subject: Stress Management During Weight Loss [print this page] All too often us dieters have run head-on into that proverbial "brick wall" at some point during our diet journey. Having to deal with everyday life (major stress, for sure) and then having our weight on our mind 24-7, eating (instead of dieting) seems to be the only comforting event in any given day, right? So, how do we change our mind about eating too much without enduring even more stress through dieting? I'm sure there is a pill for this problem just like there is for everything else. But, it just doesn't have to be that way anymore. I'm about to show you how, I, the former forever binge eater, stopped blowing my dieting progress any time life got in the way. Hopefully, this will help you find the starting line for your dieting program. Trust me; it's only a matter of doing. You'll see what I mean.
If It Is To Be, It's Up To Me
I heard a saying years ago that has stuck with me to this day. It's this: "If it is to be, it's up to me." Man, did that hit home! Just a few words heard at the right time changed my direction forever. Right then (after settling down a little after the sudden realization of what was really happening to me) This realization made me start to focus and concentrate on my goal of losing weight, instead of depending on crazy diets to get me there. My point here is that if you're going to lose weight, don't just say it and expect it to happen. Instead, just do it and watch what happens. This is what "it's up to me"means.
I do realize that what I'm saying is far easier said than done. Losing weight is not a walk in the park. It takes commitment, time, effort, and commitment. Did I say commitment? During those times when I felt like bagging the whole idea of dieting, I was excited to get back to my old ways. Bingeing and slamming down as many candy bars and cookies as I could. After I was stuffed, a huge amount of regret and, you guessed it, stress, set in. So goes the cycle of yo-yo dieting and "stress eating" as I call it. What to do?
Make A List
I decided to try a technique that I read about in an article about handling stress. I forced myself to sit down and make a written list of what I just ate, and most importantly, how much. I couldn't believe it! I then tried to determine what it was that caused me to binge. What was I feeling? Did something happen very recently that made me decide to eat so much? The list I made was the beginning of my realization that I was in fact, using excuses to justify my actions. This was very uncomfortable to me because I thought I had good reasons. Turns out I was wrong. After accepting the fact that I was cheating myself, I actually got mad at myself. Sounds silly, I know. It was this emotion that became the motivator to keep me going with this idea of logging my "events." I began to feel more comfortable about losing weight because I felt like I was winning. Or, to put it another way, I felt I was gaining control. If that doesn't relieve stress, I don't know what will.
Remember
If it is to be, it's up to me!
Commitment to your weight loss goal. Think about it constantly.
Lose the junk food. You and your diet don't need it!
Make your list. Force yourself to make this a habit! Get to the truth about yourself and your eating habits.
Make the necessary changes. Take steps you can handle, and that challenge you a little.
Keep going, make it part of your life. It's easier to stick to something if it becomes part of your daily routine.
