behavior over the  years and I just

> came to a point that I was just so exhausted with it all. There had to be a

> better way, or something other than failed diets, defeating self talk, shame,

> and the pain of restrictive and binge eating cycles. So, last January, at the

> start of a very busy semester at school I just asked myself, what if I just

> didn't have any rules around eating? With all the stress of my counseling

> program (and studying counseling!), work, and a practicum, what if I just took

> away that extra stress? This was a stressful decision that I struggled with as I

> found many ways to implement rules, and ways to break them. I don't believe I

> was practicing intuitive eating at that point, I was just trying to be kinder to

> myself. Around this time I also wanted to learn more about my behaviors with

> food and that meant being honest, and by that I mean I tried not to hide my

> complex relationship with eating. I found a therapist who worked with

> " overeaters " (I feel that term brings up judgments for me, but was the only way

> I knew how to describe myself). It was the first time I was looking for help and

> not just a diet or weight loss. It was scary to be seen and important. There

> were many wonderful qualities about this therapist, but I realized that her

> goals were not mine (she insisted I go to OA meetings and started to give me

> food advice: like eating fruit when I wanted sweets- I felt my old patterns

> arise as I started making rules about eating and my anxiety rose, I knew I could

> fall back into my old habits very easily). I found another therapist, who helps

> me feel uncomfortable emotions and gently points out judgments. So, I'm rather

> new to intuitive eating, but I feel I've been trying to find it for awhile! 

>     A little bit (more) about me: I'm in school for counseling and am doing my

> internship now. I work at two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. When I have

> time, I enjoy being outside and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

> Although I do not practice regularly, I do do meditation and yoga. That's about

> all for now. I want to thank you all for being here and I appreciate the

> opportunity to share.

>

> Sincerely,

> Claudette

>