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Emotional eating

Kathy B.
on 8/3/11 1:59 am - Virginia, MN

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow



 I found this in me email this morning.  Had to share, we all find ourselves dealing with head issues from time to time.  Here is Dr. Martin Binks take on emotional eating.  Hope it helps.  Stay cool and hydrated today everyone. 

Hugs, Kathy

  Ask Dr. Martin Binks

Finding Fulfillment in Life, Not Food

    Q: I need to lose weight — at least 50 pounds — but I just can't bring myself to make the changes. I think that because of the disappointment in other areas of my life, I overeat to make myself feel better. My job is very dull, but with this economy, I don't think I can quit. I'm divorced and alone after a 30-year marriage, and my kids are grown and gone. The feeling I get is, "Well, since my job isn't fulfilling and I'm alone, I deserve to eat something tasty and at least get satisfaction from something." I eat everything I want to eat, no matter the calories, fat, whatever, because I'm not getting anything else from life right now. What should I do to overcome this?
— Elena, Iowa
  Dr. Martin Binks - Diet and Nutrition Center A:

A favorite tool I use with my health-coaching clients is a “future life" exercise where you set aside 20 to 30 minutes — or more, if you like — and take the time to really picture what your life could be like three months and then 12 months in the future. My clients find this can really help them to get un-stuck when they find themselves in a rut.

Start by taking a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and focus your attention away from the things that aren’t and toward the things that might be. In other words, prepare to focus on the positive. Next, spend five minutes letting your imagination run wild and think of anything that might make your life better. Do this without restriction — don’t editorialize or even think about how you will pull it off. Dare to dream! That is the warm-up.

Now your mind is energized and ready to get to work. The next step is to pick up a pen and paper and write your own story. Write about how you can realistically see yourself being healthier and happier in three months' time. You might not have the ideal job, but how could you make it a little more tolerable? You may not have all the support you need right now as you transition to the next stage of your life, but what can you add that will give you a little more support and fulfillment at home? Once you have made a good effort at creating your three-month story, focused on the positive, write your 12-month story in the same way.

Finally, plan out some small steps you can take this week that will help you to realize your new future. Then, each week going forward, sit down and write out how you can enhance your life in the week ahead. Remember, baby steps and persistence will get you a long way toward realizing your “future life."

OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome

        
MommyosaRose
on 8/3/11 5:31 am
Great post! Thanks for sharing!


Rose

~Starting Weight: 261 lbs~~Pre-Op Weight: 241 lbs~
~Current Weight: 155 lbs~

"Just when the Caterpillar thought her life was over, She began to fly..." 






  
       

Kathy B.
on 8/9/11 4:19 pm - Virginia, MN
Thank you Rose.  I needed to read it too.  I will continue to share things with my friends.  Hugs
OH Support Group Leader
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Brenda Holland
on 8/3/11 6:58 am - Bryans Road, MD
RNY on 10/03/11 with
Love this posting :) thank you
How bad do you want it?
                                    
Kathy B.
on 8/9/11 4:21 pm - Virginia, MN
You are welcome, I want it BAD.

Love your tag line.  Hugs
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome

        
TNgal_Knoxville
on 8/5/11 3:44 am - Knoxville, TN

Kathy thank you so very much for sharing the article. I have been looking for something....didn't quite know what it was...to help me get where I need to go with this WLS coming up on December. I now can take action...Face my fears of seeing my life on paper...
The life I want to have.
I appreciate your helping us.

May the wind always be at your back and the shinning sun be on your face.
Connie

Kathy B.
on 8/9/11 4:26 pm - Virginia, MN
You are welcome, journalling, blogging, getting our thoughts on paper ( or virtual paper) helps.  I go back from time to time and reread things that I posted as I went through the preop process.  Reading these, I discover how far I have come, I celebrate my success.  It is amazing how we grow during the process and I am not talking pounds of growth, but the mental growth that we need!!!

Hugs
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome

        
jmshadowdancer
on 8/8/11 10:37 am
 When I try to take 20 to 30 minutes to myself, I find it really hard.  I find myself feeling guilty about being selfish about the time.  But I will try to give this the old college try.  Thankie!
Kathy B.
on 8/9/11 4:36 pm - Virginia, MN
Jane, do not feel guilty for making yourself a priority.  You are the most important person in your life and the lives of your family.  They need you healthy, physically and mentally.  Just do it Jane, make the time for Jane!!!!  I appreciate the ol college try, you will succeed.  Go Jane, Go.

Hugs
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome

        

Patrece S.
Group Leader

Kathy B.
Co- Leader
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