Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What I've Learned (or Re-learned) the First Week

Two steps forward. Five steps backward. I started last Wednesday with small successes. Eating smaller portions, healthier foods and exercising. Then my husband's family visited for his birthday on Saturday. My sister made him a fantastic German Chocolate Cake. I actually did okay on Saturday. We went out to dinner and instead of a loaded baked potato, I ordered broccoli. And actually enjoyed it. Add a couple of bites of cake - but didn't go overboard. Until Sunday.

My stress level went up very early Sunday morning (I won't bore you with the details) but I realized - again - that I eat when I'm stressed. Perhaps my subconscious thinks I'll be calmed by food. Lesson 1: I'm not calmed by eating more food..

The stress level went out the roof on Monday and with the higher stress level came the ugly emotions. Frustration. Anger. The "I've had enough" attitude. The "I don't care anymore" attitude. "Comfort food" here I come. Lesson 2: "Comfort food" doesn't comfort.

Just took a break to get ready for work. Today is my weigh-in day. With all the bad eating I did, I still managed to lose 1.2 pounds. A much slower start than I wanted, but I'll take it.

Instead of turning to food, how do you handle stress and ugly emotions?

Lessons 3 and 4 later!

4 comments:

Sandy said...

Good start, Edwina. Sometimes, slower is better.

Stitched With Grace said...

congratulations on the weight loss. It is indeed a start. Each journey begins with taking the first step.

Another lesson that you probably already know, but is still valid: Exercise helps with stress. (And this from someone who hates to exercise!)

Try an activity that is fun for you. You will be much more likely to stick with it. Suggestions: walking (along a nature trail), bowling, water aerobics, dance (I can send you information about the studio where Denise & I learned belly dancing- they teach a variety of styles.)

Keep up the good work. I'm praying for you. fr

quietspirit said...

Edwina:
Sometimes I take a deep breath or two or three. Then there are times I warn my hubby not to
'give me a headache.' Or I step away from the issue and do other things.

Edwina said...

Thank you all for your support, prayers and suggestions. I truly appreciate it!