Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PMSubject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie,i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different.i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating.i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently.anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me...good luck with your journey,jen todd> > > > > Hi Everyone,> > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go.> > >> > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!!> > >> > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!!> > >> > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop.> > >> > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up.> > >> > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a > > > "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a> > > normal amount.> > >> > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods?> > >> > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!!> > >> > > Laurie> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this. How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty†about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life. Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force†myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here? From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of lori Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:29 AM To: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie From: jentodd510 To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PM Subject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie, i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different. i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating. i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently. anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me... good luck with your journey, jen todd > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go. > > > > > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!! > > > > > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!! > > > > > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop. > > > > > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up. > > > > > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still " special " and I have no will power to eat a > > > " normal " amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a > > > normal amount. > > > > > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still " special " so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods? > > > > > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!! > > > > > > Laurie > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hi , It's a great suggestion. I know that according to intuitive eating or was it Overcoming Overeating, i'm supposed to put so much in front of me that I feel I can figure out, from internal cues, how much to eat, but I seriously think I can't afford to buy three at once, and plus I am quite sure I'd eat at least 1 1/2 before stopping. I hate to veer from the principles, but in this case I do think putting a normal serving in front of me (not skimping, but putting a decent amount out that still falls within the "normal" range) makes most sense. Then I can have it often enough so eventually I won't need to polish it off. But still not every day. I really am at the point where though I don't want to restrict, I do want to care what's good for my body and stomach, not only my taste buds and cravings. Laurie To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 12:39:35 PMSubject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! This suggestion might run afoul with the “no restriction†police but I think it makes sense… It seems to me that, for now, chicken parm is one of those foods where portion size is defined as “however much someone puts in front of meâ€. I understand that – up until recently that has been my definition of portion size for any food that I even remotely like. What if you asked the restaurant to split the order and put the other half in a takeout bag? Or, ideally, if they’d give you a half order. That way you’re telling your mind/body that it’s eaten the chicken parm without restriction but you’re just eating less so you can curb your fear of weight gain while you’re engaging in this exercise? Sooner or later your body will get the idea “I can eat chicken parm whenever I wantâ€. Just a thought. From: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com [mailto:IntuitiveEa ting_Support@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of loriSent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 11:34 AMTo: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.comSubject: Re: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: Been so busy!!! Hi , Hope you've been well. I definitely see your point about the state of mind being most important. I think there are a few foods where I have to give myself total full permission to enjoy them; I've done it with other foods so successfully. But you know, I had chicken parm three nights in a row and you know how big the restaurant portions are, and I just couldn't stop eating it; I guess it's last supper eating because my state of mind is probably not at the "full permission" point yet with this food. I don't know if you struggle with the full/satisfied feeling sometimes being so incredibly dim a signal; sometimes I just think, is it too much to ask that my signal be a little more obvious and easier to follow? I have the signal but it's still so subtle. I don't intend to restrict any food so I'll definitely be having the chicken parm again, but I also noticed that certain foods really fill me and last longer and satisfy my body and other foods satisfy my taste buds but not my body; some foods taste great but leave me with no lasting full feeling. If I have a regular french toast, it tastes awesome but just doesn't fill me for long at all, but if i have a nice multigrain pancake, I'm full for quite a while and that feels so much better in the long run; the french toast satisfies only taste buds but the multigrain pancake satisfies stomach and taste buds. So good to hear from you :.) Laurie From: followyourbliss50 <levine@ cox.net>To: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.comSent: Mon, February 1, 2010 9:53:58 AMSubject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Laurie, Welcome back! It's nice to hear your voice again. (I was thinking of you when I was posting on the Food and Feelings Board. Someone is having lap band surgery and that is a very provocative issue. I thought, where is Laurie now as she's good at debate. But then I thought, well, who knows she might be debating against me! :)Laurie,I don't think that we have to eat the food until we're sick of it --to take the glitter off of it--so it feels like "ordinary" food.If I do this (and I'm sure I have)--then all I'm doing is depriving myself. (I deprive myself when I put food in my body that my body doesn't want; it then messes up my eating schedule/routine.If I am so busy doing these academic exercises about proving to myself that I can eat, for example, m n m's, then I will have made my body full from m n' m's. So a few hours later--I have what Roth calls empty fullness. I'm not satisfied. This is because I haven't listened to what my body really wanted. It might have wanted a "butterfinger" or spaghetti (who knows).A few weeks ago I posted on the Long Haul site about eating 11 keebler chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. (I think I stopped at 11 ) These were new cookies for me and I was finding them very delicious and my hunger was also big (or felt bigger than my mind/judgment part thought was acceptable.) I had eaten a whole row of the cookies (there are three rows) and I still wanted more! What I did during that meal is I opened up permission. I let myself go (heaven forbid!) to the second row--I took several more and I sat down at the table with no distractions and enjoyed and savored them. Once I had given myself full permission, I was able to hear my natural limitand actually didn't eat all of the cookies I had brought to the table.Afterwards, I decided that I needed to have those cookies in my house--because I didn't want a sense of deprivation about them. I wanted a sense of abundance. (I also have kids who might eat them up) I actually went to two stores to find them. I purchased three packages.What's interesting (and kind of sad in some ways ) is that those cookies are still sitting untouched in our cupboard. I remember how delicious they were and how I enjoyed them, but I am waiting for my hunger/natural cravings (for this specific type food) to come up. When this happens, I will get to enjoy them again.My point here, is that abundance is more "a state of mind," which we can create by self caring words and sometime stocking up. >> Hi Everyone, > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then the stress will be just waiting to see how things go.> > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!!> > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are messing with me sometimes!!> > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and I used to go five days in a row before I can stop.> > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body that's already big. I'm not beating myself up.> > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb weight gain cause I don't stop at a> normal amount. > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal eater I want to be around those foods?> > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!!> > Laurie> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hi Laurie, I don't put piles of food on my plate. I take as much as I think might fill me up, and then if I finish all of it I try to take a minute to figure out if I'm still hungry and want more. I don't think there's anything wrong with "normal" portions and checking in with yourself to see if you want more. That's really not restricting, but just trying to figure out what portions work right for you. Sohni lori wrote:  Hi , It's a great suggestion. I know that according to intuitive eating or was it Overcoming Overeating, i'm supposed to put so much in front of me that I feel I can figure out, from internal cues, how much to eat, but I seriously think I can't afford to buy three at once, and plus I am quite sure I'd eat at least 1 1/2 before stopping. I hate to veer from the principles, but in this case I do think putting a normal serving in front of me (not skimping, but putting a decent amount out that still falls within the "normal" range) makes most sense. Then I can have it often enough so eventually I won't need to polish it off. But still not every day. I really am at the point where though I don't want to restrict, I do want to care what's good for my body and stomach, not only my taste buds and cravings.  Laurie From: Karlen <jkarlenkarlen> To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 12:39:35 PM Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!!  This suggestion might run afoul with the “no restriction†police but I think it makes sense…  It seems to me that, for now, chicken parm is one of those foods where portion size is defined as “however much someone puts in front of meâ€. I understand that – up until recently that has been my definition of portion size for any food that I even remotely like.  What if you asked the restaurant to split the order and put the other half in a takeout bag? Or, ideally, if they’d give you a half order. That way you’re telling your mind/body that it’s eaten the chicken parm without restriction but you’re just eating less so you can curb your fear of weight gain while you’re engaging in this exercise?  Sooner or later your body will get the idea “I can eat chicken parm whenever I wantâ€.  Just a thought.  From: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com [mailto:IntuitiveEa ting_Support@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of lori Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 11:34 AM To: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com Subject: Re: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: Been so busy!!!   Hi , Hope you've been well. I definitely see your point about the state of mind being most important. I think there are a few foods where I have to give myself total full permission to enjoy them; I've done it with other foods so successfully. But you know, I had chicken parm three nights in a row and you know how big the restaurant portions are, and I just couldn't stop eating it; I guess it's last supper eating because my state of mind is probably not at the "full permission" point yet with this food. I don't know if you struggle with the full/satisfied feeling sometimes being so incredibly dim a signal; sometimes I just think, is it too much to ask that my signal be a little more obvious and easier to follow? I have the signal but it's still so subtle.  I don't intend to restrict any food so I'll definitely be having the chicken parm again, but I also noticed that certain foods really fill me and last longer and satisfy my body and other foods satisfy my taste buds but not my body; some foods taste great but leave me with no lasting full feeling. If I have a regular french toast, it tastes awesome but just doesn't fill me for long at all, but if i have a nice multigrain pancake, I'm full for quite a while and that feels so much better in the long run; the french toast satisfies only taste buds but the multigrain pancake satisfies stomach and taste buds.  So good to hear from you :.)  Laurie  From: followyourbliss50 <levine@ cox.net> To: IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com Sent: Mon, February 1, 2010 9:53:58 AM Subject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: Been so busy!!!  Hi Laurie,  Welcome back!  It's nice to hear your voice again. (I was thinking of you when I was posting on the Food and Feelings Board. Someone is having lap band surgery and that is a very provocative issue. I thought, where is Laurie now as she's good at debate. But then I thought, well, who knows she might be debating against me! Laurie, I don't think that we have to eat the food until we're sick of it --to take the glitter off of it--so it feels like "ordinary" food. If I do this (and I'm sure I have)--then all I'm doing is depriving myself. (I deprive myself when I put food in my body that my body doesn't want; it then messes up my eating schedule/routine. If I am so busy doing these academic exercises about proving to myself that I can eat, for example, m n m's, then I will have made my body full from m n' m's. So a few hours later--I have what Roth calls empty fullness. I'm not satisfied. This is because I haven't listened to what my body really wanted. It might have wanted a "butterfinger" or spaghetti (who knows). A few weeks ago I posted on the Long Haul site about eating 11 keebler chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. (I think I stopped at 11 )  These were new cookies for me and I was finding them very delicious and my hunger was also big (or felt bigger than my mind/judgment part thought was acceptable.)   I had eaten a whole row of the cookies (there are three rows) and I still wanted more!  What I did during that meal is I opened up permission. I let myself go (heaven forbid!) to the second row--I took several more and I sat down at the table with no distractions and enjoyed and savored them. Once I had given myself full permission, I was able to hear my natural limit and actually didn't eat all of the cookies I had brought to the table. Afterwards, I decided that I needed to have those cookies in my house--because I didn't want a sense of deprivation about them. I wanted a sense of abundance. (I also have kids who might eat them up) I actually went to two stores to find them.  I purchased three packages. What's interesting (and kind of sad in some ways ) is that those cookies are still sitting untouched in our cupboard.  I remember how delicious they were and how I enjoyed them, but I am waiting for my hunger/natural cravings (for this specific type food) to come up. When this happens, I will get to enjoy them again. My point here, is that abundance is more "a state of mind," which we can create by self caring words and sometime stocking up.      > > Hi Everyone, > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then the stress will be just waiting to see how things go. > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!! > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are messing with me sometimes!! > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and I used to go five days in a row before I can stop. > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body that's already big. I'm not beating myself up. > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict,  I can have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I avoid it forever.  But I don't really want to have it ten times in a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb weight gain cause I don't stop at a > normal amount. > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal eater I want to be around those foods? > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!! > > Laurie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hi , I think for now you should eat what you think you want, but be very mindful when eating it--asking yourself, "Is this really what I want? Does it really taste good or am I eating it because I *think* it tastes good?" If you've tended to have narrow eating patterns, you might want to try branching out and trying things that you're not sure of but you think might be appealing. Different types of sandwiches, salads, soups, ethnic foods, pastas, etc. You might find that more variety may help. The other thing is to make sure you're stopping when you're full or when the food no longer appeals to you, even if that's only after a few fries or half a brownie. This is something we all struggle with, I think. I know I have days where it's not a problem for me, and other times I really wonder what's going to happen if I get stuck on eating some of this stuff. Sohni Karlen wrote:  I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this.  How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty†about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life.  Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force†myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here?  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hi Everyone... Excuse me for saying what is in my heart, but doesn't the logical fact come into all this, that if I continue to eat fried, fattening unhealthy food in excess quantities, my body will justifiably react by adding unwanted FAT TO MY BUTT ? Am I not supposed to factor in the human truth of my actions with FOODS ? Sort of confused, and baffled... Diane To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: jkarlen@...Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:40:40 -0600Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this. How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty” about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life. Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force” myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here? From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of loriSent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:29 AMTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie From: jentodd510 <jentodd510>To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PMSubject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie,i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different.i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating.i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently.anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me...good luck with your journey,jen todd> > > > > Hi Everyone,> > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go.> > >> > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!!> > >> > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!!> > >> > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop.> > >> > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up.> > >> > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a > > > "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a> > > normal amount.> > >> > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods?> > >> > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!!> > >> > > Laurie> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 I believe what you’re talking about is the gentle nutrition phase where you’re balancing the equation in that fashion. From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of Diane Melanson Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 1:32 PM To: intuitiveeating_support Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Everyone... Excuse me for saying what is in my heart, but doesn't the logical fact come into all this, that if I continue to eat fried, fattening unhealthy food in excess quantities, my body will justifiably react by adding unwanted FAT TO MY BUTT ? Am I not supposed to factor in the human truth of my actions with FOODS ? Sort of confused, and baffled... Diane To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: jkarlen@... Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:40:40 -0600 Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this. How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty” about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life. Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force” myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here? From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of lori Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:29 AM To: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PM Subject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie, i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different. i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating. i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently. anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me... good luck with your journey, jen todd > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go. > > > > > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!! > > > > > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!! > > > > > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop. > > > > > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up. > > > > > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still " special " and I have no will power to eat a > > > " normal " amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a > > > normal amount. > > > > > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still " special " so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods? > > > > > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!! > > > > > > Laurie > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Not sure exactly what you mean, Diane, but yes, constantly eating foods that are bad for us will result in poor health and undesired body changes (so to speak). That's why so many of us have had bad outcomes after dieting and the resultant binges. The answer is not to restrict yourself from eating unhealthy foods *while* you also explore the world of healthier eating and learn that your body may crave foods that both taste good and are good for you. I binge on unhealthy foods, but overall, if I'm eating intuitively I want healthy foods. Right now I'm on a tofu kick...seriously! ; ) Sohni Diane Melanson wrote: Hi Everyone... Excuse me for saying what is in my heart, but doesn't the logical fact come into all this, that if I continue to eat fried, fattening unhealthy food in excess quantities, my body will justifiably react by adding unwanted FAT TO MY BUTT ? Am I not supposed to factor in the human truth of my actions with FOODS ? Sort of confused, and baffled... Diane To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: jkarlenkarlen Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:40:40 -0600 Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this. How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty” about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life. Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force” myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here? From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of lori Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:29 AM To: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie From: jentodd510 <jentodd510> To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PM Subject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie, i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different. i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating. i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently. anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me... good luck with your journey, jen todd > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go. > > > > > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!! > > > > > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!! > > > > > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop. > > > > > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up. > > > > > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a > > > "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a > > > normal amount. > > > > > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods? > > > > > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!! > > > > > > Laurie > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2010 Report Share Posted February 3, 2010 Ok Sohni, I haven't read much yet. My books are on order still... To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: jeanniet58@...Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:36:38 -0800Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Not sure exactly what you mean, Diane, but yes, constantly eating foods that are bad for us will result in poor health and undesired body changes (so to speak). That's why so many of us have had bad outcomes after dieting and the resultant binges. The answer is not to restrict yourself from eating unhealthy foods *while* you also explore the world of healthier eating and learn that your body may crave foods that both taste good and are good for you. I binge on unhealthy foods, but overall, if I'm eating intuitively I want healthy foods. Right now I'm on a tofu kick...seriously! ; )SohniDiane Melanson wrote: Hi Everyone... Excuse me for saying what is in my heart, but doesn't the logical fact come into all this, that if I continue to eat fried, fattening unhealthy food in excess quantities, my body will justifiably react by adding unwanted FAT TO MY BUTT ? Am I not supposed to factor in the human truth of my actions with FOODS ? Sort of confused, and baffled...Diane To: IntuitiveEating_Support From: jkarlenkarlenDate: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:40:40 -0600Subject: RE: Re: Been so busy!!! I have to jump in on this conversation because I’m starting to find myself in a mental crisis with this. How do I know my inner compulsive overeater isn’t just living large on this idea that it can eat whatever it wants when it wants it? Last night I had brownies at two different meals and French fries at one. I didn’t feel “guilty” about it but at the same time part of me is aware that long term eating like this has to have the same consequences as all the other brownies and French fries I’ve eaten in my life. Doesn’t there reach a point where I have to “force” myself to head towards gentle nutrition? I’m mentally good with the idea that I can eat whatever I want when I want to…or at least I think I am. Maybe I’m not until I stop having the internal debate I’m voicing here? From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of loriSent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:29 AMTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: Re: Been so busy!!! Hi Jen, I completely understand where you're coming from of course because I've been feeling the same way. In so many ways intuitive eating really does make sense and even legalizing restricted foods makes sense, and I've already done so much of legalizing! I don't regret that I can have cake and cookies and chocolate and stuff like that in the house and not gobble them up, but I did put on a lot of weight when I stopped dieting; I don't think it was from legalizing as much as it was from gaining weight after 18 yrs of dieting because I finally stopped starving myself. But I do gain some weight from legalizing foods also because I do eat more than I need for a while before I get to the point where I can have the food around and not be overly tempted to eat past a point of comfortably full. It seems to me that, in theory, continuing to legalize the foods that I still haven't makes sense, but practically speaking I'm not going to have that food every day til I can have it around because I'm not willing to gain any more weight. I know this disagrees with the principles but I can't help feeling this way. I'm not restricting anything, but I'm not in the mood to eat one thing for ten days in a row either; I'm at the point where I just want to be normal, lol, and I want to have an eating style that's balanced while not restricting anything. But I can't stand the thought of not having a normal, healthy, balanced eating style anymore. Chicken parm ten days in a row is not my idea of balanced, but not restricting it and having it if I really want it is also very important. right now I think I'll plan to have it once a week and then if I really, really want it I will have it more than that but I'm not bringing in 20 chicken parm dinners and eating them all week long! Laurie From: jentodd510 <jentodd510>To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:01:41 PMSubject: Re: Been so busy!!! hi Laurie,i can sort of relate to what you're saying, i think, tho my circumstances are different.i've gained 20 lbs in this past year in part from becoming way more sedentary due to agoraphobia and other anxiety, perhaps due to some of the medications i'm on and from partially easing up on restricting my eating.i feel like i haven't even really begun the IE process and i've already gained weight. i feel like my body really has the starvation mode in high gear! i'm a size 18/20 and have partially accepted the way my body is now. i feel very sad and sometimes panicky thinking about becoming larger, espcially since i am not eating all that differently.anyway...mainly just wanted to say what you wrote resonated with me...good luck with your journey,jen todd> > > > > Hi Everyone,> > > I don't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the > > > earth!!! I was very busy with paperwork and got 99% of it in; this > > > upcoming week I aught to have all the rest taken care of and then > > > the stress will be just waiting to see how things go.> > >> > > I am sorry, I haven't even had time to read any of your emails!!> > >> > > As far as food goes..wow..it' s much more of a challenge when my > > > level of stress is extremely high...and I also think my harmones are > > > messing with me sometimes!!> > >> > > I have to say that I haven't had any lengthy periods of binging, and > > > I used to go five days in a row before I can stop.> > >> > > What I'm doing now instead is an improvement; I'll be fine till > > > about 6pm or so, and even then I will have waited til hungry to eat, > > > but that meal is way, way bigger than any human being would need to > > > get full; I think I'm having a big feast, lol. I have zero will to > > > stop eating!!! But then after, when I'm over-full, whereas I used > > > to continue to binge through the night and into the next day, I'm > > > not doing that. I'm not eating and just waiting til hungry the next > > > day. So big improvement from what I used to do when very stressed, > > > but still eating enough to create a bit of weight gain on a body > > > that's already big. I'm not beating myself up.> > >> > > But I am confused about the eat what you want; I am a true believer > > > that if we eat what we want enough it will lose its specialness, but > > > sometimes I think the amount I'd have to eat to get those foods to > > > be ordinary would create a bunch more weight gain. I have certain > > > foods that are still "special" and I have no will power to eat a > > > "normal" amount. Lots of foods, that I used to restrict, I can > > > have and not overeat, but certain foods like a great Italian > > > restaurant version of chicken parm......well, that is too hard to > > > stop eating right now. I think the goal is balance; I don't think I > > > want to be a health extremist, but I sure want to eat a large > > > variety of healthy foods but I sure can't restrict the chicken parm > > > cause you can bet that will lead to an all out binge of it unless I > > > avoid it forever. But I don't really want to have it ten times in > > > a row til it seems ordinary because that will be another 20 Lb > > > weight gain cause I don't stop at a> > > normal amount.> > >> > > I know my goal is a healthy, balanced way of eating where no food is > > > restricted but sometimes I don't know in the moment whether to have > > > the chicken parm AGAIN to make it more ordinary, or whether to pick > > > the salad because it's so good for me. If I could just have a > > > normal balance of variety of foods that would be great, but then > > > there are foods that are still "special" so how can I be the normal > > > eater I want to be around those foods?> > >> > > I still don't feel like I have all the answers!!!> > >> > > Laurie> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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