Trauma "anniversary" and food cravings

Tomorrow is the "anniversary" of a significant trauma for me.  It is a crappy week every year, but is worse this year because it is the first year without my long-time therapist (*****tired last fall).  I have been fighting the urge to eat in a MAJOR way for the past few days.  I have had the urge to eat for comfort before, especially during the last 9 months which have been much more stressful than usual, but not like this.  It is a battle all day long... sometimes I win, but sometimes I lose.  I have probably eaten more unhealthy food in the past week than in the entire past year!  I have always eaten for comfort, but in the almost 5 years since my surgery I think I have done a really good job of finding other ways to cope... Until this week.  The urge for anything numbing is, in fact, in high gear.

I know that it will pass... that by Monday I will be pretty much back to normal, but in the meantime I need to get things back under control or I am going to be up at my 5lb gain threshold again, and I just finished getting the last 3 stubborn pounds off from the last time!

Just need some encouragement, I guess...  

Lora

Lora,
You are a huge inspiration to us newbies.  I can't be with you in person to walk and talk and keep your mind on other things but I am with you in spirit.   Try to keep control and remember to love yourself.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

 I don't have any sage words but I do have a virtual hug. 

What did you therapist advise you to do in year's past? 

Typical things... Comforting and distracting things like bubble baths, warm tea, allowing myself to curl up in my jammies under a blanket and watch movies (no dissertation work this week!), take a walk if the weather is nice, play with the dogs, gardening,etc...  And, of course, I have plenty of healthy food in the house... I just don't want any of it... I want ice cream, cookies, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, chocolate, and (of all things) sugary cereal and Pop Tarts.

Yesterday I left work early, came home (the weather was windy and cool, but nice and sunny) and dug out a big holly bush that had probably been in the front yard since the house was built in 1978. The hole I had to dig in order to get it out was huge!  The main root looked like an 8-inch diameter bulb! Then I had to fill in half the hole before I could plant the new (small) azalea that is replacing it. It is covered with cheery bright pink flowers, and it kept me occupied and out of the kitchen for 2.5 hours, though.

Lora

 All that digging burned off a few pop tarts.
You know..My advice is unorthodox. I think you get to eat whatever you need to today and tomorrow. You get to do anything you want to survive it.
I think if you are going to eat chocolate make it the best chocolate you can get.
Make great mac and cheese. I would make you some from scratch today if you were here.
Take care and please feel the support and love you have around you.
Deb.

 You know, Deb, maybe you and Kelly are right... maybe giving myself a break on the food issues is better than exhausting mysekf further emotionally by struggling against it.  I love your approach of making it QUALITY comfort food.  Maybe Haagen Dazs instead of Pop Tarts... or some cheesy garlic mashed potatoes instead or regular ones.

 Thanks.
Lora

 Of course we're right..aren't we always??
So I was thinking about you digging up that old tree. So symbolic about recovery. Digging out the old..putting something new and beautiful in it's place.
I thought about that while I was walking in the hood (in the dripping rain) and smelling lilacs. Smelling lilacs makes me happier than about anything in the world. Today was the first day I smelled them.
Good thoughts to you
Deb T.

You know the answer to any of our questions...you know what to do for any situation. Hang in there......you can do anything !!!! I truly believe this.

Lora -- You give such sound, supportive advice fof all of us when we're in need. I only wish I had some wise words for you in return.  But we all know you have the knowledge; just be kind to yourself for a brief spurt of challenge. Perfection is not life's journey. Feel our hugs.

Sending you {{{hugs}}} from Indiana... know that you are surrounded by friends here.