Emotional Eater in need of support!

ireallywantapug · September 2009

Hello All - I'm getting married September 17, 2010. I lost my mother six years ago and have suffered from depression ever since. About three months ago I started taking an anti-depressent and it's slowly working, but my doctor and I are trying to perfect the dose. I've been an emotional binge-eater for years. My day-to-day eating is quite good, but when I'm upset - which is often - I binge. I've gained 100 pounds since my mother died and I can't stand the thought of being fat on my wedding day. I went to a bridal shop today and they only had ONE size 24 sample in the entire store! I think that's the last straw.....the weight needs to go. Ony problem is with this much weight exercise is super hard to start, plus I've got the whole emotional bingeing thing I need to deal with. Hoping to find some support and people with similar experiences on the board. I feel like I'm a minority in a world of size 8 brides....

Nebb · September 2009

Im really sorry about your mom, that couldnt be easy and I feel for you. Losing weight is not easy but everyone here is extremely supportive and there are tons of accountability threads you can join to get ideas and keep track of what youre doing. Are you tracking what you eat, counting calories or anything else? What kind of work out are you doing?

spacey281 · September 2009

Hi there! Welcome! I can't imagine how hard it is to lose your mom. I sincerely feel for you. I lost my dad several years ago, and I know getting married can make it harder. I am a serious emotional eater and I've struggled with depression my entire life. I've was also very over weight for most of my twenties and late teens. In the last two and a half years, I've lost around 80 pounds and am actually a size 8 bride. So, it can be done. The weight can seem daunting, so I suggest making small goals and reward yourself with non-food things (books, massages, whatever floats your boat). As for exercise, try walking. Walking is how I lost much of the weight, and it's great exercise and low impact. You should also lift weights. Building lean muscle mass will help with your metabolism. As you get more fit, you can experiment with other things and find stuff you really like doing so exercise isn't a chore. Exercise is actually the only thing I've found that helps with emotional eating and also keeps my mood more level/steady. You should definitely track your calories. Lots of girls on here do Weight Watchers, but I track on Daily Plate through Livestrong. Good luck! Have faith in yourself and know that this is a lifestyle change so you will have bad days and you shouldn't beat yourself up over it. Just keep on trucking

hollyberry88 · September 2009

I'm sorry about your mom. I lost my father 2 years ago, and from that day until this past June, I had put on over 100 lbs. I am an emotional eater as well. The first step is to find a way to replace the action of emotional eating. Personally, I crochet when I am upset since it keeps my hands and mind busy. You need to find something that works for you. I also do weight watchers, and find that I am able to talk about my eating habits and problems there. HTH....and GL with the weight loss!

ireallywantapug · September 2009

Thank you for all the words of support! It's nice to know i'm not alone in this. To be honest I'm really kicking myself because since getting engaged in February I kept thinking "It's okay, I've got time". But this past week it hit me I only have one year now! Plus the bridal shop experience..... So I haven't really "done" anything yet. But I'm on holidays this week with no big plans, so it seems like a good chance to get into some healthier routines. I don't think I will be doing much calorie counting, as I'm borderline OCD and actually find it increases my stress. I know that sounds extremely weird....but I generally eat lots of veggies, lean protein and complex, high-fibre carbs. My two big goals: 1. Exercise every day - walk my dogs, lift weights at least three times a week (I actually do enjoy weight training), do Wii-Active with my fiance (who is a big support!). 2. Fnd healthier ways to deal with urges to binge. I'm a little stuck on that one, so I'll just try to make a habit of visiting this board every time I have cravings as a start.

Nebb · September 2009

What types of things do you usually crave? Sweet or salty?Whenever I get a sweet craving I like to have a couple squares of very dark chocolate (70% cacao +), or I just resort to a protein drink. When I want something salty, I have recently found a type of chip called popchips - theyre airpopped and have little to no preservatives and low in fat. I also really like popcorn, nuts (watch the fat in those), fruit, stuff like that. Its just a matter of finding something you will equally enjoy and keep that in your house instead of the other stuff.It sounds like youre eating well though, so keep that up and good luck!

ireallywantapug · September 2009

I pretty much always crave chocolate.....and I also get into trouble with French bread! I've tried the squares of 70% chocalte, but then eat the whole package

Salt cravings I can usually fend off with veggies and hummus.

WGaches · September 2009

I'm so sorry for your loss. What's commendable is that you've identified that there is a problem, and you even know the source (more than many emotional eaters can say). You've done great by setting just a couple of goals to start with. I would just tell you to keep chocolate out of the house. I have a sweet tooth (not emotional, I just love sweets), so I don't buy them. And by sticking to a set grocery list every single week, I save so much money. I'm spending half on food each month than I used to by not going out/ eating fast food/ buying junky sweets. That in itself was inspiration enough - and who doesn't want to save money? Good luck! And you can do this! My FI has lost 110 pounds (safely, just by eating better and exercising) since the first of the year....it's inspiring just to look at his before and after pictures. It is possible!

WGaches · September 2009

sorry, forgot to add this - I also have a touch of OCD (used to take medication for it) but when I'm stressed, I clean. It actually helps my OCD because everything gets organized... During exams, my apartment is SPOTLESS...and cleaning can burn some serious calories, too....just offering it as a suggestion.

ireallywantapug · September 2009

LOL - Good call WG! I am a master when it ocmes to the clenaing, and I do find it helps to relieve stress. Maybe I should embrace that side of myself a little more...

sohappyforthem369 · September 2009

Sorry about your mom. My heart goes out to you and having fought with depression I send you several hugs and understanding.Start walking at home. Try Leslie Sansone (sp) - 15 minute mile. Start small. Set realistic goals. Reward yourself as you reach milestones.Count by 2s or 5s whichever one works best for you. 80lbs in doable in almost 12 months. I was a big bride due to my boobs and still am a big person due to the boobs. You can do it. Keep a journal if you like. When you're depressed walk and walk and walk till it's time to go to sleep. Let walking take the place of binging. Get online - GIS board is really nice and helpful. You can do it!!

chest173 · September 2009

Well, I'm in the middle...a size 14 bride. I can understand the emotional eating, I LOVE to eat, all the time! I've just recently started being able to eat small meals, only when I'm hungry, just because I was fed up with all the money I was spending grocery shopping. I had my son allmost 2 years ago and could never get rid of the weight, so I'm just now starting to lose it. I don't know what you take as far as the Anti's, but maybe talk to your dr. about Wellbutrin, it's anti depressant/anxiety, but is also an appetite suppressor. And you do have a full year to lose weight, so you are totally capable!

Emotional Eater in need of support!

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