Why can't I do this???

Let me start by saying I've gained back 35 pounds!!  I was soooo happy being under 200 and looking and feeling good, then all of a sudden, I'm gaining it back.  I start out in the morning with my protein shake and a plan, then, by noon I'm eating candy and anything else I can shove in my face.  I am so ashamed of myself I can't even stand it.  It's killing me to write this, but I figure if anyone knows what I'm dealing with it's you guys.  Please, please give me some tips on getting myself back on track!

Thanks!

Sadly,
Therese

Don't give up!  No one is perfect... Every day is a new day, fresh with no mistakes.

Take some time to write down everything you eat and how you are feeling.  Having to write it down often makes me change my mind on what I am about to eat.   Monitor your feelings- are you bored? stressed? sad? tired? thirsty?   I eat when I am stressed or sad.  Knowing this has helped me come up with a plan.

Let's Get back on Track together

Hi Therese

I too gained around 35lbs and struggle with eating right, getting back on track.  Something I've been studying lately for completely different reasons (work related) is motivation and what motivates peoples (employees) actions and behaviours.  Well it has struck a chord with me and wondering what my motivations are, both for chosing to eat right and chosing the long term path to lose weight, or the motivation to eat that food that is in front of me right now.

Well, I'm still trying to figure it out, and I don't have any easy answers, but it may help you if you are able to know what your motivations are??

You're not on your own, and as has already been said, each day is a new start.  Keep going

xx

Shake in the morning may not be enough for you. Maybe you need more food... so you do not get hungry or get the sugar cravings. 
I know I crave sweets when I am hungry. So... start eating food. i.e. egg omelet with some veggies
Many days I need to eat every 2-3 hrs or I, like you would be looking for candies, and other - not so good food.

Nuts are great for me as snack. They have fat, fiber, proteins and carbs.  1 oz, is a snack size, and it may help you with the cravings. 

I also make protein muffins or fiber muffins... and they are great as a snack or a meal.

Hang in there, Therese...you are not alone. I'm also battling some regain (only 10 lbs...but I know if I don't stop it now, it could escalate.)

Being transparent about it is the best first step! Apply the "rules" of using your tool. Get focused. Stay connected with a local support group and with folks here at OH. But also know that you are human...and none of us are perfect. Beating yourself up will not help; it will only add negativity to your life and cause you to want to eat more. Stay positive and set attainable (small) goals to help build your confidence. YOU can do this!

 Hi Therese:

You can do this once you make of your mind that this is what you are going to do.  I had a regain of 70 lbs. from 155.  I am now 17 lbs. from that 155 lb. goal again.  It has taken me six months to lose 53 lbs. but I take each day as a new day with a fresh start.  Go back to basics, don't drink with your meals, keep your calories around 1000 a day, keep your protein around 90 to 100 grams and keep your carbs under 100 and walk everyday.  Start at 15 minutes and work your way up until you achieve the goal that you want.  When I first started, it was tough but over time it has gotten so second nature that I don't even think about it.  I FRET if I don't get my walk in.  Also, I think it is important that you schedule your meals and snacks.  It is a lot better knowing that I get to eat this snack at this time everyday.  It gives you a time to look forward to during the day.  Good luck to you.  We are all here to help you in anyway that we can.

Sounds like you maybe eating to deal with stress or other issues. A counselor can help you work on the underlying prolems and find better coping tools that are more effective.
Write down not just what you eat but why you are choosing it. Lack of engery, want something sweet, craving salt, eating with friends, or what ever it is. once you see the triggers you can begin to find other waus to work on these. For salty foods, nuts. For sweets, fruit. tired increase your B12. once you have a plan to address the area that youstruggle in it will be easier.

Therese,

For some reason your post really struck a chord with me today.  I have been telling myself I am going to get this 30 lbs off for about 6 months now.  At one point I was halfway there and I had a tragedy occur and gained it all back.  I keep telling myself I will start tomorrow.  I don't eat that badly, however I have fallen into a bad pattern of having a glass or two of wine every night.  My job has been stressing me out, my children are so busy with activities I can't keep up and my husband and I are constantly fighting about money.  So, I am self medicating using the wine and then I want to munch on crap at night.  So, I have given myself until the end of this week to get my s**t together and next week I will be first and foremost going to see my Dr.  I know if I am accountable to her I am more likely to be successful.  That is just how I am.  Second, I am going to journal my food.  I am pretty good about packing my egg for breakfast and a decent lunch so I don't snack at work but there is always that chance someone will bring in cookies.  Third, even though there is over a foot of snow I am going to get my butt outside for a walk everyday.  My dog needs it my kids like to do it so I need to do it.  Finally, I am going to start giving myself a break.  I am still over 110 lbs down from my surgery day and frankly I am 9 1/2 years out.  I am doing well.  I am not only my weight and I need to remember that.  If you need anyone to vent to while working on that 35 lbs, I am more than happy to be your sounding board.  Good Luck to you and keep your head up.

Therese....you are not alone and neither am I. I found myself writing a very similar post today. I am at about 40 lbs regained and had the guts to admit it today. We can do this!!!