stress got the best of me

hello all... well as many of you know I've been way stressed out lately and in my older days stress=BINGE. I hadn't eaten hardly anything during my past rough week but then tonight...after everyone had left and I was up by myself, I for some reason, unknown to me, started thinking about taco bell. Thinking about it like I used to...I'd think about everything I could get for under 15 dollars (yea 15 bucks) So I went, with no gas in my car, literally my gas light was on. I ordered my typical binge meal 2 tacos, 2 burritos, and 2 gorditos. I feel so defeated right now. I looked up the calories after I stuffed myself and guess what... 1750 calories...85 grams of fat. As I write this I can't control my tears because its been so long since I've done this. I don't even know what to do right now

Awwe Stacy, I'm sorry that you had to go through that.  Taco Bell is the Gateway to Hell!!!  And stress is what drags you through the gates. The best you can hope for at this point is to learn something about you right now.  Like why you were craving this so much, and what you are going to come up with to stop yourself from letting this happen again.  Think about exactly how you were feeling at that moment and start thinking about changing your behavior for next time. So if it was for comfort, you need to start thinking of other ways to release the stress with something else that will bring you comfort.  Anything but food, because you want to learn not to associate comfort with food.   Please don't beat yourself up.  Get some rest tonight, and tomorrow will be a fresh start to fighting the good fight.  Tomorrow, you can slay dragons! Mary 

Mary, thank you so much for your kind words. When I was posting this I was afraid of what people would say. You're right...tomorrow is a new day and I'll battle it much better.  With love,  Stacy

hey, are the binge repsonses getting fewer and farther between??? yes? That is progress.  Don't freak out. It'll be okay.

Stacy...Mary's right, a lesson learned.  We've all BTDT.  Now that you've got that new treadmill, maybe you can try a hard workout on that the next time you feel that stress building up.  The secret is to recognize that you're an emotional eater, let yourself FEEL the emotion when it comes, and find new behaviors to cope with it.  That's how we all learn in life...the hard way. It was one slip and today is a bright new day....the slate is clean....and you'll do well.  Don't dwell on yesterday and get in some added exercise over the weekend.  You've got a lot on your plate, girl (no pun intended), so be kind to yourself. I believe in you....Sherrie

I can only speak from my own experience, which is that bingeing is a way of stuffing down the hurtful emotions.  You have been under alot of stress and you have turned to something you know, eating food that will comfort.  Why did you choose it? Maybe because it was indulgent?  Being indulged is a way of spoiling yourself and maybe you need to feel spoilt and treated?  Maybe because you wanted to hurt yourself as you felt unworthy/low?  Think about what made you turn to food.

Tomorrow is a new day.  This happened to teach you.  The lesson is to find a new strategy to replace the binges. Think about the dialouge that went on inside your head when you chose to go and buy the goodies- how did you justify it?  The answer will help you stop next time. 

You are definately not alone in this.  Turn the page on this day, keep going.  You deserve to be healthy and happy.

Em

   

Stacy, like everyone said, it's okay.  Today is a new day.  I am SURE the same thing is going to happen to me at some point. You have a great smile so light it up today, it's going to be a good one!

Stacy don't be so hard on yourself.  If your binges are getting fewer and farther between, and it sounds like it is, then you are making good progress.  We all have these triggers and coping mechanisms in us.  We didn't get so heavy without them.  It is going to take time to beat those mechanisms back and get them under better control.  The fact you are writing this post is a good step.  You are holding yourself accountable. Now today is a new day and new chance to make the choices you want to make. I hope your day goes well. Melinda

Thank you everyone so much! Today is a new day and I'm really going to think about why I binge eat and use that as a shield next time I want to.  Jen-You always say the sweetest things to me and for that I'm very thankful

Hey Stacy, So you screwed up - but it was a one time thing.  You're not doing this every day - so you're already better than where you were.  Don't fret - You've got another day ahead of you.  Best of luck, Sweetie!