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Topic: $$ for Candy
My sons and the neighborhood kids are making plans for Halloween. What they are going to do and who they will trick-or-treat with along with a strategic plan of the houses they'll visit. No mention of candy. Of course, that's part of it but as I listen to their plans, it is about the social aspect and having fun. Halloween is a reason to do that.
In the past, Halloween has been a challenging holiday for me. I've raided my kids' candy bags for years!! I've bought too much of those cute little bars that I knew would be left over. That was my pre-op days yet the pull still is there on a smaller degree.
I used the strategy of Cash for Candy last year and it worked great. It was healthier as they bought things they'd use rather than the sugar, calories and poor food choices found in their bars.
When your children come home with their packed trick-or-treat bags filled with those brightly wrapped sugar bombs, try something new. Allow them to pick out a few (very few) of their favorites for themselves. For the rest of the candy, you don't need it around the house and they don't need the sugar, fat, and empty nutrition/calorie laden packages.
Start a new health program in your house of Cash for Candy. Offer to buy your children's Halloween candy from them. You can price it by piece, by the brand or by the pound. However you want to implement your Cash for Candy make it fun. Your children will be able to turn around and purchase something for themselves they want.
After you've made your candy purchases from your children - get rid of it. Bye-bye. You'll feel great by giving your children something of true value, and getting rid of it and giving yourself the gift of no additional calories, sugar, fat, or compromise of health. Now, that's definitely a Happy Healthy Halloween!!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
In the past, Halloween has been a challenging holiday for me. I've raided my kids' candy bags for years!! I've bought too much of those cute little bars that I knew would be left over. That was my pre-op days yet the pull still is there on a smaller degree.
I used the strategy of Cash for Candy last year and it worked great. It was healthier as they bought things they'd use rather than the sugar, calories and poor food choices found in their bars.
When your children come home with their packed trick-or-treat bags filled with those brightly wrapped sugar bombs, try something new. Allow them to pick out a few (very few) of their favorites for themselves. For the rest of the candy, you don't need it around the house and they don't need the sugar, fat, and empty nutrition/calorie laden packages.
Start a new health program in your house of Cash for Candy. Offer to buy your children's Halloween candy from them. You can price it by piece, by the brand or by the pound. However you want to implement your Cash for Candy make it fun. Your children will be able to turn around and purchase something for themselves they want.
After you've made your candy purchases from your children - get rid of it. Bye-bye. You'll feel great by giving your children something of true value, and getting rid of it and giving yourself the gift of no additional calories, sugar, fat, or compromise of health. Now, that's definitely a Happy Healthy Halloween!!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Tis The Season To Celebrate With No Chocolate?
'Tis the season.....do you think I'm talking about the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and December? No, I'm thinking of Halloween. Those cute little miniature size candy bars seem so harmless. One little bite, maybe two. What can that hurt, right? For some of us eating the jumbo or even regular size candy bars would not be something we consider, the small mini bars seem so cute and harmless.
I know that one little bar can add up to a couple of jumbo bars in no time. Before my surgery, I enjoyed "checking" my sons' candy bags to make sure everything looked okay. While I was doing my motherly duty of checking the candy for safety, I'd help myself too. They did the work of trick or treating but I enjoyed the fruits/candy of their labor!
Now, Halloween is for celebrating the kids' fun in trick-or-treating, my kids enjoying themselves and being with their friends. After having surgery, the holidays take on an entirely different meaning. Without the focus on food (specifically anything chocolate and/or peanut butter), I am more present and available to have fun and celebrate the holidays.
Happy Halloween!!
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
I know that one little bar can add up to a couple of jumbo bars in no time. Before my surgery, I enjoyed "checking" my sons' candy bags to make sure everything looked okay. While I was doing my motherly duty of checking the candy for safety, I'd help myself too. They did the work of trick or treating but I enjoyed the fruits/candy of their labor!
Now, Halloween is for celebrating the kids' fun in trick-or-treating, my kids enjoying themselves and being with their friends. After having surgery, the holidays take on an entirely different meaning. Without the focus on food (specifically anything chocolate and/or peanut butter), I am more present and available to have fun and celebrate the holidays.
Happy Halloween!!
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: When you slip up, it isn't a fall
I made a couple of food choices that upon reflection I wish I hadn't. No big deal but not what I'd planned. Actually, it isn't necessarily the choices but the way and reason. I ate because I was overly hungry but more it was the reason I ate. I ate over a situation and out of emotion.
When I compare yesterday to quite awhile ago, there's a TON of difference. Slips up today look like nothing compared to the damage of slips up before.
None of us are perfect in following our nutritional program and exercise routine. We slip up. It's not so much as a question of "if" as of "when." Many of us expect absolute perfection of ourselves when we are following a weight loss program. We feel discouraged and a failure when we go off track.
Don't be discouraged. It is your consistent eating patterns over weeks and months, and not those occasional slip-ups, that determine your weight loss success. What's more, there are effective strategies for regaining your dietary balance after those slip-ups when you overdulge or fallen off the wagon. Get right back up and START where you are. Get back on track.
The most important day after a slip up is the day after. THAT is the day that determines being back on track or creating a pattern of being off track. The day after, forgive and forget. Forgive yourself that you slipped up. It is gone. You could reflect on the reasons or cause as to why you went off track. Was it a situation or a person, and the resulting emotions that pulled you off track? Determine what occurred for you, learn from it as to how to do it differently in the future and move forward. Don't beat yourself up as it does you ZERO good. It can actually cause you to get off track again. The past is the past but the current day and future are yours to do with as you want. If you stay on track on the day after, you've already created a momentum of being on track and STAYING on track.
Zoom out on your healthy lifestyle and don't focus on one small period of time. Look at all you've accomplished already. Pick up where you left off and return to your success!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
When I compare yesterday to quite awhile ago, there's a TON of difference. Slips up today look like nothing compared to the damage of slips up before.
None of us are perfect in following our nutritional program and exercise routine. We slip up. It's not so much as a question of "if" as of "when." Many of us expect absolute perfection of ourselves when we are following a weight loss program. We feel discouraged and a failure when we go off track.
Don't be discouraged. It is your consistent eating patterns over weeks and months, and not those occasional slip-ups, that determine your weight loss success. What's more, there are effective strategies for regaining your dietary balance after those slip-ups when you overdulge or fallen off the wagon. Get right back up and START where you are. Get back on track.
The most important day after a slip up is the day after. THAT is the day that determines being back on track or creating a pattern of being off track. The day after, forgive and forget. Forgive yourself that you slipped up. It is gone. You could reflect on the reasons or cause as to why you went off track. Was it a situation or a person, and the resulting emotions that pulled you off track? Determine what occurred for you, learn from it as to how to do it differently in the future and move forward. Don't beat yourself up as it does you ZERO good. It can actually cause you to get off track again. The past is the past but the current day and future are yours to do with as you want. If you stay on track on the day after, you've already created a momentum of being on track and STAYING on track.
Zoom out on your healthy lifestyle and don't focus on one small period of time. Look at all you've accomplished already. Pick up where you left off and return to your success!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Ask The Coach Question
I received the following question. This post-op's concern is common so I wanted to share with you.
Subject: 3 years after gastric bypass surgery
Question: I am 3 years out from my surgery. I have gained back 37 pounds in the past year. I need to get back down. I am not happy at my current weight. I have been doing water aerobics 3 days a week (not faithfully.) I have been eating/drinking at the same time. I have also been grazing during the day. I need to know how to get back on track. I am confused about my eating schedule. Should I still be eating a meal and having protein shakes/supplements in between meals? And how many meals should I be having in a day? Please help! I have not been back to any support groups because I feel like I have failed the surgery, so that is why I am turning to you for some help. Thanks!!
Answer:
Thanks for contacting me. You have a great question and it is one that many weight loss surgery patients face at one time or another.
Reflect back to what you did earlier in your post-op days. After you'd had surgery 6 months, 1 year or 18 months, what were you doing differently than what you are doing now? Were you exercising more frequently? Were you grazing? In other words, take a view of what you were doing previously and compare it to what you're doing now. For most of us as post-ops, there is something different. What I find is that grazing, eating more simple carbs such as candy, baked goods, potato chips, or fast food are different than previously.
Water aerobics is fantastic. It isn't hard on your joints yet it gives you a fantastic workout. Three days a week is great but you'll need to do it consistently. Set a minimum that you'll get in some activity such as water aerobics or other activity you enjoy (2-3 days a week) and make sure that you hit that weekly. With activity, consistency is key.
Drinking with your meals is counter-productive to our surgery. With a RNY gastric by-pass, think of your pouch as a funnel. You want the food (preferably dense protein) to stay in your pouch as long as possible. This is what will give you the feeling of satiety (feeling satisfied and "full"
. If you drink with your meals, all it does is flush the food through your pouch quickly and causes you to feel hungry faster. Sips now and then through a meal should be the most you drink with a meal.
Drinking with meals was hard for me. I was used to eating and drinking with my meals. However, thinking of the funnel concept really helped me to visualize what I was doing. Drinking with meals is really a habit. If you need some moisture with dense protein, you could dip your bite of protein into some sort of liquid such as dressing to help you get it down if it is dry. Think of it as a habit and not a necessity.
As far as meals and protein drinks, it is up to you. Some people like to have three meals a day with two planned snacks. Some people eat six mini meals. The key is what do you and your body need? Some post-ops like to eat more frequent but smaller portions while others prefer to eat larger meals but less often. It is up to you and what feels best and works for your body.
Another cause for regain is emotional eating or head hunger. Are you eating out of emotion such as boredom, anger, frustration, etc? When you think you're hungry, check in with yourself as to if you are stomach, physical hunger or trying to calm or numb away an emotion? If you are craving a certain food such as a snacky or junk food, chances are that it is emotional eating and head hunger.
You DID NOT fail your surgery. Seriously, you didn't. You are not alone. Many, many post-ops go through exactly what you are. Just remember that you lost it before and you can lose it again. Return to what worked for you before and you'll lose it again.
Best of luck. Thanks again for contacting me.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Subject: 3 years after gastric bypass surgery
Question: I am 3 years out from my surgery. I have gained back 37 pounds in the past year. I need to get back down. I am not happy at my current weight. I have been doing water aerobics 3 days a week (not faithfully.) I have been eating/drinking at the same time. I have also been grazing during the day. I need to know how to get back on track. I am confused about my eating schedule. Should I still be eating a meal and having protein shakes/supplements in between meals? And how many meals should I be having in a day? Please help! I have not been back to any support groups because I feel like I have failed the surgery, so that is why I am turning to you for some help. Thanks!!
Answer:
Thanks for contacting me. You have a great question and it is one that many weight loss surgery patients face at one time or another.
Reflect back to what you did earlier in your post-op days. After you'd had surgery 6 months, 1 year or 18 months, what were you doing differently than what you are doing now? Were you exercising more frequently? Were you grazing? In other words, take a view of what you were doing previously and compare it to what you're doing now. For most of us as post-ops, there is something different. What I find is that grazing, eating more simple carbs such as candy, baked goods, potato chips, or fast food are different than previously.
Water aerobics is fantastic. It isn't hard on your joints yet it gives you a fantastic workout. Three days a week is great but you'll need to do it consistently. Set a minimum that you'll get in some activity such as water aerobics or other activity you enjoy (2-3 days a week) and make sure that you hit that weekly. With activity, consistency is key.
Drinking with your meals is counter-productive to our surgery. With a RNY gastric by-pass, think of your pouch as a funnel. You want the food (preferably dense protein) to stay in your pouch as long as possible. This is what will give you the feeling of satiety (feeling satisfied and "full"
. If you drink with your meals, all it does is flush the food through your pouch quickly and causes you to feel hungry faster. Sips now and then through a meal should be the most you drink with a meal. Drinking with meals was hard for me. I was used to eating and drinking with my meals. However, thinking of the funnel concept really helped me to visualize what I was doing. Drinking with meals is really a habit. If you need some moisture with dense protein, you could dip your bite of protein into some sort of liquid such as dressing to help you get it down if it is dry. Think of it as a habit and not a necessity.
As far as meals and protein drinks, it is up to you. Some people like to have three meals a day with two planned snacks. Some people eat six mini meals. The key is what do you and your body need? Some post-ops like to eat more frequent but smaller portions while others prefer to eat larger meals but less often. It is up to you and what feels best and works for your body.
Another cause for regain is emotional eating or head hunger. Are you eating out of emotion such as boredom, anger, frustration, etc? When you think you're hungry, check in with yourself as to if you are stomach, physical hunger or trying to calm or numb away an emotion? If you are craving a certain food such as a snacky or junk food, chances are that it is emotional eating and head hunger.
You DID NOT fail your surgery. Seriously, you didn't. You are not alone. Many, many post-ops go through exactly what you are. Just remember that you lost it before and you can lose it again. Return to what worked for you before and you'll lose it again.
Best of luck. Thanks again for contacting me.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Dreams really do come true
No, I'm not referencing a Disney movie! I'm someone that does a lot of reflection. Where I was at in my life this time last month, 6 months ago or a year ago. I cannot believe nor would I ever have guessed what my life would be like today.
Last night was my first class as instructor with Bariatric University. It was so much fun. I love coaching and to teach coaching along with being part of Bariatric University is wonderful.
As I was teaching, it was almost surreal. I would never thought I'd be involved in all of the things I love and am passionate about a year ago.
I am so grateful for my life today. Go for your dreams and goals. You can never reach them if you don't acknowledge and go for it!!
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Last night was my first class as instructor with Bariatric University. It was so much fun. I love coaching and to teach coaching along with being part of Bariatric University is wonderful.
As I was teaching, it was almost surreal. I would never thought I'd be involved in all of the things I love and am passionate about a year ago.
I am so grateful for my life today. Go for your dreams and goals. You can never reach them if you don't acknowledge and go for it!!
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Growing Pains - Mine!
My oldest son turned 13 a few months ago. It has been hard - on me. He is a great son and a wonderful person. He has a kind and compassionate heart unlike most kids. I know, I know....every mom thinks that.
My son and I are wired alike. He is deep and sensitive and very reflective. I understand and "get him." We've always had a very close connection.
Our issues with food are a very strange thing. As I'm realizing the time I've lost and regrets I have, I want to eat. Huh? What is that going to do? Is that going to bring back the past? How is emotional eating going to make the situation better? Obviously, it isn't. I use my food issues as a barometer. When I feel a strong urge, I know the emotions are strong and require extra attention. The correlation to emotions and food is so obvious to me. This situation reinforces that for me.
He's growing up and pulling away into the teenage years. I am having growing pains as I reflect back on him as a baby, toddler, and younger years. I'm not going through the horrible teenage rebellion (as of yet!), but I feel as though I've missed out.
I think I've taken things for granted. I know it sounds strange but somehow I thought that he'd stay young and I had more time. Similarly to the period right after you have surgery. For many of us, we think that ease of losing weight will continue in the same way.
I have some regrets and I always try to live my life without regrets. My regrets are that I took for granted the times of his life that the day-to-day things took more of a priority. I can't even remember those all important (at the time) meetings, this errand or that priority and I worked way too much and didn't enjoy those diaper days, the small and large moments along the way.
As you can tell, I have a teenager's mom heavy heart. I know that parents go through this and it is completely normal. Right now, it feels sad.
The lesson for me is that I still have time with both of my sons and I'm going to make the most of it. The day-to-day things will still come up but I'm going to remember how I'm feeling right now and keep my priorities in check.
I miss the days of rocking him, teaching him to read, the proud moments and the kissing boo boo's, and all the joys of a child's younger years. I look forward (am going to try!) to different times of having a teenager and then an adult (gulp). Teaching him to drive, going through his first heartbreak, and all the joys and pains of the teenage years.
I regret worrying about a few extra calories and pounds rather than focus on the things that really matter. Time passes and it is important to cherish every day no matter what it brings. I can't bring back the past and do it over but I can make the most of today and tomorrow and the day after that, etc.
With all of the priorities that are important to me, near and dear to my heart, every day is a gift that I will cherish.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
My son and I are wired alike. He is deep and sensitive and very reflective. I understand and "get him." We've always had a very close connection.
Our issues with food are a very strange thing. As I'm realizing the time I've lost and regrets I have, I want to eat. Huh? What is that going to do? Is that going to bring back the past? How is emotional eating going to make the situation better? Obviously, it isn't. I use my food issues as a barometer. When I feel a strong urge, I know the emotions are strong and require extra attention. The correlation to emotions and food is so obvious to me. This situation reinforces that for me.
He's growing up and pulling away into the teenage years. I am having growing pains as I reflect back on him as a baby, toddler, and younger years. I'm not going through the horrible teenage rebellion (as of yet!), but I feel as though I've missed out.
I think I've taken things for granted. I know it sounds strange but somehow I thought that he'd stay young and I had more time. Similarly to the period right after you have surgery. For many of us, we think that ease of losing weight will continue in the same way.
I have some regrets and I always try to live my life without regrets. My regrets are that I took for granted the times of his life that the day-to-day things took more of a priority. I can't even remember those all important (at the time) meetings, this errand or that priority and I worked way too much and didn't enjoy those diaper days, the small and large moments along the way.
As you can tell, I have a teenager's mom heavy heart. I know that parents go through this and it is completely normal. Right now, it feels sad.
The lesson for me is that I still have time with both of my sons and I'm going to make the most of it. The day-to-day things will still come up but I'm going to remember how I'm feeling right now and keep my priorities in check.
I miss the days of rocking him, teaching him to read, the proud moments and the kissing boo boo's, and all the joys of a child's younger years. I look forward (am going to try!) to different times of having a teenager and then an adult (gulp). Teaching him to drive, going through his first heartbreak, and all the joys and pains of the teenage years.
I regret worrying about a few extra calories and pounds rather than focus on the things that really matter. Time passes and it is important to cherish every day no matter what it brings. I can't bring back the past and do it over but I can make the most of today and tomorrow and the day after that, etc.
With all of the priorities that are important to me, near and dear to my heart, every day is a gift that I will cherish.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Plans and Goals are Great but.....
As I've blogged before, I'm an coach training instructor for Bariatric University. It is a great alliance between OH and BU. In my jobs throughout the years, I've done a form of coaching in my management jobs with staff. I decided to become ICF accredited and obtained professional life coach training. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do but all I did know is that I loved it.
I have a plan and goals with whatever I do. I entered my professional coach training without a plan. It drove me a little uncomfortable because I didn't know where it would take me or what I wanted to do with it. I did it anyway.
I've went from my foundational training to advanced training, group coaching, food addiction, write and teach a coaching workshop for OH and now instruct at Bariatric University - all in one year.
I can't believe where I am today and how our lives can change so quickly. I know it is important to have a plan and goals, it is equally important to go with your instincts without a plan if it feels right. Trust it and go with it. You'll never know what great things lie ahead for you.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
I have a plan and goals with whatever I do. I entered my professional coach training without a plan. It drove me a little uncomfortable because I didn't know where it would take me or what I wanted to do with it. I did it anyway.
I've went from my foundational training to advanced training, group coaching, food addiction, write and teach a coaching workshop for OH and now instruct at Bariatric University - all in one year.
I can't believe where I am today and how our lives can change so quickly. I know it is important to have a plan and goals, it is equally important to go with your instincts without a plan if it feels right. Trust it and go with it. You'll never know what great things lie ahead for you.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Follow-up: I did it, I did it!!!
As I wrote yesterday, I had a bad day a couple of days ago. Yesterday, I felt still fairly lousy physically because I didn't get much sleep and still bruised emotionally from the occurrence. I knew it was a flashing yellow caution light as to my desire to emotionally eat.
The follow up is that I did it! I stayed on track and made great food choices. So now this morning, I feel so, so much better. Time is a great healer and also the fact that yesterday was a success for me in not giving in to emotional eating. By making healthy choices, I honored myself and stayed in control rather than turn over the control to cookies.
The hurt hasn't gone away completely but the overriding factor is that I stayed in control over a situation that was very rough. I didn't give in to the temporary quick fix of feeding my emotions but looked long-term to the great way I'll feel when I don't.
I do feel GREAT!
Thanks for your support and good thoughts.
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Coach
The follow up is that I did it! I stayed on track and made great food choices. So now this morning, I feel so, so much better. Time is a great healer and also the fact that yesterday was a success for me in not giving in to emotional eating. By making healthy choices, I honored myself and stayed in control rather than turn over the control to cookies.
The hurt hasn't gone away completely but the overriding factor is that I stayed in control over a situation that was very rough. I didn't give in to the temporary quick fix of feeding my emotions but looked long-term to the great way I'll feel when I don't.
I do feel GREAT!
Thanks for your support and good thoughts.
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Coach
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: The Ultimate Test
Sometimes I post the same thing here as I do on my blog. Since it is just us in this OH Group, I can go into more detail than on my public blog.
I had a horrible day yesterday. While it is somewhat resolved, the hurt feelings are still there today. In addition, I couldn't sleep last night. Desperate and exhausted mentally and physically, I got a little over two hours of sleep courtesy of Benadryl.
These types of situations and emotions of frustration, disappointment, major hurt, confusion, the impact on the relationship along with being very tired are big setups for me to respond to those triggers with poor food choices.
Many times I hear that clients and members think that I'm perfect in my healthy habits - NOT! The majority of days, I have healthy coping strategies that empower me not to turn to food to ease my emotions. However, days like yesterday, are much more difficult along with the hurt hangover I feel today.
The thing that I've learned is to be aware and acknowledge my trigger emotions and situations. Then, I tune in to making sure I take care of myself. I stay very sensitive to how close I may be to emotional eating triggers.
My triggers I'm very alert to today are still reeling over yesterday...the hurt, disappointment and frustration. I'm also very tired from only two hours of sleep. Two biggies that previously sent me straight to the kitchen to feel better. Not today, not this time. I'm reminding myself that this too shall pass. The food choices that I make will take much longer to pass from the extra calories/pounds and the psychological hit from giving in to self-medication with food.
Especially today, I choose me, my health and happiness rather than the temporary fleeting food fix.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
I had a horrible day yesterday. While it is somewhat resolved, the hurt feelings are still there today. In addition, I couldn't sleep last night. Desperate and exhausted mentally and physically, I got a little over two hours of sleep courtesy of Benadryl.
These types of situations and emotions of frustration, disappointment, major hurt, confusion, the impact on the relationship along with being very tired are big setups for me to respond to those triggers with poor food choices.
Many times I hear that clients and members think that I'm perfect in my healthy habits - NOT! The majority of days, I have healthy coping strategies that empower me not to turn to food to ease my emotions. However, days like yesterday, are much more difficult along with the hurt hangover I feel today.
The thing that I've learned is to be aware and acknowledge my trigger emotions and situations. Then, I tune in to making sure I take care of myself. I stay very sensitive to how close I may be to emotional eating triggers.
My triggers I'm very alert to today are still reeling over yesterday...the hurt, disappointment and frustration. I'm also very tired from only two hours of sleep. Two biggies that previously sent me straight to the kitchen to feel better. Not today, not this time. I'm reminding myself that this too shall pass. The food choices that I make will take much longer to pass from the extra calories/pounds and the psychological hit from giving in to self-medication with food.
Especially today, I choose me, my health and happiness rather than the temporary fleeting food fix.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
Topic: Do you "Want" or do you "Want to Want?"
I was teaching the bariatric coaching workshop yesterday and talked about us (okay, me) staying on track. It created some interest and comments so I wanted to share here too.
When it comes to making healthy food choices, getting or staying on track, grazing, etc., do you want to or do you want to want to? For many of us, we truly want to make changes and improve things in our lives. For others of us, we want to have that desire or "want" in our lives. So, are you in the wanting to want to phase? You have the desire but don't want to take the action.
A way to determine where you are is in the action. If you are wanting to do something, you follow it up by taking the action to accompli**** and obtain success. For example, grazing.....if you want to stop grazing and you do, then you want to. However, if you're grazing and you want to stop but you don't, then you are wanting to want to.
Be honest with yourself as to where you are regarding some habit. If you don't have the "want" but want the "want" that's fine. Just be aware and acknowledge that you aren't there yet. Own that choice and don't feel badly about yourself. I would guess that just by becoming aware that you aren't there at the want followed by desire, that's a big step in accepting where you are. Give it time without beating yourself up and you'll decide that you want it enough to take action and reach success in what you want.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
When it comes to making healthy food choices, getting or staying on track, grazing, etc., do you want to or do you want to want to? For many of us, we truly want to make changes and improve things in our lives. For others of us, we want to have that desire or "want" in our lives. So, are you in the wanting to want to phase? You have the desire but don't want to take the action.
A way to determine where you are is in the action. If you are wanting to do something, you follow it up by taking the action to accompli**** and obtain success. For example, grazing.....if you want to stop grazing and you do, then you want to. However, if you're grazing and you want to stop but you don't, then you are wanting to want to.
Be honest with yourself as to where you are regarding some habit. If you don't have the "want" but want the "want" that's fine. Just be aware and acknowledge that you aren't there yet. Own that choice and don't feel badly about yourself. I would guess that just by becoming aware that you aren't there at the want followed by desire, that's a big step in accepting where you are. Give it time without beating yourself up and you'll decide that you want it enough to take action and reach success in what you want.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
Cathy
Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!
