Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dieting Depression

Ladies don't give up on me and my new series of what different foods do for our bodies. It takes a lot to do one of those posts and I want them to be accurate and well researched.
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Today I want to talk about the depression that comes along with dieting and losing weight.
We all think that if I lost _ more lbs everything will just magically fall into place and life will be perfect. Once we get there though we realize life just doesn't work like that. Wearing a size smaller won't change anything else in your life. We run into people that are not happy that we are succeeding and try and sabotage our weight loss. We also have a closet full of clothes that are too big and now look funny. This may sounds like a silly problem to have but really it is oddly depressing. I find that when I just make do with what I have, even though it is way too big, I lose my motivation. If I find a few things that fit me but get them for a great deal I am more likely to keep counting my points because I feel so much better about myself.
I try and buy skirts and dresses because they are so much more flexible with your changing body. When you lose weight the skirt just moves down your hips a little.
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Remind yourself that it is ok to take some time off every now and then. Sometimes for me it is a day and at times it is a week. I know that Weight Watcher will be there again when I am ready for it and I love that I don't have to start again from the beginning like some programs. I may gain back a pound or so but usually it is just water weight and falls off fast. The key to remind yourself when you do take a break is to know it is just temporary and that you WILL gain if you don't eat less calories than you burn a day. Don't just throw everything you have learned out the window. Remember that the longer your take off the harder it is to start back again.
I find that if I make sure that I have groceries at home that I love and I am looking forward to it keeps me on track so much better. I also love looking at before pictures so that I can really see how far I have come.
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I would love to hear what you do when you find yourself in these ruts?
Does it help you when you buy a few things?

15 comments:

  1. This post is so helpful, girl! It's like you're reading my mind! I've "fallen off the waggon" lately, and feel like I'm sabotaging myself with just 2 months to go before the wedding... Thank you for this blog, it's such a helpful reference for thos eof us who are trying to become healthy! You're the best :)
    xoxo,
    Lulu

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  2. this is such a great post, lady. I really like reading this blog and you're right, it is depressing sometimes. I'm so glad I go to the WW meetings, because I love the girls in my group and I always feel so uplifted when I leave!

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  3. This is a really good post. I just took off about a week or so for vacation, and just because I needed a break from WW. I found that I still ate pretty good, generally, and that a few slips doesn't hurt anyone! Getting back into it was easy, especially since I know I don't have to deprive myself!

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  4. I agree...this post was very good! I totally think that way sometimes! If I have a bad day/weekend/week I beat myself up. I have to stay in the mindset that a couple pounds up or down isn't going to change the overall big picture. Buying all my food for the week on Sunday and only eating out on the weekends really helps me stay on track. I try to be really healthy during the week so I CAN eat more of what I want on the weekend BUT we can't deprive ourselves completly. If you want a cookie or a drink have just one to get rid of the craving so you don't binge later.

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  5. I'm there right now! I've taken off about a week and I'm just sick about it. I've only gained about 1.5 pounds, but still...I just feel like I can't get back on track. I know if I have one good day I'll get back in the habit, but when you've been cheating it's hard to stop! :)

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  6. What keeps me out of a rut are health magazines. It seems that when I'm just getting into a rut, I end up with a brand new magazine for that month peeking in my mailbox. Shape does wonders for me. I also love researching new foods on various websites like the FoodNetwork and adjusting them to fit my WW plan. Also, I find it very important to treat yourself on occasion, but with clothing and such instead of food. Wearing pants that are baggy in your bottom hardly makes you feel thinner than you were a month ago.

    Great post. Keep up the good work!

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  7. Thanks for this post. I haven't done so great on WW in the past 7 or 8 days. But, today is a new day..so I am on track again!

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  8. Buying something new can always lift your spirits...try buying a sexy pair of panties. There's no better way to feel special and show off your new body to the husband!

    Its interesting that you mention others sabotaging your success because it does and will happen. Instead of indulging, get a kick out of the fact that other women wish they could do what you can! (for more on jealousy I suggest reading "Tripping the Prom Queen" by Susan Shapiro Barash)

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  9. Thanks for this post! I love your blog - I am not on WW but I am trying to get healthy and your blog is so motivating so thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  10. What a wonderful post...as always! :) I agree that some will try to sabotage you...but you cannot allow them to interfere with your goal.

    I have slipped off the wagon many times, but this time is so far so good and I am so glad that I'm finally getting it. :) I've lost just under 10 pounds since starting at the beginning of January and I still want to lose about 10 more...but I already feel so much better!!

    On the clothing issue, I agree as well. It's sooo sad to see some of your favorite "bigger girl" clothing sit in the closet...but if you're like me, you hang onto your smaller clothes in hopes that they will fit again someday and still be in style! ;) Anyway, I am to the point where I need to buy 2 or 3 pair of new dress pants. I just may give a couple of skirts a try too. :)

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  11. Wow! Thank you for this post. It is so true. I have lost 50 pounds and I am happy with the way that I look but I am a completely different person. I sometimes wish i could go back to the old me where I was happy all the time and ate whatever I wanted! It truly is important to know that you can take time off from dieting. This is something I am still struggling with. Very informative post. Thanks again!

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  12. Wow i have been reading your other blog for a while now... and i just discovered this little treasure! I am currently trying to get healthy (dieting, working out, etc..) and after reading through a few of your posts... it is seriously like you are writing what i have been thinking! Keep going girl!

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  13. After about 10 months I am down 70 lbs, with about 3 left to go. I've faced dieting depression a lot.

    I think dieting is hard work. It takes a lot to keep focused, and when the results don't come immediately (which they mainly don't) I find it really hard to keep focused!

    I made a schedule of rewards for myself. Little things that I wouldn't do for myself on a regular basis. A pair of earrings at 5 lbs, travel book at 10 lbs... that kind of thing. I think it totally helps!

    And I would not have kept going through all the tough times if it had not been for my WW meetings. I always feel better after going (even when the scale does not go my way...)!

    For all of you outt there struggling - stick with it! You are worth the effort!

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  14. The last few weeks have been really hard for me to stay on track wtih WW, just too many other things going on, but, I've really tried to be mindful of what I"m eating and try to count points in my head. It hasn't been wildly successful, but, I haven't gained it all back either, so, I consider it a step in the right direction. Also, regarding the "dieting depression"--yes! My goodness! I thought that if I lost 5 lbs I'd be sooo happy. Well, i lsot 5 lbs, and, yes, I feel better, and, well, it's nice not to have to "suck it in" to zip up my jeans, but, I don't feel all hot and perfect like I had expected... Sooo, I'm turning this into a learning experience that I need to be healthy for me, and don't I want to be healthy for when I have children and be a good example? And be a person who can run 3 miles and feel good? And someone who can control what she eats and not feel like she "pigged out" all the time? So, I'm trying to focus on all the good things that have come from a minor weight loss, even if I'm not at my goal weight.

    Did I mention I really love and appreciate this blog? It's really helped me stay on track.

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  15. I just started my own BLOG and have decided to visit at least one other everyday and I must say that so far I relate to yours more than any other. I too am on WW but doing the on-line thing because I live overseas. Generally, I am in pretty good shape, I am in the military and have to be, but at my age, weight creeps on very easily, so I must keep it in check. I find that to get in the mood for a workout, sometimes I just buy a cute pair of workout pants or top, something that I feel comfortable in.
    Let me just add that I really do not think it matters what size a woman is, she will always find flaws with her body. For example, I have a dear friend who is a size 0, that's right a size 0. Now, I am ALWAYS thinking how I feel so sorry for her.... NOT!! But she is always complaining about how she just can't find clothes to fit her - I quite frankly, have a hard time feeling pity for her. See what I am saying though? Not that I have EVER wanted to be a size 0 (my daughter calls her "dinosaur back- which is hilarious), but everyone has their issues.
    So, keep up the good work and remember it is not about the numbers but how good/healthy you feel! Best of luck to you! I will keep checking your progress :)

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