I am the Biggest Loser...Kinda.

[Spirit Dancer]

The addiction to food sux and being a STRESS eater doesn't help, so i'm looking to replace the food with writing. Any suggestions for Stress eating?

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

quietly comes in
I need to be here
but so not a group joiner
so I might just skulk around
just posting is major

No worries, ami. I'm not a big LJ or online support group type person either. We'll take what we can and do the best we can for ourselves and one another.

Big hugs!

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

The addiction to food sux and being a STRESS eater doesn't help, so i'm looking to replace the food with writing. Any suggestions for Stress eating?

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking here. What kind of suggestions are you looking for? More along the lines of pushing for the writing or eliminating the stress eating or both?

I'm feeling a little right now.

[Spirit Dancer]

Originally Posted by Gemme

No worries, ami. I'm not a big LJ or online support group type person either. We'll take what we can and do the best we can for ourselves and one another.

Big hugs!



I'm not exactly sure what you are asking here. What kind of suggestions are you looking for? More along the lines of pushing for the writing or eliminating the stress eating or both?

I'm feeling a little right now.

lol i'm and wee tired. Stress eating looking, to replace it. writing isn't working

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

lol i'm and wee tired. Stress eating looking, to replace it. writing isn't working

Ahhhh, I see said the blind girl.

Well, I'm a semi-professional emotional over/eater, so I definitely have experience with this. Some of the things that have actually worked for me, whether good or bad, are:

Appetite suppressants (Not that I am recommending these...in fact, I'd like to accomplish my goals without them, but the last time I lost a good chunk of weight I used them RESPONSIBLY to jump start my weight loss and help me relearn proper portion sizes). I stopped using them once I got the hang of things.

As silly as it sounds, the ole rubber band around the wrist thing. I snapped myself silly a few times and it didn't always work, but the times that it did, I was grateful.

Make SURE to have healthier treats with you that will satisfy your sweet tooth (or whatever your comfort is) so that, even if you do overeat, it will do less damage. For example, I love Granny Smith apples with caramel sauce. I get a lighter sauce and when I want something sweet (my downfall), I start there.

Journal. You didn't mention what kind of writing so I don't know if you meant journaling your feelings about WHY you felt the urge to eat then and there and trying to work through it that way or if you meant writing stories or the like. Seeing the reasons behind the need help me sometimes.

Food diary. When I do it (which hasn't been lately, unfortunately), it works. As I eat, I log stuff in. Seeing that list grow longer and longer is a deterent sometimes. It's a form of shaming for me, but a healthier shaming, if there is such a thing. I KNOW that cramming that cake or bag of candy down my throat isn't going to solve anything and I KNOW I don't need it or (most of the time) even WANT it, but I DO it nonetheless. Seeing that tally kind of helps jolt me back into reality instead of the food zone where I cram, cram, cram.

[Puplove]

My dear darling Candace, the most wonderful thing is the feeling of power you are giving yourself - you are deciding for yourself what you want, and you are making your body powerful and strong. You are in control of your life. No matter what size is the best for you, you are in control of why and how you get there. And being healthy, knowing you are treating your body and yourself like the precious resource it is, is the best of all. Knowing that you are making yourself healthy and strong is awesome.

A while ago, I lost about 60 pounds over about 6 months and have mostly kept it off, give or take a bit over the years. Before, I felt like crap all the time, knees and hips and ankles hurt, I couldn't do anything without aching and being tired. Couldn't even bend over easily, tying my shoes was a breathless exercise. I didn't want to be skinny or anything, just wanted to take back control instead of thinking "how did this happen" - and work on being sure I'm here and healthy when I'm in my 90s.

The most effective thing for me was deciding to keep the poisons "high fructose corn syrup" and "processed flour" (well, processed anything) out of my body. Paying attention to the glycemic index is really helpful. It's not a diet, you should not be starving or deprived!

One of the best things I found was Whey Low -- it's sugar made from lactose and was developed for diabetics. If you worry about the chemicals and long-term effects of artificial sweeteners, this can ease your mind. It also has no chemical taste! Sugar eaters have no idea they are eating something made with this instead of sugar (I tell people though in case they are lactose intolerant)
Check it out here: www.wheylow.com

So, about those donuts...heck, people who know me have seen me putting cupcakes or cake into my mouth at parties. I love those things. Once in a while. Falling off the wagon is a learning experience - next time you'll be prepared to stop maybe on the way into the donut shop, maybe after one donut - and decide what you'd rather do, how you'd rather feel. So no beating up, okay? And sometimes you'll decide it's just plain time for a donut or cupcake - every once in a while.

Every day you are amazing and you get to decide what you are happy with.

If nothing else, you WILL be here in Austin in September. I will require it. I'm Bridezilla. Just ask Blush and Diva. And you will be eating a piece of amazingly delicious wedding cake.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Puplove

If nothing else, you WILL be here in Austin in September. I will require it. I'm Bridezilla. Just ask Blush and Diva. And you will be eating a piece of amazingly delicious wedding cake.

Thank you, love.

Oh...and I WILL be at your wedding reception.

I will also be wearing a dress that is much much smaller than anything I can fit it now, I assure you!!!

I love you Neesie.



Also, I just got back from the gym.

Let me tell you something. I thought I could just hop on and go and it wouldn't be a big deal.

Read about my workout on my livejournal when I post later tonight.

It wasn't easy.

It WILL get better

-Candace

[hippieflowergirl]

okay...i'm smoking waaaaaay too much. it's like i want to put food in my mouth and to stop it i light a ciggie. before you start....i smoke because it makes the drugs work better. that's not a con. you can look it up. but i've gone from 4 or 5 a day to 10 or 15 a day.

trying to replace the extra ciggies with non-oral habits. (quit snickering gemmie) i was drinking a big glass of water whenever i wanted a ciggie but it makes my tummy swimmy to drink that much water all the time (i already drink a lot of water) and i really dont want to reinforce the "put something in your mouth" thingy. yanno?

shootdamnfuck

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

The addiction to food sux and being a STRESS eater doesn't help, so i'm looking to replace the food with writing. Any suggestions for Stress eating?

Daily life is full of stressful events, and while stress cannot be avoided or eliminated, it can be managed. All people experience stress when they feel threatened or challenged in some way. At times this can mean feeling like the demands of your daily life are overwhelming or exceed your ability to cope. There are, in fact, many different ways to manage stress. I'd like to introduce you to some relaxation techniques for managing stress.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
Deep Breathing
Visualization
Meditation


I can't figure out a way to get these online so that everyone can acess them. I suppose I can attach them to an email if you have itunes you can watch them. If anyone wants these relaxation techniques, Please private me your email addy, I can send them to you.


I really find that Meditation helps me to relax when I feel stressed and emotional and just wanna pig out.

[canmarielan]

I do have to say that preparing healthy snacks ahead of time seems to be the way to go for me. Because when I'm in a snack mood, i don't wanna have to cook it right then. So, lets say I go to the kitchen and the 2 choices for snacks are cheetos and a salad, I'm gonna go with the cheetos...because I dont' want to have to prepare a salad. Lately, I've gotten a huge batch of those baby carrots and as soon as I got home, bagged them into snack sized zippies....so I can just grab and munch *wink*

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by canmarielan

I do have to say that preparing healthy snacks ahead of time seems to be the way to go for me. Because when I'm in a snack mood, i don't wanna have to cook it right then. So, lets say I go to the kitchen and the 2 choices for snacks are cheetos and a salad, I'm gonna go with the cheetos...because I dont' want to have to prepare a salad. Lately, I've gotten a huge batch of those baby carrots and as soon as I got home, bagged them into snack sized zippies....so I can just grab and munch *wink*

When I was doing salads, I would take 1 day like sunday and prepare a container for each of the items i wanted on my salad. i could get a big bag a spinach from costco for like 3.99 for 2.5 lbs. So I would clean that ahead and put it a bowl. Then whatever. If I felt like the ingredients would be okay mixed then I'd go ahead and mix it in a big tupperware type bowl so when i wanted it, it would be there.

Feel free to text me anytime a craving hits darling. I almost texted you a couple times. I don't need to lose weight but i do need to make healthy choices and things like pecan pie aren't good choices for me. The slurpee I wanted yesterday would have been worse and well the little debbie swiss rolls i didn't buy today wouldn't have been so good either.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

When I was doing salads, I would take 1 day like sunday and prepare a container for each of the items i wanted on my salad. i could get a big bag a spinach from costco for like 3.99 for 2.5 lbs. So I would clean that ahead and put it a bowl. Then whatever. If I felt like the ingredients would be okay mixed then I'd go ahead and mix it in a big tupperware type bowl so when i wanted it, it would be there.

Feel free to text me anytime a craving hits darling. I almost texted you a couple times. I don't need to lose weight but i do need to make healthy choices and things like pecan pie aren't good choices for me. The slurpee I wanted yesterday would have been worse and well the little debbie swiss rolls i didn't buy today wouldn't have been so good either.

Step away from the pecan pie, mister.

And don't blame the dog, either.

*smooch* Text me anytime, lovie

[canmarielan]

Well, my dears, I'm off to my first trip to the gym.

Wish me luck.

I'll also weigh while i'm there and post the pic of my official weight on my livejournal.

Be back in a while....

Candace

[christie]

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

The addiction to food sux and being a STRESS eater doesn't help, so i'm looking to replace the food with writing. Any suggestions for Stress eating?

For me, I have taken up doing something with my hands that requires focus...crocheting and knitting. Kinda hard to be elbow deep in the dorito bag if I am working with lovely yarns. I also don't want that orange residue (I really DON'T wanna know what is in all that yummydelisciousness) on the projects.

Sure beats that retail therapy! Altho, watching Jess's head 'splode can be kinda fun

[Lady Jewel]

Ok so I just ordered four different The Biggest Loser book. Should be getting them on Saturday. I will be posting some stuff that may be of interest to everyone. The Biggest Loser Support group will be starting next Thursday. The meetings will be in the chatroom here. (I will let everyone know which room by the time the meeting begins next week.) It will be at SIX PM PST which is NINE PM EST. I tried to pick a time that is best for everyone. It would be really nice if we get the group going and support one another on this tough journey. If anyone needs to talk, a shoulder to cry on, a kick in the ass, LOL..whatever, please dont hesittate to PM me.

In loser unity,
Jewel

[Spirit Dancer]

Originally Posted by Gemme

Ahhhh, I see said the blind girl.

Well, I'm a semi-professional emotional over/eater, so I definitely have experience with this. Some of the things that have actually worked for me, whether good or bad, are:

Appetite suppressants (Not that I am recommending these...in fact, I'd like to accomplish my goals without them, but the last time I lost a good chunk of weight I used them RESPONSIBLY to jump start my weight loss and help me relearn proper portion sizes). I stopped using them once I got the hang of things.

As silly as it sounds, the ole rubber band around the wrist thing. I snapped myself silly a few times and it didn't always work, but the times that it did, I was grateful.

Make SURE to have healthier treats with you that will satisfy your sweet tooth (or whatever your comfort is) so that, even if you do overeat, it will do less damage. For example, I love Granny Smith apples with caramel sauce. I get a lighter sauce and when I want something sweet (my downfall), I start there.

Journal. You didn't mention what kind of writing so I don't know if you meant journaling your feelings about WHY you felt the urge to eat then and there and trying to work through it that way or if you meant writing stories or the like. Seeing the reasons behind the need help me sometimes.

Food diary. When I do it (which hasn't been lately, unfortunately), it works. As I eat, I log stuff in. Seeing that list grow longer and longer is a deterent sometimes. It's a form of shaming for me, but a healthier shaming, if there is such a thing. I KNOW that cramming that cake or bag of candy down my throat isn't going to solve anything and I KNOW I don't need it or (most of the time) even WANT it, but I DO it nonetheless. Seeing that tally kind of helps jolt me back into reality instead of the food zone where I cram, cram, cram.

Gemme ty I do try different things to control the stress eating and agree eating like that or cramming junk into my mouth won't solve the stress at hand. Now i'm kicking my butt into to gear with making a healhier snack that i can grab and go with. It didn't happen overnight and a baby step is better than none. Thanks again for the input

Originally Posted by canmarielan

Daily life is full of stressful events, and while stress cannot be avoided or eliminated, it can be managed. All people experience stress when they feel threatened or challenged in some way. At times this can mean feeling like the demands of your daily life are overwhelming or exceed your ability to cope. There are, in fact, many different ways to manage stress. I'd like to introduce you to some relaxation techniques for managing stress.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
Deep Breathing
Visualization
Meditation


I can't figure out a way to get these online so that everyone can acess them. I suppose I can attach them to an email if you have itunes you can watch them. If anyone wants these relaxation techniques, Please private me your email addy, I can send them to you.


I really find that Meditation helps me to relax when I feel stressed and emotional and just wanna pig out.

Candace i've always done meditation from way back, just need to reincorporate some new ways to accomadate more stressors. TY for the advice and the thread

Originally Posted by christie0918

For me, I have taken up doing something with my hands that requires focus...crocheting and knitting. Kinda hard to be elbow deep in the dorito bag if I am working with lovely yarns. I also don't want that orange residue (I really DON'T wanna know what is in all that yummydelisciousness) on the projects.

Sure beats that retail therapy! Altho, watching Jess's head 'splode can be kinda fun

What no retail threapy....just kidding. Yes busy hands anre good hands and takes the mind off the little debbie's. Ty Christie

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by Lady Jewel

Ok so I just ordered four different The Biggest Loser book. Should be getting them on Saturday. I will be posting some stuff that may be of interest to everyone. The Biggest Loser Support group will be starting next Thursday. The meetings will be in the chatroom here. (I will let everyone know which room by the time the meeting begins next week.) It will be at SIX PM PST which is NINE PM EST. I tried to pick a time that is best for everyone. It would be really nice if we get the group going and support one another on this tough journey. If anyone needs to talk, a shoulder to cry on, a kick in the ass, LOL..whatever, please dont hesittate to PM me.

In loser unity,
Jewel

I'm so excited that you are so motivated. After all, we all need this, don't we? I work evenings but will make sure I am here on every Thursday that I can be *wink*......

What Loser Books did you purchase?

So, today my friend Sara, my girlfriend and I will be going to Forks, Port Angeles, and La Push Washington. We'll be being cheesy fans of the movie Twilight and doing all the touristy stuff. I am oooooober excited. I have made a huge salad with all the fixings....I have packed it all in a cooler along with grilled chicken, apples, baby carrots and light ranch dressing. Also coming alone are Sun Chip Lunch Singles and my favorite fruit punch shake and go things for water. I will be eating out for a few meals I'm sure...but..I'm going to make smart decisions. When I get home I will post on my journal the whole thing.

I'm also going to the gym tonight before we leave. Tomorrow we will be hiking in the forest...and Saturday Morning when we get back I will go to the gym again.

I can't believe how much preparation this is all taking. Who knew that being healthy caused so much extra brain power.

Are any of you having issues with this? I mean, you can't just go down to taco bell when you're feeling snacky anymore. I have tried to prepare snacks ahead of time.

This is sticking. Tonight I made chili with all fresh veggies and low fat black beans and ground turkey. It's way yummy and only 189 cal per serving.

If any of you want the recipes I mention, let me know. I can figure out a way to get them to ya.

Peace and Love,
Candace