Falling into old habits, please pray for me.

Lately I have found myself sliding into some old eating habits and it depresses the heck out of me. I have lost 93 pounds so far and have 107 more to go but, because of some old habits, I am scared that I might undo all the good that I have done. How do I stop these old habits? Please help and pray for me.

I'll pray for you, but you decide your own fate.

praying won't stop you from putting food in your mouth.

i will pray for your strength. I wish you the best. The food isn't worth it.. This is your life. 

I'd rather try to give you actual help if that's okay.  

Are you seeing a therapist?  I'd start there, that will help with the depression and the forming of better, sustainable habits.  

Are you tracking everything you eat?  If not, start using MyFitnessPal to work on that.  It can help you see what you're taking in and what you need to change.  

From there, I'd work on getting back to your basics.  Here are mine, yours might be slightly different.  

1. Prioritize protein and water
2. Deprioritize carbs, especially the refined and processed ones
3. Make the most of healthy fats
4. Eat three meals a day with no snacks
5. Avoid liquid calories (breakfast protein shake is the exception)
6. Weigh portions
7. Eat mindfully and with no distractions aside from real live people
8. Move as much as possible
9. Weigh myself daily
10. Be kind to myself

If I prayed, which I don't, it would be for people in agony, in despair!  So I will offer slightly more practical help. You need to rely on yourself, not on my prayers. 

Start tracking what you eat, stop snacking, find alternatives to eating (keeping busy, moving out of range of food). Join a support programme. Remember how you have lost all this weight and go back to what you have been doing.

One of England's very famous generals, in the mid-C17th, fighting to impose his view of religion (amongst other things like killing the king), said "Put your trust in God and keep your powder dry".  That is, believe God is there but also help yourself. Bit like the other saying "God helps those who help themselves". 

This is down to you.

When I have some regain, its because I eat late at night. I lay in bed eating while watching t.v. so I stop that and the weight comes back off.I also increase my fiber, fiber one cereal is great with almond milk in the microwave. I feel for you, don't lose hope.it can be done. Hugs. Wendy

Hi,

if you look back on here, you will see that I posted the " I cant stop snacking" and it was true! I felt terrible about how I was abusing this tool.

I know this sounds cliché, but I seriously went back to journaling and meal planning. Sure, I have been eating the same things day in and day out, and journaling, and perhaps a tad obsessing, but I feel in control.

I also made a big pot of healthy soup, the diet cabbage soup, and eat that whenever I feel like snacking. its low calorie and high in nutrients!

I hope you get through this!

SW-347
CW-239
GW-180

5'10

Snacking! Is a big problem for me. I feel insatiable like a new born needing feedings every couple of hours.  During the holidays I was so out of control, day in and day out and it had nothing to do with the actual celebrations.  I was terrified when I regained 18 Lbs..  That scared me straight, so just last week I went back to the basics. My years of experience with my weight, taught me just how easy it is for a 5 Lb. gain,  turning in to a 20 Lb. gain and on and on. When I think about my health and overall life pre-surgery I know that I will never want to go back there again and I understand the surgery was a life blessing to me. I have to cheri****  Total loss since 2008 252. Total gained 18 Lbs........ Over the past week I have lost 3 Lbs. with 11 to go. Don't want to lose the entire 18 Lbs., because I was just too thin.  Just keep reminding yourself what life was like before your surgery and that should scare you straight.......

I don't think prayers are the answer. This is something you have to take control of. You've got the power within you; you have to reach down deep for more of it. You're halfway to your goal - don't throw your arms up in defeat - keep fighting the battle. Victory will be sweet.

Although I believe in the power of prayer, I believe we are also to take action and responsibility for our choices in life. Maybe this will help give you some perspective...  

Physical Hunger Vs. Emotional Hunger: 

Physical Hunger:  Comes on gradually and can be postponed.

Emotional Hunger: Comes on suddenly and feels urgent.

Physical Hunger:  Can be satisfied with any type of food.

Emotional Hunger: Causes specific food cravings (pizza, chocolate, ice cream, etc...)

Physical Hunger:  Once you are full you can stop eating.

Emotional Hunger: Eat more than you normally would. Feel uncomfortably full.

Physical Hunger:  Causes satisfaction, doesn’t cause guilt.

Emotional Hunger: Leaves you feeling guilty and cross with yourself.

Thanks for posting this!!! I found this very helpful and have cut and pasted it.